Roland offers easy access to Fort Smith jobs and amenities
Branded as the city "where Oklahoma begins," Roland is a popular bedroom community just a few miles from Fort Smith and the Arkansas border. Residents have a straightforward commute to jobs in Fort Smith — Western Arkansas' largest city — and a lower cost of living at home. "They don't pay personal property taxes like Arkansas does. Some people think it's better to live in Oklahoma," says Glenda Edwards, executive broker at River City Realty in Fort Smith. She adds that those with Native American heritage also benefit from the location within the Cherokee Nation Reservation boundaries. This small town's biggest landmark is the Cherokee Casino and Hotel, a venue for gaming, dining and live music.
Traditional subdivisions and rural homes with elbow room
Locals may live closer to their neighbors in traditional subdivisions, or enjoy spacious farms and lots on the city outskirts. "You can spread out but still be close to Fort Smith," Edwards says. Homes include brick ranch-style properties and new Traditional houses with driveways and attached garages. The Stonebridge Estates subdivision includes some properties built in the 2020s with tidy front yards. The median price for single-family homes is about $160,000 — significantly lower than in Fort Smith.
Early college and career experiences at Roland Public Schools
Roland Public Schools earns an overall C-plus from Niche, with a pipeline that includes a lower elementary school, upper elementary school, middle school and high school. High schoolers can get a head start on college with online concurrent enrollment at Carl Albert State College. The Indian Capital Technology Center offers in-person career and technology classes. Students can also participate in nationally-recognized Future Farmers of America, Technology Student Association and robotics clubs.
Roland’s parks include playgrounds and lake access
Residents enjoy playgrounds, green space and lake access at the three municipal parks. Roland City Park honors veterans of foreign wars with 16 memorial stones. Eastside Park features a fenced dog park, basketball court and exercise equipment. Roland City Lake Park offers lakeside recreation with a handicap-accessible fishing dock, boat ramp and picnic pavilions. The 47-acre lake is stocked with bass.
Small shopping scene in Roland, lots of options in Fort Smith
The small commercial scene includes gas stations and fast-food restaurants along U.S. Route 64. D.G. Market and Harps fill grocery needs. Four Star Diner serves breakfast classics and southern staples such as fried catfish and chicken-fried steak. Nearby Fort Smith has a bigger shopping scene with national chains and mom-and-pop businesses. The downtown district hosts boutiques, consignment shops and over 30 eateries.
Roland and Fort Smith offer music, fireworks and rallies
The Iron Mountain Festival & Freedom Celebration is Roland's signature event on Fourth of July weekend. The festivities include music, food trucks, bounce houses and a fireworks display, which all take place at Roland City Park. Cherokee Casino and Hotel hosts Friday and Saturday evening concerts. "It used to be an itty-bitty casino, and now it's a pretty big size with a hotel and all that," Edwards says. Locals can cross the bridge for Fort Smith's Steel Horse Rally, a charitable motorcycle event that draws attendees from across the country. The Levitt AMP Fort Smith Music Series features live concerts along Fort Smith's riverfront.
Quick access to Fort Smith and medical care
Highways add to a commuter-friendly culture. U.S. Route 64 leads to Fort Smith, about 7 miles east. "Roland is a desirable area. It's right across the bridge from Fort Smith, so it's an easy commute to anywhere they can work in the area," Edwards says. Interstate 40 serves east-west travelers through Oklahoma, Arkansas and beyond. Residents mainly rely on cars as public transit isn't available. Mercy Hospital Fort Smith provides acute care about 15 miles away, and Baptist Health-Fort Smith provides comprehensive medical care less than 10 miles away. Travelers can fly to Dallas-Fort Worth from the Fort Smith Regional Airport, about 15 miles away.
Tornado shelters available in case of emergency
Oklahoma and Roland are at the heart of Tornado Alley. Roland has two tornado shelters: one at the high school and the other at the police department.
