Once the site of tribal land – and a subsequent land run – the city of Shawnee now stands as a Sooner State agricultural and cultural hub, 40 miles outside of downtown Oklahoma City. Shawnee, the county seat of Pottawatomie County and the headquarters for numerous Native American Tribes including the Absentee Shawnee and Potawatomi Nation, is home to over 30,000 residents, many of which work at the nearby Tinker Airforce Base or in high-tech manufacturing plants. The city emphasizes community events and charitable organizations. “One thing that’s unique is all of the non-profits we have here,” says Sheena Sigman, a local Realtor with Next Home Central Real Estate who was born and raised in Shawnee. “We have all this community involvement. We have seven non-profits, which is a lot for a smaller community.”
One of the things that makes Shawnee unique is the numerous non-profit organizations such as the Salvation Army.
Shawnee is home to the Potawatomi Nation Tribal Headquarters.
1/2
Historic Downtown Shawnee features popular shops and restaurants
Historic Downtown Shawnee’s pre-statehood Main Street is the city’s pedestrian-friendly commercial heartbeat, lined with locally owned restaurants, quaint boutiques, and art galleries. “In downtown Shawnee, the city is doing a lot to revamp the area and make it a fun place to be,” Sigman says. “There’s more and more restaurants coming all the time.” Live music echoes from entertainment spots like the Brickhouse Saloon and Theo’s Backyard while tasty barbeque can be found at Van’s Pig Stand. Northern Shawnee features a collection of local restaurants, popular chains, and grocery stores. For a night out, there are multiple options, including the Kickapoo Casino and Firelake Casino and Entertainment Center.
In downtown Shawnee, Oak Ash & Thorn is a quaint boutique that offers unique art, stones, and jewelry.
On the northern end of Shawnee, locally owned Boomerang Diner serves up juicy burgers and more.
1/2
New parks and nearby lakes
Shawnee has over 30 parks and 610 acres of green space, ensuring residents are always close to recreation. The newly constructed KidSpace Park has been listed as one of Oklahoma’s top 5 largest premier parks. “[It] was a big deal when we got it last year,” Sigman says. “The city spent a lot of money on it, making it a big addition to our parks scene.”
Popular cultural attractions include the Oklahoma Veterans Memorial and the Pottawatomie County Museum Complex. Visitors can also try and spot Shawnee’s Painted Horses, which is a collection of nearly three dozen hand-painted horses scattered throughout the town by local artists. The Potawatomi Fire competes in the Central Conference of The Basketball League (TBL) and is the first pro basketball team owned by a Native American Tribe. Boating and fishing are common activities as the city is close to multiple recreational lakes including the Shawnee Reservoir and Lake Thunderbird.
KidSpace Park offers several playgrounds, corn hole, a skate park, and pickleball.
Visitors to Shawnee can try to spot Shawnee’s Painted Horses, which are hand-painted by local artists.
1/2
Brick-lined ranch homes are a common style
Brick-lined ranch homes are the most popular housing style in Shawnee. Newer builds often feature modern farmhouse-style architecture with white facades and large windows. There are also numerous plots of empty land ranging up to well over an acre. The median price in the city is around $215,000, which is well below the national average. Housing prices in Shawnee are slighty less than those of neighboring Oklahoma City.
Two-story homes are popular in Shawnee.
Housing prices in Shawnee are slightly less than those of neighboring Oklahoma City.
1/2
The Shawnee Public School District serves students
The Shawnee Public School District serves the majority of residents and receives a B-minus rating on Niche. Students in the northern section of the city are served by the North Rock Creek School District, which receives a B-plus rating on Niche. Shawnee is also home to Oklahoma Baptist University and Gordon Cooper Technology Center. The University of Oklahoma is around 36 miles away.
People flock to Shawnee to attend Oral Roberts University.
Gordon Cooper Technology Center has several campuses in Shawnee.
1/2
The Shawnee Christmas Parade is a popular community event
Shawnee’s Main Street comes to life in December during the Shawnee Christmas Parade, one of the largest nighttime holiday parades in the state. The gathering features an evening of display floats, marching bands, and a visit from Santa Claus. The Shawnee 177 Farmers Market is another popular attraction. The city’s main event center is the Heart of Oklahoma Expo, which offers 52 acres of fairgrounds, with indoor and outdoor amenities.
Horses show off their skills at the Shawnee Classic Barrel Race.
Monkey Business is held every year at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo.
1/2
Well-connected to nearby Oklahoma City
Shawnee is near the convergence of two major highways in the area, Interstate 40 and US Route 177. Interstate 40 connects to Oklahoma City, 40 miles away. Without traffic, the commute is around 45 minutes and many residents work in the city’s growing energy and healthcare sectors. Will Rogers World Airport is around 43 miles away and offers numerous domestic flights.
Crime and environment
Shawnee experiences four seasons with warm summers where temperatures often reach into the 90s. Winters are cool and windy and the occasional cold plunge can bring snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Shawnee lies in Tornado Alley and experiences a handful of severe weather events, primarily in the spring and fall. Damaging winds, heavy rain, and hail are common with these events.
The Shawnee Police Department serves the city. The department reported an increase in violent crimes from 2023 to 2024. However, property crimes decreased in that same time frame.
Written By
Beck Connelley
Photography Contributed By
Lindsey Torres
Video By
Drew Webster
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sherilyn Camp,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Shawnee, OK sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Shawnee, OK over the last 12 months is $275,000, up 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Modern Chic Meets Country Comfort! Built in 2024 and meticulously maintained by its original owner, this stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home combines stylish design with everyday functionality. Located in the highly sought-after North Rock Creek School District, this home offers the perfect balance of convenience, elegance, and privacy. Inside you'll find a thoughtfully designed split floor plan
WELCOME to this New build with approximately 1,900 sq. ft. of living space! It is evident as soon as you walk through the front door that the builder took pride in the construction and finishes throughout this new 3-bed 2-bath home. Features include a large open living room with gas fireplace and wood-plank tile flooring. Custom-built kitchen cabinets constructed on-site guaranteeing a precise
Step inside this brand-new Cardinal Point home that comes with a builder appliance package incentive! Be greeted by a covered front porch with cedar post and a Cathedral ceiling entrance which continues to the inside to the foyer. There are only a few construction items left to complete on this 3-bed 2-bath home. Built with energy-efficiency in mind the builder used spray foam insulation on the
PRO PICS ARE ON THE WAY!Beautifully remodeled home featuring 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, complete with stylish updates throughout. Walk into a spacious entry and dining area situated next to an oversized living room which is ideal for hosting large get togethers, game nights and all of the holidays! The updated kitchen offers newer cabinets and hardware, quartz countertops, a subway tile
Welcome to this meticulously maintained three-bedroom, two-bath home with designated office or 4th bedroom option nestled on just under two acres of waterfront land. Located on paved roads in the north end of Shawnee, this property offers a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience, with easy access to I-40 and just 30 minutes from Tinker Air Force Base and the Turner Turnpike, making it ideal
BEAUTIFUL CORNER LOT WITH HOBBY SHED INCLUDED!! This lovely home located at 1900 Timber Dale Dr is situated on a beautiful corner lot in Shawnee Ok. With close proximity to the major corridors for commuting and shopping conveniences. This home presents an opportunity to embrace contemporary living and modern comforts. Constructed in 2021, this home is like brand new, with new carpeting, 2" lux
Welcome to Chapel Ridge of Shawnee. From the moment you walk through the front door you'll feel the comfort that makes our residents happy to call us home. Cutting edge amenities, meticulously groomed grounds, and a dedicated staff contributes to a higher standard of living. Convenient shopping, award-winning schools, local museums and parks are all close at hand, with sponsored activities to
$1,200 per month | 12-Month Lease | No Dogs Allowed This beautifully renovated 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home offers modern comfort and quality finishes throughout. The property has been updated from top to bottom, providing a fresh and efficient living space. Property Features: Completely renovated interior New central heat and air system New energy-efficient windows New flooring throughout
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
