A Route 66 stop with college atmosphere
An hour west of Oklahoma City is Weatherford, a city settled by homesteaders but now defined by its association with the Bulldogs of Southwestern Oklahoma State University. “This town is all about a sense of community and pride,” says Christy Green, a Weatherford native and broker/owner at Green Real Estate. Rising from a small farming community, Weatherford has a population of over 12,000 but hangs onto its historic roots. Route 66 is a highlight of the city and serves as its main street and the center for most of its dining, shopping and entertainment.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University, community lynchpin
Southwestern Oklahoma State University, established in 1901, has more than 5,000 students and boasts a doctor of pharmacy program. According to Green, SWOSU is a significant draw to the area and a big reason people may stay in Weatherford. The university’s sports teams, the Bulldogs, are also a source of entertainment for locals, as no professional teams are nearby.
Weatherford Public Schools serves the city and scores an overall grade of A-minus on Niche. Weatherford High School earned a B-plus score, Weatherford Middle School earned an A-minus score, and Burcham Elementary scored a B-plus.
Single-family homes and land for sale
The median price for homes in Weatherford is $229,000, less than the national median of $538,000. A home's average time on the market is 49 days, compared to the national average of 45 days. Green says there are a few modern homes in the area. Most of the available options are ranch-style. Land is also for sale in the city's center along Main Street and on the outskirts of town.
Eat and shop along Historic Route 66
The historic highway serves as Weatherford’s main thoroughfare, with plenty of local restaurants and shopping options. One notable restaurant is Jerry’s, an American-style diner open since 1966. Several Mexican restaurants, including Fridas Mexican Grill and El Patio, are on or near Main Street.
Several boutique shopping options line Main Street, including small family-owned clothing shops and antique stores. United Supermarkets is on Main Street and Walmart is on Eagle Road south of I-40.
Weatherford’s museum scene
The city has several museums, including the Stafford Air & Space Museum, named for Apollo astronaut and local Lt. General Thomas P. Stafford. This Smithsonian affiliate is the only museum in the world to display test-fired engines from the U.S. Saturn V and Soviet N-1 moon rockets. Weatherford is also home to the Oklahoma Heartland Museum, which has more than 30 exhibits featuring artifacts ranging from the late 1800s to the 1950s.
Large park spaces, but watch for the weather
Weatherford is home to 12 parks, with Rader Park being the largest. It features walking and hiking trails, baseball fields and a fishing spot dubbed the “Ole Fishing Hole.”
Residents here should be mindful of tornadoes. A storm hit the city in 2024. “As a whole, it is not terrible,” Green says. “When tornadoes come, we're all outside watching it.” The climate is typically hot and humid in the summer and very cold in the winter.
Energy industry and easy interstate access
The energy industry remains a primary driver of jobs within Weatherford, with oil and gas infrastructure dotted throughout Custer County. The city has also touted wind energy as a significant force. Weatherford’s Wind Energy Center, located across from City Hall, features a 122-foot-long blade from a wind turbine. The energy center website notes that turbines cover more than 5,000 acres across the county. I-40 runs next to the city for commuters, but no public transportation is available. The nearest airport is Oklahoma City’s Will Rodgers Airport.
Low crime rate
According to data from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Weatherford's crime rate has decreased since 2020, with violent and property crime rates falling.
Photography Contributed By
Richard Waltemath
