Woodward blends its Old West roots with modern amenities
The former railroad town Woodward was once a major cattle shipping point in the Oklahoma Territory. Today, it is the largest city in Woodward County and a regional hub of activity that blends Old West roots with modern amenities. Home to about 12,000, this community boasts a sports complex that hosts one of the largest rodeos in the western U.S., a state park with rural and resort-style recreation and an active community that hosts year-round events. “It’s a safe small town, neighborly,” says Gary Whitcomb, a broker with Omni Realty whose sales are concentrated in Woodward. “If you get a flat tire, five people will stop to help you fix it. It’s a great place to raise a family.” As the county seat, Woodward is also the region’s economic engine, powered by manufacturing plants and energy initiatives.
In front of the Woodward Theater sits a statue title "The Storyteller.
Saddle up at Woodward's Walkers Western Store.
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Manufacturing and wind generation drive the economy
Chemical manufacturing is at the heart of the city’s economy. CF Industries, Woodward Iodine and Deepwater Chemicals are all located in Woodward. The county features several wind-turbine sites, including the Oklahoma Wind Energy Center, the Great Western Wind Project and the Boiling Springs Wind Farm. “No. 1 -- We have a lot of wind, and the leases are relatively inexpensive because we have a lot of open land.”
Wind turbines can be found surrounding Woodward's city limits.
Wind energy helps bring electricity to Woodward and surrounding areas.
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“Housing is affordable, and large lots are typical”
The median sales price is around $160,000. Options include small traditional homes built before World War II, ranch-style homes and other midcentury designs and contemporary brick-built homes in neighborhood settings. “Housing is affordable, and large lots are typical,” Whitcomb says. Tornadoes are a severe weather threat, but otherwise residents enjoy a seasonal climate.
Plenty of homes in Woodward have a medium to large front yards.
Ranch style homes are one of the many style of homes found in Woodward.
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Baseball, golf and rodeo at the Crystal Beach Sports Complex
The Crystal Beach Sports Complex is an amenities-filled regional destination. A water park, a spring-fed lake, state-of-the-art youth baseball facilities and a 9-hole golf course are among its featured attractions. The complex is also home to the Woodward County Event Center at the Woodward County Fairgrounds. The annual Woodward Elks Rodeo is held at the event center’s arena and includes competitors from across the nation. It is part of a weeklong celebration of the city’s roots that includes an Old West cattle drive, a pageant and a parade. The arena also hosts concerts and large-scale events such as monster truck rallies. Residents are treated to a busy calendar of events throughout the year, and many are held at the complex. These include the Northwest Oklahoma Cattlemen's Ball Fundraiser and the Pride of Texas Carnival. Boiling Springs State Park offers access to hiking, biking, swimming and fishing, and it features an 18-hole golf course. Other recreational options include the Goetzinger Walking Trails, which wind their way through the heart of the city for 7 miles.
Dining and shopping concentrated in the Main Street district
During its Old West heyday, Woodward was home to a concentration of saloons and brothels. But now, residents enjoy the convenience of the centrally located Main Street Woodward Shopping District. Main Street itself offers several dining options, and the nearby corridors of Oklahoma Avenue and 9th Street are lined with restaurants and retail centers. This commercial infrastructure is important, as there are no large cities in the region.
Longshots Bar and Grill, on main street of Woodeward is a local favorite of residents and visitors.
Woodward Theater is located on the main street of Woodward.
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Public schools are rated B-minus by Niche
Woodward Public Schools serves about 2,500 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district earns a B-minus from Niche. The city also offers continuing education at the High Plains Technology Center and is home to a satellite campus of Northwest Oklahoma State University.
Woodward Middle School is the gateway to Woodward High School.
Teens of Woodward attend Woodward High School.
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Woodward airport is expanding into a regional facility
The closest metro is Oklahoma City, more than a two-hour drive southeast. Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport is the closest commercial airport, but that will soon change. “The city is in the process of a multi-million-dollar expansion of the local airport,” Whitcomb says. “They are trying to make a regional facility out of it. They are starting construction of several large hangars and a terminal building with a big FAA grant. We’re a progressive community.” State Highway 412 and State Highway 270 offer regional travel north and south, respectively. Integris Health Woodward Hospital is just outside the downtown shopping district.
Crime statistics for Woodward are not readily available.
Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Richard Waltemath
Video By
Edward Pokoj
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Kimzey-Spencer,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Woodward, OK sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Woodward, OK over the last 12 months is $415,000, up 42% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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