Life in Southwest Oklahoma
- 50+ Public Parks
- 6 Colleges & Universities
- 12 Wildlife Management Areas
- Largest U.S. Army Base in Oklahoma
Ancient mountain ranges, Route 66 retro, and true-blue military work ethic — everywhere the light touches. If you’ve dreamt of life on the range, say hello to your homestead, John Wayne.
Best for: nature lovers seeking a change of pace
Popular Places to Move
Clinton
Population
8,521
Average Home Value
$103,449
Elk City
Population
11,561
Average Home Value
$159,116
Weatherford
Population
12,076
Average Home Value
$211,960
Altus
Population
18,729
Average Home Value
$94,034
Duncan
Population
22,692
Average Home Value
$113,206
Lawton
Population
90,381
Average Home Value
$121,175
How does life in Oklahoma compare?
Top Industries
Military Heritage
Moving to southwest Oklahoma means joining a community where military heritage is respected and celebrated. Just outside of Lawton resides Fort Sill, the largest U.S. Army base in Oklahoma and one of only four locations in the nation for Army Basic Combat Training (BCT). The historic fort is essential to the culture and economy of the region, with over 53,000 military members, civilian personnel, and military family members calling it home.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Lawton
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Lawton
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Coming in at 60,000 acres, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is southwest Oklahoma’s outdoor playground. The refuge is the largest in Oklahoma, brimming with rugged granite mountains prime for hiking and camping. Summiting Mount Scott is an Oklahoma rite of passage, as is snapping a photo of the bison, longhorn cattle, and prairie dogs known to roam. The best part? When you live in southwest Oklahoma, it’s all in your backyard.
Black Kettle National Grassland
Black Kettle National Grassland is an outdoorsman’s oasis, sprawling across 30,710 acres near Cheyenne. Here, plains stretch as far as the eye can see and wildlife is always on the move. Hunt for quail, deer, and turkey, then pitch a tent for camping under the vast, open sky. Over 200 acres of lakes are also open for channel and blue catfish fishing.
White Dog Hill
Clinton
Meers Store & Restaurant
Meers
Taqueria Hernandez
Altus
Food & Drink
Thanks to its global military population, southwest Oklahoma’s food scene is a melting pot of flavors. Whether you’re craving comfort food or international cuisine, there’s always something delicious to dig into for dinner. Savor German fare at Mutti’s in Lawton, authentic Mexican food at Taqueria Hernandez in Altus, or panoramic views over a steak at White Dog Hill in Clinton. Meers Store & Restaurant’s legendary burgers and Route 66 Cafe‘s comfort food are also sure to become a regular dinner in the rotation.
History & Museums
Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or a school field trip, southwest Oklahoma boasts incredible sites to check out. The sprawling backdrop of the Mother Road, you can take in the local lore at the National Route 66 & Transportation Museum in Elk City or the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton. You can marvel at real-life rockets at Stafford Air & Space Museum — the only museum in the world with test-fired engines from both the U.S. Saturn V and the Soviet N-1 moon rockets — or get up close to cannons and artillery at the U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum. For a look at the history of your new homeland, visit the Museum of the Great Plains. You can also explore local indigenous cultures at the Comanche National Museum, or delve into the artistry of blacksmithing at Elk City’s Blacksmith Museum.
Stafford Air & Space Museum
Weatherford
Museum of the Great Plains
Lawton
U.S. Army Field Artillery Museum
Fort Sill
Medicine Park
Founded as Oklahoma’s first resort town in 1908, Medicine Park is a staycation staple for southwestern Oklahomans. Cobblestone streets and kitschy shops give you a glimpse of a bygone era, just minutes from some of the most unique nature in the state. After a hike through the Wichitas, refuel with a hearty meal or stop by the Medicine Park Aquarium. In the summer, no day trip is complete without a dip in Bath Lake, the town’s natural granite swimming hole.
Entryway to Medicine Park
Medicine Park
Birdhouse Cottages
Medicine Park
The Purple Thistle
Medicine Park
Quartz Mountain State Park
Lone Wolf
Great Plains State Park
Mountain Park
State Parks
Southwest Oklahoma’s four state parks bring the great outdoors to your backyard. Quartz Mountain State Park is a hiking and rock climbing mecca, while Fort Cobb State Park offers some of the best fishing and golf in the state. Bring the RV and toast marshmallows under the skies of Great Plains State Park, or picnic under a palapas at Foss State Park. Each park is just a short drive from home, making them perfect for weekend getaways or spontaneous day trips.
Lake Life
If your ideal Saturday involves a pontoon, southwest Oklahoma is happy to oblige. With over eight major lakes to explore, the opportunities are endless. Unwind by taking the boat out on Lake Lawtonka, swimming at Foss Lake, or camping the shores of Lake Altus-Lugert. For the fishermen, Fort Cobb Reservoir and Waurika Lake are teeming with bass. Tom Steed Lake, Lake Elmer Thomas, and Lake Humphreys are also serene spots for making the most of your downtime.
