Living in Bixby

When looking for the perfect place to call home, most people lean toward one of three atmospheres: city, suburban or rural. The beauty of Bixby, Oklahoma is that it offers the best of all three lifestyles—a close-knit community of less than 30,000 residents, easy access to big city amenities and beautiful, natural surroundings. This unique mix of components has attracted residents and visitors over the years, and it even enticed the most reputable home builder in Oklahoma to expand into the market. Homes by Taber is honored to become a part of what makes Bixby such a wonderful place to live.  

Community leaders and residents put a major focus on development while still staying true to their small-town roots, which has led Bixby to be named one of the fastest-growing cities in the state of Oklahoma—the population grew by 39.3 percent over the course of a decade. Even as the population continues to increase, residents are proud to maintain the friendly, small-town feel that so many people love about Bixby. 

A Strong Foundation 

The area now known as Bixby was settled in the late 1800s and officially incorporated in 1906. The discovery of nearby natural gas contributed to early development, but residents soon realized how well crops grew in the Bixby soil. Starter crops like cotton, wheat and alfalfa were replaced by fruits and vegetables in the 1930s. By 1941, the town had become an agricultural epicenter for railroad shipping, with major exports including cantaloupes, potatoes, radishes, squash, turnips, spinach and corn. A solid foundation in agriculture earned Bixby the nickname of “The Garden Spot of Oklahoma.” 

While agriculture is no longer the main contributor to Bixby’s economy, residents of the town still celebrate its rich history with events like the Green Corn Festival. There are even attractions centered around its agricultural roots, like Joe’s Farm, Valley Grove Pecans and Charmichael’s Pumpkin Patch. 

Ample Employment and Schooling Opportunities 

Today, Bixby is an attractive place to live for people of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles. Close proximity to Tulsa gives working professionals access to ample employment opportunities, with a less-than-30-minute commute to downtown. Within city limits, Bixby has experienced steady increases in the job market and an unemployment rate well below the national average. 

Families love living in Bixby for plenty of reasons, but the top-knotch school district is a huge draw. Bixby Public Schools is one of the best districts in the Tulsa area, and is in the top three percent of school districts statewide. Students have the opportunity to gain a meaningful education, participate in diverse clubs or activities and practice their favorite sports. The highly rated school district contributes to Bixby’s title as the third-best place to raise a family in the entire state, according to niche.com. 

The smaller footprint of Bixby means you’ll never have to travel far to meet the needs of you and your family. High-quality healthcare, grocery stores, pharmacies, churches and veterinarians are all within reach. 

Plenty of Things to Do 

The town you live in is so much more than work and school—it’s the mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays spent there that contribute so much to the love of your town. 

One of the most well-known attractions in Bixby is Washington Irving Memorial Park and Arboretum. It’s named for the famous American writer of the same name who visited the area in the early 1800s, and is made up of over 30 acres of nature. Stroll through the park along the walking trail to find a butterfly garden, beautiful landscaping and memorials for the Oklahoma City bombing and the World Trade Center attack. Park visitors can also attend a performance at the park’s amphitheater, which was designed as a replica of Washington Irving’s New York home. 

For more time outside, Bixby families will love the Charley Young Event Park with a playground, splash pad and updated pavilions—hosting local musicians, plays and musicals. The Bentley Park Sports Complex accommodates youth sports leagues, but also features bocce courts, horseshoe pits, practice fields, walking trails and more. Lake Bixhoma is perfect for those wanting a peaceful place to fish, boat and hike close to home. 

The Bixby Historical Society strives to maintain the strong history of the town through preservation, educational programs and events. History buffs can check out the town’s museum to learn more about the early days of Bixby. 

Bixby’s focus on developing the community from within is apparent when looking for a place to eat. Locally-owned restaurants dominate the town, with cuisines from all over the world alongside regional chain favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for Chicago-style deep dish pizza, a healthy acai bowl or a classic American diner meal, there’s a restaurant to feed your cravings. 

One of the biggest benefits of living in Bixby is the central location, meaning your family are within miles of endless opportunities for entertainment in Tulsa and its neighboring towns. 

A Place to Call Home  

After more than 20 years of building the best homes and developing the most sought-after communities in Oklahoma City, Homes by Taber was ready to expand its efforts to other parts of Oklahoma, which led to a venture into Tulsa that was announced in early 2021. Bixby is known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere, which is why we’re thrilled to build our first Tulsa area community here. 

Whether you’ve lived in Bixby for years or are looking to relocate, there’s never been a better time to call this town home. Contact the Homes by Taber team to hear more about projects in the area or schedule a tour of a model home.

Photos via: https://www.bixbyok.gov/, http://bixbyhistoricalsociety.com/