Get to know Harrah, Oklahoma: New Home Guide

Living in Harrah

If you’re looking to put down roots in a small town but still want to be close to Oklahoma City, Harrah might be just right for you. Officially named one of America’s Hidden Gems, Harrah has just over 6,000 residents and offers quiet neighborhoods, friendly faces, and a slower pace of life that’s the real deal.

Harrah sits east of Oklahoma City along Highway 62. Within easy commuting distance to the eastern part of Oklahoma City and Tinker Air Force Base, it’s a favorite among families, professionals, and retirees who want space to breathe without sacrificing access to the metro. Thanks to the new Kickapoo Turnpike, it is the perfect town for commuters looking for the serenity of country life.

Ideal Homes in Harrah 

Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods has a community of new homes in Harrah offering beautiful spaces with customizable floor plans, top-of-the-line energy efficiency, and modern amenities. The Woodlands features homes between 1,158–2,136 sq. ft. in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood. A splash pad and pond are featured in this community along with one of our most favorite playgrounds ever - including a zip line!

Thinking about making Harrah home? We’re here to help!

Schools & Education

Harrah Public Schools

Harrah Public Schools is a well-regarded and close-knit district with just over 2,000 students. It has a strong reputation for academics and serves students from early Pre-K through high school.

Students from The Woodlands attend the following schools:

Elementary schools are split up by grade in this district, keeping each school small and specialized for students . This helps promote early literacy and social-emotional development.

Virginia Smith Elementary School (Pre-K and 1st Grade) | Niche Rating B

In the lowest-level elementary school, it’s all about building active minds and happy hearts.

Clara Reynolds Elementary School (2nd and 3rd Grades) | Niche Rating B-

Once at Clara Reynolds, the focus shifts to students learning to become caring, responsible, and enthusiastic learners.

Russell Babb Elementary School (4th and 5th Grades) | Niche Rating B+

In their last years of elementary school, students acquire fundamental skills and knowledge to prepare them for the next big step in their educational journey.

Harrah Middle School | Niche Rating: B+

The only middle school in the district, students continue their strong bond from elementary school. Harrah Middle School offers a Gifted and Talented program and multiple sports. 

Harrah High School | Niche Rating: B-

Even in a small town, Harrah High School has opportunities for all students to thrive. In academics, it offers AP Courses, a Gifted and Talented program, and is known for its STEM programs. The school consistently outperforms in areas of testing and college readiness compared to other schools of its size in Oklahoma. 

In athletics, the Panthers are district champions in football, hold titles in boys’ soccer, girls’ basketball, girls’ cross country, and softball. A number of its athletes have received statewide recognition in their sports.

Shopping & Dining

While Harrah maintains a relaxed pace, residents still enjoy access to convenience stores, colorful boutiques, and locally owned restaurants. For dining, area favorites include Hynson's Classic Burgers, and The Simple Brew – a small-batch coffee roastery by day and a speakeasy by night! If you want an evening of entertainment, visit Kickapoo Casino Harrah.

Visit Heritage Park during the summer for the Harrah Farmers Market. When it comes to shopping, convenience is close by. The closest grocery stores are in nearby Choctaw, including a Walmart Supercenter eight miles away. If you need to visit larger chains, Town Center Plaza in Midwest City is only about 20 minutes away and includes shopping and restaurants.

Recreation & Outdoor Activities

If you’re looking for outdoor fun, Harrah has you covered. Fish for largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill at Horseshoe Lake. Visit Heritage Park Spraygrounds, a large park with walking trails, a playground, and a splash pad. If frisbee golf is your preferred sport, there is a course at Lion’s Park.

During the spring and summer, take advantage of an activity that brings visitors to Harrah! At Wind Drift Orchards, you can pick your own peaches, and at Sunberry Orchard, you can pick peaches, berries, and other fruits, and buy honey from the farm’s hives. In the cooler months, drop by Cross Timbers Christmas Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch, where you can chop down your own Christmas tree, pick your own pumpkin from the field, or visit the nostalgic seasonal shops…where the chopping and cutting have already been done for you!

Community Activities

Harrah’s town motto is Heart of the Heartland. The motto rings true. Harrah might be a small town, but it has big community pride. The Main Street Community Garden began as a place for residents to grow food. Now it’s a community touchpoint, with educational opportunities and beautiful butterfly gardens. Every September, Harrah residents gather for Harrah Day, where they celebrate the town’s founding with a parade, all-day fun, and fireworks that evening.

History of Harrah

Originally called Sweeney, Harrah was settled during the Land Run and prized for its lush creeks, tall grass, and abundant wild game. In 1892, ten families, all Polish immigrants, came to Harrah to start a better life. That marked the beginning of Harrah becoming a place for other immigrant families. Its name was changed to Harrah in 1898 in honor of Frank Harrah, upon whose land the first townsite was established. 

Want to learn more? The Harrah Historical Society has published a much more extensive summary of the town’s history, here.

Commuting from Harrah

For people wanting a genuine small town and access to eastern Oklahoma City, Harrah is ideal. Situated along the Kickapoo Turnpike and I-40, it is an ideal location for commuters to OKC, Midwest City, Del City, and even the northeastern side of Moore. Harrah is especially convenient for people working at Tinker Air Force Base or some of the surrounding contractors.

Some of the top employers near Harrah are Tinker Air Force Base, Boeing, Rose State College, Northrop Grumman, SSM Health Midwest City, and the Oklahoma Heart Hospital South.

Estimated drive times to major destinations:

• Tinker Air Force Base – 25 minutes
• Rose State College – 25 minutes
• Oklahoma Heart Hospital South – 25 minutes
• Downtown Oklahoma City – 30 minutes
• Will Rogers World Airport – 35 minutes

Find Your Ideal Home in Harrah

Thinking about small-town life in Harrah? Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods offers new homes in The Woodlands, with modern designs, energy efficiency, and customizable floorplans, all in a peaceful, natural setting.

Find your Ideal home in Harrah at The Woodlands. 

We can’t wait to welcome you home.