Get to know Stillwater, Oklahoma: New Home Guide

Living in Stillwater

Home to Oklahoma State University and known for its agricultural roots, Stillwater is a city where academic energy meets small-town heart. With around 50,000 residents, top-rated schools, endless opportunities for outdoor fun, and the kind of atmosphere only a university town can possess, it offers a unique lifestyle.

Stillwater’s status as a college town has created a high-demand rental market with high prices to match. That’s why more residents are turning to homeownership. With Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods, you can build equity, gain stability, and own a new, energy-efficient home that fits your life.

Ideal Homes Communities in Stillwater

Thinking about making Stillwater home? Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods is here to help! Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods has three communities with new homes and customizable floor plans for you to choose from in Stillwater.

Park Valley: – 1,158 - 2,402 sq. ft. homes

Located on the southeast corner of W 26th Avenue and S Western Road, our newest community in Stillwater is close to OSU and will soon include family-friendly features like a playground, fishing pond, and gorgeous walking trails.

The Canyons: – 1,682 - 2,336 sq. ft. homes

A new section of custom homes is now open in The Canyons! The community features tons of green space, a pond with walking trails, and a playground. Its convenient location in north Stillwater is near OSU, Boomer Lake, and the Turnpike.

Teal Ridge: – 1,655 - 2,402 sq. ft. homes

Along W 26th Avenue between S Western Road and Main St., Teal Ridge offers easy access into the heart of Stillwater. With only a few homes in the community left, don’t let Teal Ridge pass you by! 

Schools & Education

Stillwater Public Schools

Stillwater Public School System is A-rated and consistently ranks among the top districts in Oklahoma. With an emphasis on academic excellence, creative arts, and STEM learning, the district also benefits from close ties to Oklahoma State University, including mentorship programs, dual credit opportunities, and advanced educator training. 

All Stillwater Public Schools offer free Pre-K and have an additional intergenerational program at Golden Oaks Village retirement home.

Park Valley and Teal Ridge Schools

School-aged children in Park Valley and Teal Ridge go to the following schools: 

Sangre Ridge Elementary School | Niche Rating: A

Ranked in the top 3% of all Oklahoma elementary schools, Sangre Ridge is known for its excellent teachers and play-based learning. It boasts high academic proficiency rates, offers a Gifted & Talented program, and prioritizes character development.

Stillwater Middle School (6th - 7th Grade) | Niche Rating: A

Ranked in the top 3% of Oklahoma middle schools and with a tradition of fostering a culture of positive educational and behavioral development, Stillwater Middle School is a unique environment for students transitioning out of elementary school. From STEM to extracurricular activities, it is a place where students can grow.

Stillwater Junior High School (7th - 8th Grade) | Niche Rating: A

Ranked in the top 5% of Oklahoma middle schools, Stillwater Junior High is an ideal place for students preparing for high school. The students of Stillwater Junior High have won multiple state and national awards in areas as varied as the High School Tournament of Champions Scholastic Contest, State Agriscience Fair, VEX World Robotics Competition, and the Special Olympics Cheer State Championships.

Stillwater High School | Niche Rating A

Stillwater High School is ranked the #5 best high school in Oklahoma by Niche and has won more academic state championships than any other high school in Oklahoma. It offers concurrent enrollment with Oklahoma State University, Northern Oklahoma College, and the University of Oklahoma. While it holds state championships in nearly every sport, its student athletes are especially known for their superiority in wrestling and football.

The Canyons Schools

School-aged children in The Canyons go to the following schools: 

Richmond Elementary School | Niche Rating: A

Also ranked in the top 3% of all Oklahoma elementary schools, Richmond Elementary is a long-standing participant in the Great Expectations® program, which equips teachers with the tools to create a harmonious, engaging learning environment. In 2023, it was honored as a National Blue Ribbon School, recognizing its overall academic excellence.

Stillwater Middle School (6th - 7th Grade) | Niche Rating: A

Ranked in the top 3% of Oklahoma middle schools and with a tradition of fostering a culture of positive educational and behavioral development, Stillwater Middle School is a unique environment for students transitioning out of elementary school. From STEM to extracurricular activities, it is a place where students can grow.

Stillwater Junior High School (7th - 8th Grade) | Niche Rating: A

Ranked in the top 5% of Oklahoma middle schools, Stillwater Junior High is an ideal place for students preparing for high school. The students of Stillwater Junior High have won multiple state and national awards in areas as varied as the High School Tournament of Champions Scholastic Contest, State Agriscience Fair, VEX World Robotics Competition, and the Special Olympics Cheer State Championships.

Stillwater High School | Niche Rating A

Stillwater High School is ranked the #5 best high school in Oklahoma by Niche and has won more academic state championships than any other high school in Oklahoma. It offers concurrent enrollment with Oklahoma State University, Northern Oklahoma College, and the University of Oklahoma. While it holds state championships in nearly every sport, its student athletes are especially known for their superiority in wrestling and football.

Note for all Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods’ Stillwater Communities

Stillwater’s new high school will soon be completed. The district expects some changes to the high school map as well as to the grade allocations of the middle school and junior high.

Living in Stillwater

Shopping & Dining

With its official designation as a college town, it’s no wonder that Stillwater has a vibrant restaurant and shopping scene. Local favorites include the original Hideaway Pizza, The Garage, and world-famous Eskimo Joe’s. Drive along Perkins Road and you’ll find everything from comfort food to trendy coffee spots. We featured two of our favorite Stillwater restaurants in our Valentine’s date night blog article here! Downtown Stillwater also offers boutique shops, antique stores, and local art galleries that reflect the city’s creative energy, university mindset, and rural roots.

Recreation & Outdoor Activities

With lakes, trails, sports, and festivals, Stillwater has something for everyone. Visit Boomer Lake Park’s 250 acres of walking trails, fishing, playgrounds, and disc golf. If you want to camp for the weekend, just 10 miles outside of Stillwater is Lake McMurty, which boasts camping grounds, mountain biking, and kayaking. 

If the great outdoors isn’t your thing, head to the Payne County Expo Center to watch a rodeo or visit the Payne County Free Fair. And of course, don’t forget to cheer on the Pokes at any number of OSU events! Right in your backyard are Big 12 games, parades, concerts, and plays! OSU is ranked as home to one of the top Homecoming parades in the country.

History

According to the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, “On December 8, 1884, Capt. William L. Couch led a caravan of Boomers across the Cherokee Outlet to a stream just inside the future Oklahoma Territory. As they settled in dugouts and tents, they called the stream the Still Water.” Though that group would eventually head back to Kansas, Stillwater’s name stuck when it was officially settled in 1889. 

In 1890, the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College was established as a land-grant institution to focus on agriculture and mechanical arts. Even though Oklahoma A&M changed its name to Oklahoma State University and now hosts an array of majors, the university and the town have been forever shaped by its agricultural heritage.

Working in Stillwater

Stillwater sits almost exactly between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, with an hour drive time in each direction. It’s not a bedroom community, but a destination in its own right. With major employers like Oklahoma State University, Stillwater Medical Center, ASCO Aerospace, and many agricultural enterprises, the local job market is robust and diverse. For entrepreneurs, Stillwater also has a business incubator to help your business grow and thrive.

Whether you're in education, healthcare, engineering, or public service, you'll find real opportunities within Stillwater. Unlike many smaller cities, Stillwater doesn’t rely on proximity to Tulsa or OKC for employment. Most residents live and work locally, which means shorter commutes, stronger community ties, and more time for what matters most.

Estimated drive times to major destinations:

• Downtown Stillwater – 10 minutes from all three IDEAL communities
• OSU Campus – 10–12 minutes from all three IDEAL communities
• Tulsa International Airport – 75 minutes
• Oklahoma City Airport – 80 minutes

Find Your Ideal Home in Stillwater

Find Your Ideal Home in Stillwater Today! 

The team at Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods is ready to welcome you. Visit www.idealhomes.com to learn more about available homes and floor plans in Stillwater at Park Valley, The Canyons, and Teal Ridge. 

We can’t wait to welcome you home.