Discover Homes for Sale in Durant, OK

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Welcome to Durant, OK!

If you’re dreaming of a lakeside lifestyle, you’ll definitely want to check out the charming city of Durant, OK. Nestled in south central Oklahoma just a short drive from Lake Texoma, Durant is a city that’s currently home to about 19,000 residents. It is part of Bryan County, occupying a total area of roughly 26 square miles and serving as the headquarters and capital city of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

The city of Durant, known as the Magnolia Capital, offers an outstanding quality of life for residents with its balance between small-town and modern city living and magnificent magnolia tree-lined streets. (Read more about how the town’s namesake is celebrated in the chapter, Magnolia Festival: Durant, OK.)

Add to that an array of activities and destinations – from vibrant shopping venues to historical attractions, top-rated restaurants to unforgettable outdoor adventures – and you get a terrific place to call home.

If you’re thinking about relocating to Durant, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll give you an insider’s look at the city, from its rich history, must-visit attractions, fun-filled annual events, the type of homes for sale in Durant, OK, the lifestyle it offers, and much more!

History of Durant, Oklahoma at a Glance

Durant has a storied and rich history, with a deep-rooted Native American heritage and early French settlements. Let’s take a look at some early milestones.

The area occupied by present-day Durant was once claimed by France and Spain. After the Louisiana Purchase and Adam-Onis Treaty, the area officially became part of the United States.
In the 1820s and 1830s, the area was part of the Choctaw Nation in the southern Native American Territory. The first Choctaws who arrived in the area originated from their ancestral homelands in Alabama and Mississippi. The area remained in Choctaw territory after the Choctaws and the Chickasaws divided their land into two individual nations.
In 1832, Pierre Durant traveled with his four sons down the Mississippi toward the southeastern part of the Choctaw Nation. One of his sons, Fisher Durant, was eventually married to a full-blood Choctaw. Their son, Dixon Durant, is recognized as the city’s founder and namesake.
Dixon Durant grew up to become a businessman, minister, and civic leader. He established the first general merchandise store in the area in 1873, which was around the same time as the construction of the Missouri-Kansas and Texas Railroad, which came through the area. This served as the initial impetus for the establishment of a new community.
Durant Station, the area’s post office, was established in 1879 but closed two years later. The United States Postal Service reestablished another post office in 1882.
When Calvin Institute opened in 1894, it represented the first institute of higher education in the region. Due to its success, it opened as a larger school and was renamed Durant Presbyterian College in 1901. It was renamed yet again to Oklahoma Presbyterian College, a historic school that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
After Oklahoma’s statehood, Durant officially became the county seat of Bryan County in 1907.

Today, the city of Durant, Oklahoma, thrives as a vibrant business center for the county, with an active economy and healthy real estate market.

Houses for Sale in Durant, OK

Those searching for homes for sale in Durant, OK, will find a diverse selection of top-quality real estate options that can accommodate almost any requirement or preference.

The Durant, OK, real estate market is predominated by single-family homes, farm and ranch properties, and vacant land. Homes in Oklahoma’s Magnolia Capital are available in a wide variety of elegant architectural styles, such as Craftsman, Spanish Colonial, Ranch, Mission Revival, Art Deco, Prairie, and more.

A few examples of common features you can find in houses for sale in Durant, OK, include:

Beautifully landscaped lots
Hardwood floors throughout
Spacious living rooms with fireplaces
Elegant formal dining rooms
Kitchens with granite countertops and high-quality stainless-steel appliances
Stylish master suites with walk-in closets and large master baths
Expansive private backyards with spacious porches, covered decks, and patios
Plenty of storage and built-ins

In general, homes for sale in Durant, OK, are relatively more affordable compared to other cities in Oklahoma. This, combined with the city’s low cost of living and strong economy, makes Durant an excellent investment for a primary residence or vacation home.

In addition to a great selection of houses, there are plenty of Durant, OK, real estate opportunities for vacant lots and land as well. Acreage properties here typically range in size from around one acre to up to 75 acres and more and are ideal for use as hobby farms, investment properties, or locations for anyone planning to build their dream custom home from the ground up.

Durant, OK, Real Estate: Key Questions to Ask Before Buying

Know what to ask to find an ideal home that matches your goals. Here are a few important questions to keep in mind during your search for homes for sale in Durant, OK.

How long did the previous owners live in the home?

The reason behind the previous owner’s decision to sell can offer insight into the home’s condition. For example, if they’ve been living in it for a couple of decades, it’s likely they’ve already grown accustomed to its flaws and may have neglected necessary maintenance tasks and repairs.

On the flip side, a home that has been sold every few years may have underlying issues, which you’ll need to investigate before making any important decisions.

How long has it been on the market?

A house that has stayed on the market for an extended period might have issues that force prospective buyers to look at other options. Homes that have remained on the market for more than a few months could be either overpriced or outdated compared to other properties listed nearby.

Were there any recently completed renovations or improvements?

Although improvements and upgrades are always welcome, keep in mind that any recently completed renovations might have been done to make the home more appealing before it was listed. In some cases, cosmetic renovations are done so owners can save more money on quick and easy solutions instead of fixing the actual problem.

That said, be sure to hire a professional home inspector to get in-depth information on the condition of the property.

Will the neighborhood be a good fit for you and your family?

Durant, OK, has many family-friendly neighborhoods, each with its unique charm, as well as advantages and disadvantages.

On weekday mornings, the busiest times in Durant are typically between 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., when most people head off to work, and again from around noon to 4 p.m. for those working other shifts. If you’re scouting a neighborhood, try to visit during these times so you can get an idea of the traffic situation in the area during peak hours.

Consider striking up a quick conversation with residents living in the community as well. Ask them what they like about living in that area, what you should expect, and if they have any good advice to offer for new residents.

To help you learn more about the communities of Durant, Oklahoma, we’ll delve deeper into what it’s like to call this town home.

Living in Durant, OK

The city of Durant is committed to fostering best-in-class education and culture through community involvement and civic engagement. Let’s examine some of the factors that make this town unique.

The Durant, Oklahoma, Economy

Tourism is one of Durant’s strongest industries, with exceptional attractions such as the Choctaw Casino Resort, Fort Washita, and Lake Texoma. Durant’s distribution and manufacturing industries are growing sectors as well, with more factories currently on the horizon.

Durant’s historic central business district also contributes significantly to the city’s economy. In the past several years, many renewal projects were completed in downtown Durant, including a Main Street program, streetscaping, and the addition of new businesses. The retail district located west of downtown Durant is also one of the city’s fastest-growing areas.

Education in Durant, OK

The top-rated Durant Independent School District promotes educational opportunities for children while providing a safe and nurturing environment for students. This district serves these schools in Durant, OK, namely:

For enrollment information, take a look at the Durant ISD website’s enrollment page.

For students seeking higher education, Durant, OK, is home to Southeastern Oklahoma State University, which offers the largest aviation program in Oklahoma — and the only Master of Science degree in Aviation and Space offered in the state. The university’s main campus in Durant features access to airport facilities to accommodate flight training as well as management options in aviation maintenance, safety, security, and business. The institute also offers undergraduate management degrees and a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Administration and Logistics.

Durant is a city that supports education and the arts, and that means there’s always something to do — from museums to shopping to outdoor fun.

Things to Do: Durant, OK

History buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and art patrons can all find their niche in Durant. Let’s dig into the most interesting sites and happenings. From the Choctaw Casino in Durant, OK, to the Magnolia Festival, this city has something to please every type of personality.

Lake Texoma

Located just around 15 miles southwest of Durant, Lake Texoma is the 12th largest lake in the U.S. and one of the most popular recreational destinations in the country, attracting more than six million visitors annually. The lake offers an abundance of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and an array of water sports. Lining its shores are two state parks, two wildlife refuges, a dozen marinas, several golf courses, over 20 resorts, and hundreds of campgrounds.

Lake Texoma also hosts the Lakefest Regatta, which attracts more than 100 keelboats and over 500 sailors every year. The event is widely recognized as the first inland charity regatta in the U.S.

Fort Washita Historic Site and Museum

3348 OK-199, Durant, OK

Fort Washita was built in 1842 as the United States’ southwestern-most military post. Its primary objective was to maintain the peace between the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations and protect against outside threats, including trappers, traders, Plains tribesmen, and the Republic of Texas militia.

A U.S. military post until the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, Fort Washita was taken over by Confederate forces in 1865. By the end of the Civil War, most of it was destroyed by the Confederates. However, it stands today as both a historic site and a museum that offers a glimpse of key events before and during the Civil War.

Fort Washita is open to visitors Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Group tours are available but must be booked in advance.

Three Valley Museum

401 W. Main St
Durant, OK

Opened in 1976, the Three Valley Museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts specific to Southeast Oklahoma. The two-story museum is named after “Queen of the Three Valleys,” a book written by Henry McCreary about the city of Durant, Oklahoma.

The museum offers a glimpse of a small town during the 1900s, with exhibits dedicated to various subjects, including early commerce, transportation, southeastern Oklahoma’s Native American tribes, and more.

Three Valley Museum is currently open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Choctaw Cultural Center

1919 Hina Hanta Way
Calera, OK

The Choctaw Cultural Center is an establishment dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history and culture of the Choctaw people. The museum features a collection of immersive exhibits told from the perspective of the Choctaw people, offering a glimpse of their fascinating spiritual and physical journey.

Encompassing over 100,000 square feet, the Choctaw Cultural Center features a full-scale Living Village, the 200-seat Kowi Chito Theater (Big Forest Theater), the Lukso Activity Center, and the Champuli (delicious) Café.

The museum is currently open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

World’s Largest Peanut

300 West Evergreen St.,
Durant, OK

That’s right – Durant is the proud home of the World’s Largest Peanut, which is commemorated with a statue on the front lawn of Durant City Hall. The statue was dedicated in 1973 and includes a time capsule containing historical documents, set to be unearthed soon.

Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival

Southeastern Oklahoma State University
425 W University Blvd, Durant, OK

Widely known as one of the most popular theatre festivals in America, the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival draws countless tourists, aspiring and professional actors and actresses, and theatre artisans to the city of Durant, OK, every year. The festival is hosted at the Southeastern Oklahoma State University campus and is typically held every summer.

Downtown Durant

110 N. 2nd Avenue
Durant, OK

Located in the heart of the city, Historic Downtown Durant features a vibrant array of attractions including antique stores, specialty boutiques, coffee shops, and entertainment destinations.

It also hosts many of the city’s fun-filled events, such as the monthly Art Walk, the seasonal Farmer’s Market, Downtown Beach in the summer, and holiday parades along Main Street in the winter.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the city’s most popular attractions and events so you can be sure to add these most-loved things to do in Durant, OK, to your itinerary.

Magnolia Festival: Durant, OK

Magnolia Festival of Oklahoma

Held on the weekend following Memorial Day every year, the annual Magnolia Festival honors the heritage of Durant, OK, with a fun-filled weekend of festivities. Started in 1997, the festival treats locals and visitors to an exciting lineup of attractions and activities, including live performances, art shows, fun competitions, hundreds of shopping booths and food vendors, a spectacular fireworks display, and many more.

Many anticipated citywide events are also held during the same weekend as the Magnolia Festival, such as the Durant Rotary Magnolia Bike Tour and the 5K and Fun Run in downtown Durant.

The annual festival received the RedBud Award for “Outstanding Event” from the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association.

Choctaw Casino: Durant, OK

Choctaw Casino Resort-Durant
4216 S. Hwy 69/75
Durant, OK

One of eight casinos owned and managed by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Choctaw Casino Resort-Durant is one of the top tourist destinations in the city. Opened in 2006, the sprawling casino boasts over 4,300 slot machines, private poker rooms, a plethora of table games, and an AAA Four-Diamond hotel.

Choctaw Casino Resort is also home to The District, which is filled with fun amenities for all ages, including a 3,600-square-foot arcade, a 20-lane bowling center, a cinema, a two-story laser tag arena, a sports bar, and delicious dining options.

Diners can also enjoy the numerous cafes around town. For some of the finest eateries Durant, OK, has to offer, read on!

Restaurants in Durant, OK

Whatever type of cuisine you’re craving, Durant’s top-notch assortment of excellent dining venues is guaranteed to satisfy.

Here are several terrific restaurants worth the visit:

Roma Italian Restaurant

121 W Main St., Durant, OK
580.931.9961

Located in downtown Durant, Roma Italian Restaurant treats diners to a delightful menu featuring fresh salads, traditional pasta, seafood, calzones, sandwiches, NY-style pizzas, refreshing margaritas, and an extensive wine list, all in a cozy casual atmosphere.

Main Street Barbecue

42 West Main St., Durant OK
580.745.9120

Another downtown Durant dining staple is Main Street Barbecue, a local family-owned joint known for its premium farm-to-table barbecue, slow-cooked to perfection using tried and true techniques over locally harvested pecan wood fires.

This is the place to be if you’re in the mood for delicious, juicy, flavor-packed barbecue – their sliced brisket and smoked turkey are the stuff of legend. If you want to try a little bit of everything, be sure to order their “Big Pig Plate,” which is essentially a sampler containing the variety of meats they have on offer.

1832 Steakhouse

4216 US-69, Durant, OK
888.652.4628

Located at the Choctaw Casino & Resort, 1832 Steakhouse is a fine dining restaurant serving fresh seafood, delectable steaks, and other delicious dishes in a luxurious four-star atmosphere. The restaurant was selected as a “prime dining destination” in 2019 by Wine Spectator magazine.

1832 Steakhouse’s incredible entrees are some of the finest dishes you can sink your teeth into, with options that include day boat scallops and Pacific prawns, Alaskan King Crab legs, slow-roasted prime rib, and perfectly cooked New York strip, ribeye, and filet mignon steaks. Be sure to order their mouthwatering sides as well, which include sweet potato fries, risotto, and their signature 1832 mac and cheese, all of which pair nicely with their entrees.

With all of the amenities of a city and proximity to Lake Texoma, Durant is the first choice for many homebuyers in the area. This guide provides just a few of the many things to do in Durant, OK. We’d love to share more about this quaint community!

Get Help Finding the Best Houses for Sale in Durant, OK

Ready to take that next step toward finding your dream home? We know the market inside and out. American Dream Realty is here to help you navigate the vibrant Durant, Ok, real estate market. Get in touch with us today by calling 580.931.8888 to discuss your real estate goals.

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Your Guide to Finding the Best Homes for Sale in Durant, OK