Before it stopped operating in 1974, the Blackwell Zinc Company, which started in 1916, was the city's biggest employer. At its height, it proved to be one of the largest zinc smelters in the country with up to 14 furnaces. It did some environmental damage, but don't let that dissuade you from finding your next home for rent in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
"America's Hometown" invites you to shop the Main Street stores located in quaint brick buildings, play ball at a local park, and vote for your favorite horse at the county fair. If you decide to stay a spell, you'll find a cost of living that's 14 percent less than the Oklahoma average, and almost 30 percent less than the national average. All this in an environment that's less noisy and crowded, and with a lower crime rate than the state average.
It's easy enough to find rental apartments in Blackwell when you only have about half-a-dozen complexes to choose from
Before it stopped operating in 1974, the Blackwell Zinc Company, which started in 1916, was the city's biggest employer. At its height, it proved to be one of the largest zinc smelters in the country with up to 14 furnaces. It did some environmental damage, but don't let that dissuade you from finding your next home for rent in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
"America's Hometown" invites you to shop the Main Street stores located in quaint brick buildings, play ball at a local park, and vote for your favorite horse at the county fair. If you decide to stay a spell, you'll find a cost of living that's 14 percent less than the Oklahoma average, and almost 30 percent less than the national average. All this in an environment that's less noisy and crowded, and with a lower crime rate than the state average.
Renting in Blackwell
It's easy enough to find rental apartments in Blackwell when you only have about half-a-dozen complexes to choose from.
As to what these complexes can give you, Elks Asbury provides specifics. An apt for rent here can range from one to four bedrooms. Some units have disabled access but none allow pets. Utilities like electricity, water, and sewage are part of the rent and a laundry facility on-site can take care of your clothes. Applicants must disclose gross household income, total cash value of all household assets, and whether they've been convicted of a felony. Don't try to fudge this information. Your application authorizes your potential landlords to verify your facts through background investigations.
If you want more choices for living, consider a rental house. About 79 percent of residential property in the city consists of single-family homes. Be aware that applications may take longer because you're dealing with individual owners rather than professional management companies. On the other hand, you've got more wiggle room when negotiating security deposits, monthly rates and other rental terms.
Neighborhoods
Picking a neighborhood is important; you want to find a spot that meshes well with your lifestyle. See the list below to see what Blackwell has on it's menu in terms of neighborhoods.
Main Street: Want something off Main Street? Then Blackwell Apartments or Equity Plaza put you in the thick of small-town action.
Outside the Town Center: Prefer suburban serenity? Then you'll be surrounded by one-story single-family homes if you go month to month at Kittie Huston, Elks Asbury or Urban Village Apartments.
Surrounding Areas: Need to be by yourself? Then Andros Apartments signals the start of the agricultural fields that surround the city.
Living in Blackwell
Getting Around
The only way to negotiate the city's mostly empty streets is with your own wheels. (There's no public transportation to speak of.) You can park practically anywhere, including the street, for free. Highway 11 provides the primary east-west access and Highway 177 goes north and south. Both thoroughfares hook up with Interstate 35, which goes north to Wichita and south to Oklahoma City. If you're coming by private plane, the Early Henry Airport lies just on the western border of town.
Outdoors
For outdoor fun, you can head to one of eight parks that the city maintains. Legion Park boasts picnic facilities, walking trails, a beach volleyball court and a basketball court. Beatty Rodgers Park shows off a vintage three-car Santa Fe train. And Bagby Park soothes with the sound of creeks flowing through rocks.
Indoor Recreation
For indoor fun, visit the Oklahoma Historical Society Museum to find out about the city's past. If your visit prompts you to buy vintage items, browse the furniture, home decor, toys and trinkets at Ashby's Antique Mall. Come summer, an Old Fashioned Independence Day Celebration excites the Blackwell Fairgrounds. And in the fall at the same location, the Kay County Free Fair delights with carnivals, food, beverages, livestock displays, exhibits, entertainment, and over 100 merchants.
