You may know Yukon from the iconic Yukon’s Best Flour sign that beckons like a bright beacon across the wide-open prairie, but this up-and-coming small town is a charmer, offering laid-back living that’s still close to the sights and sounds of the city. Situated along historic Route 66 only 15 minutes from Oklahoma City, Yukon attracts families across the region to its picturesque parks, rich heritage, and popular festivals held throughout the year. And now with several new home neighborhoods opening, including our very own Calm Springs community and our exciting new community Coeur D'Alene, even more buyers have an opportunity to make Yukon their new hometown. 

Photo credit: Kristi Ellis, Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Born from Grit and Gumption

Yukon was officially founded in 1891. Cattle rancher and newly minted railroad man A.N. Spencer acquired lots in exchange for railroad construction in the area. Spencer quickly named the town after being inspired by the prosperity of Canada’s Yukon Territory that had experienced a booming gold rush at the time. 

The Yukon Mill and Grain Company was established in 1891, which put Yukon on the map as a farming and commercial center in the area. Sweeping prairies and the promise of prosperity attracted settlers and small businesses alike, and the construction of Route 66 in 1926 brought even more growth to this area of the American frontier. Fast forward nearly one hundred years, and Yukon has grown to a population of more than 41,000 households, according to the 2010 census, and is part of Canadian County, the fastest-growing region of Oklahoma. The city proudly celebrates its 130th birthday this year! Annual celebrations are typically scheduled for the Saturday closest to March 28, the city’s recognized birthdate.

Photo credit: Sofía Arias Amorós, Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Safe and Sound

Yukon is an ideal choice for young and mature families who desire a safe and slower-paced lifestyle with convenient access to employment and the city. A place where kids can play safely outside and walk to school, and where neighbors know each other’s names, Yukon is known as a city where people can put down roots and watch them grow. 

Yukon ranks #3 in Oklahoma’s safest cities, with crime rates well below state and national averages. Simply take a walk among the quiet, tree-lined streets and community parks and see how neighbors quickly become friends and look out for each other in a way that’s reminiscent of small towns of times gone by.

Employment Outlook

A robust and emerging suburb of Oklahoma City, Yukon is fast becoming a desirable location for business and development investment. Retail and restaurants are in abundance and growing to meet the needs of the area’s burgeoning growth. There are approximately 13,000 Yukon-based employees that represent a varied selection of industries. Primary occupations include office management and administrative, education, and health. Many residents choose to work in the city, taking advantage of Yukon’s direct access to I-40 and convenient location only 15 minutes from downtown.

Things to Do in Yukon

Photo credit: Travel Oklahoma

Known for its famous first son, country music star Garth Brooks, as well as its popular festivals held throughout the year, Yukon’s quiet, tree-lined streets and small-town friendliness still retain that rugged spirit reminiscent of its American frontier roots. 

Living the Yukon lifestyle means enjoying the relaxed good life among neighbors and friends with plenty of amenities, conveniences, and recreation. Find eclectic mom-and-pop shops along Main Street for one-of-a-kind retail. Everyday errands are a cinch with grocery stores, Target, Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, and Kohls in the community. You’re never far away from a great meal or a cup of coffee, and chances are you will see friends and neighbors during your daily errands and adventures. People in Yukon aren’t afraid to strike up a conversation and meet a new acquaintance, and you’ll quickly make new friends for your next backyard barbecue. 

Get a taste of Czech culture at the annual Czech Festival and enjoy food, music, vendors, and special performances. Enjoy the other many events held throughout the year that bring the community together, including the Yukon Chocolate Festival, Taste of Yukon, and Easter on the Prairie. Take the kids to play at Chisholm Trail Park, to visit the majestic Clydesdale horses at Express Clydesdales Barn, or roller skating at Yukon on Wheels. There’s plenty of fun for the whole family all year long! 

A+ Education

One of Yukon’s appealing draws among families is the area’s top-notch schools. Yukon Public Schools (YPS) serves over 8,800 students across 12 schools, including seven elementary schools, three intermediate, one middle school, and one high school. The recent passage of a 43 million-dollar bond includes the construction of a new intermediate school in addition to a number of technology and school improvements. 

Photo credit: Yukon Public Schools

YPS takes great pride in its community-based and collaborative approach to teaching and education, and it shows throughout each classroom and its ranking as one of the top workplaces in Oklahoma. The district is widely recognized as an educational leader, with one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked schools in the state. Elementary and intermediate schools consistently perform well over the state averages, and Yukon High School has been recognized as a College Success Award winner by GreatSchools.org for the past two years. 

All that’s missing in Yukon is you! Visit our Southfork model home to learn more about our exciting new community Coeur D'Alene, or head over to Calm Springs this weekend for a model home tour and to experience the lifestyle that awaits you in this welcoming hometown.