Idabel Apartment Renter's Guide
Idabel Apartment Renter's Guide
Overview
There's a life-size dinosaur stalking southeastern Oklahoma. Not really -- it's a skeleton and is contained in the Museum of the Red River in Idabel, a town of just over 7,000, characterized by dinosaurs and dogwoods that attract many visitors each spring when they bloom.
Idabel is perhaps best known for its Indian heritage, and the network of Choctaw Casinos has put Idabel on the map, so to speak
There's a life-size dinosaur stalking southeastern Oklahoma. Not really -- it's a skeleton and is contained in the Museum of the Red River in Idabel, a town of just over 7,000, characterized by dinosaurs and dogwoods that attract many visitors each spring when they bloom.
Idabel is perhaps best known for its Indian heritage, and the network of Choctaw Casinos has put Idabel on the map, so to speak. It was established by the Arkansas and Choctaw Railway in 1902, and for the first four years of its existence, local government was administered by the tribe and for the tribe. Idabel went by other names in its early years, including Purcell, who was a railroad official. After a few names were rejected by the U.S. Postal Service, the town was rechristened in honor of Purcell's two daughters, Ida and Belle, and the name stuck.
Moving to Idabel
Local residents in the early years tried to eke out a living with timber, cotton, beef production, chicken farms and pine plantations. There are still some timber and ranching operations nearby.
Tourism of one kind or another is what attracts people to this area today, and Idabel is pretty much the hub for visitors who come looking for fun. If you're moving to Idabel, you'll want to be a part of that scene. So, when you pack you bags, include the things you'll need to get settled, but also make sure you have the backup verification you'll need to fill out a leasing application and open a bank account.
Finding Your Place
Idabel has no proper neighborhoods. You will give your friends directions to your digs in relation to the highways that run through town: 70 and 37.
It's a quiet, unassuming community without distinct neighborhoods, but more than 40% of its residents were born out of state, so it seems as if people are easily captivated by its down-home charms! Finding an apartment for rent may be more difficult than finding a house here, because the residential areas are composed mostly of single-family homes.
If you need a one- bedroom apartment for rent in Idabel, look for a small apartment complex in the area around Highway 70, or you might find rooms to sublet in private homes in other areas of town. Rents are reasonable and the cost of living in Idabel - as in most of Oklahoma - is easy on the budget.
Living in Idabel
Idabel has an ongoing Main Street Program, with an outdoor stage, public amphitheater and covered pavilion, a new public library, good ball fields, three city parks and a network of walking trails, as well as a local golf course. The city is also close to lakes and state parks, and summer fishing, camping and recreational activities attract visitors from throughout surrounding states.
There is no public transportation in Idabel - so if you can't get from rental apartments to where you're going on foot, you'll need a car, a bike or a motorcycle. You'll also want to get away to the area's parks, streams and lakes. It's easy to find a fishin' hole, or a place to kayak, canoe or hike. In the summer, though, don't forget the sunscreen and hat, and remember the bug spray if you're out at dusk.
Eating out? The first place you'll come to as you drive north from Texas is Dannyboyz' Eatz. Pull over and stop - it's food done fast, and right, and it's a local favorite - an old-time diner with updated attitude! There are other places, too - Gemini Coffee Shop, Roma Italian Restaurant and Papa Poblano all win raves and "stars." Or, Cowboys Pizza and Sweets will deliver to your door!