Bluff Creek - Oklahoma City, OK Area Guide

Oklahoma City’s northwest neighborhoods developed in the 1970s, as suburbanization drew residents into newly flourishing regions.

Nearby Velocity Dance Center and Range of Motion Dance accept enrollment into various skill levels of dance and performing arts courses, along with organizing shows and performances for the community.

Strebel Creek Vineyard whisks local out of the surrounding commercial blocks and into an Italian-style vineyard. This family operated enterprise opens Fridays through Sundays, with more than 10 different grape varieties and blends. Try the zinfandel and Merlot.

Bluff Creek’s neighborhood association sponsors community events like cook outs and meet-and-greet nights.

OKC locals joke that the only available food in the city comes from steakhouses and Asian joints. In Bluff Creek, however, a string of Italian restaurants down North MacArthur Boulevard battles this stereotype with homemade pizza and pasta.

Italia Express, located just outside of the neighborhood, is a family-owned kitchen that makes fresh Italian dishes fast. Order one of their thin-crust classics with cheesy garlic bread, or try the chicken bistro. Visit their website for special online-only coupons.

The area’s few bars line Highway 3, south of the neighborhood. Drive or taxi down to Henry Hudson’s Pub & Grill for televised sports, or linger over a cheap pint of PBR and a game of pool at Slick Willie’s Family Pool Hall.

Alternative late-night entertainment takes the form of stand-up comedy at Loony Bin Comedy Club. Book your tickets over the phone or online, then arrive early to claim seats closest to the stage. Shows run Friday and Saturday nights.

Because Oklahoma City’s public transportation system, Embark, does not service Bluff Creek, private vehicles are essential for getting outside the neighborhood. Pedestrians and cyclists move comfortably within its residential boundaries, but must travel at least 3 miles to reach the 008 Memorial Road and 005 North Penn bus routes. With your own car, downtown lies just 19 minutes away. Head east on Hefner Road and onto Highway 74 to reach the city center in easy traffic. Or, drive along Highway 74 in the opposite direction and reach rural Oklahoma in 30 minutes.

Nascab taxi company operates in Northwest Oklahoma City, along with the Uber ride-sharing service. While Bluff Creek has no official bike lanes, a nearby maintained route encircles Lake Hefner and continues on into downtown.

Acres of nearby park and natural space compete for residents’ attention here. Bluff Creek Park, next door to the neighborhood, provides a picnic pavilion and open field for Frisbee and recreational games of football. Many locals take to its two dirt and paved trails for routine morning fitness. Cyclists prefer the challenging terrain of the three-mile dirt track, with its water crossings and frequent inclines.

When Bluff Creek Park feels crowded, families wander into adjacent Pat Murphy Park for a playground and more picnic tables. Dogs are welcome in both parks and along the pedestrian trails, though they must remain on-leash.

The calm waters of Lake Hefner border these two parks. Dive in for a swim, try your hand at sailing or fish for the night’s dinner. Anything you catch can be grilled on Lake Hefner Park’s public barbecues. Games of softball, baseball and volleyball engage locals in outdoor sports, while the sky fills with kites on breezy summer days. Lake Hefner Park features a fenced pet exercise area where dogs run free. Cyclists and joggers enjoy the Bert Cooper trail, a multi-use asphalt route that circles the lake.

The cost of living in Bluff Creek is roughly seven percent lower than the average in Oklahoma City. While goods and services remain at similar prices, increased housing costs pushes the average neighborhood rental rates up by at least $200 per month.

A bus ticket to downtown costs $1.75. Fill up your gas tank and pay approximately 13 percent less than the national average for fuel. When heading out for the night, keep $3 to $4 in your wallet for each pint of beer, and an additional $10 to $15 for a meal.

Bluff Creek's limited number of stores cater to the service industries, so residents tend to leave the neighborhood for retail outings. Unless you need to fix an antique clock, tailor a new suit or maintain a printer, start your shopping farther east along West Hefner Road or down MacArthur Boulevard.

Daniels Shoes along Macarthur Boulevard opened in 1975. The owners give back to the community with regular fund drives while selling fashion and fit shoes to regulars. Check out new arrivals every few weeks as you peruse the latest styles for adults and children from among 40 different designer brands.

At Daisy Exchange, browse gently used clothing and recycle your unwanted fashions for cash or store credit. The shop features trendy and modern designs with popular labels in addition to a massive collections of jeans. Both sale and buy-back prices run lower than other area consignment shops. Opt for store credit and receive more value than if you take cash.

For groceries, residents stroll the aisles of Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market on Rockwell Avenue, or they support the family-owned and operated Crest Foods of Warwick. Crest has a reputation for running the city's best deli foods and meat counter.

The nearest farmers market lies 14 minutes south. Organized by Oklahoma State University, the market runs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Spices, condiments, flowers and hot foods join typical produce and meat products, along with organic fruit and vegetables.