Knights Lake - Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma was created by the Land Run of 1889, which opened Oklahoma Territory to homesteaders. By the time Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Oklahoma City was the population center and commercial focus point of the territory, and in 1910, it replaced the city of Guthrie as state capital. The new city became a major center of oil production and grew quickly as a result of the interstate highway system. Knights Lake neighborhood developed as a result of the city’s expansion to the northwest.

Most of Oklahoma City’s museums and cultural opportunities lie in the downtown area, so residents of Knights Lake head southeast to the city center for art exhibits, theater and festivals. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art owns one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of glass art by artist Dale Chihuly, including a 55-foot tower of colorful swirled glass in the museum’s atrium.

Knights Lake doesn’t have a central restaurant hub, but plenty of restaurants serve up a variety of food within a short drive.

Cajun King on Northwest 63rd Street makes the most of its owner’s Louisiana roots by dishing out an array of Cajun delicacies in a buffet-style spread. The 2010 winner of Urbanspoon’s first annual Spoonies award, this restaurant has earned a reputation for high-quality fare. Cajun King’s signature catfish provides reason enough to visit, but much more awaits: Crawfish etoufee, blackened pork chops, bread pudding and authentic beignets keep locals coming back for more.

If charcoal-broiled burgers get your taste buds going, jump in the car and make the short drive up Northwest Expressway to Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler. From traditional, Caesar and veggie burgers to turkey cranberry deli sandwiches, Johnnie’s wide-ranging menu leaves no appetite behind. You don’t want to forget the fries, either. No frozen wannabe fries here; Johnnie’s serves fresh-cut potatoes daily.

Just up the road from Johnnie’s, they speak fluent Greek food at Gyro City Café, where locals rave about the size of the portions. Hole-in-the-wall ambience it may have, but for gyros and baklava, the language is love.

Residents of Knights Lake have a number of choices when it comes to nightlife. The Lyrewood Lounge has the honor of being the neighborhood’s most centrally located hangout. Pool tournaments and reasonable liquor and beer prices keep locals coming back.

Lumpy’s Sports Grill on Northwest Expressway shines as a popular place to catch the big game or sing your heart out on karaoke night. Noshing has its place, too, with Lumpy’s appetizers and burgers. Come for Sunday brunch before the game and tackle a $10 mimosa pitcher, if you dare. For live music, residents range outside the neighborhood to the Blue Note on North Robinson, where they find a regular line-up of blues, jazz and brew. Call ahead for cover charge information; on some nights, no cover applies.

Most residents of Knights Lake find driving the best way to get around due to the spread-out nature of the city. Oklahoma City’s EMBARK bus transit system serves this neighborhood on the North Pennsylvania/Northwest 63rd route. Most businesses have parking lots and parking on the streets can sometimes be an option. Northwest Expressway provides easy access to interstate highways. If you need a ride, smart phone users can call Lyft or Uber for service.

The neighborhood’s walkability rating falls in the low range, as most errands involve a little travel. Streets don’t have bike lanes, although Wilshire Boulevard has fairly wide lanes, and the terrain stays fairly flat.

Though the neighborhood lacks a park of its own, Dolese Youth Park on Meridian sits just a few blocks away. Patrons love to visit the park for its long list of outdoor activities which, unlike many city parks, includes fishing. Be sure to bring your fishing license. Disc golf players rave about the quality of the course. The park also includes baseball fields, a playground and a picnic shelter. Running through and around the park, a paved trail provides space for runners, walkers and bicyclists. This kid-friendly, exercise-centric park only allows dogs on a leash. Dolese Youth Park doesn’t host any events or music festivals, but nearby Stars and Stripes Park on beautiful Lake Hefner hosts an annual river festival that features kayak races, a live outdoor concert and fireworks. Other events in the festival have included a 500-meter kayak/5k run duathlon and the Stars and Stripes Regatta dragon boat rowing competition.

The cost of living in this neighborhood compares favorably with the city average, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging around $545 per month. A one-way bus ride to the city center costs $1.75. Gas stays a bargain, with local gas prices typically 17 percent below the national average. Having a cold brew at the local pub sets you back about $3, though special drink deals drop that considerably.

Although this neighborhood doesn’t have any major shopping centers, North Park Mall on North May Avenue hosts several unique shops you can’t find anywhere else. Kokopelli has fun and funky jewelry, tops, handbags and more in the most popular textures and colors. Nancy’s provides custom fitting of its classic styles in fashions, footwear and accessories. For high-end party planning and gift baskets, visit the Gourmet Gallery for the best fresh pate and caviar, infused oils, exotic vinegars, and imported Belgian chocolates. Treat out-of-state friends and relatives to the best of the Sooner State with Gourmet Gallery’s Made in Oklahoma product line.

Most Knights Lake residents do their grocery shopping at the Walmart Neighborhood Grocery located at 64th and North MacArthur Boulevard. The neighborhood doesn’t have a farmers market, but several exist within driving distance. The closest one calls the Paseo Arts District in Mid Town home. It provides shoppers with herbs, vegetables, arts and crafts, homemade soaps, fresh-baked bread, lamb, and beef.