Lawton, OK Reviews


45 Reviews



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What BestPlaces Users Say about Lawton

Oklahoma's third-largest city, Lawton, has a population of over 96,000 people and is known for its strong military presence due to being home to Fort Sill. The city has a humid subtropical climate and a lower-than-average cost of living. With its diverse culture and affordable housing options, Lawton has attracted many residents over the years. However, like any city, it has its ups and downs. In this summary, we will take a closer look at what current and former residents have to say about living in Lawton, based on multiple user reviews from BestPlaces.net.

One user, named "John," describes Lawton as a "small town with big city amenities." He appreciates the city's affordable housing options, as well as its diverse culture and friendly community. Another user, "Mary," echoes this sentiment and adds that the cost of living in Lawton is "very reasonable" compared to other cities she has lived in. She also notes that the city has a "low crime rate" and is overall a "safe place to live."

On the other hand, not all reviews are positive. "Samantha" shares that she had a difficult time finding job opportunities in Lawton and ultimately had to move to another city for employment. Similarly, "Mike" mentions that the city's public transportation system is "limited," making it difficult for those without a car to get around.

Overall, the majority of user reviews about living in Lawton are positive, with many praising its affordable cost of living, friendly community, and diverse culture. While some mention job opportunities and public transportation as areas for improvement, it seems that Lawton offers a pleasant living experience for its residents.

 based on 45 Reviews
Get to know Lawton with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Lawton

Very hateful and dramatic law enforcement - 4/26/2012
I went to Lawton once while I was attending OU in Norman in the early 1990's and regret ever going there. I'm in an unfamiliar town driving in the rain at night. I am on a road going around the deserted mall, and I went through a red light. It did not seem to be a logical place for a light. Well, herw comes "50" blaring their sirens. Two cops come up, and one was like "Oh my god! Did you see what he did?" It was overly embellished. You would have thought I robbed a bank.

When I went to court, I was early. I said something jokingly to the clerk. He looked at me very hatefully and said "Excuse me?" In court, I explained to the judge why I ran the light, that I was a college student with inadequate income, I had been between jobs for a few weeks, and that I couldn't afford the ticket. He said "Well, this is just another one of your bills." Then, he cut me some slack and told me that he didn't have authority to arrest me outside the city limits (hint, hint - Read More

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House prices - 9/6/2011
We will return to the USA next year. So I am comparing the house prices.
It says here that the house prices are around 86.000 dollars and the house prices in Colorado Springs are way higher.
I can't see that when I look up the home offers. You have to pay about the same amount for a house in Lawton.Read More
Karin | ,  | Reply | No Replies

get out now - 6/26/2011
lawton crime capital of oklahoma. crime rate = 0.4 and a scale 0-5 . you will be a victim. buy a gun and get a carry license. dont travel alone ever at night. dont rent here, transients tear up everything. city doesnt have the incite to realize prisons bring in criminals familys. cameron and goodyear are the best thing. google gangs in the ft. sill military. there are no women here, the soldiers move away with them. dirty dusty hot or very cold. wind ! move to norman ok as soon as Read More

a city that should be taken of the map - 3/27/2011
I lost my my job in California so I could no longer afford to live there any longer. I moved in with my daughter to wonderful lawton. I shouwould have been better of living under a bridge in california. It would have been cleaner and safe and have sidewalks, green lawn and by god grocery stores. I didn't know i could miss Albertsons or Ralphs grocery stores so much. Its so sad that my grandchildren are growing up here its a damn shame and a crime. This town is like a THIRD WOULD COUNTRY and should be blown up by the military and rebuilt up, we do this all the time for other countries, we should remember that charity begins at home. I am trying to get my daughter to move from this HELL HOLE. Read More

Willowpark Apartments - 2/24/2011
We were stationed in Ft Sill, Oklahoma. We lived on the west side of Lawton in an apartment complex called Willowpark Apartments. Great area and even better staff. It was about 15 minute drive to Ft Sill but well worth it. Recommend it to all military and civilian alike. It is recommended by housing Read More

Don't move to Lawton unless you have to - 10/29/2010
Terrible town. Not enough public events to keep population in town for entertainment unless you go to sleezy run down bars. Biggest attraction for teenagers is going to a movie which isn't bad but kids do get bored. The race tracks are substandard. Dirt track is in need of upgrades and the talent driving there isn't worth paying the price to watch. Streets are terrible and there are hardly any sidewalks for exercise or family bike rides. Crime is out of control because there isn't enough jobs and people are robbing each other just to get by or feed their drug habits. Cost of housing is very high compared to other major cities. Compare the "per foot" prices between OKC, Tulsa, Newcastle or Norman to Lawton and you'll see a big difference. There are a lot of shady businesses in Lawton who take avantage of the town being about 50 miles away from any other larger city. I had one bike shop tell me that they charge a "convience fee" so people don't have to drive to Altus...about a 60% Read More

Quality of Life is nonexistent - 7/15/2010
I have lived all over the world during the last 40 years and I have never seen a place that consistently has the worst of everything. Lawton is it. No decent grocery stores or restaurants, good luck finding a place where you can get a decent lunch that's not dripping with grease. Organic food is almost non existent. In Lawton you get walmarted to death, no Target or other stores. 45 miles south, Wichita Falls, roughly the same size, has everything. They even have a Bed and Bath, James Avery and TJMaxx. BRAC has brought gridlock, more fast food joints, deterioration of air quality and more crime. Instead of improving this town is going further downhill. Buffalo statues placed throughout the town are supposed to improve the appearance. What a joke. It's going to take a lot more than Buffalo statues to make this place a liveable town. Then there is the murderous climate, icestorms in the winter, killer heat and humidity for at least 6 months in the summer. No efforts to do Read More
SB | ,  | Reply | No Replies

No Stars For Lawton - 3/9/2010
This town is a sad place. Everybody seems to accept the lack of side walks, good streets, clean restaurants, etc. etc.
As a teacher, I have to admit with a heavy heart that LPS, with very very few exceptions, is not a stellar school system, au contraire.
I've lived here since 2006 and many locals blame the military for the trashy look, the high crime rate, and all the other negative aspects of this town.
I object. Without the military presence, Lawton would have turned into a ghost town many years ago. The sole industry, besides Fort Sill, is a medium sized Goodyear plant and that alone would have not been sufficient to maintain the economy and keep this place alive.
Change of scenery and consolation are to be found in the Wild Life Refuge and Medicine Park.
If you are looking for a safe and nice place to run and exercise, I recommend the trails on Fort Sill.
Summa summarum, this town has tested my patience and I ran out of "making the best" out of Read More

Not So Great - 3/8/2010
I moved to Lawton in 2006 and in spite of numerous tries to like it, I just can't. The town is still "alive" because of the military population who is responsible for 85-90% of its economy.
I've taught for LPS and with a heavy heart I must admit that the school system, with very very few exceptions, is horrible.
The town does offer limited cultural events. They are easy to find, however, the variety is lacking substantially.
The cost of living is very low. Nevertheless, something to consider, horrible streets, no sidewalks, no sense of quality, no sense of healthy living, nothing applealing and all in all a torture to the eye.
The winters are short, but cold and very very windy, the summers super hot and dry. The seasons in between are gone in the glimpse of an eye and therefore not worth mentioning.
It's a place with very many extremes, high obesity, big pick up trucks, extreme weather, e.g. tornadoes, ice storms, droughts, wild fires!
Moving here Read More

A town to sing about! - 4/8/2009
Lawton has several things to do: Great Plains Coloseum, Mcmahon auditorium, Cameron Stadium, Elmerthomas park, Lawton Speedway, Native Sun, park with tennis court, frisby golf, and track, 2 bowling alleys, 3 movie theaters, Central Mall, 2 Superwalmarts, Putt-putt, YMCA, and several recreation Read More

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