c.1920 3 Bedroom Oklahoma Handyman Special With Fireplace, Built-Ins $59,500

2919 Elgin St, Muskogee, OK 74401    $59,500

• Contact Realtor: Glory Thompson
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This was the home of Gordon V. “Ted” Ogden (1906-1983) from 1929 to the 1940s.  He purchased the home soon after his marriage to Ruth Whistler (1909-2002) in April of 1929. Ted, as he was known,  was an electrician and lived in the home with his wife and their two daughters, Ruth and Patsy.

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Pros of Living in Muskogee, OK

1. Low Cost of Living

   • According to AreaVibes, Muskogee’s cost of living is ~23% below the U.S. average.

   • The Muskogee Chamber of Commerce reports the average cost for a 3-bedroom single-family house is very affordable (around $80,000) and rent is relatively low (~$750/month).

   • Citytistics also lists “Cost of Living” among the pros for Muskogee.

2. Historic & Cultural Attractions

   • Muskogee has rich history and culture: the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, and historic sites are big draws.

   • There’s a strong event / festival presence (e.g., the Azalea Festival in Honor Heights Park).

   • Because Muskogee is situated on three rivers (Arkansas, Verdigris, Grand), there’s also natural scenery + outdoor recreation (fishing, parks).

3. Major Local Employers / Economic Base

   • Significant employers in the region: Georgia-Pacific (paper goods) has a large facility.

   • Healthcare is also a big sector (Saint Francis Hospital, VA facilities).

   • There is a planned $1.2B lithium refinery near Port Muskogee, which could bring economic growth.

4. Affordable and Diverse Housing Options

   • Homes in Muskogee range from very affordable starter homes ($75K–$150K) to larger / historic homes.

   • According to a housing analysis, many homes are aging ( >60% over 50 years old), which means you could find lower-cost units if you’re okay with some maintenance.

   • The city has a redevelopment program to improve neighborhoods.

5. Community Development Efforts

   • According to a Muskogee community development plan, local leaders are aware of challenges (housing stock, broadband, perception) and are working on growth.

   • There seems to be a committed civic effort to improve quality of life and attract more residents.

6. Good for Retirees

   • Because of low cost of living, affordable housing, and decent access to healthcare, Muskogee is sometimes mentioned as a good retirement spot.

   • Proximity to Tulsa (~50 miles) can make access to a larger city’s amenities possible, while keeping a smaller-town feel.

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Cons / Challenges of Living in Muskogee, OK

1. Crime Issues

   • AreaVibes gives Muskogee a poor crime score, citing both violent and property crime concerns.

   • Citytistics also lists “Crime” among the main drawbacks.

   • According to community development reports, negative perceptions around crime and poverty are a barrier for growth.

   • From Reddit (real experiences):

     “there’s definitely some trashy areas … a lot of unemployment … too many homeless people …”
     “alot of crackheads and methheads around … not much to do … good paying jobs are rare”

2. Aging and Limited Housing Stock

   • A large portion of housing is quite old, and many derelict or obsolete homes are being torn down faster than new ones are built.

   • The city has struggled to replace or renovate housing units; according to its development plan, it’s targeting 1,600+ new units by 2030, but that’s a big lift.

   • Some areas are prone to flooding (housing near rivers). Homes.com notes that river-adjacent properties may face flood risk.

3. Declining or Stagnant Population

   • Citytistics reports that Muskogee’s population has declined over the past five years.

   • A declining population can make economic revitalization harder, reduce the local tax base, and limit business growth.

4. High Poverty / Social Challenges

   • According to Citytistics, Muskogee has a high poverty rate (18.4%).

   • A health assessment report noted that a significant portion of Muskogee County’s population is below the federal poverty level, which affects access to social supports and healthcare.

   • According to the community plan, there are needs for more childcare and mental health services.

5. Limited Amenities / Entertainment

   • Some residents say there isn’t a ton to do locally: commuter culture (many go to Tulsa for more options). > “We usually go to Tulsa to have any sort of fun.”

   • While there is a cultural scene, parts of downtown or local business districts may feel underdeveloped to some. > “Downtown is barely hanging on … not much … to do unless you’re a wilderness person.”

6. Transportation & Infrastructure

   • Depending on where you live in Muskogee, public transportation may be limited; AreaVibes mentions that commutes can be long and public transit access is not great.

   • Some parts of the city lack modern housing infrastructure; broadband access is a challenge in redevelopment zones.

   • Because of its aging housing stock, many homes may need significant repairs or updates.

7. State-Wide Challenges

   • As with much of Oklahoma, Muskogee is subject to the state’s weather risks — tornadoes, severe storms.

   • Some of the general drawbacks of Oklahoma (like dependence on a car, limited public transit, and infrastructure in smaller cities) apply to Muskogee too.

   • Rising turnpike tolls are a concern: for drivers, transportation costs may go up.

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