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The Crossroads of America
Greater Oklahoma City is in the geographic center of North America equidistant from the east and west coasts and major trade partners of Canada and Mexico. The ten county region is at the crossroads of the U.S., sitting at the heart of three major national highways on the NAFTA corridor.
There's a reason Greater Oklahoma City is such a great place for business: Location. The ten county region is positioned within a day's drive of the rapidly-growing south-central region (OK, TX, AR, LA) projected to grow more than 44% during the next 25 years.
Explore the counties and cities of Greater Oklahoma City including major employers and higher education. The ten county region boasts an average commute time of 20 minutes and a skilled workforce over half a million strong.
Data Center
OKC named among 10 Best Undervalued Places to Live
Oklahoma City was ranked fourth in U.S. News and World Report's Best Undervalued Places to Live, due to our strong housing market and "pro-business philosophy."
(July 16, 2009)
U.S. News and World Report | Archived Article
Shawnee
Community Overview
Shawnee is a growing city of over 30,000 offering small town charm with mircopolitan amenities. Incorporated in 1894, the community is rich in history and culture, offers easy access to Oklahoma’s largest metropolitan area, boasts high-tech manufacturing plants of Fortune 500 companies and a wonderful, relaxed lifestyle. With affordable and adequate housing at all levels, Shawnee’s population continues to grow as they attract those who wish to live in close proximity to the major metro area.
Location
Shawnee is strategically located 30 minutes east from downtown Oklahoma City (MSA 1.2 million) along Interstate 40, the nation’s major east/west transportation artery. It serves as the county seat for Pottawatomie County.
Business Location Advantages
Major firms like Shawnee Milling, TDK, Eaton, ExxonMobil, Wolverine Tube and others have discovered the business location advantages of Shawnee. The community offers several fully developed industrial parks, commercial business parks and available buildings. Over 50 manufacturing companies call Shawnee home.
Key advantages include a proven, productive labor force, low cost power, excellent rail access and the nation’s premier technical education program. Shawnee has a regional jet airport and is just minutes away from Will Rogers World Airport. The community is located just 15 miles from the world’s largest jet engine facility, Tinker Air Logistics Center.
Quality of Life
Shawnee is truly one city that mixes small town appeal with the services of a larger city. The community provides outstanding medical facilities, excellent housing, quality public schools, two highly ranked private universities (Oklahoma Baptist University & St. Gregory's University) and a cost of living that is 27% below the U.S. average. The Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee continues its long tradition of providing national and regional equine and agricultural entertainment for an ever-growing variety of events.
Shawnee is the hometown of Mercury Astronaut Gordon Cooper, actor Brad Pitt and current Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry.
Community Contact
Tim Burg, Executive Director
Shawnee Economic Development Foundation
131 N. Bell Suite 208
Shawnee, OK 74801
Phone: (405) 273-7490
Fax: (405) 275-9132
tburg@sedf.biz
Web: www.shawneeok-edf.org/