What Is It Really Like to Live in Stillwater, OK? 7 Local Rites of Passage (Homecoming Week Edition)

Living in Stillwater means life runs on OSU's calendar, Main Street is where everyone runs into each other, and orange is a neutral. I moved here in 2002, and the quickest way I know to feel like a local is to do the things every local has done. This week is a great time to start, because OSU hosts Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 24, against Colorado, and the whole town shows up for it.

7 Stillwater rites of passage

1. Do Walkaround on Homecoming Friday. Students build huge house decorations in the Greek neighborhoods, and people stroll through them the Friday, October 23, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm night before the game. Bring the kids and wear orange.

2. Stake out a spot for the Sea of Orange Parade. The parade fills Main Street in downtown Stillwater on Homecoming Saturday morning. Get there early with coffee and a chair. The parade starts at 9:00 am on Saturday, October 24,

3. Order cheese fries at Eskimo Joe's. It has been a Stillwater institution since 1975, and nobody leaves town without a souvenir cup or shirt.

4. Eat at The Original Hideaway Pizza. Hideaway has been serving Stillwater since 1957, and the original location on South Knoblock Street is the one locals send visitors to.

5. Watch the Edmon Low Library fountain turn orange. The fountain is dyed orange at the start of Homecoming week, and it's a favorite photo spot on campus.

6. Walk Theta Pond. It's an easy place on campus to slow down, feed the ducks, and feel like you belong here.

7. Feel Boone Pickens Stadium go orange. Whether you're a lifelong Cowboy fan or not, one home game is part of becoming a local. Kickoff is at 6:00 pm.

Is Stillwater a good place to buy a home?

For many families, yes. Stillwater offers a college-town lifestyle, a short commute almost anywhere in town, and a mix of established neighborhoods and new construction. The best way to decide is to spend time here, and Homecoming week is a great time to do it. If you're thinking about moving here, my guide What Should You Know Before Moving to Stillwater, OK? is a good next step.

Want to see Stillwater for yourself?

If you're in town for Homecoming and wondering what it would be like to live here, say hi. I'd love to show you around the neighborhoods and the places that make this town what it is.

Moving to Stillwater? Join my free Moving to Stillwater group on Facebook for local tips, events, and neighborhood info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/534271350873991

Want my free 2026 Stillwater Fall Guide? Call or text me at 405-614-9600.

Ann Morgan is a REALTOR® with Real Estate Professionals in Stillwater, Oklahoma, specializing in new construction and OSU parent-buyer relocation. A four-time winner of Stillwater's Best Realtor award and a consistent top-3 agent in the Stillwater MLS.