[PatoLiza]

I agree with peggydavis. Having moved/lived around the US and abroad (courtesy of the US military) I've noticed that in every place we'd move to, there was always a "dangerous" corner/spot, It's just a matter of having common sense and being vigilant be it day or night. I do prefer smaller town though with a smaller teacher/student ratio in school.

[LyndseyMarie]

I live in Lawton right now. Its not bad if you live on the outskirts. As far East as you can get and as far East in town as you can get is best. We live in a nice community and it is quiet. We haven't had any problems or any near us. The gangs are a problem but they don't seem to come out except for at night and in rough places. I wouldn't live anywhere outside of the gates.. That seems to be the worst. The Lawton PD does have a Gang Task Force and they will tell you where not to live.

[LyndseyMarie]

Originally Posted by KathyLK

Hi! This is my first time posting and I have a lot of questions, but I will not bombard ya'll with all of them. I have read a lot of postings about Lawton and have learned quite a bit. You all are very helpful...so nice!

It looks like we may be moving to the Lawton area and have been told that the city is growing...that it is listed as one of Forbe's Top 100 places to do business. I also have heard a lot about gangs and that you have to watch where you go. I lived in OKC and now Edmond, so I will admit, I'm nervous about not being able to go to the mall in the evening or even out to eat. Is it really THAT bad? And if so, is anything being done by law enforcement or are they just basically throwing up their hands? I don't know if people are just trying to scare me or if they are being honest.

What seems to be the problem here on Fort Sill is that the gangs aren't as notable to their larger counter parts in bigger cities, so they are trying to make a name for themselves and attacking basically anyone. I myself haven't had any problems. You just have to be careful where you go. I wouldn't go to the mall by myself on the weekends, get gas after dark, or go to Denny's ever. You just have to be aware of your surroundings.

[PatoLiza]

Originally Posted by LyndseyMarie

What seems to be the problem here on Fort Sill is that the gangs aren't as notable to their larger counter parts in bigger cities, so they are trying to make a name for themselves and attacking basically anyone. I myself haven't had any problems. You just have to be careful where you go. I wouldn't go to the mall by myself on the weekends, get gas after dark, or go to Denny's ever. You just have to be aware of your surroundings.

We actually ate lunch at Denny's (off of Cache Road) when we where there during spring break. My girls love their breakfast menu so we took them. We did not observe any unsual acitivity. The people there were actually friendly but of course this was day time (lunch time.) Perhaps there is another Denny's in Lawton?

What do you think of Cache School District? I noticed that South Pecan Valley development is zone for Cache SD. I would love my girls to attend a smaller school. Your personal unbias opinion would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[in_the_gloaming]

While I am unable to comment on current conditions in Lawton, from my 12 years of living there, and the changes I observed, I'd just suggest you be aware of your surroundings and use some good common horse sense anytime you are out on the town.

This is especially true if you are on the north end of Ft. Sill Blvd. where most of the clubs are, or if you are around 1st. and B. Streets where the Greyhound Bus Station is at.

[LadyRobyn]

Originally Posted by PatoLiza

We actually ate lunch at Denny's (off of Cache Road) when we where there during spring break. My girls love their breakfast menu so we took them. We did not observe any unsual acitivity. The people there were actually friendly but of course this was day time (lunch time.) Perhaps there is another Denny's in Lawton?

It is the one on Cache Road... But the problems are mostly at night it seems. I can DM you a link to the story that KSWO had about it if you like.

[PatoLiza]

Originally Posted by LadyRobyn

It is the one on Cache Road... But the problems are mostly at night it seems. I can DM you a link to the story that KSWO had about it if you like.

Yikes! Please DM the link. Now I am curious. That part of the City seemed peaceful to me (of course it was day time when we ventured out to look for houses.) After a long day of house-hunting we went to the hotel right away and took the girls swimming to rid of their energy. Anyway, we haven't finalize our search yet. I am still searching the net for new listings as well as keeping in touch with our realtor. I just want my girls to be safe and happy in school. I don't care if the school they would end up going to doesn't have string orchestra and other musical activities. I can get them at Cameron University. After school hours of course. Do I really need to lock my car specially stopping at a red light when downtown?

[shelbylane]

PatoLiza,

Not to scare you or anyone else, but definitely lock your car doors while in Lawton at all times.....Just a few months ago at noon my cousin was out for lunch and had accidentally forgotten to lock his passenger side door, and at a stop light, a man started opening his car door screaming at him for money ! he said he could tell the guy was strung out on something drug wise..he finally got the door pulled away from him and the light changed luckily !..

Lawton/ft.sill is not a safe place..like others have said on here, watch yourself while out and about(be alert)...and Denny's had a serious gang problem in the restaurant and parking lot..around christmas i don't know how that all is now though.

[PatoLiza]

Originally Posted by shelbylane

PatoLiza,

Not to scare you or anyone else, but definitely lock your car doors while in Lawton at all times.....Just a few months ago at noon my cousin was out for lunch and had accidentally forgotten to lock his passenger side door, and at a stop light, a man started opening his car door screaming at him for money ! he said he could tell the guy was strung out on something drug wise..he finally got the door pulled away from him and the light changed luckily !..

Lawton/ft.sill is not a safe place..like others have said on here, watch yourself while out and about(be alert)...and Denny's had a serious gang problem in the restaurant and parking lot..around christmas i don't know how that all is now though.

Thanks shelbylane! It's rather sad to think that my kiddos won't be able to just take off on their bikes with their friends and go exploring on their own. Such is life these days, I guess. No more free range kind of living. Sad. Take care and thanks for caring and your concern. Till next posting.

[Jadeswan]

I agree with those who have already posted advising to be cautious but not terrified. I know Lawton has its bad areas and its problems but if you are alert and lock your doors, I don't really think you have much to worry about. To be honest, I think one reason Lawton has such a bad reputation is that the other towns in this area are so friendly and peaceful that Lawton seems even worse because of the comparison. I was in Lawton as a young pregnant mother living alone in an apartment while my husband was deployed. The worst thing that happened to me was having to hole up inside because some crazy kids were shooting off fireworks in the apartment parking lot on the Fourth of July. :P I always stayed alert and was careful but most of the time I felt quite safe. I went shopping, ate out, took walks in the park, etc. I always felt safest on post though. I guess I always felt if there was any danger there'd be enough soldiers around who wouldn't let anything happen to a pregnant lady.
I still go to Lawton occasionally to go shopping and feel safer there than in OKC. If rudeness killed, I might be worried but thankfully it doesn't. So don't worry. I'm sure you'll be just fine. By the way, if you like outdoors recreation, be sure to check out the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. It is really beautiful and there are lots of interesting things to see and do. I've been going there since I was a kid and have always loved it. It's a wonderful place to relax and enjoy nature.