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Bethany, OK

Frequently asked questions

Bethany, OK

Bethany is a city in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, United States, and a part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Bethany has a population of 20,831 at the 2020 census, a 9.3% increase from 2010. The community was founded in 1909 by followers of the Church of the Nazarene from Oklahoma City. 

Bethany was founded on July 28, 1909, as a community where members of the Church of the Nazarene, an evangelical Christian movement that developed from Holiness churches, could practice their religious beliefs without interference by non-members. The town was named after the biblical place of Bethany. The community quickly founded Oklahoma Holiness College (now known as Southern Nazarene University, SNU). Two other institutions were soon established, the Oklahoma Orphanage (now the Children's Center, a medical facility) operated by Mattie Mallory, and the Nazarene Rescue Home for unwed mothers.

Bethany was incorporated on August 8, 1910, as a rural town; its economy depended on the surrounding farmlands. It gained a post office on March 11, 1913. With a relatively large population of conservative Nazarenes, the town council soon enacted strict blue laws that banned alcohol, tobacco, gambling, dancing, movies, swearing, and working on Sundays. After Bethany was reorganized as a first-class city in 1931, it relaxed these laws to some extent. An F4 tornado struck Bethany on November 19, 1930, killing 23 people and destroying 652 buildings. It is one of three documented violent November tornadoes in Oklahoma since 1900. Recovery from the storm was slow until the outbreak of World War II. Defense industries rapidly developed in the area, and the city added population as a bedroom community, or suburb for workers commuting to Oklahoma City.

The city is in the central part of Oklahoma County, approximately 10 miles (16 km) west of downtown Oklahoma City, and is bounded by Warr Acres on the east and by Lake Overholser and Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge on the west. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.2 square miles (13 km2), all land. 

Bethany, OK offers a variety of options for individuals looking to prioritize their health and well-being. Sole'renity Spa provides a range of spa treatments, including massages, facials, and body scrubs, aimed at promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. Fit Body Boot Camp offers high-intensity interval training sessions designed to burn fat and build strength in a supportive group setting. The Balance Yoga Barre hosts yoga and barre classes, focusing on flexibility, strength, and mindfulness to improve overall health. Dr. Brian Predmore, DC specializes in chiropractic care to address spinal health, alleviate pain, and enhance overall wellness. Additionally, Anytime Fitness provides 24/7 access to gym facilities equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and personalized training programs to help individuals achieve their fitness goals. Bethany Parks and Recreation organizes various community wellness events, fitness classes, and sports leagues to encourage residents to lead active and healthy lifestyles. These diverse offerings make Bethany a hub for wellness and fitness, enriching the lives of its residents.

Top sites in Bethany, OK are National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City Zoo, and Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Population: 20,369 (2023). ZIP code: 73008. Area code: 405. Elevation: 1,309 ft (399 m). Area: 5.23 sq mi (13.54 km2).

FAQs

What is the crime rate in Bethany, OK?

The crime rate in Bethany is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 22 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Bethany is 1 in 45. Based on FBI crime data, Bethany is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Oklahoma, Bethany has a crime rate that is higher than 74% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Is Bethany, OK a suburb of Oklahoma City?

Bethany is a western suburb of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area and is located in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 20,307. Bethany is a family-oriented city on the shoreline of Lake Overholser.

What is the history of Bethany, OK?

Established on July 28, 1909, by cofounder Rev. C. B. Jernigan, Bethany prospered as the new home for Oklahoma Holiness College (now Southern Nazarene University, or SNU). Bethany's pioneers envisioned a community in which they could express their religious beliefs without outside interference.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Bethany

OK History

Bethany's Children Health Center

Neighborhood Scout

Sole'renity Spa 

Fit Body Boot Camp

Balance Yoga Barre

Dr. Brian Predmore, DC

Anytime Fitness

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Oklahoma City Zoo

Myriad Botanical Gardens

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