The former Oklahoma high school listed as a single-family home is asking $60,000

High school nostalgia often evokes a range of emotions. Some people remember high school as one of the best years of their life, and some prefer to forget them altogether. Those looking to relive their school days have an opportunity to buy an abandoned high school in Burbank, Oklahoma. This historic property could be yours for $60,000. 

Burbank High School, which dates back to 1924, has been closed since 1968. The former school building spans 17,400 square feet. It has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The abandoned school served as a private residence for the past two decades. However, it could also be used as a commercial space.

“This is a unique opportunity to own a single family residence that was once an old high school,” the listing reads. “There is plenty of opportunity to make this property your own. The large lot size and open floor plan provide endless possibilities. With some imagination, this could be the perfect home for you.”

The 1920s-era property includes a gym, a baseball field, and a 250-seat auditorium. The former high school sits on 1.76 acres of land in Burbank, a small town in Osage County. Although Burbank is home to only 123 residents, this rural town served as a setting for Martin Scorsese’s thriller, Killers of the Flower Moon. 

This is not the first time an abandoned high school building has been available for purchase. Approximately 1,000 US schools permanently close each year for various reasons, including lack of students or funds. With low listing prices and tons of outdoor space, abandoned schools offer exciting investment opportunities. In addition, many of them are eligible for historic tax credits. 

Resources:

“This 1920s-Era Oklahoma High School Lists for $60K as a Single Family Home,” by Charlotte Collins (Architectural Digest, 2023)

“Former high school listed as single-family home in Oklahoma,” by Ben Hopper (UPI, 2023)