Bernice, OK

Bernice is a quiet lake town of around 400 residents in northeastern Oklahoma, sitting along the shores of Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. Known locally as the Crappie Capital of the World, it appeals to anglers, retirees, and anyone looking for an easygoing pace by the water. The community also has a unique history: after starting out as a railroad stop in 1912, the entire town had to pack up and move uphill in 1939 when the construction of Pensacola Dam created the lake.

Today, everyday life centers around the outdoors. Bernice State Park sits right down the road, giving locals quick access to boat ramps, walking trails, swimming spots, and a nature center. Depending on where you live in town, school-age kids attend either Cleora or Afton public schools, and the shops, restaurants, and medical clinics in Grove are only about 15 minutes away. For buyers who want easy lake access and a close-knit neighborhood, Bernice offers a relaxed spot to settle down.