Finest Locations to Reside in Oklahoma

Nestled within the heartland of the USA, you’ll discover Oklahoma—aka the Sooner State, named for the early settlers who staked their declare earlier than the land rush formally started (guess they simply couldn’t wait!). The state’s pure magnificence, booming industries, vibrant tradition and wealthy heritage make it an awesome place to work, dwell and lift a household.

A lot of Oklahoma’s local weather will be categorized as subtropical, which mainly means you may count on scorching summers and funky to delicate winters—and sure, there may be an occasional twister. However general, the climate right here is numerous relying on the place you reside. For instance, the panhandle may be just a little colder than the southwest space.¹

So, in case you’re somebody who enjoys hotter climate however has an appreciation of all 4 seasons, Oklahoma would possibly simply be the proper local weather for you.

Which is a good factor, as a result of Oklahoma has a ton of inexperienced area and pure sights to get out and discover! From the Ozark Mountains to acres upon acres of inexperienced area in city and suburban areas, there’s all the time a fairly spot to stretch your legs and benefit from the contemporary air.

And maybe the most effective half? Oklahoma has a fairly low value of residing. In reality, it’s round 13.6% decrease than the nationwide common. Not too shabby, huh?

Pair that with the state’s main industries—resembling oil and vitality, aerospace, and biotechnology, simply to call a number of—and also you’ve received glorious alternatives to make fairly a cushty residing for your self and your loved ones.

Right here’s our record of a number of the finest locations to dwell in Oklahoma.

Notice: The charted info beneath relies on April 2024 knowledge and could also be topic to alter.

Oklahoma Metropolis

Outdated West angle meets trendy conveniences—that’s what you’ll discover whereas residing in Oklahoma Metropolis. In reality, Forbes ranked OKC third within the nation as probably the greatest cities to maneuver to in 2024.² Good!

What’s there to do in Oklahoma Metropolis? Nicely, tons! If museums are your jam, you’ll want to try the Oklahoma Metropolis Nationwide Memorial & Museum, the Science Museum, and the First People Museum.³ And in case you’re feeling sporty, you’ll want to catch an Oklahoma Thunder (NBA) recreation at Paycom Heart.

Feeling outdoorsy? Scissortail Park provides 70 acres of inexperienced area to discover. We’re speaking scenic strolls alongside the Oklahoma River, the Youngsters’s Playground, breathtaking gardens, watersports, and even dwell live shows and performances. And once you get hungry, you’ll want to head over to Cheever’s Café for upscale Southwestern and Southern delicacies.

For professionals looking down a brand new gig, OKC is a hub for as we speak’s largest and most progressive industries. From aviation and aerospace to biotechnology, vitality and transportation—the range of business there positions town for a robust financial future.⁴

Edmond

Edmond is simply north of Oklahoma Metropolis, and it’s a part of the Oklahoma Metropolis metro space. Identified for being hilly (by Oklahoma requirements), Edmond has 33 parks with a lot of area to stroll, hike or bike.¹¹ You are able to do all of it—plus fishing, boating and horseback driving—at Arcadia Lake, which has 26 miles of shoreline.

Edmond’s low crime price and top-rated colleges make it an awesome place to boost a household.¹² It additionally has loads of purchasing and eating choices. Hidalgo’s is an area favourite that serves up genuine Mexican and Peruvian dishes.

Town’s main industries embody training and well being care.¹³  Plus, Life Church, one of many largest multi campus church buildings within the nation, can also be headquartered in Edmond.

*Unemployment price primarily based on Oklahoma County knowledge.

Norman

Simply south of Oklahoma Metropolis and residential to the College of Oklahoma, Norman is a suburb buzzing with superior issues to do—particularly in relation to sports activities, training, historical past and native tradition.

You’ll be able to attend a Sooners soccer recreation, discover the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Artwork, stroll down the Miller Historic District, or go to any of the various artwork galleries, theaters and music venues. And you’ll want to try the Mont for scrumptious burgers and laid-back, family-friendly environment.

Its high-rated public college system, a number of parks, and proximity to Oklahoma Metropolis make Norman a superb place to boost a household, particularly for professionals commuting into town.²⁰

*Unemployment price primarily based on Cleveland County knowledge.

Tulsa

Traditionally often known as the “Oil Capital of the World,” Tulsa is a metropolis wealthy with business, tradition and historical past.²⁷ From zip-lining above the treetops to catching a present on the historic Cain’s Ballroom, there’s all the time one thing enjoyable to do in Tulsa.

Smoked meat lovers shouldn’t miss BurnCo. Barbeque—a well-liked spot the place locals can take pleasure in tender brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs. Tulsa’s additionally identified for inexpensive purchasing (we’re massive followers of this) and vibrant nightlife.²⁸

Town’s main industries embody superior manufacturing, aerospace and protection, finance, and vitality.²⁹ Mix Oklahoma’s already low value of residing with Tulsa’s stable college system and glorious variety—and also you’ve received a standout place to dwell within the state.³⁰

Jenks

For people in search of these small-town vibes and a tight-knit group, Jenks is among the finest locations to dwell in Oklahoma. Right here, you’ll discover loads of native occasions, purchasing, and a number of other well-maintained parks and leisure areas to discover. Take the household on an undersea journey on the Oklahoma Aquarium or on a scenic stroll alongside the Riverwalk Crossing.³⁷

And once you get a severe case of the hungries—Jenks has you coated. Be sure you try the Waterfront Grill overlooking the Arkansas River or go to Los Cabos Mexican Grill & Cantina for genuine Mexican eats.

Mix all of it with Jenks’s top-rated public college system and low crime price, and also you’ve received a superb place to boost a household.³⁸ Plus, town’s location simply south of Tulsa makes it a straightforward commute to work.

*Unemployment price primarily based on Tulsa County knowledge.

Damaged Arrow

With 41 parks, tons of purchasing, superior group occasions, wealthy historical past and scrumptious eats—Damaged Arrow has all of it.⁴⁵ It’s actually no shock that this suburb of Tulsa is routinely acknowledged as a great spot to boost a household.

Why? Nicely, for starters, town has an awesome public college system and a top-notch public security division.⁴⁶ In reality, Damaged Arrow ranks because the eleventh most secure metropolis within the nation—speak about spectacular.⁴⁷ So, you may relax and loosen up figuring out that you simply and your loved ones are protected and sound.

Plus, Damaged Arrow’s only a hop, skip and a leap to Tulsa, making it a breezy commute for touring professionals. Superior nature, a vibrant group and peaceable vibes—that’s Damaged Arrow.

*Unemployment price primarily based on Tulsa County knowledge.

Owasso

Simply 13 miles north of downtown Tulsa, you’ll discover Owasso—a vibrant group that grew from small city to bustling suburb.⁵⁴ Owasso’s public college district is among the largest within the state and is acknowledged for distinctive academic applications.⁵⁵

On the leisure aspect, Owasso provides loads of choices with a robust sense of group. For out of doors lovers, there’s tons of parks to discover, a few of that are even dog-friendly for all of your furry associates.⁵⁶

This metropolis additionally hosts varied native occasions and festivals all year long, just like the Children Fishing Derby in June and the Pink, White, and Increase fireworks show on the Fourth of July.⁵⁷ And in relation to eating, you received’t be disillusioned together with your choices. Be sure you try the Bricktown Brewery Restaurant for budget-friendly, mouthwatering burgers and brews.

64.8% of residents work in monetary, managerial, administrative and gross sales fields. Moreover, thriving industries resembling medical, training and retail distribution contribute to a well-diversified job market. This contains massive family names, resembling Amazon, Verizon, Whirlpool and American Airways.⁵⁸

Stillwater

Nicknamed “America’s Friendliest Faculty City,” Stillwater actually lives as much as its repute.⁶⁵ Dwelling to Oklahoma State College, the varsity drives an enormous chunk of Stillwater’s tradition—attracting college students, college and researchers from the realm and worldwide. And with its nice college system, medical services, and low crime price, Stillwater typically ranks among the many nation’s prime small cities in relation to high quality of life.⁶⁶

Town additionally boasts a robust sense of group, which is clearly proven in any respect Stillwater’s vibrant happenings and occasions. From cheering on OSU sports activities at video games to having fun with dwell music at Eskimo Joe’s or gearing up for the annual Calf Fry Music Competition on the Tumbleweed, you’ll all the time have one thing thrilling marked on the calendar.⁶⁷

Plus, you understand the charming downtown areas present in your favourite Hallmark motion pictures? Stillwater’s received one! And sure, it’s filled with native retailers, eating places and leisure venues to discover.⁶⁸

Small-town vibes? Examine. At all times one thing to do? Examine. And a pleasant, supportive group? Examine. In relation to house life, Stillwater checks all of the packing containers.

*Unemployment price primarily based on Payne County knowledge.

Bartlesville

Bartlesville is a metropolis wealthy in nationwide historical past with its eyes on the longer term. The oil growth within the early 1900s propped town up as a significant vitality provider—a repute Bartlesville nonetheless holds as we speak, though now there are different rising industries inside the metropolis. In reality, one of many world’s largest oil corporations, Phillips Petroleum Firm, received its begin in Bartlesville.⁷⁵

Okay, on to the enjoyable stuff. For recreation, there’s tons to discover. Bartlesville is well-known for its distinctive, historic and delightful (yup, the trifecta) structure. There’s additionally loads of native looking for shop-till-you-droppers, particularly in case you’re into antiques and open-market purchasing.⁷⁶

For parks, you may’t go incorrect in Bartlesville. Right here, you’ll discover 17 parks and open area areas.⁷⁷ That’s over 860 developed acres of inexperienced area so that you can discover, bike, hike or settle in for a pleasant picnic.

And for the household, Bartlesville has a extremely rated public college system.⁷⁸ Mix that with the group’s sparse suburban really feel, bountiful inexperienced area, and a ton of vibrant issues to do, and also you’ve received an awesome place to name house and lift a household.

Able to Transfer to Oklahoma?

If Oklahoma looks as if the place for you, don’t begin packing simply but. In case you’re severe about making the Sooner State your new house, you want an Oklahoma-based actual property agent who may also help you discover an space that’s simply best for you.

Fortunately, we occur to know a number of.