Oklahoma may not be the first state that comes to mind when considering places to live, but it has a lot to offer to its residents. Known as the “Sooner State,” Oklahoma is located in the heartland of the United States and is home to diverse cities and small towns, natural beauty, and a rich culture. In recent years, the best places to live in Oklahoma have seen a surge in economic growth and development, making for many attractive destinations for job seekers and entrepreneurs.
After the last few years and the rise of work-from-home positions, maybe you’re thinking of moving states. A survey of 2,000 people asked if they would want to live somewhere else in the world and if the pandemic has helped that become a reality. The majority of respondents said they’d opt to live in a major city if they could live anywhere. However, 42 percent said they’d move to a small town or village — with 41 percent of these Americans going so far as to live in the woods.
Despite the change in remote work, Oklahoma is known for its natural beauty which could improve your wellbeing. A report says that individuals who visit green spaces on a weekly basis, and feel a certain level of connection to mother nature, feel better physically and mentally. Besides that, people regularly visiting nature are that much more likely to make environmentally friendly decisions.
Alright future Sooner, StudyFinds set out to do the research for you, visiting 10 expert websites to put together this list of the best places to live in Oklahoma. If you’ve got your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!
The List: Best Places to Live in Oklahoma, According to Travel Experts
1. Edmond
Located just north of Oklahoma City, Edmond is a growing city with excellent schools, low crime rates, and a high quality of life. The city also boasts many parks, recreational opportunities, and a vibrant downtown area.
Living in OK says, “So what makes Edmond such a great place to live? Well let’s start with it’s location. Edmond is situated in central Oklahoma, just 13 miles north of Oklahoma City. This means a short commute to work and events in the city, while still enjoying the community life Edmond has to offer. It’s also within a few hours drive to 7 other major cities.”
“Arcadia Lake is a beautiful lake that is great for fishing blue catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Plus it’s a favorite outdoor spot for residents,” says Only In Your State. “Known as the ‘Crown Jewel of Oklahoma,’ Edmond recently made the list for Time Money Magazine’s Best 50 Places To Live In 2016.”
“Edmond has also made a concerted effort to promote public art around town. The Downtown Edmond Arts Festival has been an annual tradition for about four decades, showcasing works by over 100 artists from across the U.S,” adds Money.com
2. Norman
Home to the University of Oklahoma, Norman is a college town with a diverse population and a thriving arts and culture scene. The city has a low cost of living, excellent schools, and a strong economy.
Niche writes, “Norman is a suburb of Oklahoma City with a population of 125,745. Norman is in Cleveland County and is one of the best places to live in Oklahoma. Living in Norman offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Norman there are a lot of coffee shops and parks.”
Football fans are welcome, “If you’re searching for a classic college football town, it’s tough to find one more perfect than Norman, OK – home of the seven-time national football champions, the Oklahoma Sooners. From the statues of the Heisman trophy winners to the impressive tailgating scene to the frequent celebrations after big wins, there isn’t much that compares to a Saturday at The Palace on the Prairie,” says Livability.
CNN notes, “It’s easy to see why grads are often reluctant to leave this friendly, affordable college town: The median home price is under $130,000, and there are plenty of jobs (the area’s unemployment rate is just 4%).”
3. Oklahoma City
The state capital and largest city in Oklahoma, Oklahoma City has a wide variety of attractions, including museums, sports teams, and a vibrant nightlife. The city is also home to several universities, including Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
“Oklahoma City is one of the most populated cities in the U.S., but the cost of living in OKC is 13% lower than the national average! Low prices for groceries, utilities, and transportation all contribute to this affordability, allowing you to have a big-city experience without the hefty price tag,” mentions Extra Space Storage.
US News gives a great overview, “Strongly influenced by its Western heritage, Oklahoma City is where you can find cowboy history, festivals, horse shows, museums and more. Although it is slowly becoming more cosmopolitan in feel thanks to an expanding dining and entertainment scene, Oklahoma City is still home to the world’s largest stocker-feeder cattle market. And in the Stockyards City district, many leather-scented shops can outfit you with everything from boots, belts and buckles to horse saddles, ropes and 10-gallon hats.”
Great people live in a great city, as Movoto points out, “Most cities have a reputation for being cold and crass. But Oklahoma City is the exact opposite: It’s a city filled with some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Strangers say hello when they pass each other on the street. Expect the person behind you in line at the grocery store to strike up a conversation with you.”
4. Tulsa
Located in northeastern Oklahoma, Tulsa is a city with a strong economy and many job opportunities in fields like aerospace, energy, and healthcare. The city also has a lively downtown area with many restaurants, bars, and entertainment options.
“Although Tulsa is the second-largest city in the state and 47th-most populous city in America, it has the warm and welcoming characteristics of a smaller town. The Tulsa metropolitan area is home to almost one million residents and has all of the modern amenities you’re looking for with city living, without the unfriendly atmosphere that is often associated with bigger cities. The people here are friendly and inviting, meaning it’s an ideal place for people of all ages to make and cultivate lifelong friendships,” says Homes By Taber.
US News agrees with the above expert, “Once considered the oil capital of the world, ‘T-Town’ has developed into a vibrant (albeit small), modern metro area. Straddling the South, Southwest and Midwest regions of the country, Tulsa is home to a distinct culture comprised of the best characteristics of each of these regions, in addition to Native American and cowboy heritage. Perhaps the most inviting aspect of Tulsa’s culture, however, is its warm and welcoming hospitality as well as the down-to-earth attitudes of residents who are passionate about their town.”
“Known as one of the country’s best-kept secrets, Tulsa Oklahoma has a lot to offer. The city gets a lot of bragging rights for its exceptional art scene and eye-catching architecture,” explains Home & Money.
5. Stillwater
Home to Oklahoma State University, Stillwater is a college town with a strong sense of community and a low cost of living. The city has a thriving downtown area with many restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
Ideal Homes lists off some pros to the city here, “Summers are sunny and hot, and winters are mild, dry and sunny with an average January high of 47 degrees Fahrenheit, and an average snowfall of only 7.5 inches…from aerospace to agribusiness. Printing and publishing are also a big export for the area. Oklahoma State University is one of the biggest employers in the area.”
Niche writes, “Living in Stillwater offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Stillwater there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Stillwater and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Stillwater are highly rated.”
The Nomad Lawyer also mentions, “Home to Oklahoma State University, the town features plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife venues…has a diverse economy with sectors such as agriculture, electronics, publishing, technology, and aerospace.”
You might also be interested in:
- Best Places to Live in the USA
- Best Places to Live in Tennessee
- Best Places to Live In Arizona
- Best Places to Live in Alabama
Sources:
- Living in OK
- Money.com
- Only In Your State
- Livability
- Niche
- CNN
- Movoto
- US News
- Extra Space Storage
- Homes By Taber
- Home & Money
- Ideal Homes
- The Nomad Lawyer
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
As a born and raised Okie for 30+ years before moving to the PNW, my advice is: don’t move to Tulsa. I love Oklahoma it’s my home state and I miss the food so much!! But there’s a reason 48Hours did an entire season on Tulsa. The crime rate is ridiculous and you’re pretty much guaranteed to be a victim of violent crime or property crime. Not worth it. Even OKC that’s so much larger doesn’t have the same crime. Do yourself a favor and visit OKC or the surrounding towns. Norman is. College town and you will hate your life during football season but it’s fun to visit. Moore is just 5 min north of Norman and you get all the shops and food without the football traffic. Edmond is ok too. Most cities have excellent food and it’s a huge variety. Filipino, African, Korean, Ethiopian, Chinese, BBQ, Mexican, Tex-Mex, Soul Food, Cajun, Puerto Rican, etc.. it’s amazing and they have a lot of good music, stand up comedy, and other entertainment. It’s definitely a fun place to visit (not for the nature lol it’s pretty flat unless you go to Beavers Bend in SE Oklahoma it’s very beautiful) but if you’re looking for fun and food this is a great place to visit. If you don’t care to have mountains and oceans then it’s also very affordable!
You obviously don’t know jack about Oklahoma. The first 4 places you put would be my last choices. Especially Tulsa. If you want to live in oklahoma the places are not in those larger cities. Those cities are dirty nasty & full of all the things Oklahoma to me does not represent so well. I’m from Phx az & my husband’s from San Diego. I would love to be able to afford San Diego bc of the weather & lifestyle but would never be able to own anything. To me the best cities in Oklahoma if you like larger cities are Broken Arrow, bc its a cleaner classier side to Tulsa, Claremore, Beggs, & Moore Ok for larger more like living in a city of that’s the lifestyle you want. Now for more remote country type cities are Allen Ok beautiful classier area Broken Bow, Turner Falls, Madill & Marietta. Ardmore is more of a larger but smaller city. I bought an rv in Cali & moved to Oklahoma where I live in rv parks. Most of the rv parks in Oklahoma the utilities are included in the very low-cost rent you pay. Mingo park in Tulsa is a very decent higher priced one but it’s gated. & Well maintained. $650 the last time I lived there this also includes cable & wifi. I lived in texhoma shores right on a lake 13 miles outside of Madill. Don’t quote me now but I was paying $450 all utilities no cable or wifi but 75′ from the lake facing it with nobody parked right next to me. I now live in marietta bc I live right off I 35 & own a flatbed trucking co but I’m 21 miles from the tx line & Texas and is booming in building right now so it’s a decent living for me. Although freight rates are in the shitter right now. I get the Oklahoma price but can go to ardmore for city stuff or down to Texas.
Zillow shows 6 houses, condos and townhomes for sale in Norman out of a total of 383 of the same with no maximum price. Where are you getting that the median home price is under $130,000?
Zillow shows 6 houses, condos and townhomes for sale in Norman under $130,000 out of a total of 383 of the same with no maximum price. Where are you getting that the median home price is under $130,000?
Tulsa isn’t a great place to live, crime taints alot of areas in tulsa, I never felt safe walking down the street, even in “nicer” areas, most people who say it’s a nice place to live have never lived anywhere else. You want a nice place to live? Claremore, it’s a small city and the majority of the populace is very friendly
Ok as someone that has lived In Oklahoma my whole life I can not agree with this at all. Tulsas violence is insanely high definitely not in top 10. Edmond is the best on the list however it fails to state how EXPENSIVE it is. Norman is a mess it’s dirty most of it isn’t even nice but they never show that part just campus, And really okc? What absolutely blows my mind is outta every state I’ve been to and every mid size city Yukon is the nicest I’ve been to 8 states (not many) but Yukon is beautiful with low crime rate and it’s not in the top 5? I don’t even live In Yukon but it’s 100% the best town you could live in Oklahoma.
I’m a native Oklahoman and have lived in or spent significant time in all the cities mentioned. I think they all have wonderful things to offer people who want affordable communities built on a pioneering spirit and a certain stubborn independence.
I currently live in Tulsa and it’s not the violent hellscape other commentators suggest.
I’d challenge them to check their facts, the 2023 FBI crime statistics has Tulsa 2022 violent crimes at just over 9 crimes per 1,000 residents which puts it a little above Fresno, CA but less than Salt Lake City, UT neither of which are thought of as particularly scary cities.
Just because there are more black people who live in Tulsa, than in Edmond, a city built on white flight, doesn’t make it a dangerous place to live.
As I read the cities that you recommended and I can’t help shaking my head…I don’t mean to offend anyone living in OK and if it makes you feel better, my family is from Wichita and I lived in Nebraska for 4 years…
I must ask anyone living in OK, why?? The article said Norman is #2…somebody’s smoking something…
The big thing in Norman is NOAA and why is NOAA in Norman??? Because tornados are created in Norman…I know the last big ones were over in El Reno and Moore…
I just think it’s so sad that the communities between the two cities lost everything…those tornados didn’t care that whole towns were decimated…
Now you have your houses rebuilt and hopefully everyone added a storm cellar or basement…
It’s now 2013 and there is another F5 on the same path and tracking of the one in 1999…
Plows thru the same houses, schools, movies, casino….THATS why I don’t understand how ppl live there…how many houses will these tornados take?!?