Living in Oklahoma City, OK, means feeling the thrill of horse shows and the aroma of leather shops blend with the buzz of an ever-growing city — one of the 20 largest American cities, in fact.
Here, in “The Big Friendly,” as locals like it, cowboy hats are a nod to a city pulsing with rodeo roots, and the strong cowboy culture is reflected in the city’s festivals, horse shows and a large cattle market. Most importantly, beyond boots and cattle, there’s a community with a heart big enough to match its nickname.
Another friendly aspect is the cost of living in Oklahoma City. Here, wallets don’t feel as light as spirits, and living in OKC costs 16% less than most Americans pay elsewhere in the country. What’s more, Oklahoma City ranks among the top three best-run cities in the U.S., which means the city budget is spent smartly to offer quality services.
Families and young professionals are moving to Oklahoma City for its unique lifestyle and affordable living, fueling the steady population growth of this traditional town with a Southern charm and helping it transition to a more cosmopolitan city.
Weather in Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City enjoys a climate that keeps everyone on their toes and ready for a variety of activities all year round. Summers in OKC are great for outdoor pool parties, and when winter rolls around, it brings just enough chill to justify sipping hot chocolate after some ice skating. Oklahoma City’s skies play nice too, staying clear or partly sunny most days, 65% of them, to be precise.
Sunny days and light jacket weather aside, the city is a stage for some dramatic weather plays given its location. Cold air from the Rockies meets warm breezes from the Gulf, setting the scene for everything from thunderous applause of storms to the destructive power of tornadoes. But don’t worry, Oklahoma City is prepared. With top meteorologists and cutting-edge technology from the nearby NOAA National Weather Service in Norman, locals stay well-informed and ready.
Note: While basements are rare due to the hard clay soil, many homes, especially new ones, come equipped with tornado shelters or have made it easy to add one. Residents can make up for the lack of basements by renting a self-storage unit to stash their seasonal gear or extra furniture. Thankfully, there are plenty of Oklahoma City self-storage solutions to choose from — over 100 storage facilities with units of all types and sizes, including climate-controlled ones, something everyone wants during hot summers.
Oklahoma City Real Estate
Living in Oklahoma City and owning a home here doesn’t lead to empty pockets. The median home value is just under $200,000, which more than stands out against the national average of roughly $282,000. This makes the dream of home ownership more accessible in OKC than in many parts of the United States.
Oklahoma City housing costs are a good deal for those who like to rent, too. The median rent sits comfortably at around $1,000 — that’s 20% below the national median. But housing has also got some rain on its parade. About 42 percent of renters and 19 percent of homeowners in Oklahoma City spend a big fraction of their income — in excess of 30 percent — on housing. This ‘cost-burdened’ scenario can make it tough for many to manage other life essentials. Particularly affected are people of color, seniors and low-income families, who often face the brunt of housing insecurities, including affordability issues and less-than-ideal living conditions.
Note: Oklahoma City stands out as a buyer’s market. With a supply of homes exceeding demand, buyers often have the upper hand, and properties can take their time to sell — about three weeks on average, even slower during the winter months.
Best Neighborhoods in Oklahoma City
When looking for the best places to live in Oklahoma City, they could be anything from a plush pad in Nichols Hills or a family fortress in Edmond to a hipster haven in Midtown or a true painter’s paradise in The Paseo.
Nichols Hills is swanky, safe and its schools are top-notch. Yes, it’s a bit pricier, but you get what you pay for — peace of mind and a pretty sweet view, with tree-lined streets, a golf ball’s throw from the country club and not a blade of grass out of place.
Edmond mixes top schools (public and private) with plenty of parks and a low crime rate, scoring a prime spot among families with kids. This suburb just a stone’s throw north of the city is a bit more spread out, which means bigger houses and more space to play tag.
Midtown is where people go if they like their coffee strong and their nights long. This urban neighborhood buzzes with cafes, bars and enough cultural spots to keep any calendar full. Its mix of old brick charm and new-age convenience makes it a magnet for the young crowd and for those young at heart too.
The Paseo gives off artsy vibes with its street murals that stop people in their tracks and a crowd that’s as colorful as the buildings they live in. As a bonus to the creative life it nurtures, the food scene here is nothing short of delish.
Oklahoma City Utilities
Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust (OCWUT) dishes out an average of 100 million gallons daily to over 1.4 million folks in the metro and beyond. Whether it’s for a splash, a drink or a garden soak, OKC residents get their water from five major reservoirs spread across the state, and reports show it’s all high-quality.
Oklahoma Natural Gas fuels the city with competitive rates that keep homes warm and stoves hot, while electricity comes from two major electric giants: Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E) and Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO).
With electricity at rates below the national average, it’s lights on without the wallet worry. The only concern here is caring for the environment, as these two companies are polar opposites. While PSO plans to replace coal plants with new renewable energy by 2030, OG&E is looking to build a new gas plant.
Note: Oklahoma City’s Solid Waste Management offers regular trash pick-ups and also helps if a storm leaves a mess. Plus, residents benefit from free landfill days twice a year to make renovations, spring cleaning and post-holiday clear-outs easier. Speaking of renovations and clear-outs, Oklahoma City self-storage options are great for decluttering and temporary storage.
OKC Schools
In Oklahoma City, the learning journey kicks off early at Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS), the biggest district around. Around 34,000 kids hit the books here while enjoying healthy, free meals every school day, courtesy of the district’s commitment to nurturing both minds and bodies.
Those interested in the top high schools in OKC should pay attention to Classen High School of Advanced Studies and Dove Science Academy, both with high graduation rates — around 90%.
Top higher education choices are Oklahoma City University (OKCU) and University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). While both help turn passions into careers, the former is popular for its programs in nursing and performing arts, while the latter excels in supporting military-connected students, with a broad curriculum from forensic science to fine arts.
Hospitals in Oklahoma City, OK
In Oklahoma City, healthcare is well-covered by key hospitals on which locals rely. OU Medical Center leads with its advanced care — especially in cancer treatments and emergency services with its top-tier trauma center. Not far behind would be Integris Health, sprawling across the city and proud of excelling in heart care and transplants.
Mercy Hospital couples state-of-the-art medical technology with a caring philosophy, while across town and more than a century old, St. Anthony Hospital boasts top ratings in its stroke center and mental health services.
Oklahoma City Economy
Oklahoma City has an active economy, growing most notably in sectors such as education and health services, which have recently seen the largest employment boost. One of the signs that it has a strong job market is it consistently keeps the unemployment rate under the national average.
The Oklahoma City area makes some engaging contributions to the state GDP — no less than 40% — making the city a huge economic gamer. While manufacturing was once the mainstay, OKC has diversified significantly, and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber has recently been tracking an increase in potential projects across manufacturing, office work, aviation/aerospace and distribution, which signals a dynamic future ahead.
Note: While manufacturing jobs took a hard hit from the pandemic, they have since bounced back strongly.
OKC Transportation
Oklahoma City stretches far and wide, and having a car is pretty much essential unless you’re in the few walkable areas of Midtown or Downtown. Luckily, traffic is generally light, with the average commute to work taking just 22 minutes — 5 minutes quicker than the national average.
For those who prefer not to drive, EMBARK offers a network of about two dozen bus routes that crisscross the city and even extend into nearby areas like Norman and Edmond. For the environmentally conscious, Spokies Bike Share offers a green alternative within the city’s core.
Will Rogers World Airport serves air travelers well, while Amtrak provides rail services for those who prefer to travel by train. Greyhound buses are also an option for longer road journeys.
Note: EMBARK Downtown Transit Center is a one-stop shop for all things transit in Oklahoma City, linking the OKC Streetcar, Spokies bikes and even river cruises, with many parking options nearby.
Crime in Oklahoma City
While the rate of crime in Oklahoma City is a little above the country’s average, most of its citizens do feel pretty safe in their daily routines.
Other than good feedback about the police being responsive and visible, one distinct characteristic of OKC’s crime prevention strategy is the Crime Stoppers program dating all the way back to 1979. It allows citizens to report crimes anonymously in order to keep the criminal element at bay without visibly getting involved themselves.
Since then, impressively, tips called in by anonymous sources to Crime Stoppers have led to almost 12,000 arrests. This community-sponsored program offers tipsters rewards paid through donations, so no tax dollars are spent whatsoever in the process.
Note: What some call sketchy others deem safe, but most Oklahomans agree that NE OKC can be quite rough.
Places to Visit in Oklahoma City
Those who seek magic in science will find the perfect playground for themselves within Science Museum Oklahoma. It’s packed with interactive exhibits that spark imagination, from whirlwind tornado demonstrations to real space artifacts that tell the story of exploration beyond our skies.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is a must for all animal lovers and families who want to participate in conservation efforts while teaching children through up-close encounters with animals from around the globe. Little ones can enjoy daily camel rides, mingle with the flamingos and feed fresh nectar to lorikeets.
Oklahoma’s past comes alive at the Oklahoma History Center. From oil booms to Native American heritage, the informative and captivating exhibits place history into the hands of everyone from students to history buffs.
Nature enthusiasts will find a quiet retreat at Martin Park Nature Center, a place to disconnect from the urban rush and reconnect with nature through its walking trails, wildlife watching and tranquil environments.
Oklahoma City Self-Storage Units for Boats and More
With its accessible lakes and Oklahoma River, boating is a pastime many people enjoy in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City Utilities Department does offer dry and wet boat stalls at Lake Hefner and Lake Stanley Draper, which can be rented on an annual basis. However, these city-run facilities are usually relatively low in capacity — they generally have waiting lists and involve some amount of paperwork.
Considering this, many residents turn toward self-storage facilities as a hassle-free alternative. Most of the private storage options are flexible toward short- and long-term rental agreements without commitment and waiting, as is with city stalls. This makes access to equipment easier whenever required, keeping boats stored safely and maintained in good condition for the next adventure on the water.
