Moving to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Things to consider

Quick insights

• Oklahoma City combines classic cowboy culture with modern metro features including a diverse job market, downtown streetcars, urban botanical gardens and educational museums.
• The cost of living in Oklahoma City is 16% below the national average, with housing standing out as a low-cost category.ec-payscale-okc-2024
• Potential considerations for homebuyers include the city’s car-dominated infrastructure and extreme weather.

Oklahoma City, often shortened to “OKC,” offers a mix of classic cowboy culture and modern metropolitan conveniences. Those who call the city home are primarily referred to as “Oklahomans,” but sometimes also “Okies” or “Sooners” (a name given to area settlers prior to the official start of the Land Rush of 1888). The city has rugged Western roots, which can be seen in its working stockyards, active oil field and plentiful steakhouses.

If you’re thinking about moving there, you may be wondering what living in Oklahoma City is like and what you need to know. In this guide to moving to Oklahoma City, we’ll cover the average cost of living, popular neighborhoods, local pastimes and other relevant details for potential homebuyers.

Living in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma has hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures that range from 30°F to 90°F. Famously, OKC is in the epicenter of Tornado Alley, and it’s common for Oklahomans to practice “weather awareness” as part of their lifestyle. Despite the potential risks of extreme weather (which peaks in the spring), it’s not uncommon to come across storm chasers and appreciators who see the occasional moody intensity as a perk.

Average cost of living and Oklahoma City’s job market

The cost of living in Oklahoma City is 16% below the national average, making it an affordable option for many residents.ec-payscale-okc-2024 As a stand-out category for low costs, housing in OKC is 36% below the national average, which may be a major factor for hopeful homeowners considering a move.ec-payscale-okc-2024

Oklahoma City has a very diversified economy, with jobs across a wide range of industries helping keep residents employed and empowered. OKC has a large livestock market and sits atop one of the world’s giant petroleum fields, resulting in many jobs in the area related to both enterprises. Other major industries include healthcare, aviation, aerospace, bioscience and food service.ec-okc-wkforce-dmgrphc

Transportation options in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

As is the case in most metropolitan areas, downtown Oklahoma is relatively easy to get around on foot or by public transportation. However, other areas of the city are quite spread out, and it’s typical for residents to rely on their car for daily commuting, errands and activities.

• Driving: Many residents depend on cars for daily commuting. Traffic in OKC is manageable, especially when compared to congestion found in larger cities. Important highways include I-35, I-40 and I-44.
• Public transit: The local EMBARK transit system has buses, streetcars, bike share and paratransit options to help get residents and visitors to OKC where they need to go. EMBARK also operates a ferry service which makes four stops along the Oklahoma City River. Bear in mind, the EMBARK system does not extend service to all areas of the city, nor does it reach the suburbs.
• Biking in Oklahoma City: The city is relatively bike-friendly for commuters, with a fair number of navigable routes on city streets to connect major districts. Cyclists also have options when it comes to leisure riding, including trails around Lake Hefner and along the Oklahoma River.
• Catching a flight: Will Rogers World Airport, named for the famous cowboy-comedian, serves as the major airport for the city. The airport is located on the southwest side of the city, 11 miles from downtown.

Things to know before moving to Oklahoma City

If buying a home is part of your plan, you may want to consider these factors affecting homeowners in OKC.

• Extreme weather: As touched on previously, Oklahoma City is prone to severe weather, including tornadoes. Typical home insurance plans provide coverage for a range of perils related to extreme weather, but it’s important to keep in mind the potential for related damage over the course of homeownership.
• Storm shelters: While choosing your home, you may want to prioritize properties with built-in storm shelters or interior rooms which could be used for hunkering down. You can also plan to construct your own storm shelter, with the potential to receive a rebate from the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management through the SoonerSafe program.
• Flood zones: Some homes in Oklahoma City may be prone to flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Potential homeowners may want to review flood zone maps prior to purchasing a home and make preparations.
• Proximity to work or school: Depending on your industry, life stage or family needs, you may want to prioritize moving near relevant work centers, into a good school district or near higher learning institutions.
• Hospitals: Identifying nearby medical facilities could be an important factor in picking the right home in OKC. Major facilities include OU Medical Center, Integris Baptist and Southwest Medical Centers, St. Anthony’s Hospital and Mercy Health Medical Center.
• Watering schedules: Oklahoma City has an “odd/even” watering schedule in place requiring homeowners to water their lawns on certain days of the month depending on their house number.

Finding the best neighborhood in Oklahoma City for you

If you’re considering a move to Oklahoma City, it’s important to investigate different neighborhoods to see which aligns most with your lifestyle and preferences. You may wish to begin your search with these popular destinations in and around OKC:

• Classen-Ten-Penn: Classen-Ten-Penn is a walkable urban neighborhood with bungalows, Tudor Revival and Folk Victorian homes. It’s named after three major thoroughfares which cut around it: Classen Boulevard, 10th St and Pennsylvania Avenue. Those living in this area have good access to the lively Plaza District, Oklahoma City University and downtown OKC.
• Military Park: This residential neighborhood filled with single-family bungalows was originally home to the Oklahoma State Military Institute. It provides good access to Memorial Park, the Oklahoma City Asian District, the Plaza District, Oklahoma City University and downtown OKC.
• Mesta Park: Listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, Mesta Park is a quiet enclave with well-preserved homes in a wide array of sought-after styles, including Victoria, Craftsman, Spanish Colonial and American Four Squares. The neighborhood circles Pearle Mesta Park (named for a local socialite and political hostess) and has an array of dining and retail venues for nearby entertainment.
• Edmond: This suburb within the OKC metro area has spacious, newly constructed homes and some of the best schools in the state. Just a 22-minute drive from the heart of OKC, Edmond also has its own downtown with boutique shops, restaurants and live music. In addition, this neighborhood also has access to the outdoors, with Arcadia Lake and Spring Creek Trail nearby. As a perk for golf enthusiasts, Edmond has multiple manicured courses open to the public.

Housing resources in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

There are a number of resources available to Oklahoma City homebuyers (information and availability subject to change).

Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA)

This agency provides housing advocacy and support for Oklahomans, including 3.5% down payment assistance on eligible 30-year fixed rate mortgage loans and/or closing cost assistance. In addition, OHFA may offer a special interest rate to buyers in certain careers, including teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs and state employees.

Neighborhood Housing Services of Oklahoma (NHSOKLA)

NHSOKLA provides homebuyer resources including education courses and counseling, along with financing programs in partnership with local institutions. Financing programs include the Open-Door First-Time Homebuyer Program (partnership with F&M Bank) and the HomePath First-Time Buyer Program (partnership with WEOKIE Federal Credit Union).

Entertainment and activities in Oklahoma City

Once you’re settled into your new home, you may want to check out some of OKC’s popular museums, past times and venues.

• Myriad Botanical Gardens: This 15-acre botanical garden offers visitors a respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown OKC. It’s known for its Crystal Bridge Conservatory, a large, covered structure filled with tropical plants.
• The Oklahoma City Museum of Art: Also located in downtown OKC, the city’s art museum (OKCMOA) showcases early American art, contemporary pieces and European art. The museum also screens classic and contemporary films selected for their unique artistic value.
• Science Museum Oklahoma: This massive, family-friendly museum contains an array of educational exhibits and hands-on science experiences. Visit to learn about prehistoric creatures, aviation, space, weather, the ocean and more.
• National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: Study Western culture, arts and artifacts at this museum on OKC’s north side. The museum has a broad permanent collection of objects related to American cowboy culture, rodeos, firearms and Western films and TV shows.
• The First Americans Museum: Newly opened in 2021, this museum on the near south side of the city contains artifacts and histories of 39 different First Americans Nations in Oklahoma. The museum’s grounds include a 90-foot earthen mound, an early cosmological clock, which can be seen on a roundtrip trail.
• Annual events: The Oklahoma State Fair is hosted in the fall, attracting thousands of people a day with live music, horse shows, family-focused events and educational exhibits. In the springtime, the city’s Bicentennial Park hosts the Festival of the Arts, which showcases visual, performance and culinary arts.
• Cheering on sports teams: The city has several local teams, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA) and the Oklahoma City Comets (Triple-A Baseball). The city’s sports venues include the All Sports Stadium (located on the state fairgrounds) and the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

In conclusion

Oklahoma City offers classic cowboy flavor with the amenities of a modern metro area. Homebuyers here can take their pick of homes in sought-after styles, with housing prices well below the national average.ec-payscale-okc-2024 If you’re preparing to move to Oklahoma City, investigating the neighborhoods and available resources for first-time homebuyers are important pieces of the puzzle. Working with an experienced real estate agent, home lending advisor or both can help make the process easier to navigate.