Known for its Great Plains, rolling hills, lakes, and expansive forest, the midwestern state of Oklahoma is home to 3.9 million people.
Tourists will be keen to visit the National Cowboy Museums and the Western Heritage Museum, but locals prefer heading out to support the Sooners playing American Football at the OU Memorial Stadium in their spare time.
Although the Midwest may not be the first port of call for those seeking a new home in the United States of America, Oklahoma is undoubtedly worthy of consideration.
Oklahoma is far from being the most affluent state; the median household income in Oklahoma is a little below the national average of $53,889. Money is no genuine issue here in Oklahoma; although the economy seldom experiences periods of boom, there is a steady and secure income from farming, logistics, and energy.
Whenever we start looking for a new place to live, whether or not the house has bay windows or a greenhouse in the garden is futile. Factors like proximity to good public schools and commuter routes, affordability of housing, and crime rates are our fundamental deciding factors.
To make the process of narrowing down your options a little easier, we have created a list of the 15 best places to live in Oklahoma; let’s get started.
1. Edmond
Source: Manuel Hurtado / shutterstockThe first spot on our list is Edmond, Oklahoma, a small town charming and one of the best places to live in Oklahoma. In Edmond, you’ll quickly find that there are many outdoor activities residents can take advantage of, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
Edmond is known for its cultural attractions, its most famous being the Harn Homestead Museum of Arcadia Lake. The small town shockingly also boasts its share of nightlife, in addition to its restaurant options, parks, and shopping centers. If you’re looking to move to a location for adventure and relaxation, Edmond is one of the perfect places to be.
Edmond is known for its revitalizing economy, attractive downtown area, and low cost of living. The unemployment rate in Edmond sits at three percent, while its cost of living also hovers around three percent, below the national average.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Edmond are:
- ShowBiz Cinemas Edmond
- Pops 66
- Unpluggits Paint and Play
- Mitch Park YMCA
- Pelican Bay Aquatic Center
- Edmond Unplugged
- Edmond History Museum
2. Jenks
Source: jenkschamber.comSituated in Tulsa County is the city of Jenks, one of the best places to live in Oklahoma. Jenks has a population of around nineteen thousand residents and is well-known for its diverse attractions. Its most famous attraction is the Riverwalk Crossing entertainment district. The Riverwalk Crossing entertainment district consists of an amphitheater and a movie theater.
Residents living in Jenks love the outdoor opportunities the city gives, such as the Jenks Riverwalk Park. In addition, Jenks has an excellent school system and higher learning institutions. Jenks is known for having a low cost of living, an attractive downtown area, and an arts and culture scene.
The unemployment rate of Jenks sits around four percent, which is two percent lower than the national average. While its cost of living is excellent, sitting at five percent lower than the national average.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Jenks are:
- Oklahoma Aquarium
- River Spirit Casino Resort
- Gathering Place Park
- South Lakes Golf Course
- Jenks Planetarium
- Main Event Tulsa
3. Bixby
Source: Nothing Signified / FlickrSituated just East of Tulsa is the city of Bixby. This attractive city has gorgeous countryside scenery and attractions for people looking for a quiet place to live. Their gorgeous countryside is filled with green rolling hills, lush forests, and vibrant towns.
Bixy has an excellent school system, making this a desirable location for families with children. This town has become of the most desirable locations in Oklahoma among residents and visitors. Bixby is known for its low cost of living, attractive downtown scene, and arts and culture environment.
The unemployment rate in Bixby is around four percent, while its cost of living sits almost six percent lower than the national average.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Bixby are:
- Regal Warren Broken Arrow
- Bixby Historical Museum
- Tulsa Zoo
- 1907 Cantina Restaurant
- Philbrook Museum of Art
- Joe’s Farm
- The Outsiders House Museum
4. Nichols Hills
Source: Popsiclecrawfish / WikimediaIf you’re looking for a city that gives its residents all the big city amenities while keeping its small-town charm, you won’t be disappointed with Nichols Hills. Residents living in Nichols Hills enjoy living in this small town due to its close distance to Oklahoma City. Since it’s located close to a big city, it has many shopping and dining opportunities for its residents.
While exploring the neighborhoods of Nichols Hills, you’ll quickly find these neighbors are safe and welcoming. In addition, this small town also has an excellent school system for its students and teachers. With its friendly atmosphere and booming economy, Nichols Hills is one of the best places to live in Oklahoma.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Nichols Hills are:
- Kite Park
- The Merret Bar
- Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club
- Flower Garden Park
- Classen Curve Shopping Mall
- Bricktown Water Taxi
- Flix Brewhouse Oklahoma City
5. Stillwater
Source: Ken Wolter / shutterstockThe culturally rich city of Stillwater is known for being one of the best places to live in Oklahoma. With a population of around forty-five thousand residents, Stillwater has many things to do for its residents and visitors seeking the area.
Still, water has many cultural attractions such as museums, galleries, and performing arts venues, in addition to an abundance of outdoor activities. Stillwater is also home to Oklahoma State University, one of the best universities that offers high-quality education to its students and teachers.
The unemployment rate in Stillwater sits at three percent, which is three percent lower than the national average. In addition to the unemployment rate, the cost of living in Stillwater is a whopping seventeen percent lower than the national average, making this a great city to work and call home.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Stillwater are:
- Boone Pickens Stadium
- Boomer Lake Park
- National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum
- Stillwater History Museum
- Ultimate Air Trampoline Park
- AMC Stillwater 10
- Sanborn Lake
6. Norman
Source: Ken Wolter / shutterstockNorman is known as a vibrant city in Oklahoma that offers its residents plenty of activities that are perfect for people of all ages. You won’t be disappointed here if you’re moving to Norman for the great outdoors. Norman also hosts many parks and recreational areas.
Some of its top areas to visit are Riverwind Casino and Lake Thunderbird State Park. Many residents live in Norman for its arts and cultural scene and enjoy its museums, such as the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum and the local symphony.
Normon is known for having a revitalizing economy, an attractive downtown scene, and a low cost of living. The cost of living in Norman is a stunning thirteen percent lower than the national average. While its unemployment rate is only three percent, seeing positive job growth.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Norman are:
- Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
- Lake Thunderbird State Park
- National Weather Center
- Hey Day Entertainment Norman
- Sooner Theatre
- Lloyd Noble Theater
7. Owasso
Source: thefixer / WikimediaHeading back toward Tulsa, we find the suburb of Owasso. Home to 32,650 people, Owasso is another suburb considered its town by those who live there.
House prices here are fantastically low, $20k less than the national average.
This area is popular with young families, for there are 46 schools in the Owassa district.
Locals are keen to meet newcomers at the Gathering on Main during the autumn months, so be sure to appear.
This close-knit community has created a safe and secure atmosphere where crime seldom occurs.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Owasso are:
- Funtastic Island Park
- Lanes at Coffee Creek
- Wheels and Thrills
- Centennial Park
- Tulsa Zoo
- AMC CLASSIC Owasso 12
- Blue Whale of Catoosa
- Mohawk Park
- Rayola Park
8. Broken Arrow
Source: Jordanmac / WikimediaLocated in the northeast part of Oklahoma is the city of Broken Arrow, a vibrant city that boasts many activities and attractions. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll enjoy hiking along the Indian Springs Trail and fishing at Lake LeFlore.
In addition to outdoor activities, Broken Arrow is also suitable for history buffs who love museums such as The Broken Arrow Society Museum and The Johniger House Museum. Broken Arrow is also great for residents who love art, as its home to the Arts Emporium Gallery and Thresholds Art Gallery.
Known for its low cost of living, attraction downtown scene, and arts and cultural scene, Broken Arrow is a great place for residents to call home. In addition, Broken Arrow also has one of the best economies, with its unemployment rate sitting around three percent and its cost of living remaining around ten percent lower than the national average.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Broken Arrow:
- Regal Warren Broken Arrow
- Ray Harral Nature Park & Center
- Haikey Creek Park
- Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center
- Broken Arrow Lanes
- The Museum Broken Arrow
- Broken Arrow Community Playhouse
9. Bartlesville
Source: www.bartlesville.comBartlesville is situated along the Arkansas River in Washington County, one of the best places to live in Oklahoma. Bartlesville provides its residents with many recreational opportunities, two of its most popular being Johnstone Park and Washington Park Mall.
Known for its low cost of living, vibrant downtown area, and arts and cultural scene, Bartlesville continues to be one of the most desirable places people are flocking to call home. Bartlesville’s economy continues to thrive, with its unemployment rate at four percent, two percent lower than the national average.
In addition to its economy, Bartlesville’s cost of living is a whopping twenty-one percent lower than the national average, making this one of the most affordable areas to live in.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Bartlesville are:
- Woolarock Museum & Wildlife Preserve
- Frank and Lola’s
- Bartlesville Area History Museum
- Phillips Petroleum Company Museum
- Bartlesville Union Depot
- Price Tower Arts Center
- Sooner Park
- Painted Horse Bar & Grille
10. Forest Park
Source: sevenMaps7 / shutterstockSituated just outside of Oklahoma City is the small town of Forest Park. This friendly and loving community offers its residents a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. While living in Forest Park, you’ll get to experience gorgeous outdoor scenery, along with many activities made for every season.
While living in Forest Park, you’ll immediately notice how the residents help those in need. From its warm and welcoming residents to its gorgeous landscapes, Forest Park is one of the best places to live in Oklahoma and the best location for those wishing to retire.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Forest Park are:
- Escape Factor
- Flavor Cooking School
- Circle Bowling Lanes
11. Oklahoma City
Source: Henryk Sadura / shutterstockNow is the time to quit skirting around in the suburbs and dive into Oklahoma City. This buzzing city hub is home to 610,672 people making for a thriving and diverse group of residents.
Nightlife here in Oklahoma City is excellent, with plenty of opportunities to attend trendy fitness classes and eat at startup hipster cafes.
Naturally, the closer you get to the CBD, the more pricey property gets, but on average, a home in Oklahoma City will fetch just $138,600. For a major American city, this is fantastically affordable. Median rent, too, is very low at $778, meaning Oklahoma City is becoming a hotspot for millennials.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Oklahoma City are:
- Oklahoma City Zoo
- Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
- Oklahoma City Museum of Art
- Science Museum Oklahoma
- Centennial Land Run Monument
12. Fort Gibson
Source: RaksyBH / shutterstockOut in the sticks, or instead, the Great Plains, is the small township of Fort Gibson in Muskogee County.
With the Arkansas River creating a meandering town border, there is a lot to explore from a base in Fort Gibson; fishing, unsurprisingly, is a popular pastime.
Only 4,121 people live here, and they indeed got some of the best deals on houses in Oklahoma. Even now, house prices are something of a steal. For $69,000, you can buy a quaint 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom detached family home with spacious back and front yards.
With such a small residential population, crime here is nearly non-existent, which is always good.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Fort Gibson are:
- Fort Gibson Historic Site
- Cherokee Casino Fort Gibson
- Webbers Falls Lake
- Creek Nation Casino Muscogee
13. Goldsby
Source: li_la_laika / FlickrIn terms of cost of living and diversity of residents, Goldsby is very similar to Fort Gibson, just 163 miles away! Goldsby is close to Oklahoma City, 24 miles south of the city center, but within McClain County.
Although rent here is just $814 on average per month, 91% of residents live in owned homes.
With only 1,982 people living here, it’s safe to assume that once people become accustomed to how the community functions, they don’t want to leave and buy up as soon as possible.
There is a rural feel to Goldsby despite it being transected by Route 35 running up to Oklahoma City.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Goldsby are:
- Riverwind Casino
- Get Air Game & Entertainment Centers
- Libby’s Cafe
- Drift Therapeutic Spa
- Sooner Bowling Center
- Lloyd Noble Center
14. The Village
Source: sevenMaps7 / shutterstockWhat a great name for a place! Known as The Village, the suburb of Oklahoma City is home to 9,223 people. Safe and affordable, there is little to find fault with in The Village. This area is filled with middle-income Americans earning around $50,000 a year.
Thanks to the great affordability, this is becoming a popular area for millennials to invest in their first home. We anticipate that The Village will feature higher in the next decade, for millennials tend to bring an openness for development and growth.
With 20 schools in The Village, this is an area
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in The Village:
- Flix Brewhouse
- Frankie’s Italian Restaurant
- Martin Park Nature Center
- Velvet Taco
15. Ada
Source: Small Town OK / FlickrWe conclude our list of the 15 best places to live in Oklahoma with the Pontotoc County township of Ada. Home to 17,149 people, this is one of the cheapest areas to buy a home in all of Oklahoma; the home value here is at a median of $94,100! Where do we sign up?! Rent, too, is exceptionally low, averaging $626 a month.
Local people say they love the small-town vibe here in Ada and that the local restaurants are at the heart of the community. There is a lot of culture to explore in this small town, and with parks, plenty of families who like to get outdoors and explore would fall in love with Ada.
Entertainment & Activities
Some of the best things to do in Ada are:
- Wintersmith Park
- McSwain Theatre
- Lazer Zone Family Fun Center
- Star Skate
- Vintage 22
- Chickasaw National Recreation Area
- Lakewood Golf Course
- Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum