If you are considering resettling in Oklahoma City, you are not alone.
This thriving metropolis in Oklahoma is along important US highway corridors. Additionally, it has desirable qualities that you look for in a city: excellent outdoor activities, a powerful sense of culture, excellent schools, a thriving economy, and more.
These qualities make it clear why so many people choose to migrate to this metroplex. However, there are some drawbacks that you must evaluate, such as the unpredictable weather, taxes, and a few other things.
Therefore, we created a fantastic assignment that will delight you if you want to delve deeper into these details before deciding if Oklahoma City is the best choice.
So let’s get started.
List of Contents
Is Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, A Good Place to Live In? Vibrant City in The South-Central Region
The Good Side
Culturally Diverse Metroplex
Oklahoma City is culturally diverse in all aspects, which is one of the best things about living there.
One of the primary grounds the city is home to many ethnic groups is that it provides first-rate amenities like international schools, historical sites, and a bustling downtown area.
Given these benefits, it is no surprise that most young professionals choose to start over here. Fiestas de las Americas, Asian District Night Market Festival, Lebanese Heritage & Food Festival, and Red Earth Festival are just a few multicultural celebrations that OKC hosts to honor its welcoming culture.
These are celebrations held in the city in honor of the various races that have settled there. People who value the inclusivity of every person in this community are also in festivity here.
You need this welcoming event when you want to resettle in a new town.
Say Hello to Outstanding Educational Institutions
Great schools build a better reputation, which is what OKC consistently does. You feel compelled to enroll your children here because the city has top-notch primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.
More than 120 elementary and secondary schools in the metropolitan area already have excellent reviews.
Wilson Elementary School and Eugene Field Elementary School are the best options for your grade school admission. Outstanding high schools in this area include Dove Science Academy High School, Classen High School of Advanced Studies, and Harding Charter Preparatory High School. Ninety-eight percent of students who enroll in these institutions graduate.
It’s also not too difficult to continue your collegiate studies in this location because OKC is home to several elite tertiary institutions, including The University of Oklahoma and Mid-America Christian University.
Most fresh graduates here land an excellent position in one of the top employers in the area, so OKC’s undoubtedly a suitable place to get your education.
Traveling Around Is Pretty Convenient
Although OKC is 620.76 square miles in size, getting around town is simple and convenient.
You can walk to your favorite places, shopping districts, or dining establishments when you live near downtown. You can still get here quickly if you live outside the city center or in the suburbs.
However, heavy traffic on the I-35 corridor is not a significant issue, and your commute time is only 21.3 minutes, compared to the national average of 26.4 minutes.
Most OKC residents prefer to travel by car, accounting for 82.3% of the total population. With approximately twenty-three routes, EMBARK buses serve the OKC metro area. The OKC Streetcar, ADA paratransit service, river ferry transit service, and Spokies bike share service are also available. However, only 0.6% of residents use public transportation.
You Keep Yourself Busy Here
There are numerous enjoyable activities in OKC for you and your family. Because of the countless outdoor activities available, there are no dull days here.
Frontier City is a wild-west theme park, and Lake Hefner is a popular tourist destination on the town’s northwest side. Museums such as the Science Museum and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum are also available.
Bricktown Entertainment District is a one-stop shopping and dining destination. If you enjoy eating, I’m sure you’ll frequent Kitchen Number 324, Hatch Early Mood Food, and the well-known La Brasa International Cuisine. While the Boathouse District offers the best watersports activities in town.
Whatever your stakes are, there is always something for you in the Horse Show Capital.
There Are Beautiful Neighborhoods in This Area
Oklahoma City has a lot of great neighborhoods that will entice you to move here. Each community has advantages, such as proximity to good schools, a vibrant entertainment scene, and other significant outdoor activities you will undoubtedly enjoy.
Bricktown, which is directly east of downtown, has an industrial vibe. Aside from the numerous housing options, the Bricktown Ballpark, where the OKC Dodgers play, is a plus if you reside here.
Crown Heights is also a good neighborhood that is only 10 minutes from downtown and where you can enjoy annual community events like the Easter Egg Hunt and the Fourth of July Parade.
Heritage Hills is the best option if you want a community in the midtown area. This location is not particularly edgy but is a local favorite for its simplicity and serenity. Many of the homes here are in the modern bungalow style.
The Bad Side
You Will Experience Frequent Severe Weather
Oklahoma City has four distinct seasons, which is beneficial; however, experiencing severe weather here is technically inconvenient.
The City of Oklahoma Emergency Management is the best local department for disaster preparedness and a vital agency to follow. OKC is in what is known as “Tornado Alley.” A natural disaster’s likelihood is low here, but you must always remain vigilant.
In addition to tornadoes, the area is vulnerable to flooding and wildfires. Summer is scorching here, with an average temperature of 94°F. Furthermore, winter in this area is technically harsh, with occasional snowstorms, sleet, and hail. The average amount of snowfall in this area is around six inches in a year.
With these extremes, you make sure that you can manage everything before settling in Oklahoma City.
Keep A Watch on Yourself and Your Property
Another significant disadvantage of living in Oklahoma City is the prevalence of crime. In comparison to other American cities, it is only 5% safer.
As per neighborhood scouts, this city’s total number of related crimes is 30,807, of which 4,833 are violent, and 25,974 are property crimes. The chances of becoming a victim of violence here are 1 in 141, while in real-estate crimes, you got 1 in 26.
You should avoid Diggs Park, Britton, and Greenvale to stay safe at night. Many communities in Apple Valley, Forest Park, and Ridgeview Estates still provide a secure environment.
What Is the Cost of Living in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma? The Cheapest City in South Central Region
The Good Side
It Is Inexpensive Living Here
One of the most adorable elements of living in Oklahoma City is that its living expenses fall behind the national average.
The total rate of its living costs is 85.4 percent, including housing, utilities, transportation, medical care, and miscellaneous.
One of the primary contributors to this low spending is its housing market, which has a median of $165,200, lower than the national average.
Food is also reasonably priced here, with Public Wholesale Grocery and Super Cao Nguyen offering low-cost groceries and food stocks. Meanwhile, a single adult without kids will pay around $2,513 for medical maintenance over a year.
On the other hand, the average gas price in this city is $4.604 per gallon, while car insurance is only $164 per month or around $1968 an annual fee. For a single transfer cash bus ticket on the EMBARK fixed-route bus service, adults will pay $1.00 to $3.00, or reduced-fare riders will pay $0.50 to $1.50.
You Can Get Affordable Housing Here
Oklahoma City’s low cost of living includes the cheapest housing market pricing, with only 56.2 percent less than the national average.
The average home cost in this area is $165,200, with a monthly rental fee of $678 for a studio apartment. This average price is in the downtown area. However, affordable suburban communities provide the same benefits if you want to save money.
A single home in Moore’s community costs an average of $126,200, while the rental fee is only $934. The same is true for the Yukon neighborhood, which costs around $130,500 and has a monthly rental fee of $942 for a single flat.
OKC’s A Better Place for Retirees
OKC is an excellent place for retirees and veterans because of the low cost of living and more accessible access to health care and transportation. Also, they spend 13% lesser here than how they will if they opt to choose bigger cities like San Francisco, Dallas, or New York.
Aside from the low cost of living, they can also benefit from better medical care as they age. The metroplex recently announced a $55.5 million initiative to expand the number of Senior Health and Wellness Centers in the area.
The centers offer social and recreational opportunities to older adults while encouraging a healthy and balanced life through direct connections to strength training equipment and events.
The Bad Side
You Will Pay Sales Taxes on Your Groceries
The main disadvantage that we can think of is that Oklahoma City charges sales taxes on groceries. Most states in America exempt essential purchases like groceries, clothing, and drugs, but not in this metroplex.
Oklahoma levies a 4.5% sales tax throughout the state. This additional cost may be unnecessary, and you should factor it into your grocery budget.
As a result, the Oklahoma Legislature passes House Bill 3349, which repeals the state’s grocery tax for two years. It includes retail sales of food and ingredients but excludes food sold in restaurants.
Why Work in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma? The Greater Opportunity Sits Here
The Good Side
Oklahoma City’s Diverse Economy
The world’s horse show capital boasts diverse industries, including aviation, biotechnology, energy, transportation, and business services.
As per Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the city’s total Gross Domestic Product in 2020 will be $74,398.350 million. Furthermore, Oklahoma State’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 185.88 billion US dollars. In addition, the state has the 29th largest economy in the United States.
So there are many opportunities to find a good job or start your own business here.
Find Your Dream Job Here
With a thriving economy, it is possible to find work in OKC. A handful of jobs are available in the city’s major industries for which you should apply.
The aviation industry employs 38,000 people across its 268 companies, including Boeing Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Lockheed Martin Aircraft. Meanwhile, its thriving biotechnology sector employs 44,000 people through large corporations such as Linear Health Sciences, Biolytx Pharmaceuticals, and PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals.
There are also more opportunities in government, such as in the State of Oklahoma and regional offices of federal governmental agencies.
Lower Unemployment Rate
Oklahoma City’s economic solid standing provides better job opportunities for its residents. The metropolis’s unemployment rate is only 2.7%, following the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This low percentage indicates that the metroplex assisted its residents through the local government’s Employment Support Services. Over the years, job growth has increased by 2.65%. Furthermore, future job growth is 32.36 % for the next ten years.
The Bad Side
The Average Income Is Beyond the National Median
The average salary in the metroplex is lower than the national average, with a per capita income of $28,365 and a household income of $51,581.
These are the starting salaries available here, but there is a good chance you will earn more if you land better jobs with top-tier companies, particularly Fortune 500 firms like Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy.
You can still live better in OKC with this salary because of the lower cost of living and better town amenities and opportunities.
With all the best and worst that Oklahoma City offers, we are sure you can decide whether relocating here is worth your time and money.
It has been an honor to author this article and be of assistance to you. We cherish you taking a moment to comprehend more about OKC’s offerings, and we hope to see you here soon.
Thank you, folks!