Located in the southern part of the U.S. and bordered by six other states, Oklahoma is a small state with plenty to see and do.
The state is home to about 3.987 million people, and because of its welcoming communities and low cost of living, many people consider Oklahoma an excellent place to live.
The pros and cons of living in Oklahoma vary depending on where you choose to reside, but there are some overall things to consider before deciding to make Oklahoma your home.
Key Takeaways
- Oklahoma has a low cost of living and low taxes, but lower taxes mean less money is spent on infrastructure.
- Oklahoma is known for its friendly people and welcoming feel.
- Because much of Oklahoma is Native American land, there are several casinos that provide a range of entertainment options.
- Oklahoma lacks large cities, and medium-sized cities have a small-town feel.
- There is little public transportation in the state.
- Oklahoma’s largest cities have high crime rates.
- Oklahoma’s education system is rated poorly.
- Many people find Oklahoma’s relatively flat landscape boring, but there are many options for outdoor recreation.
- People living in Oklahoma can enjoy four beautiful seasons, but summers can be hot, and there is a chance for severe storms.
- Oklahoma is known for its delicious southern-style foods.
Cost of Living
Oklahoma has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States. The average price for a home in Oklahoma is only $159,000. The national average is $293,000.
How much you’ll pay for a home does depend on where you decide to live in the state. Cities such as Tulsa and Oklahoma City are more expensive, but you’ll still usually find low-cost housing.
Utilities, groceries, and gas also tend to be less expensive in Oklahoma than across most of the rest of the country. Oklahoma’s cost of living is about 12% lower than the national average.
Taxes
Taxes in Oklahoma are moderate. However, this means that less money is spent on infrastructure. Oklahoma’s roads, for example, are notoriously bad, and schools frequently see budget cuts.
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Welcoming Community
Oklahoma is known for its friendly people and excellent southern hospitality. People tend to be helpful and welcoming, so it won’t take long before you know your neighbors and feel like you’re part of the community.
Even larger cities tend to be divided into smaller neighborhood communities, so you can feel at home right away.
Oklahoma is also relatively diverse. There is a large Native American population, and people from all walks of life often feel comfortable in Oklahoma’s cities and even the smaller towns.
Entertainment Options
Much of Oklahoma is made up of land belonging to Native Americans. Native Americans can use this land however they like, and many tribes choose to build casinos.
These casinos offer a range of entertainment options for anyone living in the state. You can head to the casino for a fun evening or to enjoy a classy dinner.
Oklahoma’s casinos also draw a wide range of entertainers. Musicians and comedians often include Oklahoma’s casinos on their tour stops, so there are often different options for nighttime entertainment.
25 Top Places to see in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: A powerful tribute to the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.
Myriad Botanical Gardens: A 17-acre urban park in downtown Oklahoma City featuring beautiful gardens, walking paths, and the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory.
Philbrook Museum of Art: Located in Tulsa, this museum offers a diverse collection of art and stunning gardens surrounding the historic villa.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum: In Oklahoma City, this museum showcases Western art, history, and culture with extensive exhibits.
Tulsa Zoo: A family-friendly destination with a wide variety of animals, interactive exhibits, and beautiful landscapes.
Bricktown: A lively entertainment district in Oklahoma City with restaurants, shops, a riverwalk, and various attractions.
Chickasaw Cultural Center: Located in Sulphur, this center offers exhibits, demonstrations, and cultural experiences highlighting Chickasaw history and heritage.
Oklahoma Aquarium: In Jenks, this aquarium features marine life from around the world, including a shark tunnel and interactive exhibits.
Beavers Bend State Park: A beautiful park in southeastern Oklahoma offering hiking, fishing, boating, and scenic views.
Gilcrease Museum: Located in Tulsa, this museum features an extensive collection of American West art and artifacts.
Turner Falls Park: Home to Oklahoma’s tallest waterfall, this park offers swimming, hiking, and camping in the Arbuckle Mountains.
Natural Falls State Park: Visit this park to see a stunning 77-foot waterfall, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve: Near Bartlesville, this unique attraction combines art, history, and a wildlife preserve.
Science Museum Oklahoma: An interactive science museum in Oklahoma City with exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on activities.
Pioneer Woman Museum: Located in Ponca City, this museum honors the contributions of women to Oklahoma’s development.
Oklahoma City Zoo: A large zoo with diverse animal exhibits, beautiful gardens, and a children’s zoo.
The Marland Mansion: Tour this historic mansion in Ponca City, known for its stunning architecture and fascinating history.
Museum of the Great Plains: In Lawton, this museum offers exhibits on natural history, Native American culture, and pioneer life.
Lake Murray State Park: Oklahoma’s largest state park offers boating, fishing, hiking, and beautiful lake views.
Cherokee Heritage Center: Located in Tahlequah, this center offers exhibits, cultural demonstrations, and historic village reconstructions.
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve: Near Pawhuska, this preserve protects one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies and offers bison viewing and hiking trails.
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum: In Clinton, this museum celebrates the history and culture of the iconic Route 66.
Martin Park Nature Center: A nature reserve in Oklahoma City offering walking trails, wildlife observation, and educational programs.
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History: Located in Norman, this museum features exhibits on natural history, archaeology, and paleontology.
Frontier City Theme Park: A Western-themed amusement park in Oklahoma City with rides, shows, and entertainment for all ages.
Small Towns
Oklahoma is home to several large cities, but it’s mostly made up of small towns. Even the state’s biggest cities aren’t as populous, busy, or congested as big cities in other states, and these cities still have a small-town feel.
While this can make the state feel welcoming, some people might miss the hustle and bustle of a big city.
Transportation
Public transportation is extremely limited in Oklahoma, even in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. If you need to get anywhere in the state, including driving around in one of the cities, you’ll need a car.
Crime
Although Oklahoma has many small, welcoming towns and is filled with mostly friendly people, it also has one of the highest crime rates of any state in the U.S.
As of 2022, the state was ranked 45th, making it the fifth least safe state in the country. Oklahoma also has the 16th-highest murder rate in the U.S.
Most crimes in Oklahoma occur in the state’s largest cities. If you live in the more rural parts of the state, the crime rate is much lower.
Education
Oklahoma’s kindergarten through 12th-grade school ratings are consistently low, and the state generally ranks in the bottom 12 of all states in terms of education.
The state also spends a very small amount of money per student. Lower funding often contributes to lower grades and testing scores. If you have kids, Oklahoma may not be a good option for their schooling unless you choose a private school.
Landscape
Although Oklahoma has some beautiful areas, much of the state is quite flat. For some people, a view of what seems like an endless prairie can become very boring.
Outdoor Activities
Despite its relatively monotonous landscape, Oklahoma offers a range of outdoor activity choices. There are many areas to hike, horseback ride, or mountain bike, and camping is popular.
There are also 38 state parks in Oklahoma, many of which surround rivers or streams, so there are plenty of options for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Weather
Oklahoma’s weather varies across the state. The eastern part of the state is considered subtropical, while the western part is semi-arid. Most people living in Oklahoma will experience all four seasons.
Summers can be hot, and in the eastern part of the state, the humidity can be high. During the winter, temperatures are chilly but rarely drop below freezing. The eastern part of the state, however, does see some snow.
Oklahoma is located in Tornado Alley, and the state sees frequent severe storms. Tornadoes aren’t uncommon, and thunderstorms and rainstorms, which can sometimes cause flooding, are also relatively frequent.
Most storms happen in late spring, and the state can see up to 20 tornadoes every year.
Food
Oklahoma is known for its amazing southern cuisine. Traditional southern comfort food dishes are the staple, and there are many excellent places to eat, particularly in Oklahoma’s cities.
Southern foods, however, can be quite fattening and unhealthy. Some people find it a challenge to maintain a healthy diet while living in the state.