Oklahoma City, the capital city of Oklahoma, is home to nearly 650,000 individuals, and it’s a great Midwest locale for many, including younger people and older people, singles and families, and many others. If you’re interested in moving to Oklahoma City, then it’s as important that you choose the right neighborhood as that you choose the right city. Here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Oklahoma City that might interest you, depending on what you find most important for your Oklahoma City experience.
Heritage Hills – Best for thriving professionals
Heritage Hills is a neighborhood that led the development charge of Midtown Oklahoma City, as wealthy businessmen and doctors began moving here many decades ago, creating a thriving area. You can find retail shops, historic mansions, and green spaces, all within the span of a few blocks.
Mesta Park – Best for beginner interests
Mesta Park is a neighborhood slightly to the west of Heritage Hills, and it’s a bit more affordable than Heritage Hills itself. Mesta Park is a great place to be able to access many of the same retail spaces and entertainment district benefits of Heritage Hills while also enjoying burgeoning economic development and slightly lower housing prices. There are also plenty of friendly people in Mesta Park, like the Mesta Park Neighborhood Association, which helps keep the area in tip-top shape.
Quail Springs – Best for employment opportunities
Quail Springs is a suburban development area that got its name from the Quail Creek residential development and the Quail Creek Golf and Country Club, which are both located within this neighborhood. Quail Springs is home to some of the largest employers in Oklahoma City, including the State of Oklahoma and Lowe’s Home Improvement, which means it’s an amazing place to be if you’re looking to live in an area that has many opportunities for employment, while still maintaining a residential atmosphere.
Bricktown – Best for singles
Bricktown has one of the most thriving entertainment districts in Oklahoma City. With shopping, shows, bars, and eateries aplenty, you’ll never be left wondering what you should do on a weekend night out in Bricktown. Plus, the nightlife in Bricktown is thriving; options like JJ’s Alley and Whiskey Chicks are already established, and many new nightlife options are making it an increasingly popular place for Oklahoma City residents to find special events and enjoy themselves.
Deep Deuce – Best for young professionals
As one of the first places to experience urban revival in Oklahoma City, Deep Deuce not only is known for its legendary jazz acts, but also for its many local schools, including Oklahoma Baptist University. The Deep Deuce Music Festival is an annual tradition, inviting local residents to experience the musical culture within Oklahoma City. With its central location to many shops and events, Deep Deuce is great for young people who are looking for an opportunity to invest in the area..
Jefferson Park – Best for social opportunities
This historic neighborhood is part of the larger Paseo Historic District. Jefferson Park is located near the Paseo Arts District, and central to many of Oklahoma City’s diverse cultural neighborhoods, including the Asia District to the southwest. Whether you’re looking for bars and nightclubs, or you want to discover cultural and ethnic communities, Jefferson Park is an impressive introduction.
The Village – Best for amenities
The Village is itself technically part of the general Oklahoma City area, but serves as its own distinct area. This neighborhood is very close to the Nichols Hills area, which is an eclectic neighborhood known for its high quality of life, and its high rental prices. Property values in The Village have also increased recently, largely because of its proximity to both the Nichols Hills area and the sought-after views of Lake Hefner. However, The Village is significantly more affordable than Nichols Hills while still having access to all the amenities of the area.
Downtown Oklahoma City – Best for entertainment
As can be expected in many cities, downtown Oklahoma City is one of the places where people go to enjoy themselves. You can find a wide variety of skyscrapers, plenty of development projects, and new economic opportunities that have arisen within the last decade. Plus, you can visit the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Myriad Botanical Gardens, or Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame for an amazing afternoon any day. Downtown is also a very large area that encapsulates Bricktown, Deep Deuce, the Plaza District, and other neighborhoods.
Plaza District – Best for vibrant life
The Plaza District, also called the Gatewood area, is one of the best places to go for arts and entertainment. Most residents in this area are younger, and many have never been married, likely two components contributing to the vibrant nightlife that you can find in this area. As an ideal neighborhood for young creatives, there are plenty of small boutiques, art studios, and unique restaurants to enjoy, whether as a mid-week experience or as a weekend opportunity.
Short-term renting in Oklahoma City
If you’re thinking about moving to Oklahoma City, then you might want to consider a short-term rental in Oklahoma City before you commit to a long-term move. Short-term rentals allow you to get a feel for the city before you move. They’re more effective than simply booking a hotel stay because hotels are usually in urban commercial districts, while short-term rentals are also available in residential neighborhoods. This makes it easier for you to get a feel for the experience of actually living in Oklahoma City and its top neighborhoods.
Frequently asked questions about living in Oklahoma City
What is the average salary in Oklahoma?
The average annual salary in Oklahoma is around $50,000. The 25th percentile is around $38,000, and the 75th percentile is around $66,000. Remember that the salary you need to live comfortably will also depend on several factors, including how large your family is, whether multiple adults in your family work, and exactly which neighborhood you choose to live in.
Is Oklahoma a good place to retire?
Many retirees choose to live in Oklahoma, as it’s consistently ranked in the top-100 lists for retirees. Oklahoma is a gorgeous place to live, and many of the retiree communities in Oklahoma are incredibly welcoming places to spend your retirement years. Plus, the retirement tax friendliness is high. Social Security income is not taxed, withdrawals from retirement accounts are only partially taxed, and the marginal state tax rate is 5.9%. This has attracted plenty of retirees to Oklahoma City.
What is the weather like in Oklahoma City?
The lowest temperature in Oklahoma City comes in January, with the lowest lows hitting around 29 degrees Fahrenheit. The highest temperature comes in July, with highs reaching about 94 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, precipitation tops out at around 4.9 inches of rain in June. However, the sun shines around 70% of the time. Although there is a severe weather season from March through June, the temperature is fairly mild through most of the year, making it a great place to live if you don’t mind a bit of heat in the summer months.
Where is the cheapest rent in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma has long been ranked as one of the cheapest housing markets in the United States. While there are many neighborhoods with a variety of price points, it is completely possible to find an affordable home in Oklahoma. The neighborhoods with the cheapest rental options for a 1-bedroom apartment in Oklahoma City are Britton, at $550 per month, Original Military Park, at $574 per month and Hilldale, at $650 per month.
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