Best Places to Live in Oklahoma (2026)
Explore the best neighborhoods in Oklahoma. From college towns like Stillwater to Oklahoma City and Tulsa, find your perfect Oklahoma community.
Oklahoma Neighborhood Guides
Explore our detailed guides for Oklahoma neighborhoods. More guides are being added regularly.
Why Move to Oklahoma?
Oklahoma combines one of the lowest costs of living in the nation with a booming energy sector, growing aerospace and biotech industries, and no state tax on Social Security benefits. Oklahoma City and Tulsa have undergone dramatic downtown revivals — OKC's Bricktown entertainment district and MAPS projects have transformed the capital, while Tulsa's Gathering Place park and remote-worker incentives have drawn national attention. College towns like Stillwater and Norman offer walkable, safe communities with strong university-backed economies.
Our Oklahoma neighborhood guides analyze real data on cost of living, school ratings, local amenities, and community characteristics to help you find your perfect match. Stillwater is featured on our 10 Best Places to Start Over list — Oklahoma State University anchors the economy, and the city remains safe, navigable, and newcomer-friendly.
Oklahoma Regions: Where to Live
Oklahoma City Metro (Edmond, Norman, Moore)
Known for: State capital, energy industry headquarters, MAPS urban renewal, Thunder NBA basketball. Edmond offers top-rated schools and an upscale suburban feel, Norman brings University of Oklahoma culture and walkability, and Moore provides strong value for families. OKC's Bricktown and Midtown districts deliver urban dining, nightlife, and arts experiences.
Tulsa Metro (Broken Arrow, Owasso, Jenks)
Known for: Gathering Place (one of America's top-rated parks), Art Deco architecture, Tulsa Remote relocation program, growing tech sector. Broken Arrow and Owasso offer excellent schools and safe neighborhoods, while downtown Tulsa's Blue Dome and Cherry Street districts are hubs for restaurants, live music, and boutique shopping.
Stillwater
Known for: Oklahoma State University, safe and walkable downtown, extremely affordable housing, strong sense of community. Stillwater is a top pick for starting over — the university drives a stable economy, and the city offers farmers markets, Division I athletics, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere without sacrificing amenities.
Lawton / Fort Sill
Known for: Fort Sill Army base, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, very low housing costs. Southwest Oklahoma's largest city offers military-connected employment stability, outdoor recreation at Medicine Park and the Wichita Mountains, and some of the most affordable real estate in the state.
Northwest Oklahoma (Enid, Woodward)
Known for: Agriculture and oil industry, small-town community values, wide-open spaces. Enid offers a historic downtown square, Meadowlake Park, and strong community events like the Tri-State Music Festival. This region appeals to those seeking rural tranquility with essential modern amenities and rock-bottom cost of living.
Compare Oklahoma Cost of Living by ZIP Code
Use our interactive calculator to compare living expenses between any Oklahoma ZIP codes. See how housing, food, transportation, and other costs differ across the state.
Compare Oklahoma ZIP Codes