16 Pros and Cons of Living in Oklahoma City, OK

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Oklahoma City is known for many things, including having natural gas reserves and having one of the largest livestock markets in the entire world.

However, when others think of Oklahoma City, they may remember the bombing that happened on April 19, 1995, that took the lives of 168 people.

But, besides the obvious, if you’re considering moving to Oklahoma City, it’s time you take a look at the pros and cons so you can carefully determine if it’s worth the investment.

Pros of Living in Oklahoma City, OK

Here is a list of the pros of living in Oklahoma City.

1. Cost of Living Is Affordable

If you’re looking for some of the most affordable cities to live in the United States, Oklahoma City frequently makes the list.

Additionally, Oklahoma City is known as one of the best locations for businesses to thrive due to the low overhead costs.

If you’d like to save a little bit of money, Oklahoma City is the perfect place to do so.

The living score in Oklahoma City is 91.5 out of 100.

So, if you make at least $47,000 annually, you could live as comfortably as someone earning $60,000 a year in Atlanta.

2. Friendly City

Most of the people who live in Oklahoma City are both warm, friendly, and welcoming.

In fact, Oklahoma frequently ranks as one of the friendliest cities in the country.

Many of the people here are full of happiness.

The city has a lot to offer.

You can take advantage of rural living, excellent school systems, and a great art scene.

Furthermore, downtown Oklahoma is very walkable, offering many excellent restaurants and other businesses.

3. Affordable Housing

Another reason to consider moving to Oklahoma is because of its affordable housing market.

The average house price in Oklahoma in 2018 was $148,000.

The national average in the country is $240,000.

This is a huge difference, which means if you plan on buying a home, you’re going to be in luck.

For a city of its size, it has an extremely affordable median home cost.

4. Earn a Decent Salary

The average salary for those living in Oklahoma City is a little over $56,000 a year.

While this is a little below the national average, you’ll soon discover that it all balances out with the affordable cost of living.

If you are looking for ways to enhance equity and increase your net earnings, Oklahoma City may be ideal for you.

There are many jobs located in the city that pay more than $100,000 a year.

These jobs are mainly in the technology industry, although you can find many jobs in the oil, energy, and natural gas industries.

5. Excellent Education System

Oklahoma City has a superb educational infrastructure.

If you have children, this is a move to consider.

Oklahoma City has a little over 120 primary and secondary schools.

Many of these schools are highly rated.

Some of the best areas to consider are Piedmont, Oakdale, Bethany, and Robin Hill.

There’s no need to travel far to enroll your children in high school or college.

Oklahoma City is also home to the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University.

6. Easy to Navigate

Getting around Oklahoma City is entirely easy.

Even when you factor in rush hour, you probably won’t spend more than 20 minutes commuting from downtown Oklahoma.

Compared to other cities that see a lot of traffic, you’ll save an additional five minutes.

If you enjoy walking, you’ll find living downtown a great option.

You’ll be within walking distance of some of your favorite businesses.

7. Experience all Four Seasons

Oklahoma City is a great location because you’ll get to experience all seasons throughout the year.

You’ll get cold winters and hot summers.

On average, the city sees a little more than 36 inches of rain.

However, you’ll see more sunshine than rainy days throughout the year.

In the summer, the average temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, although it isn’t too humid.

8. Plenty of Diversity

Oklahoma City has a very diverse culture. Most of the population is of European descent.

However, 45% of those living in Oklahoma City are under 19 and identify themselves as ethnic or racial minorities.

One of the reasons for the diverse culture in Oklahoma City is because of the universities located here.

It attracts students from all across the world.

Cons of Living in Oklahoma City, OK

1. High Crime Rate

One of the biggest disappointments about living in Oklahoma City is its high crime rate.

The crime rate in OKC is well above the national average.

The crime rate in OKC is 44 per 1000 people.

The chances of becoming a victim of property or violent crime in the city are one in 23.

Many people living here report not feeling safe here any longer.

2. Not too Many Shopping Centers

If you love to shop, you will be dissatisfied with the number of shopping centers located in Oklahoma City compared to other big cities.

However, you will be able to find shopping centers to get your necessities.

But don’t count on finding any extravagant boutiques.

If you’re big on fashion, you may want to reconsider moving to Oklahoma City or resort to doing most of your shopping online.

3. Low Average Income

It’s no secret that Oklahoma City is entirely affordable to live in.

But with that comes a lower-than-average income for most people living here.

In order to really make a good salary in OKC, you must have good qualifications.

Even if you do land a job that pays above the average salary here, you will still be making less than those working in larger cities such as L.A.

4. Issues with Homelessness

Another huge problem in OKC is homelessness.

As rent continues to increase and the prices of homes continue to rise, the number of homeless people will only become more of a problem for the city.

People who already have a low income may have a much harder time staying afloat in the future.

There are currently 1,436 homeless people in OKC.

This is a slight jump from 2022.

5. Natural Disasters Are Common

Oklahoma alone has seen more than 217 natural disasters since 1953.

In fact, the state of Oklahoma ranks third among the most disaster-prone states in the country.

While living in downtown OKC may not pose much of a threat, living in the surrounding suburbs may put you at great risk of seeing these natural disasters.

Both your home and life are at risk.

6. Depending on a Car Is a Must

If you plan on moving to OKC, don’t forget to bring your car with you.

If you depend on public transportation, you may run into some problems.

Public transit is extremely limited in Oklahoma City.

The city primarily relies on buses, but unfortunately, they have limited routes and schedules.

If you don’t have access to a vehicle and plan on moving to OKC, you may want to think twice about your decision.

7. Humid Summers

Summers in OKC can be pretty hot and humid.

Temperatures can range anywhere from the upper 80s to the 90s.

The high humidity levels can cause the air to feel harsh.

The city of Oklahoma City is also at risk of experiencing significant droughts.

This can have a negative impact on water resources and crops.

You’ll need to make sure that you fully protect your home against drought during the summer.

8. Lacks Infrastructure

Certain areas in Oklahoma City are known for having issues with infrastructure.

This is mainly in the areas of funding and budgeting.

There are many infrastructure projects that never get finished due to a lack of funding.

These projects include roadways and bridges.

As a result, this can cause other issues, such as uneven road surfaces and potholes, that can damage your vehicle.

Pros and Cons of Living in Oklahoma City, OK – Summary Table

Oklahoma City Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Oklahoma City Safety Review

Safety Index:

53

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
• SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM