Retiring in Sooner Land can open a lot of exciting doors for you – and sooner than you think! Retirees who want to seize the day, or decade, and make the most of their newfound freedom should come on over to Oklahoma.
NewHomeSource has highlighted the top 10 cities for retirees in Oklahoma. Stop dreaming about your retirement and find the best city in Oklahoma for your desired lifestyle today.
Top 5 Cities to Retire in Oklahoma
1. Okmulgee
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.9%
Median Home Value: $70,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 75
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 597
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Okmulgee is a great little retiree-friendly town! The Creeks (Muscogee Nation) chose this land because they believed tornados would not strike there, and they were right. Okmulgee has many outdoor activities for retirees like a wildlife refuge, a zoo, and a state park where you can fish, boat, swim, and picnic.
2. Miami
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.4%
Median Home Value: $80,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 83
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 542
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 8
This former mining town is a great place to get away from your busy life and jump right into the vibrant history of Oklahoma. The city’s access to famed Route 66 and the original Ribbon Road brings people from across the nation. Miami also has plenty of day-to-day activities for the locals, like The Coleman Theater, the Charles Banks Wilson Art Gallery, and the antique shops that dot the downtown area.
3. Del City
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.7%
Median Home Value: $84,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 188
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 942
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 26
This city is perfect for anyone who wants to avoid big-city congestion but doesn’t want to miss out on the big city fun. Parks, restaurants, museums, and theaters surround Del City. You have a choice between two highways if the mood strikes to visit Oklahoma City, so the adventures are never far away.
4. Chickasha
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.8%
Median Home Value: $85,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 71
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 451
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Chickasha is a family-oriented city where residents pride themselves on their historic downtown, local business, and proximity to exciting activities. Townspeople enjoy the beautiful parks, the local theater, and the live sporting events by the local university teams. Chickasha is also home to the Festival of Lights and the Rock Island Art Festival, two annual festivals that include lots of food, live music, and lively community get-togethers.
5. Muskogee
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.5%
Median Home Value: $92,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 401
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,419
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
This city is made for retirees who love adventure. Muskogee is home to many outdoor activities, like Renaissance festivals, music festivals, and bull riding. It is also home to the Greenleaf State Park where you can camp, fish, swim, and boat. The park also has a golf course, an amphitheater, and hiking trails within the park grounds.
6. Ponca City
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.8%
Median Home Value: $96,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 154
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 948
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Ponca City has something to offer for every retiree. Strolling down Main Street, you will find shops, gaze at pieces of art that bring history alive. There are also museums and the Poncan Theater for those who love the indoors. Outdoor enthusiasts can spend their time golfing, hiking or biking on the trails, or fishing on Lake Ponca.
7. McAlester
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.7%
Median Home Value: $101,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 99
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,039
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
McAlester is bound to keep retirees’ social schedules busy. Whether you are visiting the local theater and museums, shopping at the farmers market, or taking a tour of the BierKraft brewery and Urban Wineworks winery, there is always something to explore in McAlester.
8. Altus
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.0%
Median Home Value: $107,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 42
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 398
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
Retirees in Altus will find themselves enjoying the great outdoors in and around the city. They can fish, swim, boat, and walk or bike the trails at the Great Plains State Park or Quartz Mountain. Altus is also home to the annual Cotton Pickin’ Chili Cook-Off where locals compete for the title of serving the best chili in town.
9. Ada
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.3%
Median Home Value: $106,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 83
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,108
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 3
Ada is a downhome family city that prides itself on its toe-tapping music and community values. Retirees can spend their days on Main Street shopping at the local boutiques and coffee shops or at the McSwain Theatre and Art Gallery. You can also visit the Ada Farmers Market twice a week to pick up fresh fruits and veggies. Enjoy live music and karaoke at the Statesman’s Lounge. You never know who may waltz in. Maybe former local Blake Shelton will swing by for a tune or two.
10. Ardmore
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.6%
Median Home Value: $107,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 205
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,046
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Outdoor lovers will not be disappointed in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Home to the largest and oldest state park, Lake Murray State Park, this city will have you fishing, camping, and boating all year long. The park has a golf course, hiking trails, picnic grounds, and sports facilities like tennis courts and baseball fields. Ardmore also has a Visual and Performing Arts Center and many museums that amplify the local history.
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Oklahoma has one of the lowest costs of living in the entire country, making it a great place to live for retirees on a fixed income.
While Oklahoma seniors pay property taxes, once you turn 65 you can freeze the taxable value of your new home, protecting you from runaway tax assessments.
Jessi Gonzalez writes on the topics of home-buying, home decor, and home-ownership for New Home Source. She has a degree from Coastal Bend College and is currently enrolled in the English degree program at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
KB Home Will Change How We Live With New Concept: The ProjeKt Home