Oklahoma offers a lot of variety—from over 200 man-made lakes to the scenic Wichita and Ouachita Mountains. It’s one of only four states in the nation to have over ten separate geological regions. The state also offers a rich Native American culture, low cost of living, and towns of all sizes—from relaxed small villages to big cities.
The climate in Oklahoma generally features hot summers and mild winters. You’ll find a semi-arid climate bordering on desert in the panhandle area, with lots of rain and lakes in the Eastern side of the state.
For the most part, retirees find Oklahoma to be an outstandingly affordable place to live. Cost of living in Oklahoma tends to be quite low. Median home prices in Oklahoma are considerably lower than the US average, as are property taxes. Oklahoma’s total tax burden is quite low, with the state ranking 37th out of 50 states for average taxes. While Oklahoma doesn’t tax Social Security income, it does tax pensions—including military pensions.
If you’re interested in assisted living in Oklahoma, there are many different communities that are excellent retirement destinations. Just a few include:
Oklahoma City
Located in the center of the state, Oklahoma City is the state capitol—and its largest city. It has a lot on offer for senior independent living communities. Residents of Oklahoma City enjoy the Bricktown Canal and Entertainment District, home to the Bricktown Ballpark, the Harkins Theatre, and plenty of shopping and fine dining. The Oklahoma River is excellent for kayaking and rowing, and there are over a dozen golf clubs to keep avid golfers occupied. The neighborhoods in this city are widely varied, with a mix of historical neighborhoods, bustling city centers, and family-oriented suburbs.
Edmond
Part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, this city was listed as one of Relocate America’s Top 100 Places to Live in 2007. Senior living in Edmond, Oklahoma offers plenty of choices for those of a religious bent, including Protestant, Catholic, and LDS congregations—as well as an Islamic mosque and a Bahá’i center. The city has made significant efforts to promote public art, commissioning stained glass and steel sculptures, murals, and statues throughout the city. There’s also a thriving intramural sports community in Edmond, including two rugby clubs.
Claremore
Home to Rogers State University, Claremore was once the home of Will Rogers—and today it’s the home of many retirees. Senior living in Claremore, Oklahoma is set in Green Country, a nickname for the northern part of the state—where lush vegetation, high hills and lakes make the landscape very different from more arid parts of Oklahoma. The city is near the Verdigris River, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Jenks
Located in Tulsa County, Jenks is one of Oklahoma’s fastest growing cities. Senior living in Jenks, Oklahoma offers plenty of entertainment and attractions, including the Oklahoma Aquarium and explore the Riverwalk Crossing shopping district—where visitors and residents alike can stroll a picturesque neighborhood lined with boutiques, antiques stores, and cafés along the Arkansas River. Jenks puts on several festivals and parades every year, including the highly popular Art on Main event.
Tulsa
With two world-class art museums, a professional opera company and several ballet companies, and a striking downtown boasting one of the country’s largest collections of art deco buildings, Tulsa is widely considered the cultural capital of Oklahoma. It’s also ranked as one of the countries most livable cities by Partners for Livable Communities, Relocate America, and Forbes.
If you’re looking for retirement communities in Oklahoma, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our exhaustive listings of assisted living communities in Oklahoma, and find the perfect retirement community for you—today.
