Your Oklahoma City, OK, Moving Guide
With an affordable cost of living, booming job markets, and many fun things to do, Oklahoma City is one of the Midwest’s best places to live. More and more people seem to agree every year, as OKC is one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
While it’s easy to see why life in Oklahoma City is enjoyable, planning a move here can feel overwhelming. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. The experts at KO Storage have compiled this handy Oklahoma relocation guide full of local tips and insights. Continue reading to learn more about moving to Oklahoma City.
Reasons To Move to Oklahoma City
After passing 1 million residents at the turn of the century, the Oklahoma City metropolitan population has grown to nearly 1.5 million as of 2020. It’s no secret why, as the area offers immense economic opportunity, affordable housing, and a high quality of life.
Oklahoma City’s job market continues to grow with the population, particularly in sectors like energy, aviation, and health care. The cost of living is notably low compared to other major cities, making it an attractive place for young professionals and families alike. Additionally, OKC’s community is known as “The Big Friendly” for its warmth and welcoming nature, offering a small-town feel in a city setting.
Oklahoma City Neighborhood Guide
Oklahoma City is a wide-reaching city with many unique neighborhoods located inside itself. While these are all part of the broader OKC community, they possess individual traits that may appeal to you, depending on your background. Here’s a neighborhood guide for what we believe to be some of the best places to live in Oklahoma City.
Bricktown
Bricktown is the quintessential Oklahoma City neighborhood, located right in the heart of the city. Originally a warehouse district, it has since been transformed into the area’s premier destination for nightlife, dining, and live music. It’s also home to some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and the Bricktown Canal.
Plaza District
A trendy, up-and-coming area, the Plaza District is bustling with unique shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s popular among young professionals and creatives, and with millions of dollars in development coming in over recent years, it’s likely only going to continue growing.
Paseo Arts District
The Paseo Arts District is one of Oklahoma City’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its Spanish revival architecture and lively arts scene. It’s become a hub for creatives of all types, with galleries, studios, and boutiques lining the streets.
Mesta Park
Located just south of the Paseo Arts District, Mesta Park is a great place for young people or new families to start the next chapter of their lives. Residents experience a lower cost of living while still being close to nearby shops and attractions.
Nichols Hills
An upscale community known for its luxurious homes and manicured gardens, Nichols Hills is ideal for those seeking a suburban feel close to the city. Residents enjoy many high-end dining and shopping options along with top-rated schools.
Edmond
Edmond is an excellent choice for families, newlyweds, and anyone else who values having ample space in and around the home. It’s known for its excellent schools, parks, and family-friendly atmosphere. While tucked away in the northern suburbs, it’s still within a quick drive of downtown.
Best Restaurants in Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma food scene is diverse and delicious! Whether you’re looking for classic American chow or international cuisine, there truly is something for everyone. Here are some of the most popular restaurants in Oklahoma City:
- Cattlemen’s Steakhouse. This OKC staple is known for its rich history and mouthwatering (and well-portioned) steaks.
- Nic’s Grill. Widely regarded for having the best burgers in Oklahoma City, this lovely diner-style spot serves breakfast and lunch.
- Nunu’s Mediterranean Cafe. With a spacious outdoor seating area, many people come here to enjoy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Empire Slice House. Perfect for casual dining, they serve some of the best pizzas in the city at multiple locations.
- Cheever’s Cafe. A local favorite, Cheever’s offers contemporary comfort food in a charming, historic building.
- The Jones Assembly. A combination of fine dining and a live music venue, this spot offers a unique experience with a menu that’s as eclectic as its entertainment lineup.
Things To Do in Oklahoma City
You’ll never have a problem finding things to do in Oklahoma City. Between opportunities for outdoor fun and engaging indoor offerings, planning a weekend or day off is easy. Here are a few things to include on your checklist when moving to Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Zoo
The Oklahoma City Zoo is one of the best in the entire country. It offers endless opportunities for fun for families, couples, and anyone else who wants to see the animals! The zoo spans more than 130 acres and is home to more than 1,900 animals, including bears, lions, elephants, flamingos, giraffes, tortoises, crocodiles, and more.
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Located downtown in the Arts District, the OKCMOA is home to an impressive collection of art, including one of the world’s largest collections of Chihuly glass. Other exhibitions, films, and installations attract over a million visitors annually.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Basketball fans are bound to love life in Oklahoma City, as the Thunder are one of the NBA’s most exciting teams to follow. They play 41 games (not including playoffs) at home every season at the Paycom Center, which is located downtown. You can cheer them on or catch your favorite team when they come to town as visitors.
Myriad Botanical Gardens
An oasis of plant life in the middle of the city, the Myriad Botanical Gardens is one of Oklahoma City’s biggest hidden gems. It offers beautiful green spaces, walking paths, and a crystal bridge tropical conservatory across a 15-acre escape, all of which can help you relax or unwind during a day in the city.
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
This memorial is a profound place for reflection that honors the victims, survivors, and heroes of the Oklahoma City bombing. Anyone moving to Oklahoma City should plan on touring the museum to educate themselves about the tragedy and its place in the city’s history.
Oklahoma City Nightlife
Oklahoma City’s nightlife is remarkably diverse, offering something enjoyable for everyone. In particular, the Bricktown area is a hot spot for evening entertainment. OKC has it all if you’re looking for a cozy wine bar, an energetic club, or a place to dance to live music! Some of the most popular destinations include:
- The Blue Door. This is a legendary venue for live music, particularly folk and acoustic.
- O Bar. This upscale rooftop bar offers cocktails and stunning views of the city skyline.
- Up-Down OKC. This is an exciting arcade bar with video games, pinball machines, Skee-Ball, and more.
- Topgolf. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or someone who prefers putt-putt, you can have tons of fun playing and dining at Topgolf.
- Michael Murphy’s Dueling Piano Bar. In the middle of Bricktown’s live music scene, this spot is home to a thrilling dueling piano experience full of rock ‘n’ roll and comedy.
Oklahoma City offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing costs, both for renting and buying, are lower than the national average, and essential services like utilities and groceries are quite reasonable. On average, renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs about $1,250, while buying a home might range around $199,000 depending on the neighborhood.
Some popular neighborhoods include:
Downtown OKC for young professionals looking for vibrant nightlife and a short commute.
Edmond is great for families, offering excellent schools and parks.
Nichols Hills is a more upscale area known for its high-end shopping and dining options.
Norman is ideal for students and young professionals, especially due to its proximity to the University of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma City experiences a wide range of weather. Summers can be hot, with temperatures averaging in the 90s (Fahrenheit), while winters are chilly, sometimes dipping below freezing. It’s also a tornado-prone region, so it’s important to be aware of severe weather safety measures.
Setting up utilities like electricity, water, and internet is a straightforward process. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission regulates these services, and popular providers like OG&E (for electricity) and Cox Communications (for internet) are easy to contact for setting up your services.
Yes, Oklahoma City has a strong job market, particularly in industries like aerospace, energy, healthcare, and technology. Major employers include Tinker Air Force Base, Integris Health, and Expand Energy.
Make Your Move Easier With KO Storage
Moving to a new city can be stressful, but finding a place to store your things during the process doesn’t have to be. KO Storage makes it easier than ever to store things during a move, whether you need a storage unit for just one month or a more extended period of time. Our unit size guide can help you figure out what to rent.
Ready to get started? Browse our complete list of storage facilities in Oklahoma to find one closest to your future home. You can also explore our packing and moving tips page and FAQ for additional information.