Everything You Need to Know When Moving to or Around Oklahoma City
Are you thinking of living in Oklahoma City (OKC)? If yes, there's plenty to learn and discover about the City of Oklahoma. The city serves as the state capital and is the largest in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma City is an ethically, culturally, and industrially diverse place. It is centrally placed in the state and connected to several highways. There are numerous businesses and homes in the city. You can also find retail centers, schools, parks, museums, theatres, and the city government to meet your needs.
Whether you're planning to move to Oklahoma City or researching where to live in Oklahoma City, this moving guide has all you need to know.
Why Move to Oklahoma City?
Low Population
Why move to Oklahoma City? The first reason is the low population. According to the United States Census Bureau, 655,057 people were living in OKC in 2019. The city's population has risen over the years. There was a 12.9% increase in population from 2010.
Diversity is abound, with several different ethnic groups represented in Oklahoma City:
- White - 67.7%
- Hispanics and Latino - 19.7%
- Black or African Americans - 14.3%
- Two or more races - 6.3%
- Asian - 4.5%
- American Indian - 2.9%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders - 0.1%
The population density of 956.4 people per square means less crowding. For context, New York City is the largest city in the U.S., and has a population density of more than 27,000 people per square mile.
Household Income and Cost of Living
In 2019, the median household income in Oklahoma City was $55,557, which is below the U.S national median of $65,712. While the cost of living varies among households, it's relatively low compared to other states. According to Payscale, the cost of living in OKC is 15% lower than the national average.
Education
Of the residents that are 25 and over, 86.4% are high school graduates, while 30.7% have bachelor's degrees and higher education. There are several higher learning institutions in the city, including Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma State University.
Industries and Economic Growth
While Oklahoma City has a long history with agriculture and petroleum products, it is economically diverse. Here, you will find companies and businesses in energy, health, transport and logistics, finance and insurance, the service industry, and retail.
Employment
Of the OKC population, 66.1% are in the civilian workforce (people aged 16 and above). The unemployment rate in Oklahoma City peaked in April 2020 at 13.5%, but has drastically rebounded. As of June 2021, the unemployment rate for Oklahoma City is 3.3% which is lower than the 5.9% national average.
Oklahoma City is home to a variety of employers:
- Fortune 500 - Chesapeake Energy and Devon Energy are two Fortune 500 companies that have their headquarters in Oklahoma City
- Government - Major government agencies include the State of Oklahoma, the City of Oklahoma, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United States Air Force (Tinker AFB)
- Healthcare and Biotechnology - Integris Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, SSM Health Care, and OU Medicine are a few major healthcare and biotechnology companies in metro Oklahoma City
- Major companies and large businesses that are also in OKC include American Fidelity Insurance, The Boeing Company, The Hertz Corporation, Johnson Controls, Sonic Corporation and United Parcel Service (UPS)
Commuting
The majority of the people in Oklahoma City move around in private vehicles. The mean travel time to work is 21.4 minutes, which means you don't have to worry about traffic. According to BestPlaces, 82.3% of people drive their vehicles to work, and 11.2% carpool. Only 0.6% of people in Oklahoma City take mass transit to work. The city government provides public transportation such as fixed bus routes, streetcars, paratransit services, bike rentals, and river ferrying.
Bars and Restaurants
According to TripAdvisor, Mob Grill is an excellent restaurant for American burgers, drinks, and classic American meals. Hideaway Pizza has amazing Italian pizza, potato chips, and Mac and cheese. You can never go wrong with excellent Brazilian steak at Texas de Brazil. For Asian cuisine and vegetarian options, you can try the Szechuan Bistro. For a fine dining experience, book a table at Metro Wine Bar & Bistro, Red Prime Steak, and Vast.
Culture and Entertainment
Oklahoma City has plenty to offer in terms of history, arts, and culture. Historical centers such as the Oklahoma City Memorial and Museum, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Science Museum Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City Museum of Art are great points to explore. There are also several libraries available to the public in the city. Some of the best libraries are the Downtown Library, Belle Isle Library, and Southern Oaks Library.
OKC also has beautiful public spaces where you can enjoy the 235 days of sunshine. There are interconnected trails throughout the city, gardens, small lakes for paddling and canoeing, playgrounds, dog parks, and plenty of nature and wildlife.
For nature, trails, and photography, visit Martin Park Nature Center, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, and Will Rogers Park & Gardens. Urban parks with play areas for kids, skating, and rides include Scissortail Park, Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park, Stars & Stripes Skate Park, and Kerr Park. You can also explore the Plaza Walls and theatres for instrumental music and ballet dances.
Weather and Climate
Summers in OKC are hot, with temperatures 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest months are June, July, and August. Overall, Oklahoma has an average of 235 days of sunshine. The national average is 205 days which means you can look forward to plenty of swimming and light clothing.
The average precipitation in the city is 36 inches annually. May, June, September, and October are generally wetter than other months. January is the coldest month of the year, and temperatures drop to 27 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters rarely go into a deep freeze and are relatively manageable as long as you keep warm. The snow is also low, around 5.8 inches compared to the average 27.8 inches nationally.
The most pleasant months in Oklahoma are those with temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These months are May, September, and October.
Where To Live in Oklahoma City
The state of Oklahoma is ranked #4 in terms of the cheapest housing market in the United States.
The average rent in Oklahoma City is $845 per month (as of June 2021) for an apartment size of about 850 square feet. While the rents in OKC have been increasing, they are still significantly lower than the U.S average of $1,482 per month. Home values in Oklahoma City are averaging $169,592 as of June 2021. Home prices have risen 14% in OKC since last year, however they remain far more affordable than a good portion of the county; the median housing price for the United States is $386,888 (as of June 2021).
According to Niche, some of the best areas for families to live are:
- Edmond
- Norman
- Goldsby
- Newcastle
- Yukon
- Moore
- Mustang
These are suburbs within the Oklahoma City area with access to good schools, parks, security, and quiet lives. These suburbs are also great for young professionals.
Other popular neighborhoods in OKC and part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area include:
- Crown Heights
- Edgemere Heights
- Bethany
- Edmond
- Nichols Hills
How to Move to Oklahoma City
If you've decided to relocate to Oklahoma City, it's important to plan your move thoroughly. Hiring professional movers is the best way to move within the city, between cities, and interstate.
Once you get settled in from your move, you'll need to update these essentials:
- Driver's License: Fortunately, you can transfer your driver's license from another state without taking another driving test. You can also transfer an expired license if it's not six months past the expiration date and not a commercial license. However, only drivers over 18 can get licenses. Permits are available for drivers under 18 years.
- Identification: You can apply for an Oklahoma identification card with valid identification documents.
- Address Change: You're required to notify the public and all concerned parties of your address change within 10 days of doing so.
- Vehicle Registration: In general, you can visit the local DMV to transfer your vehicle registration details. You're required to transfer registration in 30 days after moving to Oklahoma.
Pros and Cons of Living in Oklahoma City
What is it like to live in Oklahoma City, and why should you move there? The low population and cost of living are some of the best reasons to move to Oklahoma City. You can also own a home for less than half of the national median value. Since there are fewer people commuting, there is basically no rush hour.
However, the monotonous rolling arid landscapes of Oklahoma can get boring. If you desire adventurous landscapes and thrilling nightlife, Oklahoma City may not be for you. Oklahoma City is also prone to extreme weather. Drought, flash floods, and tornadoes occur throughout the state and should be taken seriously.
Are You Ready to Move to Oklahoma City?
Are you ready to move to Oklahoma City? College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving can help you with all your moving and junk removal needs. Our friendly and professional HUNKS will keep your relocation to or around Oklahoma City stress-free. Call us at 833-626-1326 or get a free estimate for our available services.