Why Oklahoma City?
As a quickly growing city, Oklahoma City provides its residence with the perks of a bigger city while maintaining a lower cost of living and traffic congestion. With a ranking in the Top 20 Best City for Jobs, OKC has proved to be a city full of potential, inclusion and expansion to make Oklahoma City the new place to be!
Why Oklahoma City?
Over the last decade, Oklahoma City has become a cosmopolitan city while maintaining its down-to-earth style. It offers benefits found in any metropolitan area – professional sports, vibrant arts districts, quality healthcare – without the high living costs or traffic congestion. And the common adage of Oklahomans being some of friendliest people you will meet is true, even in the state's largest metropolitan area. Job seekers will be pleased to know Glassdoor ranked Oklahoma City in the top 20 best city for jobs.
Comparing Oklahoma City Living
Though the city has grown vastly over the last decade, Oklahoma City residents benefit from a stable economy that has not yet seen the high costs of living associated with larger cities. Your dollar truly does go further here. For example, the cost of living is 18% higher in Dallas, 26% higher in Denver and 30% higher in Chicago. Getting your money's worth is especially important in today's economy, so stay informed of the cost of living, explore your options and consider Oklahoma City!
The Perks Of OKC
Oklahoma City's population has been on the rise despite other cities' decline. The city is listed as the country's 22nd most populous metropolitan area after the 2020 census showed that OKC was one of 14 cities in the United States that has gained more than 100,000 residents from 2010 to 2020. The influx of new residents brings new ideas, diversification of cultures, and unique interests that are much to the area's benefit.
NBA Thunder
Oklahoma City has been home to the state’s first NBA team—the Oklahoma City Thunder—since 2008. The team is a part of the Western Conference Northwest Division and calls the Paycom Center home. The Thunder has won one conference title and five division titles since coming to Oklahoma, and has seen stars like Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka, Steven Adams, Chris Paul, and more. The Paycom Center is in the historic Bricktown area that is brimming with restaurants, family-friendly activities, and night life, so it’s always fun to plan an evening around a Thunder game!
Green Spaces
For those seeking a bit of fresh air and green spaces to explore, downtown OKC has the sprawling 70-acre Scissortail Park that has all the pathways, green grass, flowers, and water features you could desire. The park also has weekly farmer’s markets and art fairs, as well as concerts and food trucks. A short walk away is the Myriad Botanical Gardens located by the Devon Tower, and it features lush gardens, playgrounds, a merry-go-round, and other kid-centered activities. The indoor botanical garden is $8 for adults and $5 for kids and is home to a wide variety of exotic fauna.
Music Scene
A variety of music venues attract artists to make a stop in OKC, including large arenas like the Paycom Center, the industrial venue The Criterion, the historic Tower Theatre, and the breezy outdoor OKC Zoo Amphitheater. The upscale restaurant known as The Jones Assembly also transforms its lush dining area into a concert venue that has hosted the likes of Mat Kearney, Yola, Josh Abbott Band, and the Indigo Girls. Oklahoma City has a smattering of smaller concert venues that offer their own atmosphere and charm, so if you’re a fan of live music, OKC has much to offer!
The College Experience
Oklahoma City is home to over seven colleges that offer associate's and bachelor's degrees and is also home to graduate programs in business, developers, engineers and more. The city is also 25 minutes away from the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman and is an hour away from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. These well-established institutions offer the quintessential college experience, with storied football, basketball, softball, (and more) programs, beautiful sprawling campuses, and a bustling student life. If you’re looking to broaden your mind and your horizon, OKC is home to many institutions to choose from.
Restaurants & Night Life
Oklahoma City is home to a bustling and ever-growing restaurant and bar scene that boast unique and tasty finds! For a nice dinner out, check out Vast at the top of the Devon Tower, Paseo Grill in the artsy Paseo district, or the Metro Wine Bar & Bistro. Or, if you’re more interested in a quick bite, Empire Slice House, Big Truck Tacos, or Tamashii Ramen House might suit your taste. Popular brunch places include Hunny Bunny Biscuit and Hatch Early Mood Food. OKC also has a bar or brewery to suit any mood, like the laid-back Social Capital, Sidecar, and Oak and Ore, to the dives like R & J Lounge, and more upscale spots like The National and Frida Southwest.
Museums & Cultural Centers
Oklahoma City has many renowned museums celebrating the arts, history, and culture. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art features an impressive Chihuly collection and acclaimed exhibits, while the Science Museum of Oklahoma and the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History in Norman have interactive exhibits perfect for young curious minds. If you want to explore different aspects of Oklahoma history, there is the well-known National Cowboy Museum and the groundbreaking First Americans Museum to show you the culture of those indigenous to the area and those who came later and settled it. There’s so much to learn about and explore in OKC!
"Hollywood On The Prairie"
The Oklahoma film industry has been booming in recent years thanks to a generous tax break that the state will give a project that uses Oklahoma as a backdrop. New films like Martin Scorcese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and Tom McCarthy’s “Stillwater” sport big name stars, and shows like “Reservation Dogs” and “Tulsa King” have generated national buzz. Homegrown production companies have also sprouted up in OKC like Prairie Surf Studios, creating excitement for the future of film and TV production in Oklahoma.
