Moving to Oklahoma City: What You Need to Know

Posted on January 2nd, 2025

Are you thinking of making Oklahoma City your new home? OKC, as it’s known to many people, is a city loaded with history, culture, and a friendly community that makes it a great place to call home, whether you’re a young professional, family, or retiree.

Whether you’re beelining here to enjoy the lower cost of living, hot job market, or the Southern charm of the city, here is what you can expect from the place you plan to call home.

Why Choose Oklahoma City?

Oklahoma City is one of the best-kept secrets, located in the heartland of the nation. It offers all of the good stuff you’d expect from a city (think big city amenities) and yet still has a sort of laid-back charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. Here are a few reasons why newcomers often choose OKC over nearby areas:

Cost of Living

The cost of living is a major concern for Americans throughout the nation, so it’s no surprise that OKC is a popular destination, considering its lower cost of living. Housing opportunities are quite affordable, whether you prefer a downtown apartment that practically oozes modernity or a sprawling suburban home. Compared to the national average, things are fairly affordable here.

Job Opportunities

The city’s economy is moving fast, with key industries like energy, aerospace, healthcare, and technology growing at a good clip. OKC is also home to some great entrepreneurial spirit, making it an ideal spot for small businesses and startups.

Family-Friendly Amenities

If you plan to raise a family in OKC, you’ll have no shortage of amenities. The city has plenty of schools, including both public and private options, to educate your children. On top of that, it has various family-friendly attractions, like the Oklahoma City Zoo, and all sorts of parks speckled throughout the city.

Entertainment and Culture

OKC offers plenty of entertainment and cultural options to satisfy its 703,000(ish) residents. As the capital city, it has everything from fine arts to sports teams, with something seemingly always going on within city limits. If you’re a foodie, the city won’t disappoint either—you can find plenty of good eats, whether you prefer casual BBQ joints or fine dining.

Neighborhoods to Consider

If you haven’t yet chosen a place to call home in Oklahoma City, there are plenty of neighborhoods to pick from, each with something different to offer. Here are a few of your options:

  • Downtown: This one is perfect for those who appreciate the hustle and bustle of city living. It’s full of hip lofts, high-rise apartments, and various cultural hotspots, such as the Myriad Botanical Gardens and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
  • Bricktown: This area is primarily an entertainment district, teeming with restaurants, bars, and a canal running down its middle lined with shops along the quays. It’s a top choice for young working professionals who thrive on nightlife.
  • Edmond: This area, given its proximity to various schools, is particularly popular among families. It has a quaint downtown area and hosts all sorts of community events.
  • The Paseo Arts District: If you’re looking for a Bohemian-esque neighborhood, the Paseo has it: art galleries, boutiques, and colorful architecture—it’s all there!
  • Nichols Hills: If luxury is more your style, Nichols Hills is the place for you. It’s home to high-class homes, designer shopping, and plenty of fine dining opportunities.

Oklahoma City’s Weather and Climate

The climate in Oklahoma City offers a little bit of everything. The area experiences all four seasons, although the winters are generally pretty mild compared to other areas, especially those further north. Snow falls from time to time, but it’s not overly common.

Spring in the area is beautiful and filled with blooms, but it’s also a time when more severe weather is possible. Thunderstorms and tornadoes aren’t unheard of here, so that’s something to be prepared for.

The summers here are hot, often hitting the 90s. Prepare accordingly with a top-notch air conditioning system to keep your home nice and cool to beat the summer heat.

Fall is cool and pleasant, much like those in nearby areas. You’ll get to enjoy some bright, colorful foliage and plenty of outdoor events.

Transportation in OKC

Getting around in OKC is fairly simple. It’s a car-friendly city with well-maintained roads and relatively little traffic compared to other major metros.

If you don’t have a car, EMBARK, the city’s public transportation system, can help you get from Point A to Point B. It offers bus routes across the city and a downtown streetcar system.

Or, if you prefer to enjoy fresh air during your commute, cycling is always an option. The city is expanding its bike-friendly infrastructure to include dedicated lanes and bike-sharing programs, so biking as a form of transportation is becoming more and more feasible.

When you’re ready to go wheels up on the runway and spirit yourself away to your favorite vacation destination, the Will Rogers World Airport has you covered. It has flights to both domestic and international destinations.

Schools and Education

If you’re moving to Oklahoma City with kids (or to pursue a higher education), you’ll find various educational options. The city has multiple public school districts, the largest being OKC Public Schools, as well as several prestigious private schools that cover a range of curricula.

As far as higher education opportunities go, you’ll find three major campuses: Oklahoma City University, the University of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University’s OKC campus. These are great places to continue your studies and pursue the degree of your dreams.

Things to Do In OKC

Once you’ve settled in, explore all the city has to offer. Here’s what you’ll find:

    • Outdoor activities, like boating and hiking around Lake Hefner or hiking trails lining the Oklahoma River
    • Cultural attractions, including the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Science Museum of Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial
    • Sports, including basketball, baseball, and more
  • Food and shopping, including chicken fried steak and Oklahoma barbeque (these are some of the best local dishes) and various local boutiques, eclectic markets, and shopping staples at the local malls

Tips to Make Moving to OKC a Breeze

Moving can be quite a headache, especially if you’re moving from city to city or state to state. So, to make your move as smooth as possible, try these tips:

  • Plan ahead: Research neighborhoods, schools, and potential job opportunities in advance. This way, you’ll have a general lay of the land before you arrive.
  • Hire professional movers: Moving can be a nightmare, especially if you’re doing a long-distance move. Hiring professional movers to do all the heavy lifting can make it much easier on your part (and far less stressful).
  • Pack wisely: Save yourself the hassle of guessing what’s what when you get to your destination by labeling boxes correctly. Keep what you’ll need right away, such as toiletries or documents, in an easily accessible location.
  • Get familiar with the area: Once you arrive, take the time to explore and introduce yourself to your new neighbors. This can help you feel more at home and ease that transition that comes with moving from one place to another.

Moving to Oklahoma City Made Easy

Moving to OKC is an exciting adventure, and with a little good planning, you’ll be able to make the process as smooth as possible. Whether you’re moving for the city’s affordable housing and excellent job market or the variety of cultural opportunities, Oklahoma City can be the perfect place to call home.

Ready to move? Let us move you! Bigger Better Movers specializes in no-stress moves designed to make the process as easy and streamlined as possible. Call us today at (405) 595-9589 to get a free quote and take the first step toward your new life in Oklahoma City!


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