10 Best Places to Retire in Oklahoma

Our 10 best places to retire in Oklahoma will surely be helpful for those of you who wish to retire in one of the fastest-growing economies in the United States. Natural gas, oil, agricultural products and other resources ranked Oklahoma “among the top states in per capita income growth and gross domestic product growth” and made it a desirable state for those looking for relocation.

Set in the region of the Great Plains, Oklahoma is “20th most extensive and the 28th most populous of the 50 United States.”  As of 2015, Oklahoma is home for 3,911,338 residents, 8,6% of which are Native Americans. 24 Native American languages are spoken in the state, putting Oklahoma in the second place in the nation in this category.

If you love warm weather, you’ll be happy to hear that summer in Oklahoma is usually very long and hot, while the winters are short and not as cold as in some other parts of the United States. The only downside of Oklahoma is that the most of the state is located in the “Tornado Alley” and has one of the highest rates of tornado strikes in the world. For those who are afraid of tornadoes, we recommend taking a look at our list of 10 best places to retire in Ohio.

One thing you may not be happy about is Oklahoma’s health care, since, it is one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to the number of physicians per capita and percentage of people with insurance. There are however some positive things like 14% cheaper costs of living than the U.S. average, low rents, and low house prices.

To get the list of 10 best places to retire in Oklahoma, first, we found 20 most livable places (with a population greater than 5,000) in the state, according to Area Vibes. With the help of Sperling’s Best Places and U.S. Census, we checked the number of physicians per capita (100,000), crime rates, the number of residents aged 65 years and over, and the costs of living in each of these places. Using this data, we managed to get the average ranking for each place, successfully forming our list.

10. Mustang

Retirement Score: 33
Cost of Living: 10% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 89
Crime Rates: 38.1
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 11.1%

Besides having a cool name, Mustang offers lots of activities to its residents. Aquatic, Recreation, and Senior centers should keep you occupied and entertained throughout your retirement days.

9. Bixby

Retirement Score: 34
Cost of Living: 4% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 352
Crime Rates: 30.5
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 12%

If you want to be a part of the fastest growing community in Oklahoma, then pick Bixby. How awesome this city is, shows the fact that CNN Money placed Bixby 67 on its list of 100 best places to live in the United States.

8. Sand Springs

Retirement Score: 40
Cost of Living: 15% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 352
Crime Rates: 46.6
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 13.7%

For those interested in golf, Sand Springs is one of the few small cities in Oklahoma that has its own golf course. If golf doesn’t do it for you, maybe the cheap costs of living and growing elderly community will do.

7. Claremore

Retirement Score: 40
Cost of Living: 12% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 101
Crime Rates: 45.6
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 16.6%

This city likes to consider itself as a community of museums and arts. Claremore is best known as the hometown of Will Rodgers and features museum and park dedicated to the work of this amazing entertainer.

6. Newcastle

Retirement Score: 42
Cost of Living: 8% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 78
Crime Rates: 26.3
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 12.1%

Newcastle will be your best pick if you are looking for a small and quiet community, but you don’t want to be far away from everything that big city has to offer. One more perk is the lowest crime rate on our list of 10 best places to retire in Oklahoma.

5. Collinsville

Retirement Score: 42
Cost of Living: 15% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 352
Crime Rates: 44.1
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 13.1%

Collinsville is a place where tradition meets the modern times. The city kept its authenticity while embracing progressive ideas. You can enjoy lots of antique shops and art galleries, but also find other activities in centers aimed to resident’s recreation.

4. Bartlesville

Retirement Score: 43
Cost of Living: 20% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 177
Crime Rates: 53.3
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 17.7%

Bartlesville is the city with the lowest costs of living on the list and a big percentage of the senior population. It is a place with good food, numerous festivals and great locations to visit.

3. Choctaw

Retirement Score: 44
Cost of Living: 2% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 400
Crime Rates: 29
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 18.1%

Featuring the biggest percentage of the senior population on our list of best places to retire in Oklahoma, Choctaw has a lot to offer. Whether you prefer spending your retirement days walking in numerous parks or doing some indoor activities, Choctaw will make it happen. A special treat waits for beer lovers since the city organizes Oktoberfest event featuring German food, beer, wine, and dancing.

2. Yukon

Retirement Score: 48
Cost of Living: 10% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 89
Crime Rates: 26.3
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 14.2%

If you have Czech blood in you, then look no further than Yukon. The city is known as “Czech Capital of Oklahoma” and has an annual festival dedicated Czech customs, heritage, and culture. This is all due to the fact that the city was a major migration center for many Czechs in World War I.It is also the hometown of singer Garth Brooks.

1. Elk City

Retirement Score: 51
Cost of Living: 17% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 145
Crime Rates: 30.5
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 13.2%

Elk City is a perfect conclusion of our list of 10 best places to retire in Oklahoma. It is a place for those who are looking for a cheap and safe town with cool, dry winters and hot summers. The city looks out for both residents and visitors, hosting a variety of events and festivals through the year. No matter if you prefer rodeo shows and fairs or museum and art gallery exhibitions, you will find something for yourself in Elk City.