Oklahoma City's Hidden Gems: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Affordable Neighborhood to Rent
I’m Mike, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The city is one of the lesser-known gems of the South-Central United States, and it always impressed me when visiting family in the city. There’s a lot to do, great schools, and plenty of higher-education potential, with three community colleges, Oklahoma State at Oklahoma City, the University of Oklahoma-Norman, and others within Oklahoma City’s greater metro area. Here are some of the city’s more affordable neighborhoods.
Current Pricing for Apartment Rentals in OKC
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,095 | $513 | $4,437 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,162 | $458 | $10,000+ |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,379 | $645 | $10,000+ |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,786 | $789 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,997 | $1,148 | $5,670 |
1. Windsor Hills
Windsor Hills is a family-friendly suburban neighborhood in western Oklahoma City and is close to the Route 66-Interstate 44 interchange. It has a lot of traditionally styled homes and is a great location for those looking to rent houses and duplexes, but Windsor Hills also has more traditional apartments available. Windsor Hills’ boundaries are North Ann Arbor Avenue to the west, Northwest 26th Street to the south, North Meridian Avenue to the east, and Northwest 36th Street to the north.
The neighborhood offers easy access to Route 66 and Interstate 44, which makes it very easy to commute to work, go shopping, and use the Will Rogers International Airport. It’s also one of the most affordable neighborhoods for apartment rentals in Oklahoma City.
2. Warr Acres
Warr Acres is a great neighborhood for older adults in western Oklahoma City. Some of my extended family live there and appreciate the relative quiet compared to life in most big cities. Warr Acres is one of Oklahoma City's larger neighborhoods.
The neighborhood offers easy access to the airport, Lake Hefner, and Lake Overholser, and has lots of great parks within its boundaries and nearby. Dining and recreational opportunities are plentiful, and it has easy access to local highways, including Route 66 and Interstate 44.
3. Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes is another great neighborhood in western Oklahoma City and is very close to the airport. It also contains all or parts of five lakes and access to one more, which is perfect if you enjoy fishing and water activities as much as I do. You also can get to Lake Overholser and Lake Hefner in less than 15 minutes on local roads.
Twin Lakes is a mostly residential neighborhood that is friendly, quiet, and relatively crime-free. Local architecture is a blend of southwestern and traditional, much like the rest of the big city. It’s also conveniently located just east of the airport, which makes it easy to visit out-of-state family and others.
4. Grand Portland
Oklahoma City’s Grand Portland has a lot to offer at a surprisingly affordable price for its residents. The west-central suburban neighborhood is very narrow from east to west, with North Grand Boulevard and Interstate 44 running along its eastern boundary. The Grand Portland neighborhood offers a blend of southwestern and traditional homes and apartments, and savvy renters can find quality one- and two-bedroom apartments for as low as $645. High-end units and those with more bedrooms also are available.
Grand Portland is a compact neighborhood that is very easy to navigate and less than 10 minutes from the airport and Oklahoma State University to the south via I-44. Many of my friends who attended Oklahoma State at OKC really liked living in the neighborhood. Historic Route 66 is just a short drive to the north and makes it very easy to drive to Lake Overholser for fishing, swimming, sunbathing, and other recreational opportunities.
5. Heronville
Oklahoma City’s Heronville neighborhood is located in the central part of the city and east of Interstate 44. Brock Park is situated just west of the neighborhood, with Brock Creek running through it. It’s a great place to spend time outdoors and do some canoeing or kayaking, and practice my fly-fishing. Heronville is home to great local schools, places of worship, and restaurants. Its central location makes it a short drive to the airport, local colleges and universities, and other local attractions.
6. Shidler Wheeler
The Shidler Wheeler neighborhood is located south of Interstate 40 and west of Interstate 35 in the south-central part of Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma River runs through the neighborhood’s northwestern corner, and Lightning Creek bisects the Shidler Wheeler neighborhood near its western boundary. It offers a blend of suburban living with plenty of commercial properties within and near its boundaries. It also contains several parks, which makes it easy to enjoy a great day outdoors without going far from home.
7. Lakeview
The Lakeview neighborhood is ideal for those who enjoy suburban living. The neighborhood is very close to Lake Hefner and is just east of the Wiley-Post Airport. I especially like the Lakeview neighborhood’s proximity to the many parks and fishing piers along the southern shore of Lake Hefner.
If you enjoy golf, the Business Women’s Golf Association is located nearby, and there are plenty of public and private golf courses in the area. In addition to its suburban homes, there are lots of commercial properties in and near the neighborhood for shopping, dining, vehicle maintenance and repairs, and much more.
8. Springdale
Oklahoma City’s Springdale neighborhood is conveniently located near several state highways that make it easy to access the local interstates and get around the city quickly. It’s a fairly compact neighborhood with a suburban feel and traditionally styled homes and apartment buildings.
I love how close Springdale is to Dolese Park and its great fishing pond, which are just west of the neighborhood. It also contains the western half of North Rotary Park, which supports outdoor activities. Plenty of shopping is located nearby, and the neighborhood enjoys a reputation for being safe and friendly.
9. Rollingwood
The Rollingwood neighborhood in northwest Oklahoma City is another great location with a suburban feel and plenty of recreational opportunities in and near it. The neighborhood borders Dolese Park, which is situated south of the neighborhood. I always enjoyed playing disc golf at Dolese Park, and Rollingwood has two good-sized ponds that are perfect for fishing, boating, and relaxing. Lake Hefner and its many great parks are just a few minutes away by car.
10. South WalkerOka
South Walker is another terrific and affordable neighborhood that is located in south-central Oklahoma City. It’s located close to Oklahoma State University at OKC, which makes South Walker popular with students and locals alike. Lightning Creek bisects the neighborhood, and Draper Park and Oliver Park are just north of the neighborhood.
South Walker is located near Interstates 35 and 240, which makes it very easy to get around the city. Will Rogers International Airport is just a few minutes’ drive west of the neighborhood, and the interstates make it easy to go downtown or drive around the city’s perimeter. Quality dining, shopping, and other activities are situated in and near the neighborhood.
