The Best of OKC Living: Your Local Expert's Guide to Making Oklahoma City Your Home
Hello from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where cowboys are legends and recreational opportunities abound. I’m Mike, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert from Oklahoma City, and I can help you learn why it’s always a great idea to consider making the city your home.
Oklahoma City is where the wild west meets the 21st century, and local residents and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Jobs are plentiful, the local climate is great, and high-quality apartments are reasonably priced.
A Brief History of Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City almost literally got off to a running start thanks to the April 22, 1889, Land Run, in which some 50,000 people officially laid claim to parcels in the former Oklahoma Territory. The city officially was founded on that day and previously was home to a handful of large ranches, such as that owned by Montford Johnson in what is now western Oklahoma City.
Within two decades, the city’s population swelled past 60,000, and a special election designated Oklahoma City the state’s capital. Being made Oklahoma’s capital encouraged more growth, including the building of colleges and universities. The discovery of oil in 1928 led to an oil boom that helped the city to build and grow to its current population of more than 1.4 million in the Greater Oklahoma City area, including more than 680,000 in the city limits.
Current Pricing for Apartments in Oklahoma City
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,048 | $550 | $3,230 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,163 | $550 | $10,000+ |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,374 | $645 | $10,000+ |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,751 | $789 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,878 | $575 | $4,000 |
Current Pricing for Homes and Condos for Rent in OKC
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,765 | $900 | $2,400 |
| 1 Bedroom Homes | $999 | $615 | $2,499 |
| 2 Bedroom Homes | $1,287 | $740 | $4,750 |
| 3 Bedroom Homes | $1,704 | $795 | $9,000 |
| 4 Bedroom Homes | $2,093 | $899 | $7,500 |
| 5 Bedroom Homes | $2,177 | $799 | $4,500 |
Popular OKC Neighborhoods and Suburbs
Oklahoma City encompasses more than 620 square miles, plus suburbs and other communities in its extended area. The city ranks 10th in the United States in total area, which means there is plenty of room for residents to call home. Here are some of the more popular neighborhoods and suburbs in the Greater Oklahoma City area.
My favorite part of Oklahoma City is Bricktown, which is a feeling shared by many who make their homes in and near the city. Bricktown is a collection of commercial and residential buildings made up of colorful and attractive brick masonry, with the local canal running through it.
Bricktown has a lot of great restaurants, bars, and breweries that help to support a nightlife that attracts people from around the area. One of my favorite pastimes in Bricktown is to take a water taxi tour on the canal running through the heart of the neighborhood. The neighborhood is located northwest of the I-40 and I-35 interchange in central Oklahoma City.
Another terrific local neighborhood is Deep Deuce, which is situated northwest of Bricktown and is part of downtown Oklahoma City’s historic district. Residents are situated within walking distance of shopping, dining, and live music. It’s a vibrant neighborhood that is steeped in local history and offers special events throughout the year.
Deep Deuce gets its name from its location as Oklahoma City’s Second Ward and has been a historical center for black culture and jazz music, which affirms its inclusive nature. The name also comes from Northeast Second Street, which was the neighborhood’s main route for decades.
The city’s Midtown neighborhood is also steeped in history and has many terrifically maintained historic homes and other residences. The pedestrian-friendly locale is very close to downtown and other popular neighborhoods. It offers plenty of retail shopping, unique boutique stores, gastropubs, and live music venues that ensure there’s always something fun to do.
Those are just a few of the many great neighborhoods in Oklahoma City. Many also enjoy residing nearby in popular suburbs, like Edmond, Arcadia, and Piedmont, which are north of the city limits. Mustang and Union City to the south and west are also great, as are Moore, McCloud, Spender, and many other communities to the south and east.
Plenty of Freshwater for a Growing City
Oklahoma City has relatively plentiful freshwater supplies due to local rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and their tributaries. Anyone who has lived in the western United States knows the importance of water, and there is no shortage here.
The Oklahoma River and its tributaries ensure ample freshwater, as does the Central Oklahoma aquifer that is located beneath the city. Lake Overholser to the west, Lake Hefner to the northwest, and Lake Stanley Draper and Lake Thunderbird to the southeastern part of Oklahoma City also provide plenty of freshwater for fishing and other aquatic activities.
There are also lots of smaller reservoirs, lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams flowing in and around the city. All of them are easy to access via the city and the surrounding area’s great network of roads, highways, and freeways.
Ample Transportation Infrastructure
While I am on the topic of transportation infrastructure, Oklahoma City has some of the best in the west. Its roads are laid out in a typical grid formation, which makes it very easy to navigate. The city also is surrounded by freeways and has several federal and state highways running to and through it, including historic Route 66.
Interstates 44 and 40, along with the 344 and 240 bypasses, run along the northern, western, and southern boundaries of the city. Interstate 35 bisects the city from north to south, while the 335 bypass is situated in the easternmost portion of the greater Oklahoma City area. Route 77 also bisects the city from north to south.
Those who prefer using public transportation will find plenty of possibilities with the Oklahoma City public transportation system, which is operated by EMBARK. The system includes a great bus line connecting all parts of the city, the OKC Streetcar, and the RAPID bus that offers rapid transit from one area to another. An ADA paratransit service also is available for those who need assistance when getting around the city.
The city is also served by the Will Rogers International Airport, which is named after Oklahoma’s favorite son and an early country music legend. The airport is the busiest in Oklahoma and handles millions of passengers every year. The Oklahoma City Department of Airports manages Will Rogers and two other local airports. Those are the Clarence E. Page Airport and the Wily Post Airport.
Enjoy a Relatively Temperate Climate
I’ve lived in cold-weather states and the Desert Southwest, and I greatly prefer the weather in Oklahoma City. It does get hot here, but not for very long, and the winters only occasionally see temperatures drop to well below freezing. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 93 degrees, followed closely by August with an average high of 92 degrees, plus about 70 percent humidity.
During the winter months, January is the coldest, with an average high of 49 degrees and an average low of 27 degrees. Snowfall is scant, with an average of just 2 inches of snow each month from December through February. November and March each average an inch of snow.
Rainfall can be significant during the warmer months, with May producing an average of 5.31 inches of rainfall, followed by an average of 4.49 inches in June. The annual average rainfall is up to 65.5 inches, but those rainy days are offset by an average of 235 days of sunshine each year. So you get four seasons of weather, which is great for those who enjoy fall color tours, springtime blossoms, and relatively mild winters and summers.
Great Local Schools, Colleges, and Universities
Oklahoma City has some very good grade schools that can lead to entrance into colleges and universities in Oklahoma’s capital city or elsewhere. Oklahoma City University, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and Oklahoma City Community College offer excellent educational tracks that can lead to rewarding careers. The community college is especially helpful for those who want to minimize the cost of higher education without compromising on its quality.
Several other institutions of higher learning are also located in the city. The University of Central Oklahoma, Langston University, Mid-America Christian University, and Oklahoma Christian University all offer great educational programs. So there are lots of options, including public and private grade schools, colleges, and universities, to ensure a high quality of education is available for students who are willing to learn.
Visit Museums and a Great Zoo
One of the things that I like most about Oklahoma City is its large collection of museums. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is great for art lovers, while those who are more into science would enjoy a trip to the Science Museum of Oklahoma. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum delves into the region’s cowboy history, and a visit to the First Americans Museum will entertain while educating visitors about the region’s tribal histories.
Many visitors are astounded at the variety of museums in the city and the various niches to which they are dedicated. Among examples not already cited are the 99s Museum of Women Pilots, which details the history of female aviators. The Oklahoma Firefighters Museum is another great example, as is the already-mentioned First Americans museum. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame is also located here, along with many other great museums.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is always worth a visit, too. It offers memorable wild encounters with bears, Galapagos tortoises, bison, Komodo dragons, Indian rhinos, and Asian elephants. The zoo also offers special events that are fun for kids and adults of all ages.
Ample Outdoor Activities for All Ages
While I love its many museums and performing arts venues, what I like most about Oklahoma City is its outdoor recreational opportunities. It’s a great place for hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, boating, and so much more. There are more than 170 public parks, so no matter how young or old, there’s outdoor fun waiting for people of all ages.
The Martin Park Nature Center in the north-central part of the city is great for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature. It offers guided tours and interpretive programs that educate and entertain visitors. No bikes are allowed at the nature center, but Oklahoma City has close to 100 miles of multi-use trails and two off-road parks for two-wheeled fun.
If you enjoy playing golf, the city has five municipal golf courses that are fun and affordable. No memberships are required, and you can participate in tournaments, special events, take lessons, and attend clinics to improve your game. The city also has several public pools and aquatic centers that are ideal on hot and sunny days.
The city’s parks and recreation department also sponsors youth and adult sports programs throughout the year. They are available for individuals and teams alike and make it more fun to participate in athletic activities and stay in reasonably good shape.
Fishing Opportunities Aplenty
Fishing, though, is my favorite outdoor activity, and there are plenty of opportunities in and around Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma River, the Canadian River, and the many creeks and streams that feed them offer great fun for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. They also produce legendary catfish, bass, and other popular freshwater species.
Lakes Overholser and Hefner are great for boating and fishing, but I am especially fond of Lake Thunderbird, which is a reservoir located southeast of Oklahoma City. Countless smaller bodies of water also are located in and near the city, which makes it easy to catch some very tasty fish and enjoy time on the water.
