15 Reasons Oklahoma Is One of the Best Places to Retire

As an underrated state, Oklahoma is often overlooked as a prime location for retirees to settle down and enjoy their Golden Years. However, Oklahoma is actually one of the best places to enjoy those retirement days – your dollar will stretch further, the people are friendly, and there's more than enough to keep you busy. In 2014, Oklahoma City was recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 25 cities in the country for retirement. From peaceful lakeside living to vibrant urban amenities, here are 15 reasons Oklahoma stands out as one of the best places to enjoy your retirement years.

1. 234 Days of Sunshine to Brighten Your Golden Years

We experience, on average, 234 days of sunshine a year – way above the national average. In other words, Oklahoma experiences clear or partly sunny skies about 65 percent of the time. This high rate of sunshine allows you to enjoy a year-round active lifestyle. It makes it easy to enjoy outdoor activities like golfing, walking, and fishing even during milder winter months. However, note that you may have to prepare for potential severe weather, particularly during the spring months.

2 . Charming Small Towns Full of History and Heart

Our small towns are quaint, full of history and character. One of these towns is Guthrie, which is the state’s first capital. It features one of the largest contiguous National Historic Landmark Districts in the country. Therefore, it is a perfect location if you prefer to be in the company of preserved architecture involving over 2,000 Victorian-era buildings (1837–1901). The town is also home to the Oklahoma Territorial Museum and the Pollard Theatre. Other towns include Tishomingo, Pawhuska, Claremore, and Medicine Park, with its native red river rock (cobblestone) architecture.

3. Genuine Southern Hospitality Everywhere You Go

The people are SO friendly! Oklahoma is known for its culture of warmth, where neighbors support one another, and even strangers often feel welcomed. The culture draws on Southern, Western, and Native American traditions. Whether in smaller towns or suburban areas like Mustang or Edmond, residents often foster an atmosphere of togetherness, helping enhance safety and social connection. Oklahomans foster connections through block parties, gardening, creating community, and using platforms like Nextdoor to share news. Because the culture emphasizes kindness, it is easier to build new relationships even in retirement.

4. Beautiful Lakes Perfect for Retirement Living

We have stunning lakes across the state to enjoy during your glorious days of retirement. To put it into perspective, Oklahoma has more miles of shoreline than the Atlantic and Gulf coasts combined. It features more than 200 lakes, providing endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and waterfront living. Grand Lake o' the Cherokees, in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, is known as Oklahoma’s “Yacht club” and is one perfect example. The lake offers an excellent spot for waterfront dining, golf resorts, and a robust, active lifestyle, particularly around Monkey Island and the town of Grove. Other stunning lakes include Lake Texoma, Broken Bow Lake, and Lake Eufaula, which is the state’s largest lake.

5. Mountains and 10+ Unique Geological Regions to Explore

We have mountains and beautiful places to visit. We are one of only four states that boast more than 10 distinct geological regions, which range from pine-covered mountains to cypress swamps. When you live here, you can explore the rugged Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, which comes with ancient mountains and free-ranging bison. You can also explore the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, which is known for its crystal-clear springs and streams. The Beavers Bend State Park is also a top natural attraction with its pine forests, the Mountain Fork River, and Broken Bow Lake.

6. Affordable Living That Stretches Your Retirement Dollars

You get more bang for your buck in the Sooner State. Our housing prices and cost of living are lower than the national average. In fact, the housing costs are about 30 percent lower than the national average. It is also reported that the overall cost of living is about 14.5 percent lower than the national average. That cost includes everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and utilities. That is, whether you choose to live in Oklahoma City or in more rural, open spaces, the cost of living remains relatively low.

7. Breathtaking Oklahoma Sunsets Every Evening

We have stunning sunsets that will continuously take your breath away. You can watch sunsets from your backyard, a local park, or as part of a sunset-watching party. Since the landscape features wide-open prairies and plains, it allows you unparalleled, unobstructed views of the horizon. Because there is increased color scattering, the sunsets are associated with richer, more vibrant shades of red and orange. Some of the best spots to view the stunning sunsets in Oklahoma include Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Lake Hefner (Oklahoma City), Turner Falls Park, and the Arbuckle Mountains.

8. Top-Notch Golf Courses to Keep You Active

Oklahoma is full of beautiful private and public golf courses to keep you active. In fact, the state boasts more than 200 diverse golf courses. They range from scenic, affordable state park courses to top-rated championship venues, including Chickasaw Pointe Golf Club or Cedar Creek Golf Course at Beavers Bend State Park. For instance, the Chickasaw Pointe Golf Club is a public 18-hole championship course situated on a peninsula along Lake Texoma. The course is known for its breathtaking lake views, elevation changes, and challenging layout, offering a picturesque, often windy, golfing experience. Also, remember that the state-operated golf courses tend to remain open throughout the winter, helping encourage a year-round, active lifestyle.

9. Year-Round Festivals and Community Events

Fun events and festivals are always taking place in Oklahoma. Some regular community events you can attend include Tulsa Tough cycling, the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival, the Chuck Wagon Festival, or the Paseo Arts Festival. For example, Tulsa Tough cycling is a three-day cycling event usually held in early June and features elite racing and mass-participation rides. On the other hand, the Chuck Wagon Festival, usually held over the Memorial Day weekend, celebrates Western and Native American history. It features authentic cooking demonstrations, dance performances, and family activities such as rope-making, and much more.

10. Legendary Oklahoma Comfort Food

We have the best comfort food around! One fantastic summer dish, and Oklahoma’s official dessert, is peach cobbler. You can enjoy the dessert with or without vanilla ice cream, and you can get the best ones from the Cobbler Mom in Tulsa. Growing old here in Oklahoma means you can also regularly enjoy other comfort foods such as fresh local strawberries, venison steak, chicken-fried steak, Indian tacos, fried-onion burgers, and biscuits and gravy.

11. Peaceful Places to Relax and Unwind

You can always find a quiet place to relax. The state has over two dozen state parks. As an example, the Arbuckle Mountains offer quiet, scenic, and engaging outdoor experiences, which is perfect if you want to grow old around here. There are also areas such as Beavers Bend State Park and the Upper Mountain Fork River, which provide serene, forested areas for you to escape to for a while. Additionally, many communities in this state emphasize front-porch living, ensuring residents benefit from a supportive, friendly atmosphere for relaxation.

12. No State Tax on Social Security Benefits

Social Security benefits aren't taxed in the Sooner State, so you get to keep more of your money. In fact, it is one of the 41 states that do not tax Social Security benefits. Still, the state of Oklahoma provides partial tax exemptions for other retirement income, such as pensions. You can therefore stretch your retirement income further. However, remember that although there is no state social security tax, you may still owe federal income taxes on a portion of your benefits.

13. Incredible Fishing Spots Across the State

We have many fabulous fishing spots. Oklahoma is home to over 200 lakes and numerous rivers, supporting over 40 species of fish and providing year-round fishing opportunities. One of the leading fishing destinations is Lake Texoma, which is situated on the border of Oklahoma and Texas. The lake is known as the "Striper Capital of the World". It offers a generous 10-striped bass limit, making it ideal for guided trips. Other fishing destinations worth mentioning include Broken Bow Lake & Mountain Fork River, which is ideal for trout fishing, and Lake Eufaula, which is the state’s largest lake. Lake Eufaula is famous for crappie fishing.

14. The Perfect Blend of Scenic Countryside

Oklahoma has the perfect balance of countryside. It has the perfect blend of rolling green hills, forests, and expansive prairies with a slow-paced, rural lifestyle. The diverse natural beauty ranges from lush forests and mountains of Eastern Oklahoma to the dramatic canyons and plains of the West. And you can enjoy a quiet, perfect blend of rural lifestyle while remaining within a short drive of major city hubs like Oklahoma City and Tulsa for your potential healthcare and entertainment needs.

15. Vibrant City Life When You Want It

And city life. For example, Oklahoma City and Tulsa have thriving arts districts. Spots to visit include the Civic Center Music Hall, the OKC Museum of Art, and the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, offering robust programming. Also, there is a nationally recognized culinary scene, ranging from top-rated steakhouses to international cuisine and local breweries. You can also regularly watch live matches of a professional sports team courtesy of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder. Other Oklahoma cities with vibrant city life to explore or live in are Edmond and Norman, the latter offering a college-town atmosphere.

There's no place like Oklahoma! Why do you think Oklahoma is the perfect place to grow old and awesome? Share your thoughts with us.

Ready to explore Oklahoma for yourself? Plan your perfect trip with the Only In Your State Itinerary Planner to discover scenic drives, small-town gems, state parks, and hidden attractions tailored to your interests. Now, don't forget to read more about these 3 Bucket-List-Level Views in Oklahoma.