8 Top-Ranked Towns in Oklahoma for Retirees
Known to boast one of the country's lowest living costs, Oklahoma makes for quite a budget-friendly retirement venue that features charming towns suited to any senior. The Sooner State exempts Social Security retirement benefits from taxation, provides a sizeable deduction toward other types of retirement income, including income from a 401(k), and maintains relatively low property tax rates. For perspective, Oklahoma homeowners pay a median property tax of just $1,424. If one combines Oklahoma’s great weather and hospitality, it almost makes for a perfect retirement venue. For folks considering retiring in Oklahoma, discover below the eight top-ranked towns in Oklahoma for retirees.
Marlow
Home to just about 4,400 residents, Marlow is a small, enticing town on U.S. Route 81 in Oklahoma’s south-central Stephens County. Marlow is known for its beautiful neighborhoods and relative affordability. According to data from Redfin, the town boasted a median home price of just $161,000 in December 2023. For perspective, this is way lower than the state median home price, which, in the same period, stood at $230,700. Also, the town is a short hour’s drive from Oklahoma City and grants quick access to big-city amenities, including hospitals. Plus, according to the demographic data, 1 in 3 Marlow residents is an empty nester, implying seniors can get ample opportunities for networking and social support.
Mannford
For starters, Mannford, according to Safewise, ranks among Oklahoma’s 20 Safest Cities of 2023. The rankings place Mannford at an impressive position of 11 and indicate it has jumped 14 places to its current position. If you want to retire next to the water, you will love that Mannford snuggles the beautiful Lake Keystone, a popular spot for world-class fishing. Also, Mannford Activity Center is a state-of-the-art fitness center that will ensure your muscles are well-toned. And if you prefer staying close to a big city, Mannford is just about 22 miles from Tulsa, the second-most populous city in the state. Expectedly, this comes with awesome access to amenities, including shopping areas and reputable hospitals. Mannford’s median age is about 31 years. It is, therefore, perfect for those who want to roll with a young crowd. In December 2023, the town’s median home price stood at an affordable $152,000.
Grove
As a retiree, you will love Grove for many things, including its accessibility. For instance, you will be served by — not one but two airports: Grove Regional Airport and Grove Municipal Airport. Grove is also a short drive from Interstate 44, which is known to locals as the “Central Freeway.” Medical facilities abound within the precincts of the town. Integris Grove Hospital, for instance, is at 1001 E 18th Street and is highly rated by patients, going by the fact that 76% would recommend it. But one can explore numerous other options in towns such as Miami, Oklahoma; Rogers, Arkansas; Galena, Kansas; and Joplin, Missouri — all within an hour’s drive of town, some even 30 minutes. As a retiree, you will enjoy outdoor adventure at serene places such as The Grand Lake of the Cherokees, one of Grove’s defining attractions.
Piedmont
If you want a quiet, rural feel in a town that is enticingly small but vibrant, Piedmont should be on your bucket list. One of Oklahoma’s fastest-growing cities is also among the best places to live in Oklahoma. Several factors, including its safety, could account for this. According to Safewise, for instance, Piedmont is Oklahoma’s third-safest city. Also, 94% of Piedmont residents are homeowners. It looks like those who have tasted it immediately stopped their search. According to Niche.com, about 33% of residents are seniors aged 55 and above. As a result, empty nesters should expect a solid social network and support groups. But wait for the most exciting part. Piedmont is just half an hour’s drive from Oklahoma City. For those who choose to retire here, you will never be far from fantastic shopping options, excellent medical facilities, and other big-city fun and adventure. Of course, this comes at a small price. The median home price in December 2023 stood at $407,000.
Guthrie
Forget about its spellbinding architecture and elegant towers such as the Masonic Temple and the Carnegie Library; Guthrie has much more than that going in its favor. Guthrie’s residents are kind-hearted and helpful, the atmosphere here is warm and intimate, and the attractions are numerous and quite fun-filled. For perspective, Guthrie’s downtown is the largest contiguous National Register of Historic Places in the United States. Oklahoma’s original territorial capital is home to several medical facilities as well. Mercy Hospital Logan County, which 78% of patients would recommend, is at 200 S Academy Road. And for even more options, Oklahoma City is just about 32 miles down the road. Plus, the town boasts a median age of 37 years, a sweet blend of the old and young. And with houses selling at a median price of just $190,000 (as of December 2023), Guthrie effortlessly ticks the affordability box.
Eufaula
Few would willingly pass the chance to retire right next to Oklahoma’s largest lake, and this is partly what Eufaula offers. Located in southeastern Oklahoma, Lake Eufaula is not just Oklahoma’s largest lake but also among the largest man-made lakes in the world. And Arrowhead State Park, which features this lake, is often a much-sought-after camping venue. As one should expect, retiring here is an outdoor lover’s dream. Eufaula is part village and part town, with enough serenity to make one’s retirement blissful. According to Niche.com, seniors aged 55 and above comprise a whopping 44% of Eufaula’s population, a factor that speaks to the town’s retirement appeal. While Eufaula is small and slightly secluded, Muskogee, Oklahoma’s 13th-largest city, is just 36 miles away. The median home price in Eufaula was a tidy $326,000 in December 2023.
Warr Acres
One factor that makes Warr Acres a fantastic retirement choice is its diversity. This town can make for a perfect retirement venue for those who like exploring other cultures and perspectives. According to Niche.com, Wart Acres scores a solid A+ on measures of ethnic and economic diversity. Warr Acres is also a suburb of Oklahoma City. This means you can dash to America's 20th-largest city in a jiffy, whether to seek urgent medical attention, explore its museums ( Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is quite evocative), or pick a shopping item. The town’s median age is 33. While some can cringe at this, research shows mixed-age interactions can make seniors feel more purposeful and hence, improve their quality of life.
Sulphur
One of Sulphur’s enticing draws is that it sits right next to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, arguably the best campsite in the entire state. As a retiree, you will want to swim, boat, fish, or hit the trails here whenever you feel like stepping out into the great outdoors. Arbuckle Memorial Hospital, a staple of the town since 1959, is known to provide excellent medical services. This is lent credit because an impressive 76% of patients would recommend it, which is 6% higher than the national average. More options are within 40 miles of town in places such as Ada, Ardmore, Pauls Valley, and Tishomingo. With homes fetching a median price of $240,000, seniors may not need to wipe out their savings to live here. Finally, according to Niche.com, seniors aged 55 and above comprise 32% of the town’s population, implying excellent networking opportunities.
From the jungly forests in the east to the plains and badlands of Oklahoma’s Panhandle, the Sooner State boasts a landscape that is as varied as it is appealing. Dotting this vast expanse are numerous towns that can make for awesome retirement venues. And since Oklahoma is among the most affordable states in the country—and exempts Social Security retirement benefits from taxation—the decision to retire here can be a great option. If scoping for specific recommendations, the top-ranked towns in Oklahoma to retire include Marlow, Mannford, Grove, and Piedmont.
