9 Best Small Towns In Oklahoma For Retirees

When it comes to planning a retirement, the famous expression from real estate, "location, location, location"  no doubt applies when deciding on a great town to retire in! The lovely midwest state of Oklahoma's attractive offerings combine to make a diverse group of options for all budgets and lifestyles. From the serene landscapes in Ardmore, to Owasso's many parks, it is easy to fall in love with Oklahoma. Additionally, the following towns feature high-quality healthcare for seniors with particular physical needs as well. Whether the retiree is seeking a small, rural region, a mid-sized college town, or something closer to a city, these Oklahoma towns are great options for the retiring person and are worth considering!

Del City

Del City, with a population of 21,400 and a low rate of crime, makes for a quiet and safe spot to plan a retirement. The town, just outside Oklahoma City and just south of the picturesque North Canadian River, sits close enough to the urban center for a range of amenities and hospitals, but outside the worst parts of a city's hustle and bustle. The town's median home value remains below $100,000, making it an affordable option for retirees on a budget. Del City offers quick access to more than three dozen retirement homes, like Homestead of Del City, as well as two dozen hospitals for older persons who may need a range of different kinds of healthcare. 

Miami

No, not that Miami: this is Oklahoma's much smaller version of the Florida town of the same name. One of the state's oldest towns, Miami, with 12,900 residents, offers lots to see and do for culture-minded retirees, from the historic Coleman Theatre and the Charles Banks Wilson Art Gallery to the Dobson Museum, which focuses on the area's Native American history. With eight local hospitals and good rest homes like the Heartland Plaza of Miami, older persons can count on broad access to medical and other forms of personal care. Lovers of antiques or the outdoors will find plenty to do, whether at Twin Bridges State Park, where there is some fishing and hiking, or in the Main Street district, with antique stores, boutique shops, and local standouts for some time on the town. 

Jenks

With its larger population of 27,100, the town of Jenks, on the western bank of the Arkansas River and south of Tulsa, offers a mid-sized option with a lot to keep the active retiree busy. The Jenks Adult Activity Center maintains a full calendar of events just for seniors, from outings and meals in town to morning exercise classes and afternoon table games like poker and bridge. Those planning a retirement, whether for their parents or themselves, should know that the Jenks area tends to be more expensive than most choices in Oklahoma. However the range of activities and proximity to healthcare may mean the Jenks' higher costs are worth the extra expense. 

Ardmore

Another mid-sized town, Ardmore, with 24,900 total inhabitants and located in south-central Oklahoma, strikes a balance between small-town pace and larger-town convenience. Outdoors fans will love the nearby Lake Murray State Park, with a lake and grounds that allow for fishing, boating, tennis, golf, and more. Ardmore's Visual and Performing Arts Center likewise should appeal to those with indoor interests, or who want to find shelter, and culture, on Oklahoma's hottest and coldest days. Parks are numerous around the town and include  Central Park, Ardmore Regional Park, and Walker Park, which are great for visits from children and grandchildren. 

Owasso

Owasso, population 39,300, ranks as a larger retirement destination among Oklahoma's towns. Found in the state's northeast, the Tulsa suburb offers green spaces like Centennial Park as well as the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve. Its civic spirit is exemplified in local campaigns like the "City of Character" program, which encourages values that support the kinds of strong communities where seniors want to settle down. For golf fans, Bailey Ranch Golf Club makes another great reason to come live here and features sublime natural views from a challenging course. The town's Mowhawk Park includes a zoo that will make any visit with grandchildren worthwhile. Owasso's Vision 2025, a public works improvement project, promises to make the town even better. 

Ponca City

Ponca City, with 24,300 residents, has a culture to satisfy even the most discerning seniors. The Poncan Theatre, as well as the town's numerous museums, all make for pleasant visits. Located in north-central Oklahoma, not far from the state's border with Kansas, the town's more rural setting will appeal to retirees looking to simply slow down. Like in Ardmore and Owasso, the area's local green spaces, specifically Lake Ponca, provide a terrific natural playground for fishing, boating, and biking, as well as the Cann Memorial Gardens. Golf options abound here, from the Ponca City Country Club and the Wentz Memorial Golf Course to the Practice T5-4-3 driving range.  

Stillwater

Stillwater ranks as the largest town for retirees on this list, with a total population of 49,100. The place is a quintessential college town and is the home of Oklahoma State University. Though their student days may be long behind them, retirees should enjoy the university's botanical gardens, a 100-acre site with native and non-native species alike. For other natural zones, Walnut Creek State Park and Boomer Lake Park both offer walking and hiking choices for active seniors. Given Stillwater's size, the town sustains numerous retirement facilities, including Stillwater Senior Living, among many other options. 

Mustang

With a name that immediately brings to mind the horses and the mystique of the Old American West, Mustang, a suburb southeast of Oklahoma City, has 22,200 residents. The former farm town's close distance from the larger city means it is a rapidly growing community, with a rising number of choices for those retiring or planning to retire soon. For culture, Mustang hosts its annual Western Days Celebration, a festival of Old West culture that remembers cowboys and Oklahoma's part in the westward expansion of the United States. Mustang's next-to-zero crime rate, as well as a high concentration of assisted living communities, make Mustang a smart choice for seniors looking for options and interesting history.

Guthrie

Guthrie, with 11,200 inhabitants, lies a quick hop from Oklahoma City. Despite its modest size, the town's diverse set of hospitals and healthcare facilities should reassure seniors who need to know they can find care nearby. For recreation, Guthrie's location near the Cimarron River allows for summertime cooling off for grandkids and grandparents. The 43-acre Highland Park combines walking trails with a petite pond and fountain. The town also offers cultural gems like the old Pollard Theatre, the rodeo-focused Lazy E Arena, and the Oklahoma Territorial Museum. The town's Bluegrass Festival, held every fall, has run since 1997. The Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport allows for quick in-and-out access for family visitors who may appreciate flight options. 

Seniors looking for the convenience of suburban life, or a quick connection by flight or major highway, can hone in on a place like Jenks or Guthrie. For a slower lifestyle after decades of work, others may prefer Mustang or Ardmore. Larger towns like Owasso and Stillwater should give a range of choices to seniors living in either place, making good on the idea that "variety is the spice of life," which is just as true in retirement. In all cases, the blend of natural and cultural offerings, proximity to healthcare support, and the uniqueness of a historic western state should make Oklahoma, and the idea of retiring there, a serious attraction.