When you think of traditional retirement locales, Oklahoma may not be at the top of your list – but it should be. Retiring in Oklahoma has several benefits. Consistently ranked in the top 100 best places to live and best places to retire, Oklahoma is a hidden gem for retirees seeking a beautiful, peaceful, and affordable retirement.
Learn more about why you should retire in Oklahoma.
Benefits of Retiring in Oklahoma
1. Low cost of living
Oklahoma has a cost of living that is nearly 14 percent below the national average. Retirees on a fixed income will enjoy the low cost of living in Oklahoma and watching their hard earned money go further. Groceries, utilities, as well as nonessential costs like eating at restaurants and other forms are entertainment are cheaper in Oklahoma City than in other U.S. metro areas.
2. Strong economy
For retirees that are looking to stay in the workforce, Oklahoma boasts a low employment rate that is usually at or below the national average. Oklahoma will keep restless retirees as busy as they want to be!
3. Tax benefits
Oklahoma offers retirees tax breaks. The state does not tax Social Security income, there is no state estate tax, and property taxes are low.
4. Rich cultural heritage
Today’s Oklahoma may seem more metropolitan than Wild West but the truth is somewhere in between. The state is rooted in Native traditions like American Indian culture, western heritage, and real life cowboys. Retiring in Oklahoma means being immersed in rich culture and an honorable heritage that is still felt throughout the state.
5. Small town familiarity and big city luxuries
While Oklahoma has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few decades, it still has everything you would expect from a small town but now also offers all the amenities that come with big city living. From grocery delivery to small coffee
6. Stunning natural beauty.
It may surprise you to learn that Oklahoma, often thought of as being flat, actually has stunning mountains like the Ouachita and Wichita mountain ranges. The state also boasts nearly 200 man-made lakes. The state is only one of four states to have more than ten different geographical regions in its state borders.
7. Year-round sunshine
Oklahoma has very mild winters and approximately 234 days of sunshine per year, well above the U.S. average. Oklahoma residents enjoy four distinct seasons with a hot summer, a cold winter, a beautiful and crisp autumn, and a blossoming and warm spring.
8. Fun activities for grandchildren
Oklahoma is growing and bringing fun additions for visiting grandchildren. Grandchildren will enjoy exploring Science Museum Oklahoma, learning about the Wild West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, and seeing the animals at the Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden.
9. Access to world class education
Oklahoma is home to over 50 universities and colleges and several of them offer classes for seniors and retirees. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Oklahoma and offers noncredit courses for seniors over the age of 50 with topics including OU’s Spooky Stories to Getting the Most out of your iPhone.
10. Fun and famous festivals
Oklahoma is well known for fun and vibrant festivals. The annual Festival of the Arts draws thousands of visitors. Other popular festivals include the monthly H & 8th Night Market with live music and food trucks, the Plaza District Festival, and the annual Oklahoma Regatta Festival.
Financially Planning for Retiring in Oklahoma
For all of these reasons and more, Oklahoma is a great place for retirees to settle. So, how do you make it happen? When evaluating the cost of senior living, you must first consider your current budget and expenses. What do you pay for now that you will no longer be responsible for after moving? This would include food, utilities, healthcare, house maintenance, and home ownership.
From there, consider what is offered and included in the senior living community you are moving to. Many Leisure Care communities offer a wide range of amenities and services including
- Housekeeping and linen services
- Restaurant dining
- Home maintenance
- Yardwork
- Fitness classes through PrimeFit
- On-site travel agency with Travel by Leisure Care
- Assisted living and memory care services, if needed
Your monthly rate will depend on the care being received, amenities being used, and what style of apartment you chose. Our Oklahoma communities offer a wide range of lifestyle options and fit a wide range of budgets.
The average cost of assisted living in Oklahoma is $3,081.50 but prices can vary greatly across the state.
Build Your Future With Us
From exploring your own backyard to traveling the world, life at a Leisure Care community is fun and easy. We offer assisted living and memory care at The Linden at Stonehaven Square. No matter where you are in your search for senior care, we will work closely with you and your family to create a lifestyle that meets care and budget needs while making the most of every day of retirement. Five-star fun. Five-star service. That’s our promise.
It’s your time to build your future. Contact us today to get started.
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