Why Move to Oklahoma City?

Oklahoma City is a top place to live. With its thriving economy, a wide range of attractions and landmarks, and outstanding communities, it’s easy to understand why OKC is a popular destination for families, young professionals, and many others.

There’s plenty to consider as you weigh the pros and cons of moving to Oklahoma from California or anywhere else. Ultimately, there are many reasons to move to Oklahoma City now, such as:

1. Bustling Job Market

In April 2024, Moody’s Analytics and The Wall Street Journal included Oklahoma City in their list of the hottest job markets in the United States. Job opportunities in and around OKC are available in many industries, including:

• Aerospace: The aerospace industry represents more than 38,000 jobs in Oklahoma, according to Greater Oklahoma City Economic Development.
• Healthcare: There are more than 123,000 healthcare workers in Oklahoma City.
• Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector makes up approximately 6% of the Greater Oklahoma City workforce.

Tax credits are also available to workers who join certain industries. If you work in one of these sectors, you may receive money back on your tax return annually for the next few years.  

For example, the State of Oklahoma offers the Aerospace Industry Engineer Workforce Tax Credit. Under this credit, aerospace engineers can receive a tax credit of $5,000 per year until 2026.

Additionally, there’s a tax credit for software engineers who have earned a degree from an accredited institution or a certificate from a technology center. This tax credit provides $2,200 annually to engineers who received a degree and $1,800 annually to those with a certificate. It can be claimed for up to seven years. 

2. Low Cost of Living

In terms of the lowest cost of living, Oklahoma City owns the top spot among U.S. cities with a population over 500,000, according to a report from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Based on C2ER’s 2023 Cost of Living Index (COLI), OKC had a score of 85.1, which was 14.9 points lower than the national average. Previously, the city received a COLI score of 86.5 one year earlier.

Additionally, Payscale points out that Oklahoma City has a 16% lower cost of living than the national average. It also notes many everyday expenses are typically more affordable in OKC than they are in other parts of the country, including:

• Groceries
• Transportation
• Utilities

Let’s not forget about the lower-than-average median price of homes in Oklahoma City, either. Payscale reports the median price of a home in Oklahoma City is $320,148. By comparison, the median home price in the United States was $420,800 in the first quarter of 2024, research shows. This means those moving to Oklahoma City may save big if they buy a home here versus purchasing one elsewhere. 

3. Amazing Community

Community plays a big part in the overall Oklahoma City experience. There are many community events to enjoy in OKC, including: 

• Concerts: See your favorite band or musician perform at The Criterion, Paycom Center, or other local music venues. 
• Museums: Learn about art, science, and history at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Science Museum Oklahoma, and other OKC museums.  
• Sports: Watch the Oklahoma City Thunder, Oklahoma City Baseball Club, or OKC Energy FC play live and in person, visit the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum, or check out rowing, canoeing, and kayaking events throughout the year.

If you’re considering moving to Oklahoma City, it may be worthwhile to check out the city’s community events. OKC has many art shows, concerts, games, and other family-friendly events throughout the year. These events give you the opportunity to actively engage with your community. They may also help you build friendships and make the most of your city experience. 

In addition to its community events, Oklahoma City offers 15 public and private colleges, including The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. These schools give you plenty of opportunities to earn a degree or join programs or classes where you can enhance your current skill set. You may find many college activities, events, and groups to enjoy in the community, too.

Ready to Move to Oklahoma City? 

Still asking yourself, “Why move to Oklahoma?” If you’re on the fence about relocating, the team at TimberCraft Homes can help you out. Check out our contemporary new home communities in Oklahoma City and Edmond. When you do, you may quickly find your dream home in Oklahoma. 

Contact TimberCraft Homes for a contemporary, new build home in Oklahoma City or Edmond.