The Oklahoma City economy is thriving — and it shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. There are many job and career opportunities available across OKC. Along with these, the city offers affordable housing, amazing arts and entertainment options, and much more.
For young professionals who are looking to move, consider Oklahoma City. Once you do, you may quickly discover why OKC ranks among the top areas of the United States for young professionals.
OKC in Top 5 Hottest Job Markets
In April 2024, The Wall Street Journal and Moody’s Analytics ranked OKC fifth on their list of the hottest job markets in the United States. They identified the country’s strongest labor markets based on five factors:
- Unemployment rate
- Labor-force participation rate
- Changes to employment levels
- Labor force size
- Wages
Jobs Increasing in Several Sectors
Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the number of Oklahoma City jobs increased in several sectors between March 2023 and March 2024, including:
- Construction
- Education and health services
- Government
- Leisure and hospitality
- Manufacturing
Growth Projected to Continue
According to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, overall employment in Oklahoma is expected to grow 10.4% between 2020 and 2030. Comparatively, the projected growth rate for employment nationally is 7.7% during this period.
If the Oklahoma economy continues to thrive, many job opportunities will be available to young professionals in OKC now and in the future. On top of that, Oklahoma City’s booming job market may lead young professionals to increasingly consider relocating to the city and its nearby communities.
Now’s the Perfect Time for Young Professionals to Move to OKC
In addition to offering one of the best job markets in the US, there are many reasons why young professionals are relocating to OKC, including:
1. Low Cost of Living
According to PayScale, the cost of living in Oklahoma City is approximately 16% less than the national average. Home, utility, and travel expenses also tend to be lower in OKC in comparison to those in other parts of the country.
2. Access to Arts and Entertainment
Oklahoma has more than 300 museums, including the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OCMOA), Science Museum Oklahoma, and many others in and around OKC. If you prefer sports and music to museums, visit Paycom Center, the home of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. Paycom also hosts concerts, professional bull riding, and other events throughout the year. For film buffs, check out the Annual deadCenter Film Festival, one of the country’s top festivals.
3. Plenty of Outdoor Spaces
In the heart of downtown OKC lies Myriad Botanical Gardens, which offers a 15-acre botanical garden with a look and feel all its own. If you’re in the northeast part of the city, stop by the Oklahoma City Zoo, which features more than 130 animals. Plus, OKC typically has more than 235 days of sunshine each year, giving you plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy these and many other outdoor spaces.
4. Wide Range of Restaurants
From fine dining to barbecue and everything in between, Oklahoma City offers restaurants to accommodate all guests’ dining preferences and budgets. Great dining options are available throughout OKC. There are also more than 125 food trucks serving dishes every day in midtown, the Bricktown Entertainment District, and other parts of the city.
5. Outstanding Communities
Many OKC young professionals appreciate the city’s communities featuring a variety of home styles and sizes. Here, young professionals can quickly and easily buy move-in-ready homes and enjoy them long into the future. They also have the flexibility to customize their homes however they choose.
Ready to Relocate to OKC?
The team at TimberCraft Homes is happy to help you make the move to Oklahoma City. As one of the top home builders in Oklahoma, we offer personalized and move-in-ready homes in OKC and its surrounding communities.
Contact TimberCraft to purchase a home in Oklahoma City or Edmond.
