Best Cities in Oklahoma for Veterans 2025: Cost of Living & Quality of Life
Oklahoma's best cities for veterans ranked by cost of living, veteran population, amenities, and quality of life. Housing costs and city comparisons.
Best Cities in Oklahoma for Veterans 2025
Bottom Line Up Front
Oklahoma City ranks #1 for Oklahoma veterans—it's the state capital with the strongest job market, Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, proximity to Tinker AFB (25,000+ jobs), and affordable median home prices at $280,000. Edmond takes #2, offering excellent schools, extremely low crime, and higher-income neighborhoods at $450,000 median while staying close to OKC resources.
For maximum affordability, Lawton offers median home prices at $140,000 (lowest among major cities) with direct access to Fort Sill and 15,000+ military/civilian jobs. Tulsa balances cost ($252,000 median), urban amenities, Jack C. Montgomery VAMC access, and a vibrant arts/cultural scene.
Oklahoma's advantage is affordability—statewide cost of living ranks 3rd lowest nationally at 85/100 (15% below national average). Combined with no tax on military retirement and full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans (saving $2,000-$3,500 annually), veterans' dollars stretch 15-20% further than most states.
Overall, Oklahoma cities excel for affordability, veteran employment (1.0% unemployment—best nationally), and military installation access (Tinker AFB, Fort Sill). Best for veterans prioritizing low cost of living, homeownership affordability, and veteran employment opportunities.
Ranking Methodology
Cities Ranked By:
- Cost of living (housing, utilities, groceries): 30%
- Veteran population & community: 20%
- Proximity to VA healthcare: 15%
- Job opportunities: 20%
- Quality of life (crime, schools, amenities): 15%
Top 10 Cities Ranked
#1: Oklahoma City
Why It's #1:
Oklahoma City combines state capital advantages, strongest job market, direct VA Medical Center access, Tinker AFB proximity, affordable housing, and urban amenities. As Oklahoma's largest city (population 680,000), it offers the most opportunities for veterans while maintaining cost of living 18% below the national average. OKC has transformed from oil-dependent economy to diverse hub with aerospace, healthcare, energy, and tech sectors.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $280,000
- Rent (2BR): $1,061/month
- At national average (nationwide median: $404,400)
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 82/100 (18% below national average)
- Groceries: 95/100 (5% below average)
- Utilities: $165/month (3% below average)
- Transportation: $85/month
- Housing: 40% cheaper than U.S. average
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 40,000+ (6% of metro residents)
- VFW/AL posts: 20+
- Strong veteran support network
VA Healthcare Access:
- Oklahoma City VA Medical Center: In city (921 NE 13th Street)
- Full medical center with emergency, surgery, specialty care
- 4-star patient satisfaction (2024), 3-star overall
- Multiple VA clinics: North OKC, South OKC, Yukon
- Best VA access in Oklahoma
Employment:
- Unemployment: 3.2%
- Major employers: Tinker Air Force Base (25,000+—20 min), State of Oklahoma (30,000+ with veteran preference), INTEGRIS Health, OU Health, Paycom (HQ), Devon Energy (HQ), Love's (HQ), Chesapeake Energy, Boeing, Northrop Grumman
- Average salary: $54,000
- Veteran hiring: Excellent—Tinker AFB, state government, federal agencies
Quality of Life:
- Weather: Hot summers (95°F), mild winters (40°F), tornadoes possible (spring)
- Crime rate: Moderate (varies by neighborhood)
- Safest areas: Edmond (adjacent suburb), Nichols Hills, Quail Creek, Northwest OKC
- Higher crime: Northeast, Southeast (avoid)
- Schools: Variable (5-9/10 depending on district)—Edmond, Deer Creek, Putnam City North rated highest
- Recreation: Bricktown entertainment district, Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA), Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Lake Hefner, trails
Pros:
- Strongest job market in Oklahoma
- VA Medical Center in city (no driving)
- Most affordable major metro
- 20 min to Tinker AFB (25,000+ jobs)
- State government jobs with veteran preference
- No state income tax on military retirement
- 100% disabled: full property tax exemption ($2,520/year savings on median home)
- Urban amenities (dining, culture, sports, entertainment)
- Will Rogers World Airport (easy travel)
Cons:
- Crime varies by neighborhood (research areas)
- Schools highly variable by district
- Tornado risk (spring season)
- Hot, humid summers
- Urban sprawl (car necessary)
- Traffic congestion on I-35, I-40, I-44
Best For: Veterans seeking jobs and career growth, Tinker AFB employees/contractors, state government careers, urban-preference veterans, families (choose good school districts like Edmond/Deer Creek)
#2: Edmond
Why It's #2:
Edmond is Oklahoma City's premium northern suburb, offering the best schools in the state, extremely low crime, high-income neighborhoods, and family-friendly atmosphere while staying adjacent to OKC resources. Consistently ranked one of the best cities to live in Oklahoma. Population 94,000 with median household income of $151,000 (highest in Oklahoma).
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $450,000
- Rent (2BR): $1,350/month
- 61% above Oklahoma average (but excellent value for quality)
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 90/100 (10% below national average despite premium positioning)
- Groceries: 95/100
- Utilities: $170/month (13% below average)
- Healthcare: 11% below average
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 5,000+ (5% of residents)
- Close to Oklahoma City veteran services
- VFW/AL posts: 2
VA Healthcare Access:
- Oklahoma City VA Medical Center: 15 minutes
- North OKC VA Clinic: 10 minutes
- Excellent access
Employment:
- Unemployment: 2.8%
- Major employers: University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond Public Schools, healthcare, retail, many residents commute to OKC/Tinker (15-25 min)
- Average salary: $65,000
- Median household income: $151,000
Quality of Life:
- Weather: Same as OKC (hot summers, mild winters)
- Crime rate: Very low (one of safest cities in Oklahoma)
- Schools: Edmond Public Schools rated 9/10—best in Oklahoma
- Recreation: Hafer Park, Arcadia Lake, downtown Edmond festivals, UCO campus, 15 min to OKC attractions
Pros:
- Best schools in Oklahoma (9/10)
- Extremely safe (lowest crime in metro)
- High quality of life
- Family-friendly community
- 15 min to OKC VA Medical Center
- 20 min to Tinker AFB
- Strong property values (appreciation)
- No income tax on military retirement
- 100% disabled: full property tax exemption ($4,000+/year savings on median home)
Cons:
- Most expensive in Oklahoma ($450K median)
- Suburban lifestyle (less urban than OKC)
- Commute required for most jobs
- Limited nightlife/entertainment (drive to OKC)
Best For: Veteran families prioritizing schools and safety, higher-earning veterans, retirees seeking upscale community, Tinker AFB employees who can afford premium housing
#3: Tulsa
Why It's #3:
Tulsa is Oklahoma's second-largest city (population 410,000) offering urban amenities, vibrant arts/culture scene, Jack C. Montgomery VAMC access (Muskogee, 45 min), diverse economy (aerospace, energy, healthcare), and affordable housing at $252,000 median. Known as the cultural capital of Oklahoma with strong music, arts, and festival scene.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $252,000
- Rent (2BR): $1,000/month
- 10% below Oklahoma average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 85/100 (15% below national average)
- Housing: 45% cheaper than U.S. average
- Groceries: 90/100
- Utilities: $180/month
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 25,000+ (6% of metro)
- VFW/AL posts: 15+
- Tulsa Vet Center (readjustment counseling)
- Strong veteran community
VA Healthcare Access:
- Tulsa VA Clinic: In city (8921 South Mingo Road—full clinic with specialty care)
- Jack C. Montgomery VAMC (Muskogee): 45 minutes (full medical center)
- Tulsa Vet Center: In city
Employment:
- Unemployment: 3.4%
- Major employers: American Airlines Maintenance Base (5,500+), Saint Francis Health System, Ascension St. John, ONEOK (energy), Williams Companies (energy), Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Boeing (at American Airlines base), Macy's (operations center)
- Average salary: $52,000
- Veteran hiring: Strong—American Airlines actively recruits veteran A&P mechanics
Quality of Life:
- Weather: Hot summers (94°F), mild winters (38°F), tornado risk
- Crime rate: Moderate (safer than OKC overall)
- Safest areas: South Tulsa, Brookside, Midtown, Jenks (suburb), Broken Arrow (suburb)
- Higher crime: North Tulsa (avoid)
- Schools: Tulsa Public Schools variable (5-8/10); Jenks and Broken Arrow schools excellent (8-9/10)
- Recreation: Gathering Place (nation's best park), Philbrook Museum, Gilcrease Museum, Brady Arts District, Blue Dome District, BOK Center (concerts/hockey), Arkansas River trails, lakes
Pros:
- Vibrant arts/culture scene
- Affordable housing ($252K median)
- American Airlines jobs (5,500+ A&P mechanics)
- Tulsa VA Clinic in city
- 45 min to Muskogee VAMC
- No income tax on military retirement
- 100% disabled: full property tax exemption ($3,301/year savings)
- Strong Oklahoma culture (oil/energy heritage)
- Tulsa International Airport
Cons:
- 45 min to full VA Medical Center (Muskogee)
- Higher crime than suburbs (choose neighborhood carefully)
- Energy-dependent economy (cyclical)
- Tornado risk
- Hot, humid summers
Best For: Veterans seeking arts/culture, American Airlines employees, veterans who prefer Tulsa's vibe over OKC, families (Jenks/Broken Arrow suburbs), energy industry workers
#4: Norman
Why It's #4:
Norman is a college town (University of Oklahoma, 32,000 students) 20 minutes south of Oklahoma City, ideal for student veterans using GI Bill. It offers excellent education resources, young/progressive culture, Norman VA Clinic, and access to OKC jobs/VA. Population 128,000 with median household income $60,000.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $280,000
- Rent (2BR): $1,150/month
- At Oklahoma average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 94/100 (6% below national average)
- Housing: 14% below average
- Utilities: $175/month (8% below average)
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 7,000+ (includes 900+ student veterans at OU)
- OU Military & Veteran Services: Excellent
- Norman Veterans Home (state long-term care facility)
- VFW/AL posts: 3
VA Healthcare Access:
- Norman VA Clinic: In city (1020 24th Ave NW)
- Oklahoma City VA Medical Center: 20 minutes
- Excellent access
Employment:
- Unemployment: 3.0%
- Major employers: University of Oklahoma (11,000+), Norman Public Schools, Norman Regional Hospital, NOAA National Weather Center, aerospace/weather companies
- Average salary: $50,000
- Many residents commute to OKC (20 min)
Quality of Life:
- Weather: Same as OKC (hot summers, mild winters, tornado risk)
- Crime rate: Low (safer than OKC)
- Schools: Norman Public Schools rated 7-8/10 (good to very good)
- Recreation: OU campus (Sooners football at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is huge draw), Lake Thunderbird, trails, downtown Norman restaurants/bars, campus events
Pros:
- Excellent for GI Bill students (OU Yellow Ribbon, 900+ student vets)
- OU veteran support services (dedicated office, counselors)
- College town culture
- Safe community
- 20 min to OKC VA Medical Center
- Norman VA Clinic in city
- No income tax on military retirement
- 100% disabled: full property tax exemption ($3,024/year savings)
Cons:
- College-town atmosphere (pro/con depending on preference)
- OU dominates economy (limited jobs outside university/healthcare)
- Game day traffic (OU football—7 Saturdays/fall)
- 20 min commute to OKC for many jobs
Best For: Student veterans (OU is Oklahoma's flagship university), families wanting good schools, veterans who enjoy college town culture, OU employees
#5: Broken Arrow
Why It's #5:
Broken Arrow is Tulsa's premium southeastern suburb (population 113,000) offering excellent schools, family-friendly community, safety, and affordability at $317,000 median while providing access to Tulsa jobs and resources. Consistently ranked one of the best places to live in Oklahoma.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $317,000
- Rent (2BR): $1,219/month
- 13% above Oklahoma average (but excellent value)
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 85/100 (15% below national average)
- Housing: 35% cheaper than U.S. average
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 6,000+ (5% of residents)
- Access to Tulsa veteran services
- VFW/AL posts: 2
VA Healthcare Access:
- Tulsa VA Clinic: 15 minutes
- Muskogee VAMC: 50 minutes
Employment:
- Unemployment: 2.9%
- Major employers: Broken Arrow Public Schools, healthcare, retail; most residents commute to Tulsa (15 min)
- Median household income: $74,000 (33.9% above national average)
Quality of Life:
- Crime rate: Very low (safest in Tulsa metro)
- Schools: Broken Arrow Public Schools rated 8-9/10—excellent
- Recreation: Ray Harral Nature Park, Rose District (downtown), 15 min to Tulsa attractions
Pros:
- Excellent schools (8-9/10)
- Very safe
- Family-oriented community
- 15 min to Tulsa jobs
- 15 min to Tulsa VA Clinic
- No income tax on military retirement
- 100% disabled: full property tax exemption ($4,152/year savings)
- Strong property values
Cons:
- Suburban (limited urban amenities)
- Commute required for most jobs
- 50 min to Muskogee VAMC
Best For: Veteran families prioritizing schools and safety, Tulsa commuters, retirees seeking safe community
#6: Lawton
Why It's #6:
Lawton is a military-focused city (population 93,000) adjacent to Fort Sill, offering the most affordable housing in Oklahoma at $140,000 median, 15,000+ military/civilian jobs at Fort Sill, strong veteran community, and Lawton VA clinics. Perfect for budget-focused veterans and Fort Sill employees.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $140,000
- Rent (2BR): $850/month
- 50% below Oklahoma average (most affordable major city)
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 75/100 (25% below national average—excellent affordability)
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 12,000+ (13% of residents—highest percentage in Oklahoma)
- Fort Sill: Adjacent (15,000+ military/civilian)
- Lawton/Fort Sill Veterans Home (state long-term care, 200 beds)
- VFW/AL posts: 8+
- Strongest military/veteran community in Oklahoma
VA Healthcare Access:
- Lawton VA Clinic (on Fort Sill): In city
- Lawton North VA Clinic: In city
- Oklahoma City VAMC: 90 minutes (for specialty care)
- Community Care: Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Employment:
- Unemployment: 4.0%
- Major employers: Fort Sill (15,000+ military and civilian), Goodyear Tire, Cameron University, Comanche Nation Casino, Lawton Public Schools
- Average salary: $46,000
- Veteran hiring: Excellent at Fort Sill (federal preference)
Quality of Life:
- Weather: Hot summers (98°F), mild winters (42°F), tornado risk
- Crime rate: Moderate to higher (varies by neighborhood)
- Schools: Lawton Public Schools rated 5-7/10 (variable)
- Recreation: Fort Sill Museum, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (30 min—stunning), Lake Lawtonka, Comanche Nation Casino
Pros:
- Most affordable housing in Oklahoma ($140K)
- Fort Sill jobs (15,000+—federal civilian positions with veteran preference)
- Strongest veteran community (13% of population)
- Two VA clinics in city
- Very low cost of living (25% below national average)
- Wichita Mountains nearby (beautiful scenery/hiking)
- No income tax on military retirement
- 100% disabled: full property tax exemption ($1,050/year savings)
Cons:
- 90 min to Oklahoma City VAMC (specialty care)
- Limited economy outside Fort Sill
- Higher crime than suburbs
- Lower-rated schools
- Remote from metro amenities
- Very hot summers
Best For: Fort Sill employees/contractors, budget-focused veterans, retirees on fixed income, veterans who prefer military community, transitioning Fort Sill soldiers
#7: Yukon
Why It's #7:
Yukon is a western Oklahoma City suburb (population 30,000) offering small-town feel, good schools, safety, and affordability at $280,000 median while staying close to Tinker AFB and OKC resources. Known as the "Czech Capital of Oklahoma."
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $280,000
- Rent (2BR): $1,100/month
- At Oklahoma average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 85/100 (15% below national average)
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 1,500+ (5%)
- Access to OKC veteran services
- Yukon VA Clinic in city
VA Healthcare Access:
- Yukon VA Clinic: In city
- Oklahoma City VAMC: 15 minutes
Employment:
- Most residents commute to OKC/Tinker (15-25 min)
- Median household income: $68,000
Quality of Life:
- Crime rate: Low
- Schools: Yukon Public Schools rated 7-8/10 (good)
- Recreation: Chisholm Trail Park, downtown Yukon
Pros:
- Small-town feel near OKC
- Good schools
- Safe
- Yukon VA Clinic in city
- 15 min to OKC VAMC
- 25 min to Tinker AFB
- Affordable
- No income tax on military retirement
Cons:
- Commute required for jobs
- Limited local amenities
Best For: Families wanting small-town atmosphere with OKC access, Tinker AFB employees
#8: Stillwater
Why It's #8:
Stillwater is a college town (Oklahoma State University, 26,000 students) in north-central Oklahoma, ideal for student veterans. Population 50,000 with affordable housing at $240,000 median.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $240,000
- Rent (2BR): $950/month
- 14% below Oklahoma average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 88/100 (12% below national average)
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 2,000+ (includes 1,000+ student veterans at OSU)
- OSU Veteran Benefit Services: Excellent
VA Healthcare Access:
- Stillwater VA Clinic: In city
- Oklahoma City VAMC: 60 minutes
Employment:
- Major employers: Oklahoma State University (10,000+), healthcare
- Average salary: $47,000
Quality of Life:
- Crime rate: Low
- Schools: Stillwater Public Schools rated 7/10
- Recreation: OSU campus (Cowboys football huge), Boomer Lake, downtown Stillwater
Pros:
- Excellent for GI Bill students (OSU Yellow Ribbon, 1,000+ student vets)
- College town culture
- Safe
- Affordable
- Stillwater VA Clinic
Cons:
- 60 min to OKC VAMC
- OSU-dominated economy
- Remote from metro areas
Best For: Student veterans (OSU), families wanting college town, OSU employees
#9: Enid
Why It's #9:
Enid is an affordable city (population 50,000, median $185,000) in northwest Oklahoma with Vance Air Force Base nearby. Strong agricultural/energy economy.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $185,000
- Rent (2BR): $850/month
- 33% below Oklahoma average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 80/100 (20% below national average)
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 3,000+ (6%)
- Vance AFB nearby (pilot training base)
VA Healthcare Access:
- Enid VA Clinic: In city (915 E Owen K Garriott Rd)
- Oklahoma City VAMC: 90 minutes
Employment:
- Major employers: Vance AFB, INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center, Koch Nitrogen, retail
- Average salary: $45,000
Quality of Life:
- Crime rate: Low
- Schools: Enid Public Schools rated 6-7/10
- Recreation: Meadowlake Park, Enid Event Center
Pros:
- Very affordable ($185K median)
- Vance AFB jobs
- Enid VA Clinic
- Low crime
- No income tax on military retirement
Cons:
- 90 min to OKC VAMC
- Remote location
- Limited jobs outside Vance AFB
- Hot summers
Best For: Vance AFB employees, budget-focused veterans, small-city preference
#10: Claremore
Why It's #10:
Claremore is an affordable city (population 19,000, median $220,000) between Tulsa and Muskogee, offering access to both Jack C. Montgomery VAMC and Tulsa jobs.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $220,000
- Rent (2BR): $900/month
- 21% below Oklahoma average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 82/100 (18% below national average)
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 1,200+ (6%)
- Claremore Veterans Center (state long-term care, 168 beds)
VA Healthcare Access:
- Muskogee VAMC: 30 minutes
- Tulsa VA Clinic: 30 minutes
Employment:
- Major employers: Rogers State University, healthcare
- Many commute to Tulsa (30 min)
Quality of Life:
- Crime rate: Low
- Schools: Claremore Public Schools rated 7/10
- Recreation: J.M. Davis Arms Museum, Will Rogers birthplace
Pros:
- Affordable
- 30 min to Muskogee VAMC
- 30 min to Tulsa jobs
- Small-town atmosphere
- Claremore Veterans Center
Cons:
- Small town (limited local jobs)
- Commute required
Best For: Veterans wanting small-town near Tulsa/Muskogee VA, retirees
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| City | Median Home | Rent (2BR) | COL Index | Veteran % | VA Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $280,000 | $1,061 | 82 | 6% | In city (VAMC) |
| Edmond | $450,000 | $1,350 | 90 | 5% | 15 min |
| Tulsa | $252,000 | $1,000 | 85 | 6% | Clinic in city; Muskogee 45 min |
| Norman | $280,000 | $1,150 | 94 | 5%+ | Clinic in city; OKC 20 min |
| Broken Arrow | $317,000 | $1,219 | 85 | 5% | Tulsa 15 min |
| Lawton | $140,000 | $850 | 75 | 13% | 2 clinics in city |
| Yukon | $280,000 | $1,100 | 85 | 5% | Clinic in city; OKC 15 min |
| Stillwater | $240,000 | $950 | 88 | 4% (students) | Clinic in city; OKC 60 min |
| Enid | $185,000 | $850 | 80 | 6% | Clinic in city; OKC 90 min |
| Claremore | $220,000 | $900 | 82 | 6% | Muskogee 30 min |
By Budget
Most Affordable Cities
- Lawton: $140K median | 50% below OK average | Fort Sill community
- Enid: $185K | 33% below average | Northwest OK
- Claremore: $220K | 21% below average | Between Tulsa/Muskogee
Mid-Range
- Stillwater: $240K
- Tulsa: $252K
- Oklahoma City: $280K
- Norman: $280K
- Yukon: $280K
Premium Cities
- Broken Arrow: $317K
- Edmond: $450K
By Priority
Best for Job Opportunities
- Oklahoma City: Largest job market (Tinker AFB, state government, healthcare, energy, tech)
- Tulsa: Second-largest market (American Airlines, energy, healthcare)
- Lawton: Fort Sill (15,000+ military/civilian jobs)
Best for Veteran Community
- Lawton: 13% veteran population, Fort Sill, strongest military community
- Oklahoma City: 40,000+ veterans, largest absolute number
- Tulsa: 25,000+ veterans, strong community
Best for VA Healthcare Access
- Oklahoma City: VA Medical Center in city
- Norman: Clinic in city + OKC VAMC 20 min
- Yukon: Clinic in city + OKC VAMC 15 min
- Tulsa: Clinic in city + Muskogee VAMC 45 min
Best for Families
- Edmond: Best schools in Oklahoma (9/10), extremely safe
- Broken Arrow: Excellent schools (8-9/10), very safe
- Yukon: Good schools (7-8/10), safe, small-town feel
Best for Retirees
- Lawton: Ultra-affordable ($140K), strong veteran community, VA clinics
- Enid: Affordable ($185K), low cost of living, small city
- Claremore: Affordable ($220K), near Claremore Veterans Center, small-town
Regional Analysis
Oklahoma City Metro (OKC, Edmond, Norman, Yukon)
Characteristics: Urban/suburban, most jobs, best VA access (OKC VAMC), Tinker AFB 20-30 min, higher costs (Edmond)
Best for: Working veterans, career growth, VA access, families, state government careers
Tulsa Metro (Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Claremore)
Characteristics: Urban/suburban, arts/culture, American Airlines jobs, Muskogee VAMC access, moderate costs
Best for: Veterans valuing culture/arts, American Airlines employees, energy workers, families (Broken Arrow)
Lawton/Fort Sill
Characteristics: Military-focused, most affordable, strongest veteran community, Fort Sill jobs, remote
Best for: Fort Sill employees, budget-focused veterans, military community preference
College Towns (Norman, Stillwater)
Characteristics: Student veteran hubs, affordable, OU/OSU Yellow Ribbon, young culture, limited non-university jobs
Best for: GI Bill students, families wanting college atmosphere
Small Cities (Enid, Claremore, Yukon)
Characteristics: Affordable, safe, small-town feel, limited jobs, require commuting to metros
Best for: Retirees, families wanting small-town, budget-focused
Financial Analysis
Home Ownership Costs (20-Year)
Oklahoma City ($280,000 home, 100% disabled veteran):
- Purchase price: $280,000
- Down payment (10%): $28,000
- Monthly mortgage (30-year, 7%): $1,667
- Property tax (monthly, 0.90% rate): $210
- If 100% disabled (full exemption): Save $210/month = $2,520/year
- Insurance: $125/month
- Total monthly: $2,002 (or $1,792 with exemption)
- 20-year cost: $480,480 (or $430,080 with exemption)
- 20-year savings from exemption: $50,400
Lawton ($140,000 home, 100% disabled):
- Purchase price: $140,000
- Down payment: $14,000
- Monthly mortgage: $833
- Property tax (monthly, 0.75% rate): $88
- If 100% disabled (full exemption): Save $88/month = $1,050/year
- Insurance: $100/month
- Total monthly: $1,021 (or $933 with exemption)
- 20-year cost: $245,040 (or $223,920 with exemption)
- 20-year savings from exemption: $21,120
Edmond ($450,000 home, 100% disabled):
- Purchase price: $450,000
- Down payment: $45,000
- Monthly mortgage: $2,681
- Property tax (monthly, 0.85% rate): $319
- If 100% disabled (full exemption): Save $319/month = $3,828/year
- Insurance: $150/month
- Total monthly: $3,150 (or $2,831 with exemption)
- 20-year cost: $756,000 (or $679,440 with exemption)
- 20-year savings from exemption: $76,560
Climate & Weather
Mildest Weather
- Tulsa: Slightly milder winters than western OK
- Claremore/Broken Arrow: Similar to Tulsa
Harshest Weather
- Lawton: Hottest summers (98°F+), tornado alley
- Enid: Hot summers, cold winters, tornado risk
What to expect across Oklahoma:
- Winter: 30-45°F, occasional ice/snow (especially northern OK)
- Spring: Tornado season (March-June), unpredictable, severe storms
- Summer: 90-100°F, humid, hot (most challenging season)
- Fall: 60-80°F (best season), mild, pleasant
Tornado risk: Oklahoma is in "Tornado Alley." All cities face tornado risk, especially spring. Have a plan and safe room.
Crime & Safety
Safest Cities:
- Edmond: Extremely low crime, premium suburb
- Broken Arrow: Very safe, Tulsa suburb
- Yukon: Low crime, OKC suburb
Higher Crime (but still manageable with research):
- Oklahoma City: Variable—West/North safe, Northeast/Southeast avoid
- Tulsa: Variable—South Tulsa safe, North Tulsa avoid
- Lawton: Moderate crime (military city)
What to Avoid
Northeast Oklahoma City: Highest crime in state. Avoid neighborhoods northeast of I-35/I-44 interchange.
North Tulsa: Higher crime than South Tulsa. Research specific neighborhoods carefully.
Living far from VA without planning: Enid and Lawton are 90+ minutes from VA Medical Centers. If you need regular specialty care, this becomes a hardship. Use clinics for primary care but plan for travel.
Moving to Oklahoma
One-Time Costs
- Moving truck (500 miles): $2,000-$3,500
- Deposit + first month (OKC 2BR): $2,122
- Utility hookups: $200
- Vehicle registration: $40-$96 (reduced to $5 if 50%+ disabled veteran)
- Total: $4,362-$5,918
Best Time to Move
- Weather: April-May or September-October (avoid summer heat, winter ice, peak tornado season)
- Housing market: Winter (less competition, but occasional ice storms)
- Avoid: June-August (extreme heat), March-May (tornado season peak)
Establishing Residency
- Oklahoma driver's license within 30 days of moving
- Vehicle registration within 30 days
- Apply for property tax exemption immediately if 100% P&T (file by March 15 for current tax year)
- Apply for sales tax exemption card if 100% disabled
- Register to vote
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the best city in Oklahoma for veterans on a budget?
A: Lawton ($140K median) is the most affordable. You get Fort Sill jobs (15,000+), strong veteran community (13% of population), two VA clinics, and cost of living 25% below national average. Drawback: 90 min to Oklahoma City VAMC for specialty care.
Q: Which city has the strongest veteran community?
A: Lawton—13% of the population are veterans, the highest in Oklahoma. Fort Sill creates a strong military culture. For sheer numbers, Oklahoma City has 40,000+ veterans.
Q: Is Oklahoma City safe for veterans and families?
A: Yes, but choose neighborhoods carefully. West OKC, Northwest OKC, Nichols Hills, Quail Creek, and adjacent Edmond are very safe. Avoid Northeast and Southeast OKC (higher crime).
Q: Can I work at Tinker Air Force Base as a veteran?
A: Yes. Tinker is Oklahoma's largest employer (25,000+) with 10,000+ federal civilian jobs. Veterans receive federal hiring preference. Search jobs at USAJOBS.gov. Major contractors (Boeing, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris) also hire veterans.
Q: Which city is best for veterans attending college?
A: Norman (University of Oklahoma, 900+ student veterans) or Stillwater (Oklahoma State University, 1,000+ student veterans). Both offer unlimited Yellow Ribbon, strong veteran services, and college-town atmospheres.
Q: How far am I from VA healthcare in smaller Oklahoma cities?
A: Most cities have VA clinics (primary care, mental health): Enid, Lawton, Stillwater, Norman, Yukon, Tulsa. For specialty care/surgery, you travel to Oklahoma City VAMC or Muskogee VAMC. Distances: Enid 90 min to OKC, Lawton 90 min to OKC, Stillwater 60 min to OKC, Norman 20 min to OKC, Tulsa 45 min to Muskogee.
Q: Does living in Oklahoma really offset the limitations compared to bigger metros?
A: For 100% disabled veterans and military retirees, absolutely. Full property tax exemption saves $1,000-$4,000/year. No state income tax on military retirement saves $1,500-$3,500/year. Cost of living 15% below average stretches your dollar 15-20% further. A $50,000 military retirement in Oklahoma has purchasing power of $58,000+ elsewhere.
Q: Which city has the best schools?
A: Edmond has the best schools in Oklahoma (rated 9/10). Broken Arrow is also excellent (8-9/10). Both are premium suburbs.
Q: Can I afford Edmond on a military retirement?
A: Median home is $450,000. If you're 100% P&T disabled (full property tax exemption), you save $3,828/year in property tax, making it more affordable. Combined with no state income tax on retirement, it's achievable for higher-earning retirees (O-4+, E-8+, or dual-income).
Q: What's the cost of living difference between Oklahoma City and Lawton?
A: OKC is 82/100 (18% below national average), Lawton is 75/100 (25% below national average). OKC housing median is $280K vs. Lawton $140K—Lawton is 50% cheaper for housing. But OKC has far more job opportunities.
Q: Are there jobs in Oklahoma for veterans?
A: Yes. Oklahoma has 1.0% veteran unemployment (2023)—best nationally. Tinker AFB (25,000+ jobs), Fort Sill (15,000+ jobs), state government (veteran preference), healthcare, energy, and aviation sectors actively recruit veterans.
Q: How does Oklahoma's tornado risk affect living there?
A: Oklahoma is in Tornado Alley. Tornadoes occur mostly March-June (spring). Most homes don't have basements (clay soil), so invest in a safe room or know your shelter plan. Warning systems are excellent. Oklahomans are used to it—it's manageable but a real consideration.
Q: Is Tulsa or Oklahoma City better for veterans?
A: Oklahoma City has stronger veteran advantages: VA Medical Center in city (vs. Tulsa's clinic + 45 min to Muskogee), Tinker AFB (25,000+ jobs vs. Tulsa's 5,500 at American), larger job market, state government jobs with veteran preference. Tulsa wins on arts/culture and slightly lower crime. Both are excellent—choose based on job/lifestyle preference.
Last updated: 2025. Housing prices and cost of living reflect 2024-2025 market conditions.