This Oklahoma city is among 50 best places for families to live in US, Fortune says
Looking for a place to start a career or raise a family? You might want to check out this capital city.
Oklahoma City has been named among the top 50 best places to live in the United States for families, according to a recent Fortune analysis.
The study measured livability, education, resources for older adults, wellness and financial health in over 2,000 cities, and determined the best place to live in each state. The study “paid particular attention to services that will help people and their families age well,” like access to health care.
Oklahoma City was ranked 48th on the list. Here’s what makes OKC appealing for families, and which other U.S. cities made the list.
Oklahoma City ranks high in affordability, crime rates
The Oklahoma City metro area has a population of over 1.4 million, landing it in the top 20 largest cities by population. With an area of 620 square miles, it is also one of the largest cities in the world by land mass. Within city limits, there are 681,446 people, according to U.S. News.
More: Oklahoma City was named one of the ‘Best Places to Live’ in 2024. See how high it ranked
Oklahoma City also made this list due to its lower cost of living. Fortune struck down cities with home sale prices much higher than the national and state medians. Median home price is $199,303 while median rent comes to $1,175 per month, according to U.S. News.
Recently ranked as one of the most affordable cities, OKC’s economy is doing well via steady growth, according to 2023 data. However, some areas are more affordable than others, as downtown housing prices continue to rise.
U.S. News reports that the city has a higher than average crime rate, yet still lower than other metro areas of similar size.
While some communities are walkable, most people will need a car to get around the city. However, recent public transit upgrades are setting new milestones in the northwest area of the city. This increase in public transit may soon connect to a new rail system to be determined by an election in 2025. If passed, the plan would connect Edmond, Norman and other major areas currently a short drive from the metro.
More: World Atlas names these 8 cities the best places to live in Oklahoma. Do you agree?
What is there for families to do in Oklahoma City? Recreation, outdoor spaces
Oklahoma City boasts all the staples of family fun, Fortune reports, including a science museum, botanical garden, the Oklahoma State Fair, the Oklahoma City Zoo, drive-in theater and several amusement parks, including Riversport, Six Flags’ Frontier City and Hurricane Harbor.
Between Western heritage and plenty of museums to spend a Saturday, Oklahoma City holds a rich history that people can experience firsthand with a trip to Stockyards City. This area, which first opened as a public cattle market in 1910, has a historic main street with brick buildings and nonprofit theater called Rodeo Cinema. Other pockets of Oklahoma City culture exist in places like the Plaza District, the Paseo Arts District, and Tower Theatre on NW 23.
For history buffs, the Oklahoma History Center is located near the Capitol building, home to a research center and archive. More local museums include the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which you might hear referred to simply as “The Cowboy.”
There is always more to do in Oklahoma City, with the city considering adding a stadium district that would be worth $1 billion.
Things to do: Here’s your ultimate OKC summer bucket list
Which other U.S. cities made the list?
Here’s a look at the top 20 best cities for families to live in the United States, according to Fortune:
Silver Spring, Maryland
Upper Merion, Pennsylvania
Chantilly, Virginia
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Mason, Ohio
Franklin, Tennessee
Lafayette, Colorado
Overland Park, Kansas
Morristown, New Jersey
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Somerville, Massachusetts
Woodbury, Minnesota
Frisco, Texas
San Jose, California
North Hempstead, New York
Bethany, Oregon
South Portland, Maine
Middleton, Wisconsin
Westfield, Indiana
West Chicago, Illinois
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma City among 50 best places to live, Fortune says
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