Mountain ranges, rivers and forests in Oklahoma provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The economy is driven by a strong foothold in aviation, oil and gas production, food processing and telecommunications. Members of more than 65 Native American tribes live in Oklahoma and contribute to the state’s culture.

Moving Advice

• Oklahoma lies in “Tornado Alley” and experiences numerous storms and tornadoes each year. Tornado season is between March and September, so listen to the radio and seek cover as soon as you hear a tornado warning if you are moving to the state during those months.
• You do not need any moving permits but check on local parking restrictions before moving to Oklahoma.
• Driving conditions in the Sooner State can be hazardous due to trash and debris on the roads. Be extra careful to stay alert at the wheel so you can react to anything bouncing up off the road or otherwise compromising your vehicle.
• When driving in Oklahoma, you will find that exits on the highways can come up pretty quickly. Even if you are relying on GPS to get you there, be sure to go over your route ahead of time so you are as prepared as possible.
• People in Oklahoma are really quite friendly and helpful, so if you need information or assistance, don’t be afraid to ask!

Change your address online. To make your move from California to Oklahoma easier, consider changing your address online. It is easy to do, cost-efficient, and will ensure that your mail arrives at your new home with you.

Cities and Metro Areas

There are many reasons for moving to Oklahoma, and just as many cities and towns to choose as your new home. Each area has its own unique feeling within the community. Oklahoma City is a bustling city on the rise, full of various districts including historic Bricktown and the growing Plaza District. Home to Oklahoma State University, Stillwater enjoys a diverse economy in sectors like aerospace, agriculture, electronics, publishing, and technology. Made famous by the Merle Haggard song “Okie from Muskogee”, the city of Muskogee is an economic hub for eastern Oklahoma and also serves as a major port on the Arkansas River. The city of Bethany has several neighborhood parks, an airport, and high-ranking public schools.

Cost of Living

Overall, the cost of living in Oklahoma is almost 24 percent lower than the US average. In fact, in the last quarter of 2011, it ranked lowest in the entire country! Everything from groceries, transportation, miscellaneous goods and services, and healthcare were some of the lowest of all of the states, while housing and utilities, though still comparatively low, ranked slightly higher. The low prices are due to the state’s significant output of both energy and agricultural products, as well as local manufacturing of consumer goods. With an average household income of approximately $37,000 per year and with an average commute time of approximately 22 minutes, gas prices do not factor in nearly as much as states with busier traffic commutes.

Home prices in Oklahoma have appreciated 32.0% higher than the national level from last year. Looking back three years at the median price in October 2019 compared to October 2022, prices have increased 35.6% in Oklahoma VS 35.8% nationwide.

As of October 2022, the median price for a home in the state was $234,500, which is up 6.6% above last year’s median price. Comparing prices over the last three years, we can see they have decreased -6.5% from the peak of $250,900 in Jun-2022.

Climate

When moving to Oklahoma, it’s important to be aware that the state gets an average of 50 tornadoes a year, especially during the spring and summer. The Sooner State is one of the world’s most tornado-prone regions. Be sure your auto insurance is up to date and adequate enough to cover any damage you may encounter.

Overall, Oklahoma has a temperate climate, but weather patterns can suddenly swing in temperature and precipitation. The southeastern part of the state is slightly warmer and has moderate precipitation, while the western region is quite cooler. On average, summer temperatures during the day are around 94 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures hover around 47 degrees Fahrenheit.

Education

Though Oklahoma’s expenditures per student rank among the lowest in the nation, its pre-kindergarten schooling is some of the best in the country. Current school rankings (elementary, middle and high schools), campus and district zoning/location maps, information and reviews are available online for parents moving to Oklahoma.

• Elementary: Schwartz Elementary School and Fisher Elementary School, both in Oklahoma City, and Tulsa Adventist Academy in Tulsa are some of the best elementary schools.
• High School: Three renowned high schools are the Classen High School of Advanced Studies and Dove Science Academy in Oklahoma City, as well as the Tulsa School of Arts & Sciences in Tulsa.
• Higher Education: College students moving to Oklahoma can attend a number of colleges and universities, including the University of Oklahoma, the University of Tulsa, Northeastern State University, or Langston University.

Government

When you are thinking about moving to Oklahoma, you will need information about working and living in the Sooner State. Oklahoma’s Official Web Site contains reliable and current articles, facts and links about nearly every aspect of life and business here. The following moving tips will get you started.

• If you buy a vehicle after moving to Oklahoma, or you bring an untaxed vehicle into the state, you will be charged an excise tax of 3.25 percent of the original sticker price.
• There are 10 toll roads or turnpikes in Oklahoma. You can calculate the toll for your route at the PikePass website, which is operated by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.
• When you go to the DPS to apply for your driver’s license after moving to Oklahoma, you can request a voter registration form. You can also download one at Oklahoma’s Official Web Site.
• Trash and recycling are handled by the municipality if you live in an urban area. If you live in a more rural area, you’ll need to contact a private company or take your trash to the landfill yourself, as well as use local recycling stations for recyclable materials.
• You must apply for an Oklahoma driver’s license once you become a resident. The cost for a license is $25.50, and you must apply for this at your local Department of Public Safety (DPS).
• After moving to Oklahoma, you must register your vehicle at your local Motor Vehicle Commission within 30 days. Fees vary depending on the year of the vehicle.