Safest Places to Retire in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a great choice for retirees looking to stretch their budget. Living costs are low, and Social Security benefits aren’t taxed, which means your money goes further. The pace of life here is slower, and the communities are friendly and welcoming. Sure, tornadoes and limited public transportation can be challenges in some areas, but whether you prefer the buzz of a city or the quiet of the countryside, Oklahoma is a great option for retirees.

What Are the Safest Places to Retire in Oklahoma?

Edmond

Violent Crime Rate: 1.6 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate: 16.7 per 1,000 people
Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with occasional tornadoes

Edmond, just north of Oklahoma City, is a peaceful suburb that retirees love for its safety, strong sense of community, and great amenities. It’s the perfect spot for those who want a quiet environment without being too far from city conveniences.

Outdoor lovers will enjoy Edmond’s parks and trails. Hafer Park is a favorite, offering scenic walking paths and relaxing picnic areas. For more adventure, head to Arcadia Lake for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. It’s a great way to stay active and enjoy nature.

The city also has plenty of cultural attractions. Check out the Edmond Historical Society & Museum or take part in local events like LibertyFest every Fourth of July. Downtown Edmond has a charming, small-town feel with unique shops, cozy cafes, and fun art installations to explore.

INTEGRIS Health Edmond is a 104bed facility offering:

Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency services for urgent needs
Cardiology: Diagnostic testing and management for heart health
Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more
Women's Health: Includes a women's center with mammography and other services
Diagnostic Imaging: On-site imaging services, including CT scans and X-rays

Seniors can easily access larger hospitals in nearby Oklahoma City, such as INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center and OU Medical Center. These hospitals are approximately a 20-30 minute drive from Edmond and offer a wider range of specialized services, including cancer treatment, advanced surgery, and specialized geriatric care.

Weather in Edmond:

Summer: Highs in the 90s°F, with occasional heatwaves
Winter: Lows in the 20s°F, with occasional frost
Spring and Fall: Mild and breezy, but spring storms can bring tornado risks

Norman

Violent Crime Rate: 3.2 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate: 29.4 per 1,000 people
Extreme Weather Risk: High, with tornado season in spring

Norman blends the charm of a small town with the vibrant atmosphere of a college community, making it a welcoming place for retirees. The University of Oklahoma plays a big role in the city, offering endless opportunities for learning, culture, and entertainment.

Seniors can take advantage of programs like the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which offers engaging classes for adults over 50. You can explore topics like history, art, music, and current events without the pressure of exams or grades.

Norman is also big on arts and culture. You can visit the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art or catch live performances at the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts. Sports fans can enjoy the excitement of OU athletics, but there are plenty of other activities off-campus, too.

For outdoor adventures, Lake Thunderbird State Park has great options for hiking, fishing, and camping. The Norman Community Forest is another gem, with over 12 miles of trails that let you immerse yourself in nature. Downtown Norman adds even more charm with its farmers' market, unique shops, and frequent community events.

Norman Regional Health System includes three hospitals:

Norman Regional Hospital: Located at I-35 and Tecumseh Road in Norman, this 305-bed acute-care hospital provides comprehensive services, including cardiovascular care, spine and orthopedic surgery, labor and delivery, inpatient physical therapy, emergency services, and women's and children's services.
Norman Regional Moore: Located at Highway 9 and 24th Avenue Southeast in Norman, this facility includes a 12-bed emergency room, primary and specialty care clinics, imaging, lab services, and physical rehabilitation, serving the growing east Norman and Noble areas.

Weather in Norman:

Summer: Highs in the upper 90s°F, with hot and humid days
Winter: Lows in the 30s°F, mild compared to other states
Spring: High tornado risk

Stillwater

Violent Crime Rate: 3.3 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate: 21.5 per 1,000 people
Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate

Stillwater is walkable, affordable, and packed with ways to stay active both physically and in the community.

Boomer Lake Park is a popular spot with walking trails, fishing, and paddleboarding. The peaceful setting makes it perfect for a morning stroll or an afternoon by the water. Stillwater also has an excellent trail system for biking or exploring the outdoors.

Oklahoma State University is at the heart of the community, offering plenty for retirees to enjoy. You can visit the OSU Botanic Garden, attend concerts and art exhibits, or take part in educational programs.

Downtown Stillwater is easy to explore on foot, with local shops, restaurants, and art galleries lining the streets. It’s convenient for running errands or grabbing a bite to eat without needing a car.

Living in Stillwater is budget-friendly too. While the cost of living is slightly higher than the state average, it’s still below the national average.

Stillwater Medical Center is a 117-bed not-for-profit care facility that serves the Stillwater community. They offer a range of services, including:

Emergency Services: 24/7 emergency care for urgent needs
Cardiology: Heart health services, including diagnostics and rehab
Orthopedics: Specialized care for joint and bone health
Women's Health: A women's center with a variety of services, including mammography
Surgery: Inpatient and outpatient surgical services.

For more complex medical needs, retirees may need to travel to Oklahoma City. It’s about an hour’s drive away, but has more specialists and healthcare facilities.

Weather in Stillwater:

Summer: Highs in the low 90s°F, with manageable humidity
Winter: Lows in the 20s°F, with light snow
Spring and Fall: Comfortable, with occasional severe storms

Broken Arrow

Violent Crime Rate: 1.6 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate: 16.2 per 1,000 people
Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate

Broken Arrow, just outside Tulsa, is one of Oklahoma’s fastest-growing cities. It’s known for its safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, and vibrant downtown. While it’s close to Tulsa for big-city conveniences, Broken Arrow stands out as its own thriving community.

The Rose District, the city’s revitalized downtown, is a favorite spot with its local shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center adds a cultural touch with year-round concerts, plays, and events.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Broken Arrow offers plenty of options. Ray Harrell Nature Park is great for scenic trails, wildlife spotting, and nature programs. Nienhuis Park features tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, and even a splash pad. Golfers can enjoy courses like the Broken Arrow Golf & Athletic Club, which provides both a challenging game and senior-friendly amenities.

While the cost of living in Broken Arrow is slightly higher than the state average, it’s still more affordable than many places nationwide.

Ascension St. John Broken Arrow is a primary and specialty facility that serves the Broken Arrow community and is part of the St. John Health System. They provide a variety of services, including:

Emergency Services: 24/7 care for urgent medical needs
Cardiology: Diagnostic testing, treatment, and rehabilitation for heart health
Orthopedics: Care for joint issues, injuries, and bone health
Women's Health: Services including mammography and other screenings

Weather in Broken Arrow:

Summer: Highs in the 90s°F, hot but manageable
Winter: Lows in the 30s°F, generally mild with light snow and occasional cold snaps
Spring and Fall: Mild with occasional storms

Bartlesville

Violent Crime Rate: 3 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate: 26.4 per 1,000 people
Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate

Bartlesville has a laid-back small-town vibe paired with a surprisingly rich cultural scene. Once a major oil hub, it’s now home to unique attractions like the Price Tower Arts Center, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Phillips Petroleum Museum, which showcases the city’s oil heritage.

Architecture fans will love the Price Tower, the only skyscraper designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This landmark features an art center, a boutique hotel, and a restaurant, making it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates bold and creative design.

Bartlesville also offers plenty of outdoor activities. Sooner Park is a local favorite with trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Pathfinder Parkway Trail System provides miles of paved trails for walking and biking, connecting parks and neighborhoods across the city. For nature lovers, Osage Hills State Park is just a short drive away, with hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping areas for a peaceful retreat.

Ascension St. John Jane Phillips is a 125-bed community hospital that provides a wide range of services, including:

Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department.
Cardiology: Diagnostics and interventional services.
Orthopedics: Specialized care for bones and joints.
Women's Health: A women's center with a variety of services, including mammography.
Surgery: Inpatient and outpatient surgical services.

Just like in Broken Arrow, retirees may need to drive over to Tulsa for special care. Thankfully, Tulsa is only a 45-minute drive away.

Weather in Bartlesville:

Summer: Highs in the 90s°F, with manageable heat
Winter: Lows in the 20s°F, with light snow
Spring and Fall: Comfortable with some storms

What Are the Best Healthcare Options for Seniors in Oklahoma?

OU Medical Center (Oklahoma City): Renowned for stroke and cardiac care.
Saint Francis Hospital (Tulsa): Offers comprehensive senior wellness programs.
Integris Baptist Medical Center (Oklahoma City): Known for its oncology and cardiology services.

Is Oklahoma Senior-Friendly and Accessible?

Pros

Affordable Living: Not only is there no state income tax on Social Security benefits, but you can also deduct a portion of your other retirement income, like pensions and 401(k) withdrawals
Diverse Communities: Communities have the compelling range of bustling Oklahoma City and the small-town charm of Stillwater
Outdoor Recreation: From hiking and fishing in the Wichita Mountains to boating and swimming in Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma offers a wealth of outdoor activities for nature lovers

Cons

Tornado Risks: Oklahoma is located in the heart of "Tornado Alley," and features severe weather, including tornadoes, hailstorms, and blizzards
Limited Public Transit: While larger cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa have bus systems, service can be infrequent and coverage can be limited
Healthcare Access Can Vary: While Oklahoma has a good network of hospitals and healthcare providers, access to specialized care can be limited in rural areas, like in Broken Arrow and Bartlesville

What City Has the Lowest Crime Rate?

Among the options, Broken Arrow has the lowest violent crime rate at 1.8 per 1,000 people, making it the safest choice for retirees. Property crime in Broken Arrow is also relatively low at 19.8 per 1,000 people.

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