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Oklahoma City ranks among Fortune's 50 best places to live for families
Oklahoma City has earned a spot on Fortune's list of the 50 best places for families to live in the U.S., celebrated for its affordability, family-friendly environment and diverse recreational opportunities. From its thriving economy to its rich Western heritage and ongoing infrastructure improvements, Oklahoma City has become an attractive destination for those looking to start a career, raise a family or simply enjoy a high quality of life.
Fortune's process evaluated over 2,000 cities, towns and suburbs across the nation, focusing on key factors such as education, resources for aging adults, wellness, financial stability and overall livability. Oklahoma City's strong performance in these categories highlights its appeal as a place where multigenerational families can not only live but thrive.
Experts increasingly emphasize the importance of communities that support overall well-being beyond the traditional brick-and-mortar health care model. Fortune incorporates data from Sharecare's Community Well-Being Index—based on surveys of over 5 million Americans—into its analysis. The index measures how well cities foster health, happiness and connectedness among their residents, all of which are vital components of a thriving community. Oklahoma City achieved a Community Well-Being Index score of 60, reflecting its dedication to improving health and social infrastructure.
To outsiders, Oklahoma City may simply evoke images of the Wild West with its stockyards and historic Route 66, but it has since undergone a transformation. Nicknamed “the Modern Frontier,” our city retains its cowboy culture while offering an array of contemporary amenities, continuing the momentum of a renaissance period.
Our city’s districts showcase the best of our local spirit, blending western wear shops, art galleries and fantastic local eateries. Oklahoma City surely offers plenty of family-friendly attractions, including a science museum, a world-class softball stadium, the Myriad Botanical Gardens, the exciting Oklahoma City Zoo and thrilling outdoor water sports at RIVERSPORT. The Paycom Center, current home to the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, adds to our city's vibrant atmosphere. Scissortail Park, a 70-acre gem created through the MAPS 3 program, offers playgrounds, nature trails, a picnic grove and hosts weekly farmers markets in spring and summer. It’s also the venue for Pridefest and serves as the finish line for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, drawing participants from around the globe.
Housing in Oklahoma City is somewhat competitive but remains affordable compared to the national median. A typical home sells for $210,295, making it an attractive option for families seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life. The city is also home to a robust healthcare system, with 21 hospitals within 25 miles recommended by a majority of patients, and 31 above-average nursing homes within 50 miles per 100,000 households.
According to Fortune, younger generations are drawn to places that offer more than just affordable housing. They seek communities where they can establish roots, enjoy walkable neighborhoods and have access to essential services within a short distance from their homes. "They aren’t necessarily focused on the traditional yard and white picket fence. They want walkability and the ability to meet their needs within a 15- to 20-minute walk from home," urbanist Jon Jon Wesolowski explains to Fortune. This shift in priorities reflects a growing desire for autonomy and a deeper connection to the places where they live. Thus, “connectedness” is not just a buzzword; it’s a critical aspect of wellness that must be factored in and considered. Oklahoma City offers a sense of community that is both meaningful and supportive—a big city feel with a small-town vibe.
Inclusion in Fortune's list puts Oklahoma City on the path to continuing to cultivate a vibrant, connected community where families can thrive across generations. The city's efforts to create an environment that supports both the youngest and oldest residents—through walkable neighborhoods, accessible amenities and a strong sense of community—make it a place where families can build lasting connections, enjoy a high quality.
