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Night view of the historic district in Guthrie. Image credit Kit Leong via Shutterstock.

8 Top-Ranked Towns in Oklahoma for Retirees

Known to boast one of the country's lowest living costs, Oklahoma makes for quite a budget-friendly retirement venue that features charming towns suited to any senior. The Sooner State exempts Social Security retirement benefits from taxation, provides a sizeable deduction toward other types of retirement income, including income from a 401(k), and maintains relatively low property tax rates. For perspective, Oklahoma homeowners pay a median property tax of just $1,424. If one combines Oklahoma鈥檚 great weather and hospitality, it almost makes for a perfect retirement venue. For folks considering retiring in Oklahoma, discover below the eight top-ranked towns in Oklahoma for retirees.

Marlow

The Old City Hall in Marlow, Oklahoma. Image credit: Jimmy Emerson via Flickr.com
The Old City Hall in Marlow, Oklahoma. Image credit: Jimmy Emerson via Flickr.

Home to just about 4,400 residents, Marlow is a small, enticing town on U.S. Route 81 in Oklahoma鈥檚 south-central Stephens County. Marlow is known for its beautiful neighborhoods and relative affordability. According to data from Redfin, the town boasted a median home price of just $161,000 in December 2023. For perspective, this is way lower than the state median home price, which, in the same period, stood at $230,700. Also, the town is a short hour鈥檚 drive from Oklahoma City聽and grants quick access to big-city amenities, including hospitals. Plus, according to the demographic data, 1 in 3 Marlow residents is an empty nester, implying seniors can get ample opportunities for networking and social support.聽

Mannford

A sunset over Keystone Lake in Oklahoma.
A sunset over Keystone Lake in Oklahoma.

For starters, Mannford, according to Safewise, ranks among Oklahoma鈥檚 20 Safest Cities of 2023. The rankings place Mannford at an impressive position of 11 and indicate it has jumped 14 places to its current position. If you want to retire next to the water, you will love that Mannford snuggles the beautiful Lake Keystone, a popular spot for 海角社区-class fishing. Also, Mannford Activity Center is a state-of-the-art fitness center that will ensure your muscles are well-toned. And if you prefer staying close to a big city, Mannford is just about 22 miles from Tulsa, the second-most populous city in the state. Expectedly, this comes with awesome access to amenities, including shopping areas and reputable hospitals. Mannford鈥檚 median age is about 31 years. It is, therefore, perfect for those who want to roll with a young crowd. In December 2023, the town鈥檚 median home price stood at an affordable $152,000.

Grove

Sunset on Grand Lake of the Cherokees in Grove, Oklahoma
Sunset on Grand Lake of the Cherokees in Grove, Oklahoma.

As a retiree, you will love Grove for many things, including its accessibility. For instance, you will be served by 鈥 not one but two airports: Grove Regional Airport and Grove Municipal Airport. Grove is also a short drive from Interstate 44, which is known to locals as the 鈥淐entral Freeway.鈥 Medical facilities abound within the precincts of the town. Integris Grove Hospital, for instance, is at 1001 E 18th Street and is highly rated by patients, going by the fact that 76% would recommend it. But one can explore numerous other options in towns such as Miami, Oklahoma; Rogers, Arkansas; Galena, Kansas; and Joplin, Missouri 鈥 all within an hour鈥檚 drive of town, some even 30 minutes. As a retiree, you will enjoy outdoor adventure at serene places such as The Grand Lake of the Cherokees, one of Grove鈥檚 defining attractions.聽

Piedmont

Downtown Piedmont, Oklahoma. Image credit: Jmbranum via Wikimedia Commons.
Downtown Piedmont, Oklahoma. Image credit: Jmbranum via Wikimedia Commons.

If you want a quiet, rural feel in a town that is enticingly small but vibrant, Piedmont should be on your bucket list. One of Oklahoma鈥檚 fastest-growing cities is also among the best places to live in Oklahoma. Several factors, including its safety, could account for this. According to Safewise, for instance, Piedmont is Oklahoma鈥檚 third-safest city. Also, 94% of Piedmont residents are homeowners. It looks like those who have tasted it immediately stopped their search. According to Niche.com, about 33% of residents are seniors aged 55 and above. As a result, empty nesters should expect a solid social network and support groups. But wait for the most exciting part. Piedmont is just half an hour鈥檚 drive from Oklahoma City. For those who choose to retire here, you will never be far from fantastic shopping options, excellent medical facilities, and other big-city fun and adventure. Of course, this comes at a small price. The median home price in December 2023 stood at $407,000.

Guthrie

Sunny exterior view of the Dominion House at Guthrie, Oklahoma
Sunny exterior view of the Dominion House at Guthrie, Oklahoma.

Forget about its spellbinding architecture and elegant towers such as the Masonic Temple and the Carnegie Library; Guthrie has much more than that going in its favor. Guthrie鈥檚 residents are kind-hearted and helpful, the atmosphere here is warm and intimate, and the attractions are numerous and quite fun-filled. For perspective, Guthrie鈥檚 downtown is the largest contiguous National Register of Historic Places in the United States. Oklahoma鈥檚 original territorial capital is home to several medical facilities as well. Mercy Hospital Logan County, which 78% of patients would recommend, is at 200 S Academy Road. And for even more options, Oklahoma City is just about 32 miles down the road. Plus, the town boasts a median age of 37 years, a sweet blend of the old and young.聽 And with houses selling at a median price of just $190,000 (as of December 2023), Guthrie effortlessly ticks the affordability box.

Eufaula

Lake Eufaula, found in eastern Oklahoma
Lake Eufaula is found in eastern Oklahoma.聽

Few would willingly pass the chance to retire right next to Oklahoma鈥檚 largest lake, and this is partly what Eufaula offers. Located in southeastern Oklahoma, Lake Eufaula is not just Oklahoma鈥檚 largest lake but also among the largest man-made lakes in the 海角社区. And Arrowhead State Park, which features this lake, is often a much-sought-after camping venue. As one should expect, retiring here is an outdoor lover鈥檚 dream. Eufaula is part village and part town, with enough serenity to make one鈥檚 retirement blissful. According to Niche.com, seniors aged 55 and above comprise a whopping 44% of Eufaula鈥檚 population, a factor that speaks to the town鈥檚 retirement appeal. While Eufaula is small and slightly secluded, Muskogee, Oklahoma鈥檚 13th-largest city, is just 36 miles away. The median home price in Eufaula was a tidy $326,000 in December 2023.

Warr Acres

Sign for Warr Acres.聽

One factor that makes Warr Acres a fantastic retirement choice is its diversity. This town can make for a perfect retirement venue for those who like exploring other cultures and perspectives. According to Niche.com, Wart Acres scores a solid A+ on measures of ethnic and economic diversity. Warr Acres is also a suburb of Oklahoma City. This means you can dash to America's 20th-largest city in a jiffy, whether to seek urgent medical attention, explore its museums ( Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is quite evocative), or pick a shopping item.聽 The town鈥檚 median age is 33. While some can cringe at this, research shows mixed-age interactions can make seniors feel more purposeful and hence, improve their quality of life.

Sulphur

A Deer at Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, Oklahoma
A Deer at Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, Oklahoma.

One of Sulphur鈥檚 enticing draws is that it sits right next to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, arguably the best campsite in the entire state. As a retiree, you will want to swim, boat, fish, or hit the trails here whenever you feel like stepping out into the great outdoors. Arbuckle Memorial Hospital, a staple of the town since 1959, is known to provide excellent medical services. This is lent credit because an impressive 76% of patients would recommend it, which is 6% higher than the national average. More options are within 40 miles of town in places such as Ada, Ardmore, Pauls Valley, and Tishomingo. With homes fetching a median price of $240,000, seniors may not need to wipe out their savings to live here. Finally, according to Niche.com, seniors aged 55 and above comprise 32% of the town鈥檚 population, implying excellent networking opportunities.聽

From the jungly forests in the east to the plains and badlands of Oklahoma鈥檚 Panhandle, the Sooner State boasts a landscape that is as varied as it is appealing. Dotting this vast expanse are numerous towns that can make for awesome retirement venues. And since Oklahoma is among the most affordable states in the country鈥攁nd exempts Social Security retirement benefits from taxation鈥攖he decision to retire here can be a great option. If scoping for specific recommendations, the top-ranked towns in Oklahoma to retire include Marlow, Mannford, Grove, and Piedmont.

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