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lifestyle

The benefits of completing your residency at the University of Oklahoma extend far beyond the hospital. Oklahoma offers a vibrant, affordable, and welcoming environment with something for everyone—whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or a lively social scene.

Residents enjoy life in Oklahoma City, a dynamic and rapidly growing metropolitan area known for its rich cultural attractions, expanding culinary scene, and abundant outdoor recreation. From lakes and hiking trails to museums, live entertainment, and professional sports, there is no shortage of ways to unwind and explore.

With affordable housing, short commute times, and access to highly rated schools and family-friendly neighborhoods, Oklahoma City provides an exceptional quality of life—making it an ideal place to live, work, and train.

Affordable Living & Quality of Life

Oklahoma City offers a low cost of living compared to most major metropolitan areas, allowing residents to enjoy a high quality of life without the financial strain often found in larger cities. Housing is affordable, commutes are short, and neighborhoods are family-friendly, making it an ideal place to settle during training. Whether you’re living solo, with roommates, or raising a family, Oklahoma City provides comfort, convenience, and balance.

Sports & Community Energy

Sports are a major part of life in Oklahoma, bringing energy and excitement year-round. Residents can cheer on the Oklahoma City Thunder, catch a game with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, or support the Oklahoma City Energy FC. College sports fans will also find plenty to celebrate with the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. In addition, there are numerous opportunities to participate in club and intramural sports through local organizations, making it easy to stay active and connected.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

For those who appreciate arts and culture, Oklahoma City offers a rich and growing scene. Highlights include the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, and performances at the Civic Center Music Hall and Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. From live music to theater productions and art exhibitions, there is always something to explore.

Family-Friendly Living

Oklahoma City is an excellent place for families, offering a wide range of attractions and activities. The Oklahoma City Zoo is consistently ranked among the top zoos in the nation. Nearby, the Science Museum Oklahoma provides interactive, hands-on learning experiences. Outdoor spaces like Myriad Botanical Gardens and Scissortail Park offer beautiful settings for relaxation, play, and community events, while the Boathouse District is home to RIVERSPORT Adventures, featuring rowing, kayaking, zip-lining, and more.

Food Scene & Nightlife

Oklahoma City boasts an incredibly diverse and rapidly growing food scene. Residents can enjoy authentic cuisine from around the world, including Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, and classic Oklahoma BBQ. The city is also home to Nonesuch, named “America’s Best New Restaurant” in 2018. Trendy restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and cocktail bars are constantly emerging, creating a dynamic nightlife that offers plenty of ways to unwind after a long day.

Outdoor Lifestyle

Beyond the city, Oklahoma’s natural beauty provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. With nearby lakes, rivers, and trails, residents can enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and boating—often just minutes from home. The accessibility of outdoor activities makes it easy to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle year-round.

Take a virtual tour of Oklahoma City: Be Larger than Life in OKC

Housing in Oklahoma

There is a lot to like about Oklahoma when it comes to a ridiculously low cost of living and no rush hour.  USA Today ranked Oklahoma as the fourth most affordable state in the US to live. Oklahoma has so many great cities, that you could literally throw a dart at the state and live happily wherever it landed. Here are some popular areas where OU Health Center employees live:

( Drive time listed below is from OUHC campus)

For more housing information visit:https://www.zillow.com/ok/

 Schools ( Public & Private )

When it comes to education there are 9,909 public and private PK-12 schools in Oklahoma. Here are some popular area schools:

For more information on Oklahoma schools please visit: sde.ok.gov