The hustle and bustle isn’t for everyone, and if that’s you, Oklahoma has a buffet of slow-paced regions to move your life. Ranked by WorldAtlas, here are nine Oklahoma towns to consider if you’re after warm hospitality, less honking horns, and the joys of slowing down with chirping birds and a slice of homemade pie.
- Davis: Known for Turner Falls, this South Central Oklahoma gem is a favorite for nature lovers.
- Tahlequah: Around an hour from the Tulsa Metro, a float down Tahlequah’s Illinois River is an Oklahoma rite of passage.
- Pauls Valley: A laid-back destination full of pies, action figures, and cowboy culture, Pauls Valley is around an hour commute from the Oklahoma City Metro.
- Chickasha: Famous for its annual Festival of Lights, Chickasha’s slower pace of life still keeps things lively with a long calendar of celebrations.
- Kingfisher: Located in Northwest Oklahoma, Kingfisher’s historic downtown, county fair culture, and abundance of streams make it a beacon of peace and quiet.
- Weatherford: In the heart of Southwest Oklahoma, Weatherford blends the quiet life, fishing holes, and — wait for it — space exploration.
- Pawhuska: Home to the Pioneer Woman Mercantile and the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, this Northeast Oklahoma town feels like a step back to the Old West, but with the amenities of modern life.
- Hugo: Deep in Southeast Oklahoma, this quirky town is ideal for slowing down on mountain time. And maybe meeting an elephant or two.
- Sulphur: As gateway to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and the Arbuckle Mountains, artsy Sulphur is a hub of slowing down among nature’s beauty.
