In a world where affordability and quality of life rarely coexist, Oklahoma is doing something unexpected: it’s winning. According to Niche’s 2025 rankings, the Sooner State is home to some of the best places to live in America thanks to a mix of low cost of living, solid schools, and an underrated sense of style.
Edmond, a suburb of Oklahoma City, took the top spot in Niche’s list of the Best Places to Live in Oklahoma, namely for its top-ranked public schools, low crime rates, and high job growth.
Tulsa, Oklahoma’s second largest city, took the 10th spot on the list, gaining nods for its family-friendly atmosphere, abundance of nightlife, and low housing costs. Four suburbs of the city also made the list: Jenks, Bixby, Broken Arrow, and Owasso.
Niche calculates its rankings based on a variety of factors, including cost of living, crime statistics, public school rankings, availability of job opportunities, and local amenities.
The list concludes what we already knew: Oklahoma isn’t just flyover country. With creative energy on the rise, real estate that doesn’t make your eyes water, and a growing cultural footprint, Oklahoma isn’t just a place to pass through. It’s a place to plant roots and grow.