Welcome to Oklahoma, where the towns are vibrant, and some are vibrantly challenging for retirees!
We’ve rounded up the top 20 towns that might make you think twice about where to park your rocking chair.
Grab your adventure hat (and maybe a helmet), and let’s explore.
1. Anadarko, Oklahoma
Anadarko is known for its rich Native American heritage and cultural significance. The city hosts the annual American Indian Exposition, one of the oldest and largest of its kind. Despite its cultural attractions, Anadarko has a population of approximately 6,600 residents.
The town faces challenges such as a higher crime rate compared to the national average, which might concern potential retirees. Its economy is also relatively stagnant, which limits job opportunities for those who wish to work post-retirement.
Why it’s one of the worst: High crime rates and economic stagnation make Anadarko a risky choice for retirees.
2. Ardmore, Oklahoma
Ardmore serves as a hub in the south-central part of the state, with a rich history tied to the oil boom. The city is surrounded by nature, including the Lake Murray State Park, offering beautiful views and outdoor activities. Ardmore has a population of about 24,834 people.
However, the town has some economic challenges, and public transportation options are limited, which might be inconvenient for retirees without personal vehicles.
Why it’s one of the worst: Limited transportation and economic issues make Ardmore less desirable for retirees.
3. Muskogee, Oklahoma
Muskogee is famous for its historic sites, including the USS Batfish and the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. The city’s population is approximately 37,337. It hosts the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, attracting music enthusiasts from all over.
Despite these attractions, Muskogee struggles with high poverty rates and a lack of healthcare facilities, which are crucial for retirees.
Why it’s one of the worst: Poor healthcare and high poverty make Muskogee unfit for retirees.
4. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa is one of the largest cities in Oklahoma with a vibrant cultural scene. It is known for its art deco architecture, a lively music scene, and numerous parks. However, with a large population of 402,441, it can feel overcrowded.
The city also experiences higher crime rates, particularly in certain neighborhoods. This might deter retirees looking for a safe, quiet place to live.
Why it’s one of the worst: High crime and overcrowding make Tulsa unsuitable for peaceful retirement.
5. Lawton, Oklahoma
Located in southwestern Oklahoma, Lawton is near the Wichita Mountains and offers ample opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. The city’s population stands at about 93,535.
Despite its natural beauty, Lawton has some of the lowest housing costs in the state, indicating potential issues with property values and local economic stability.
Why it’s one of the worst: Economic instability and low property values detract from Lawton’s appeal to retirees.
6. Pauls Valley, Oklahoma
Pauls Valley offers residents and visitors a small-town feel with its annual festivals and local museums, including the Toy and Action Figure Museum. It has a population of just over 6,128 people.
However, the town’s limited healthcare resources and economic opportunities could be a downside for those considering it for retirement.
Why it’s one of the worst: Limited healthcare and economic opportunities reduce Pauls Valley’s appeal to retirees.
7. Sallisaw, Oklahoma
Sallisaw, a small city with a population of 8,536, is known for its rich history and beautiful natural surroundings, including the nearby Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.
However, the city has a relatively high crime rate and limited healthcare facilities, which could deter retirees looking for a safe and supportive environment.
Why it’s one of the worst: Sallisaw’s crime and healthcare issues make it a poor choice for retirement.
8. Clinton, Oklahoma
Clinton is renowned for its Route 66 Museum, which attracts visitors interested in the iconic highway’s history. The town has an engaging community spirit and hosts several annual events.
Yet, Clinton faces economic struggles and has higher than average crime rates, which might deter retirees seeking a peaceful, secure environment.
Why it’s one of the worst: Economic challenges and high crime rates in Clinton deter retirees seeking stability.
9. Catoosa, Oklahoma
Catoosa is a small town near Tulsa. It is famous for the Blue Whale, a big roadside attraction on Route 66. The town started as a cattle-shipping hub in the 1800s.
Today, Catoosa is mostly a bedroom community. Many people live here but work in Tulsa. The town has about 7,150 people.
Catoosa has had problems with crime and safety. Property crime is a big worry for families.
Why it’s on the list: Catoosa has a high rate of property crime, making it risky for families and new residents.
10. Del City, Oklahoma
Del City sits just east of Oklahoma City. It started as a wheat field and grew fast after World War II. Over 22,000 people live here now.
The city has faced serious tornado damage in the past. In 1999, an F5 tornado hit Del City hard. Many people lost their homes.
Del City has a high crime rate. Residents have a 1 in 26 chance of being a crime victim.
Why it’s on the list: Del City struggles with crime and poor schools, making it tough for families.
11. Warr Acres, Oklahoma
Warr Acres is a small city near Oklahoma City. It has about 10,500 people. The town was started by C.B. Warr, a businessman.
Many people here face poverty. The roads and city services are not well kept. The city is close to colleges but still has many problems.
Warr Acres has a crime rate 85% higher than the national average. Property theft is common.
Why it’s on the list: High crime and poor infrastructure make Warr Acres a tough place to live.
12. McAlester, Oklahoma
McAlester is known for its coal mining past. It is the largest city in Pittsburg County. The town began as a trading post in the late 1800s.
McAlester has fun festivals and parks. But many people here struggle with poverty. The city also has a history of crime and unemployment.
The town’s economy is not strong. Many families have a hard time finding good jobs.
Why it’s on the list: High poverty and weak job options make life difficult in McAlester.
13. Shawnee, Oklahoma
Shawnee is a medium-sized city with about 31,000 people. It is east of Oklahoma City. The city has a rich Native American history.
Shawnee has a high unemployment rate, close to 7%. The average home value is low. Many people here struggle to find work.
Crime is also a big problem. People have a 1 in 21 chance of being a victim of property crime.
Why it’s on the list: High crime and joblessness make Shawnee a hard place to live.
14. Seminole, Oklahoma
Seminole is a small town with around 7,200 people. It is known for its oil history. The town is quiet, but jobs are few.
Unemployment is very high, almost 10%. The average home value is one of the lowest in the state. Many families live below the poverty line.
There are not many fun things to do here. People often drive to bigger towns for shopping or entertainment.
Why it’s on the list: High unemployment and low home values make Seminole a tough place to call home.
15. Henryetta, Oklahoma
Henryetta is a small town with about 5,600 people. It started as a coal mining town. Today, it is known for rodeos and high school football.
The town has a very high unemployment rate, over 10%. Many families struggle with low incomes. Almost a quarter of people live below the poverty line.
There are not many jobs or things to do. The town is quiet but lacks opportunities.
Why it’s on the list: High unemployment and poverty make Henryetta a hard place for families.
16. Poteau, Oklahoma
Poteau is near the Arkansas border. It has about 8,800 people. The town is surrounded by hills and forests.
Poteau is far from big cities. This makes it hard to find good jobs or fun things to do. Many people here earn less than the state average.
The town is quiet, but it can feel lonely. People often travel far for shopping or entertainment.
Why it’s on the list: Poteau is isolated and has low incomes, making life difficult for residents.
17. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City is the state’s capital and largest city. It has lots of museums, parks, and sports teams. Many people move here for work.
But the city has a high property crime rate. People often have their cars or homes broken into. Some neighborhoods are not safe at night.
Even with fun things to do, crime makes life hard for many families.
Why it’s on the list: High property crime makes Oklahoma City risky for families and workers.
18. Idabel, Oklahoma
Idabel is in the southeast corner of Oklahoma. It has about 7,000 people. The town is known for its dogwood trees.
Idabel was hit by a strong tornado in 2022. Many homes and buildings were damaged. The town has also seen rising crime rates in recent years.
Many families here struggle with poverty and lack of jobs.
Why it’s on the list: Tornado damage and rising crime make Idabel a tough place to live.
19. Ponca City, Oklahoma
Ponca City sits in north-central Oklahoma. It has about 24,000 people. The town is known for oil history and Native American culture.
Ponca City has a high crime rate, almost 60% above the national average. Many people do not finish high school. Poverty is a big problem here.
Even with museums and festivals, life can be hard for many families.
Why it’s on the list: High crime and poverty make Ponca City one of the worst towns in Oklahoma.
20. Purcell, Oklahoma
Purcell is a small town in southern Oklahoma. About 6,400 people live here. The town is known for horse farms and its old railroad.
Unemployment is high at 6.6%. The poverty rate is over 15%. Home values are low, and not many people want to move here.
There are not many jobs or things to do for families.
Why it’s on the list: High jobless rates and poverty make Purcell a hard place to live.