10 Best Oklahoma Towns For Retirees

Often considered one of the most affordable states in the United States, Oklahoma could be the perfect time to consider retiring in the Sooner State. You will enjoy pleasant weather with tolerable winters, small but vibrant towns that don't have crazy traffic, and peaceful neighborhoods with friendly and helpful residents. You will find lakes to paddle, rivers to float on, and quiet and woodsy trails to wander through. And if you did not know, Oklahoma exempts Social Security retirement benefits from taxation. Keep reading to discover the ten best Oklahoma towns for retirees.

Grove

Grove reclines along the shores of Oklahoma's Grand Lake O' The Cherokees and gives access to Grand Lake, one of Mid-America’s most popular recreational lakes. Surprisingly, Grand Lake is not the only water body that offers lake fun in the area. There is the Neosho River, translated as “clear and abundant water,” and the nearby Lake Eucha, a fishing-only lake known for its catfish, bass, and crappie. On healthcare access, Integris Grove Hospital was founded in 1963 and is one of only eight hospitals in Oklahoma with top nurse-patient communication scores. The median listing home price in Grove was $340,000 in July 2025, just slightly above the statewide median of around $310,000.

Marlow

It is quite hard to find a retirement spot that checks almost every box, like Marlow, a thriving community, about 70 miles from Oklahoma City. Marlow boasts quick access to many amenities, while offering the quiet, comforting pleasures of a small town. With Oklahoma City an hour away, and fun outdoor spots such as the centrally located Red Bud Park (with its decent walking trail); Generations Golf Course, a fun place to play 18 holes; and the nearby Lake Humphreys, one of Oklahoma's top 40 fishing lakes, life here strikes the sweet spot between adventure and relaxation. For any medical emergency, Duncan Regional Hospital is a 2024 recipient of the Joint Replacement Excellence Award. To cap it off, the median listing home price in Marlow was just $288,000 in July 2025.

Sulphur

Sulphur is gorgeous, its people are warm and friendly, and the property market is anything but crazy. Houses in Sulphur fetch a median listing home price of around $270,000, way below the statewide median of nearly $310,000. Once in a while, you will want to paddle the calm waters of Arbuckle Lake, fish in the spring-fed waters of Travertine Creek, or explore the trails around Arbuckle Mountains, which geologists believe are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the United States. Moreover, there is the nationally famous Chickasaw National Recreation Area, home to one of Oklahoma’s most famous swimming holes: Little Niagara. In terms of healthcare, Arbuckle Memorial Hospital has a round-the-clock emergency room with highly trained providers certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

Weatherford

Whether you want an assisted-living facility that takes an individual approach with every resident, or just a vibrant college town with free-minded young people to mingle with, Weatherford is what you have in mind. Oxford Springs Weatherford is a highly rated senior living community in Weatherford that provides excellent care at reasonable price points. At the same time, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, one of the most affordable colleges in Oklahoma, adds color and diversity to the community.

Outdoor venues to explore include the beautiful Foss State Park and the nearby Washita National Wildlife Refuge, an 8,000-acre outdoor expanse perfect for bird watching. Keep in mind that the Weatherford Regional Hospital is a 25-bed critical access facility that has been serving area residents for decades. The best part is that Weatherford is unbelievably affordable. The median listing home price in Weatherford is $270,000.

Bartlesville

Bartlesville is in a beautiful part of Oklahoma with green rolling hills, pristine state parks, and shimmering lakes. To add to that, the 180-mile-long Caney River flows around and adds a mist of rustic charm to an already beautiful spot. Retirees will be looking forward to the renowned OK Mozart Music Festival, a Classical music celebration that lights up the town every July. Active retirees can enjoy epic hiking adventures at Osage Hills, explore the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, which Will Rogers called “the most unique place in this country,” or establish an afternoon walking routine at Johnstone Park, an urban oasis with lush lawns and a serene pond. Golden Opportunities is a local senior group that meets for joint workouts and several kinds of group adventures. In July 2025, the median listing home price in Bartlesville was $240,000, an excellent value for money, especially because it comes with access to the Ascension St. John Jane Phillips, a highly rated medical facility with round-the-clock emergency care.

Alva

Alva is a small, peaceful town surrounded by countryside and boasts one of the most budget-friendly price points in Oklahoma, ideal for retirees on a fixed income. The median listing home price in Alva is just $160,000, nearly half the state average. Even in Oklahoma, it rarely gets more affordable than this.

For outdoor-minded retirees, Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge is east of town and offers a unique experience of digging for crystals. Seniors looking to stay active can enjoy a relaxed round at the Alva Golf and Country Club, or simply take in the views over a good meal. For something different, there’s the Menagerie - Bradt’s Mammals to explore, or a tour of Alabaster Caverns State Park, home to the world’s largest natural public gypsum cave. For lifelong learners, Northwestern Oklahoma State University brings a refreshing collegiate atmosphere and cultural enrichment. Health needs are served by Share Medical Center, which has been serving the community for over 50 years. Nearby, Kiowa District Hospital is nationally recognized for quality care and patient satisfaction, offering retirees additional peace of mind.

Checotah

Checotah is where Carrie Underwood, one of the 15 highest-certified female artists of all time in digital single sales, grew up and began her singing career. Today, located just north of Interstate 40, Checotah boasts excellent accessibility and access to everyday amenities, especially with Muskogee just a short drive away. Retirees will appreciate the proximity to Northeastern State University and cultural events, along with outdoor recreation at Lake Eufaula State Park, the Arkansas River, and Greenleaf State Park, a peaceful nature getaway with lots of deer, well-maintained campsites, and a great fishing lake.

The median listing home price in Checotah was $235,000 in July 2025, a comfortable price point that comes with 30-minute proximity to Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee, recently named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the United States by Premier, Inc.

Yukon

Yukon, a vibrant town of about 25,000 residents, consistently ranks among Oklahoma’s safest cities, a key factor for retirees seeking peace of mind. The city saw 45 violent crimes in 2019, according to FBI data, which is far below similar-sized communities like Warr Acres and Ponca City. Moreover, Oklahoma City is just 20 minutes away, offering access to top-tier healthcare and cultural attractions. Retirees can enjoy Lake Overholser’s paved walking paths, spend time at Chisholm Trail Park, or take part in community festivals such as the Czech Festival.

History lovers can also visit the Yukon Historical Museum, which was housed in a former church from 1910. The median listing home price in July 2025 was $308,000. INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Hospital is located right in town, while retirement options such as Spanish Cove Retirement Village offer independent and assisted living options for seniors.

Henryetta

It’s incredible that a town can have a median listing home price of just $130,000 in 2025. Henryetta is conveniently positioned two miles north of the Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 62/75 junction. It's also only about 50 miles from Tulsa and close to Okmulgee, making it ideal for retirees who want affordability with regional connectivity.

Recreational options include Lake Henryetta, with 11 miles of shoreline and peaceful campsites. There's also McCutcheon Park, a public library, and the Henryetta Territorial Museum, which showcases the area’s local history. Medical needs are covered by Hillcrest Hospital Henryetta and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Medical Center. For retirement living, Fountain View Manor offers assisted care in a relaxed setting.

Duncan

Several towns in Oklahoma seem to be competing for the “Cheapest Town To Retire” title. Duncan, for instance, boasts a median listing home price of around $160,000. Duncan is a quiet, rural area with a close-knit community, a fantastic public library with an awesome selection of books, and two movie theatres, including Palace Theatre on Main Street and Heritage Park Theatre on Plato Road. There is the Duncan Golf & Tennis Club, if you want to enjoy a good game, and an Old West-themed casino with over 500 electronic games. Fuqua Park is phenomenal, especially if you want to spoil your grandkids. They have Tilt-a-Whirl, carousel, airplane rides, and an interesting railroad museum. If your knees are starting to play a number on you, Duncan Regional Hospital is at your doorstep and has previously been recognized for the Joint Replacement Excellence Award.

The Takeaway

If you are about to fold your laptop and log out of the rat race, Oklahoma has several underappreciated features that will prove quite tempting. The Sooner State is unbelievably affordable, with some nice locations boasting a median house listing price of under $200,000. Also, you will find folks who are helpful, genuine, and down-to-earth. It is where to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle steeped in Southern hospitality. Whatever your interests or criteria, you're sure to find an Oklahoma town that fits.