Oklahoma's 9 Best Retirement Towns Ranked

Oklahoma rewards retirees who give its small towns a closer look. The state stretches across Native American history and varied terrain including the Arbuckle Mountains. Bartlesville hosts the OKM Music Festival each summer and brings big-stage energy to the calendar. Smaller towns like Guthrie pack their own punch through cultural destinations like the Pollard Theatre. The nine towns below settle the rankings for retiring well in Oklahoma.

Bartlesville

Bartlesville errs on the more populous side of the towns on this list, but with size comes a wider range of activities. Residents looking for a change of pace can visit the Price Tower Arts Center, the only realized skyscraper designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. From there, head to The Center, a live performance venue that hosts both smaller shows and large events like the OKM Music Festival. The festival features a mix of music, from sounds inspired by the Smoky Mountains to relaxing yacht rock as the sun comes down.

Animal lovers and adventurers may want to head to the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve. The 3,700-acre ranch offers preserve drives where visitors can see animals from around the world, including American bison and Japanese sika deer. And for anyone who wants to meet other seniors in Bartlesville, the 55+ Activity Center hosts events ranging from flash mobs to swing dances to chair yoga.

Owasso

Owasso brings the outdoors-y appeal. This city sits near the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve, just 18 minutes outside of town. The hiking destination features rugged trails for those who want a challenge. The preserve is also a popular bird-watching spot. Birders can expect to see the snowy egret and the palm warbler. While staying active is the best way to stay healthy, residents can also rely on Bailey Medical Center if they need health care at any time of day.

Those who want to be outdoors but want to skip hiking can walk the greens at Bailey Ranch Golf Course. The course is a well-maintained championship layout where residents can also have dinner at The Bailey Grille over burgers and sandwiches. For a day indoors, the Owasso Museum is the local choice. The site is housed in a 1928 building and focuses on local history. Exhibits include photos of past residents and even high school yearbooks dating back decades.

Muskogee

Retirees in Muskogee have ample opportunities to get out and about. The city is home to The Castle of Muskogee, host of the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival. The family-friendly event sees attendees coming in full costume to enjoy tea with the queen, have a royal dinner, or attend a joust. History lovers may instead want to visit the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, in the historic Union Agency building that has stood since 1875. The exhibits provide an overview of the history and culture of the five tribes that thrived in this region: Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Seminole.

Another community event is the Azalea Festival held at Honor Heights Park. The park itself covers 132 acres and features picnic areas and gazebos as well as the Audubon Trail for birdwatching. The Azalea Festival adds a parade through the heart of town, bicycle rides, and fun runs, all before you see the Papilion Gardens at Honor Heights. For social connection, the Senior Station holds weekly activities like line dancing for anyone aged 55 or older.

Ponca City

Ponca City offers a blend of historical depth and adventure. Kaw Lake is a popular local spot just 20 minutes away, where residents can head out by boat and fish for crappie, walleye, and sand bass. Visitors can also swim in the two designated areas at Pioneer Park and Sandy Park. For the best lake view, head out on the 12-mile Eagle View Hiking Trail for a full day on the march. In town, the Marland Mansion & Estate is known as the “Palace on the Prairie.” The 55-room estate currently houses fine art but was built in 1928 as the home of E.W. Marland, founder of Marland Oil. Visitors tour the artwork in the splendor in which Marland lived.

For live entertainment, the historic Ponca Theatre operates out of a restored 1927 building. The theater is also home to original “lobby art” that dates back to the 1930s, when each theater produced its own unique posters. And for any health needs, INTEGRIS Health Ponca City Hospital is open around the clock.

Ardmore

Ardmore continues the theme of strong attractions for active retirees, with outdoor options and a range of performing arts events. Lake Murray State Park sits less than 10 minutes outside of town and holds the distinction of being Oklahoma’s first state park. It is also the state’s largest state park and known for the views from Tucker Tower. The tower provides views of the surrounding lake and the countryside stretching out for miles. For those new to town, the Chickasaw Senior Citizens Center brings retirees together for meals, cultural classes, and wellness programs.

For those staying in town, the Greater Southwest Historical Museum offers a relaxing day of learning more about south-central Oklahoma. The museum is best known for the Military Memorial Museum, which showcases America’s role in wars dating back to the American Revolution. A different kind of museum can be found in the Charles B. Goddard Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Visitors find both permanent and rotating exhibits covering a range of genres, and interested residents can enroll in classes covering topics such as ceramic making and stage performance.

Claremore

The city of Claremore hosts a range of unique museums that make for family daytrips. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum stands out in particular because Will Rogers was born in what is now Oklahoma and went on to have a tremendous influence in film. Exhibits include portraits and paintings of Rogers, historical facts of his life, and memorabilia. A different but equally notable destination is the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum, home to one of the largest privately owned firearms collections in the world.

Over 12,000 firearms are on display, along with related artifacts such as saddles used throughout the American West and other country memorabilia. For residents who simply want a peaceful day outside, Claremore Lake features four miles of paved trails along the water. Whether walking, running, or cycling, this is a good spot to get your steps in. It is also a popular fishing spot, and boats can frequently be seen on the water. If you need any assistance adjusting to town, the Claremore Senior Citizens Center offers food programs, exercise classes, movie nights, line dancing, and other events.

Guthrie

Retirees in Guthrie have a buffet of activities to sample. Oklahoma Territorial Museum is a notable destination because it documents the role Guthrie played in the state’s history. This town was once the state capital, and the exhibits document how Oklahoma evolved from territory to statehood. For those who prefer live performances, Pollard Theatre sits in the historic district and presents a range of shows. Each season features something new, from Fleetwood Mac tributes to holiday specials like “A Christmas Carol.”

Residents can also visit Highland Park during the day. The fishing lake draws those who want to cast a line, while the trail running around the park provides views of the lake, the tennis courts, and the disc golf course. And of course, a good retirement destination includes healthcare, and Mercy Hospital Logan County is open day and night.

Sulphur

Given its small size, the low-key town of Sulphur is suited to those who prioritize relaxation. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is just minutes outside town and is a popular summer destination. The Little Niagara swimming hole makes for a good place to cool down after a hike along the Lake of the Arbuckles. Should anything happen requiring medical care, Arbuckle Memorial Hospital is open at any time of day.

Returning to town, the Chickasaw Cultural Center offers a different way to spend the afternoon, with insights into Chickasaw culture. The center goes beyond exhibits and includes a traditional village where Chickasaw life is shown through recreations of their buildings, such as the Council House and summer houses. Visitors can also relax in the Honor Garden, a monument to those in the Chickasaw Hall of Fame, where the central fountain makes a soothing place to sit. If you would prefer a staycation for yourself and a weekend of games, The Artesian is not only a hotel but also a casino and spa. Table games and electronic games are just half the fun, with the spa and pool also available amenities.

Marlow

Marlow may be a very small town, but that makes it well suited to those who love small-town life. Despite its small size, 24-hour care is available just 15 minutes away in nearby Duncan. Stay busy by getting in a daily walk at Redbud Park, where the Creekwalk Trail follows Wild Horse Creek. The historic park is also home to notable structures, like the Redbud Chapel, a 1904 building that was the first Catholic church in town.

If you are in the mood for a live performance, you can instead attend Duncan Little Theatre in nearby Duncan. Classics like “Oklahoma!” appear during the regular season. Guests can also attend events like “A Shakespearean Evening,” where performances are paired with BBQ and trivia. Golfers may instead head to Generations Golf Course, an 18-hole layout that hosts local tournaments and is well-rated despite its low profile.

Retirement Life In Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a fitting home for retirees from many backgrounds. A sense of community can still be found through events like the Azalea Festival in Muskogee, as can culture and history, as shown at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur. If you are looking for a state to settle down in while enjoying an active retirement, then look no further than these nine Oklahoma towns.