The Best Small Town In Oklahoma For Seniors

In WalletHub’s 2026 retirement study, Oklahoma ranked first in the country for adjusted cost of living. Claremore makes a strong case within that broader picture. The hometown of Will Rogers, Claremore sits in the rolling hills of northeastern Oklahoma about 30 miles from Tulsa. The town sits along Green Country’s stretch of Route 66, where historic roadside character still shapes its identity. Another defining feature is Claremore’s museum scene, with the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum and the Claremore Museum of History adding even more historical depth to the town. So if all this historic energy and budget friendliness intrigues you, then this town should be at the top of your retirement shortlist.

Affordable Living in Claremore

Claremore’s cost-of-living statistics speak for themselves when it comes to affordability in Oklahoma. Claremore has a 16% lower cost of living than the national average, indicating lower costs for food, transportation, health care, and housing. This is a difference retirees on a fixed income feel in the cost of groceries, electricity bills, and rent. Additionally, Oklahoma is also a tax-friendly state for retirees. Social Security benefits are not taxed, a portion of other retirement income is tax-deductible, and property taxes remain low. This not only returns money to your pocket each year, but also allows for an elevated quality of life.

Housing costs in Claremore are also low, indicating yet another reason the town is so favorable. The Zillow Home Value Index puts the median home sale price in Claremore at $244,958, significantly below the national average of $361,000. Renters will be pleased to know that Zillow estimates the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Claremore at $767, which is nearly half the average in the United States for a one-bedroom, estimated at $1,298.

Health and Wellness

At the heart of Claremore’s healthcare system is Hillcrest Hospital Claremore, a full-service acute care facility located at North Muskogee Place and part of the Hillcrest HealthCare System. Some specialties at their facility include cardiology, orthopedics, vascular surgery, urology, pain management, infusion therapy, ENT, and a comprehensive intensive care unit. In a recent survey, 88% of Hillcrest Hospital Claremore’s patients said they would recommend the hospital to others. For more complex healthcare needs, Tulsa’s major healthcare systems, including Saint Francis, Saint John, and Hillcrest Medical Center, are within a 35-minute drive.

Living Your Life in Claremore

Beyond the statistics and healthcare amenities, Claremore also offers retirees a mix of dining and attractions that make daily life enjoyable and budget-friendly.

Dining

Hammett House Restaurant, a Claremore institution since 1969, has become one of the most beloved and popular eateries in town. The menu offers classic American comfort food: country-fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, lamb and fries, and the store's homemade delicacy of 'Skinny Soup.' In addition to their long list of available pies, other desserts come hot on a skillet with a side of ice cream, which might be enough for a whole meal for some.

For a change of pace but not a dip in quality, many locals also head over to South Brady Street to get some of the hearty Italian entrees at Francesco’s. The menu spans from shrimp ravioli and lasagna to meals with fresh veal and sandwiches like stromboli, making this an excellent spot to return to no matter what type of palate you have.

Things to Do

Dorothy’s Flowers has been there on W. Rogers Boulevard for eighty years, a small presence with reliable service for the biggest moments of life. For seniors who want to appreciate the little things, like a fresh bouquet of flowers in their homes or apartments, Dorothy’s staff is there to help customers understand the seasonal arrangements possible for a reasonable price. Their commitment to quality has allowed them to stay in this small town for decades.

As this was the hometown of Will Rogers, it is only fitting that Claremore is the home of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. The museum is a sprawling 16,652-square-foot space housing 12 exhibition rooms tracing Will Rogers’ journey from rope tricks to silver-screen fame. Classic reels of Rogers’ performances play daily for visitors, and a visit to the museum is sure to help everyone understand why he was nicknamed "Oklahoma's Favorite Son." The museum is located just off Route 66, making it a great stop during a cross-country road trip as well. There's also a garden terrace near his resting place, marked by words he once made famous: “I never met a man I didn’t like.”

Nearby Towns to Explore

An advantage for seniors settling down in Oklahoma, and specifically in Claremore, is the towns and culture close to the community. Once people move in, it does not take long to discover some of the best nearby towns to explore.

Tahlequah

Head southeast of town for about 45 miles and discover Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation, which is heavily represented in Oklahoma. The first stop on this historic and cultural epicenter should be the Tahlequah History Trail, a self-guided tour through downtown that explains the significance of structures and people in Cherokee and Oklahoma history. Similarly, history buffs should check out the Cherokee National History Museum for an even more in-depth look at the Cherokee Nation. For some recreation, Tahlequah is very close to Tenkiller Lake, a top stop in the state for fishing, swimming, camping, and even scuba recreation.

Bartlesville

Heading 45 miles in the nearly opposite direction can lead travelers to Bartlesville, another historic community worth exploring. Start with The Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, a 3700-acre ranchland in the Osage Hills with free-roaming bison and a museum that hosts Western American artwork and Native American artifacts. Architecture aficionados will love the Price Tower, as it was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is the only skyscraper he envisioned that was ever constructed. Today, it houses a boutique hotel and an arts center.

Senior Living is Easier in Claremore

Claremore clearly presents its credentials for affordability in senior living. With living costs 16% below the national average, home prices and rental properties far below the US norm, and a tax rate that does not touch Social Security benefits, the economic argument for living in Claremore is airtight. Uniquely located between the Cherokee heritage of Tahlequah and the Western art haven of Bartlesville, the area's historic and cultural richness makes Claremore the perfect base from which to further enhance the quality of life for retirees.