Oklahoma City ranks among top U.S. cities for veterans to live

Oklahoma City has been ranked among the top cities in the country for veterans to live, according to a new report from Veterans United Home Loans. 

The report ranked Oklahoma City No. 6 nationally, ahead of cities including Austin, St. Louis and Salt Lake City, citing the metro’s affordability, veteran-friendly policies and connection to military life through Tinker Air Force Base. 

According to the report, the Oklahoma City metro is home to 89,162 veterans and posted the strongest financial well-being score among cities included in the study. Researchers pointed to the region’s low cost of living and housing affordability as major advantages for veterans and military families. 

The metro’s median home listing price sits at $318,450, nearly $100,000 below the national median used in the study, giving veterans more flexibility when purchasing a home. 

The report noted that many military families choose to remain in Oklahoma after being stationed at Tinker Air Force Base, citing the state’s affordability, safety and welcoming environment. 

Oklahoma’s veteran benefits were also highlighted, including property tax exemptions for qualifying disabled veterans and a full homestead exemption for veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability. Oklahoma also does not tax military retirement income. 

Beyond affordability, the study pointed to Oklahoma City’s job opportunities in aerospace, energy, health care and manufacturing, along with employers including Boeing, Amazon and Paycom. 

The report also noted that VA-backed home offers are rarely declined in the Oklahoma City market compared to some larger metros, helping make homeownership more accessible for veterans. 

While acknowledging Oklahoma City has fewer large-city amenities than some larger metros, the report praised the city’s manageable traffic, slower pace of life and growing list of attractions, including Bricktown, Scissortail Park and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. 

The recognition adds to a growing number of national rankings highlighting Oklahoma City for affordability, economic opportunity and quality of life.