Find Independent Living Communities Near Oklahoma City, OK

Most retirees use a combination of private income sources — like savings — and public benefits — like veterans benefits — to help cover the cost of senior living. Medicaid and Medicare will not help cover independent living room and board costs, since independent senior living facilities are not senior care communities. However, you can use these benefits for medically necessary care costs. In this section, you’ll learn about different ways to pay for independent living and senior medical expenses through private pay, veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.

Since independent living facilities are not considered senior care facilities, the state doesn’t regulate them. Instead, independent living communities in Oklahoma City typically follow general apartment laws and regulations.

What are independent living age requirements?

All of our independent living partners in Oklahoma City have a minimum age requirement. This means independent living communities may require you to be above a certain age, typically 55, 62, or 65. Keep in mind the age requirement varies between communities.

What are apartment regulations in Oklahoma City?

Apartments, or rental complexes like independent living communities, have strict requirements to ensure the safety and health of residents. State apartment regulations require that landlords provide residents with a safe, clean, and habitable living environment and access to the following utilities:

• Heating
• Air conditioning
• Running water
• Hot water
• Trash removal
• Smoke detector(s)

In addition to maintaining the above utilities, Oklahoma landlords must keep the following in good condition:

• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Sanitary
• Ventilation

Landlords must repair any issues in the apartment and provide a 24-hour notice before entering your unit unless it’s an emergency.

Are storm shelters required in independent living facilities?

No, storm shelters are not required in residential buildings like independent living communities. However, since Oklahoma City is in tornado alley, some independent living communities may have storm shelters, emergency drills, and/or safety protocols to help guarantee your safety. Inquire with your prospective community to learn more about their storm preparedness.

Do independent living communities offer accommodations for seniors with disabilities?

If an independent living facility was built after March 13, 1991, and has more than four units, they’re required to meet accessibility standards like the following:

• Accessible common areas
• Doors and hallways wide enough for wheelchairs
• Accessible routes in the unit
• Reachable outlets, light switches, thermostats, etc.
• Reinforced bathroom walls in case grab bars need to be installed
• Wheelchair-friendly kitchens and bathrooms

Federal law requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Some examples of reasonable accommodations that landlords make for residents with disabilities can include the following:

• Providing reserved, accessible parking
• Installing wheelchair ramps
• Installing grab bars in bathrooms
• Allowing service or therapy pets even when a no-pet policy is in place
• Adjusting rental due dates to fall in line with monthly disability checks

That being said, the facility doesn’t have to comply with accommodations if doing so will alter the community’s programs or create a financial or administrative burden on the facility.

Do regulations change for independent living communities with multiple care types?

Yes. Where an independent living facility shares areas with an assisted living or memory care unit, the area must follow the state rules and regulations for assisted living or memory care. Visit our guides to OKC assisted living or memory care for more information on the specific regulations for those types of units.

COVID-19 regulations for Oklahoma City independent living communities

The governor of Oklahoma ended all COVID-19 restrictions after terminating the public health emergency. However, the Oklahoma Department of Health (ODOH) still recommends following current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

While Oklahoma City has no specific COVID-19 regulations for independent living facilities, individual facilities may have their own guidelines. Therefore, contacting your prospective independent living community is essential to understand their current COVID-19 guidelines. If you are homebound, you may also benefit from contacting the ODOH about their in-home COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters service.

Oklahoma City independent living communities provide a worry-free lifestyle in a resort-style setting. Whether you’re looking for a stand-alone independent living community or a campus with multiple health care services, OKC has an equal amount of each. No matter the community, our partners offer an abundance of amenities and activities right on-site. Some even host religious services. Read on to learn more about what it’s like to retire in an independent living community in OKC.

Stand-alone vs. continuum of care: What’s the difference?

Our independent living partners in Oklahoma City are either stand-alone facilities or communities that offer multiple care types on the same campus. Half of our independent living partners in OKC offer multiple care types on one campus. Many independent living communities offer comparable amenities and activities for active and social seniors. However, communities with multiple care levels have additional on-site health care services, like assisted living or memory care.

Senior care communities providing a continuum of care on the same campus can help you or your loved one age in place. This means that if you ever need assisted living or memory care in the future, you won’t need to change communities. Instead, you can move to a different unit on the same campus. These multitiered care communities are also beneficial for couples with varying care needs. For example, if one partner is independent and the other has advanced care needs, they can live together in the same community.

Live a life of luxury with extra amenities

Resort-style independent living in OKC combines relaxation with multiple opportunities thanks to its extra amenities. In these senior living communities, seniors experience a life of luxury where they can explore hobbies, maintain physical health, and relax. You can expect communal leisure areas like the following at our independent living partners in Oklahoma City:

• Arts and crafts centers
• Beauty salons
• Barbershops
• Outdoor courtyards and walking paths
• Raised gardens
• Fitness centers
• Billiards and game lounges
• Movie theaters
• Libraries and business centers
• Pools and Jacuzzis

Promoting active living

Most independent living communities promote active living through activities. In fact, 100% of our independent living partners offer on-site activities. While the types of activities depend on the community and residents, below are some of the most common pastimes at our OKC partners:

• Live musical performances
• Educational speakers
• Lifelong learning opportunities
• Stretching and yoga classes
• Art classes
• Happy hours
• Game nights
• Dances and holiday parties

In addition to these activities, a majority of our independent living partners have senior-friendly programs to help promote health and engagement. Here are a few examples:

• Live Well programs
• Pet-therapy programs
• Community service programs
• Intergenerational programs

Independent living communities also promote socialization to help prevent isolation or loneliness. About 57% of our independent living partners have resident-led clubs to help encourage friendships and hobby building. Here are a few examples of popular clubs at our local partners:

• Book club
• Gardening club
• Bridge club
• Cards club
• Cooking club
• Walking club

Faith-based options in Oklahoma senior living

Located in the center of the Bible Belt, Oklahoma City has a very devout population. You can find Christian churches of various denominations on almost every corner of the city. Independent living communities in OKC understand that their residents appreciate worship services, so many have on-site religious or devotional activities and services.

Of our partners, 92% report that they offer some type of on-site devotional activities, with many including religious services for Catholics, Protestants, and various denominations. Additionally, some of these communities also have a visiting chaplain, pastor, or priest. Some communities may also provide access to off-site devotional activities. Or, depending on the transportation services available, you may be able to use on-site transportation to attend your current church’s service.

Oklahoma City seniors have nearby access to quality health care systems where specialized care is available.

Transportation provided by an independent living community is the safest option for seniors, which is why about 85% of our OKC partners have on-site transportation services. Keep in mind these may be complimentary or at-cost, depending on the community.

On the other hand, many independent seniors use their own means of transportation to get around OKC, so almost all — 92% to be exact — of our independent living partners also offer parking to residents. Some properties even have covered parking options to help protect your vehicle from storms or sun exposure.

If you don’t have your own means of transportation, you can find helpful public transportation options conveniently located near many of our independent living partners in OKC. The following public transportation options are run through EMBARK, the largest local transit system:

• Local buses travel along different routes with various schedules. Most buses run Monday through Sunday.
• EMBARK Plus is the local paratransit van that helps those who cannot use other transportation options due to a disability.
• OKC Streetcar has two options. One is in the downtown area and is available daily. The other is in Bricktown and is only available on the weekends. Note: If you’re 65+ or have a disability, ask about reduced rates.
• Oklahoma River Cruises offer scenic ferries to five landings in Bricktown, Regatta Park, Exchange, Stockyards, and Meridian.

Additionally, if you’re a SoonerCare recipient, you may be eligible for transportation services through SoonerRide.

OKC can be difficult to get around even with these transportation options since it’s such a sprawling, car-dependent metropolitan area. The city has pretty low walk and transit scores. But the downtown area is more accessible, with a higher Walk Score of 72 as compared to the overall city. Below are Oklahoma City’s overall scores, out of 100, to help you understand the city’s accessibility.

Between its authentic Southwestern culture and vibrant metropolis, the Oklahoma City area has evolved to be a dynamic scene with something for everyone. There are endless opportunities in OKC that people from all walks of life can enjoy, whether you’re visiting or choosing a place to retire. Check out the Visit OKC city guide to learn more about popular activities and what you can expect to find when you retire there. We’ve highlighted some popular spots below.

Learn more at many museums

Oklahoma City has many museums that encompass a wide range of cultures, hobbies, and interests. You’ll be able to find something for everyone, from Western heritage to artistic appreciation. Here are a few of the several museums in OKC:

• National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, also known as ‘The Cowboy,’ is the most well-known museum in OKC dedicated to the local cowboy culture and Western heritage.

• Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Gaylor Pickens Museum is dedicated to everyday and famous locals with interactive and special exhibits.

• Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum allows locals to learn more about the tragic bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in 1995.
• First Americans Museum Oklahoma is a distinguished museum in OKC featuring over 35 stories on the First American Nations.
• Oklahoma City Museum of Art is a large art museum that hosts many exhibits, events, shows, and film screenings.
• Science Museum Oklahoma is a classic science museum featuring Oklahoma’s first dome-screen theater.

Explore Stockyards City

Since Oklahoma City is known for its cowboy culture, a must-see is the local Stockyards City, where you can explore Western heritage. You can not only see local livestock walking the streets, but also explore local Western outlets and businesses. Plus, Stockyards City is home to Oklahoma Opry where local bands and entertainers play every Saturday.

Cheer on local sports teams

Residents in OKC rally around for their local sports teams. The biggest in the area are the local professional and collegiate teams:

• Oklahoma City Thunder: Oklahoma’s professional basketball team plays in the wheelchair-accessible Paycom Center.
• Dodgers: The local minor league baseball team plays in the ADA-accessible Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Enjoy the outdoors

Between water activities and the local parks, Oklahoma City is also full of endless outdoor activities:

• Golf courses: OKC is home to several golf courses, with those linked only being a few of the endless options.
• OKC trails: Oklahoma City has over 80 miles of multiuse trails where you can walk or bike.
• Riversport: This nonprofit foundation helps visitors and locals experience a variety of river sports like tubing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting.
• Lakes: This landlocked state has Lake Hefner, Lake Overholser, and Lake Stanley Draper in OKC. Here you can boat, kayak, canoe, fish, and more.
• Will Rodgers Gardens: This garden is located in one of OKC’s parks with a conservatory, 2-acre garden, 10-acre arboretum, and exhibition center.
• Oklahoma City Zoo: Stretching across 130 acres and housing over 1,900 animals, the local zoo has a variety of habitats.

Gamble at nearby casinos

Locals in Oklahoma City can not only play casino games but also place horse racing bets. Remington Park combines both of these types of gaming in one area. There are a few casino options in the greater Oklahoma City surrounding areas. The most popular nearby options include Riverwind Casino in Norman and Newcastle Casino in Newcastle, all under 25 miles from downtown OKC.

Eat at local restaurants

If you’re a meat lover, Oklahoma is the state for you. OKC is known for its hearty foods such as steak, chicken fried steak, and barbeque. Oklahoma, also known as the Sooner State, has a lot of beef cattle, so Oklahoma restaurants and stores offer fresh, quality, and locally sourced steaks, what some even call “Sooner Steaks.” Oklahoma even designated the ribeye as its state steak.

As a Southern state, trying Oklahoma’s local barbeque is obligatory. Regardless of your preference, you can find a wide range of restaurants in OKC, from formal steakhouses to country-like barbeque joints.

Find local street art

While exploring Oklahoma City, visitors and locals can find beautiful murals painted throughout the city. In fact, USA Today readers ranked OKC as No. 1 for street art in the United States. The Visit OKC page has a guide to local street art, so you can explore every district of the city to find all the colorful murals in the area.

Experience a wide range of music venues

Oklahoma City is the birthplace of many famous country music stars, so many country music venues exist. However, OKC’s local music venues go beyond country music by exploring other genres with a variety of year-round performances, from smooth jazz to upbeat pop music.