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Oklahoma City attracts aging seniors with its Southern charm, affordable cost of living, and abundance of activities, luxuries, and senior living communities. Known for its thriving cowboy culture and Native American heritage encapsulated in a modern metropolitan environment, Oklahoma City — also known as OKC — is a perfect fit for fun-loving retirees. Oklahoma City independent living communities enable seniors to live a vibrant social life, free of the worries of homeownership.
This all-inclusive guide highlights 14 of our independent living partners in a 15-mile radius of downtown Oklahoma City. This radius includes partners in surrounding suburbs like Del City, Edmond, Bethany, and Norman. Throughout this guide, you’ll learn about independent living in OKC with information on costs, ways seniors pay, apartment regulations, and resources for seniors in the area. You’ll have all you need to make an informed decision and get a sense of what it’s like to retire in OKC.
Types of care available in Oklahoma City, OK
Independent Living
I toured a lot of places and they were all nice, but I really wanted a house which is why I chose Touchmark. I have 2 dogs and have a nice patio and yard so that works really well for them. They also have housekeeping twice a week too. The staff and residents are so welcoming and everyone knows me by name. The food is excellent, it is chef prepared and it is presented very beautifully and there is a lot of variety. There are a ton of activities provided, I could be busy 16 hours a day if I wanted to. If I ever have any maintenance requests, they are quick to come fix things. I would absolutely recommend to others looking, all houses are full right now but they are in the process of building out.
I am a friend of a resident living at brookdale for a couple years. Whenever I visit, I am greeted by staff with a welcoming smile without fail. Ive seen the care team go out of their way to ensure my friend was comfortable when she fell ill. They keep her space clean and tidy. They also offer a bunch of different activities for the residents to be engaged with one another, but also guests! I am always invited to play bingo or whatever is going on when I visit. Ive seen my friends life improve tremendously. 10/10
Our family had a great experience when our loved one as at Rivermont. The resident director and healthcare director and staff went above and beyond. We will forever be grateful for this team.
3704 N Asbury Ave, Bethany, OK 73008
My mom loves to read, in the common room while others are watching TV, the memory care staff will ask her to read to them. The staff are also experts at redirection. For example, a resident is trying to get...
2435 Northwest 122nd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73120
[name removed] has been invaluable to me. I toured the facility several months ago. My dad was in a different facility halfway across the state. I was not ready when I did the tour to move him yet but she...
Dorset Place is just one of our pet friendly assisted living communities in Oklahoma City where providing compassionate assistance with daily routines comes naturally. We develop individual care plans to meet the needs of each resident, and a full-time licensed nurse is available 24 hours a day...
3737 N College Ave, Bethany, OK 73008
We chose Southern Plaza because of the kindness of the staff and the cleanliness of the facility. They are a Christian based organization as well which was important to us. We knew right away when we walked...
Southern Plaza is owned by Southern Nazarene University and is known for it's outstanding service and a long list of amenities in a warm, caring environment where the residents call "home".Amenities and ServicesSouthern Plaza is month to month, with no buy in. Each apartment is unfurnished,...
12310 S Western, Oklahoma City, OK 73170
The Wickshire community is spotless it gets 10/10 stars on the cleanliness and that is saying a lot coming from a clean freak. They always seem to have different things going on, everything is nicely...
Rambling Oaks Courtyard brings you an independent and secure lifestyle for active individuals and couples who want freedom from home ownership and other daily chores and concerns. Each residential unit includes large windows, private heating and cooling...
1404 NW 122nd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73114
The care that my loved one received in the memory care unit was phenomenal, I was enthused. I was told my loved one would need to transition into long term care which is why we moved and we were sad to have...
At The Fountains at Canterbury, we've created a culture built on choice. The first (and maybe the most fun) is selecting the home that's perfect for you. Choosing from a variety of one bedroom and two apartments or cottages, you'll find a space that's just right to call your own. With so many...
7707 W Britton Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73132
Caring staff; many activities; lovely neighbors. Mom seems to like it okay. Some add-on services a bit expensive (Ex: If you can't go to the dining room and they deliver your meals to your room), and they...
Concordia Life Care Community located in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma provides seniors with a caring place to live. Guests of our residents will enjoy checking out all that Oklahoma City has to offer, including the Museum of Osteology, the Oklahoma City Zoo, and the Myriad Botanical Gardens....
1501 Grace Pointe Drive, Moore, OK 73170
I have lived here for many years and love it! Staff is always helpful and takes care of things. Maintenance responds quickly to fix things. Lots of friendly neighbors and there is always something to do.
135 NW 9th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
300 NW 12th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
2101 S Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73109
122 NW 22nd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
122 NW 22nd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
1225 N Kate Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73117
1225 N Kate Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73117
1316 NE 12th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73117
1316 NE 12th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73117
3708 S Douglas Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73109
2269 NE Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
400 S Scott St, Oklahoma City, OK 73115
5415 S Shartel Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73109
5415 S Shartel Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73109
3340 S Bryant Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73115
817 SW 59th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73109
817 SW 59th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73109
3801 NW 19th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73107
The average rent in an Oklahoma City independent living community starts at $2,683 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data in 2022-2023.[01] The price only includes rental fees and doesn’t include any extra fees for add-on services.
The price for an independent living community varies depending on add-ons, amenities, apartment size, services, and location. For example, our market median prices data shows that a private studio in an independent living community starts at about $2,400, while a two-bedroom is about $3,050 monthly.[01]
These starting baseline rental costs for independent living communities can include a lot. The following costs are typically rolled into the baseline monthly rent:
Additional fees can increase your monthly rent. Common add-on fees for Oklahoma City independent living communities can include the following:
Below are independent living baseline monthly costs to help you compare with nearby cities. These costs don’t include additional fees for add-on services.
19.84 miles from you
Your zip code
17.30 miles from you
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.
Initially, you should assess what type of private income sources you have that can help pay for some or all of your independent living costs. When deciding how to pay for independent living privately, many seniors start by looking at their savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. The following are other ways seniors typically pay for their ideal independent living community:
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.
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.
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:
In addition to maintaining the above utilities, Oklahoma landlords must keep the following in good condition:
Landlords must repair any issues in the apartment and provide a 24-hour notice before entering your unit unless it’s an emergency.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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Number of seniors over the age of 55 currently living in Oklahoma City
Percentage of seniors 55 and older within the Oklahoma City population[02]
Mean retirement income for Oklahoma City seniors 60 and older{{citation:8}}
Oklahoma City seniors have nearby access to quality health care systems where specialized care is available.
INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center
Find quality care at Integris Baptist Medical Center, which holds a 75% recommendation rating from patients.[09] The hospital offers specialized care with a heart hospital, stroke center, home health agency, and diabetes education team.
SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital — Oklahoma City
Another distinguished hospital in OKC is the SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital — Oklahoma City, which is recommended by patients with a 69% approval rating.[09] The hospital has optimal care for common conditions in seniors thanks to the SSM Health Neurosciences and SSM Health Heart and Vascular Care office.
University of Oklahoma Medical Center
Find innovative care at the University of Oklahoma’s medical teaching hospital, the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, where 63% of patients recommend the hospital.[09] It’s part of Oklahoma’s Healthy Aging Initiative, a statewide network that works to help seniors age healthily. In fact, the hospital is home to the Oklahoma Center for Gerosciences and Healthy Brain Aging.
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:
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.
34
17
40
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.
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:
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.
Residents in OKC rally around for their local sports teams. The biggest in the area are the local professional and collegiate teams:
Between water activities and the local parks, Oklahoma City is also full of endless outdoor activities:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rivermont Assisted Living Memory Care, Laurel Springs and Laurel Springs are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Oklahoma City, OK. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Oklahoma City is 3,773 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022-2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Oklahoma City city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Level of care medical eligibility determination, Oklahoma Health Care Authority Oklahoma Administrative Code § 317:35-17-2 (rev. 2012, June 25).
Landlord and Tenant, Oklahoma Senate § 41 (2022).
State of Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission. (2009). Minimum state requirements for storm shelters.
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. Section 1: Disability laws and complaint procedures.
Oklahoma State Department of Health. (2021, June 22). Long-term care facility.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 60 years and over in The United States: Oklahoma City city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Health Grades. (2023). Hospitals near Oklahoma City, OK.
Walk Score. Living in Oklahoma City.
Donovan, L. (2023, April 28). Personal communication [Phone interview].
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