After weeks of lists ranking the city among the worst in several categories, Oklahoma City has been touted as the best big city to live in nationwide by U.S. News and World Report.
The national real estate website ranked the city above more than 850 cities nationwide for its high marks in affordability, quality of life, job market strength, and desirability.
Several cities in the South made the top of the list, with the majority of the top 5 being locations in Texas.
Here’s what makes Oklahoma City the best big city in the nation.
U.S. News and World Report’s list spotlights several things about the capital city. They note the history of large livestock markets and Western culture as the starting point for the culture behind the city.
However, it was the numerous initiatives the city is currently undertaking that helped it rise to the top of the list.
“Not only does the city have a lower cost of living, but housing costs are almost $140,000 lower than the national average. That mix of low housing costs, cultural richness and wide-open space makes Oklahoma City the perfect choice for those looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing quality of life,” U.S. News writes.
In addition to sitting at the top in the nation’s biggest cities, Oklahoma City also ranked 96th for the best cities to live in across the country, and it wasn’t just OKC that sits in the top 100.
Edmond and Moore both entered the list at 22nd and 42nd, respectively. U.S. News said both cities’ below-average house prices, average 20-minute commute, and fair distribution of age make them significant positives for residents.
Both cities scored higher than Oklahoma City did on the ten-point scale, with Edmond garnering 6.8 and Moore with a 6.6. Oklahoma City closely trailed with 6.2. With Edmond’s high average score, they also ranks #14 for the best small cities in the nation to live in.
US News ranks Oklahoma City the best big city to live in US – The Oklahoman
