Oklahoma City OK

Oklahoma City – A vibrant blend of Western charm and modern convenience, Oklahoma City welcomes you with wide-open skies, friendly faces, and rich culture. From its cowboy roots to its thriving arts and food scenes, OKC offers a unique mix of tradition and progress. Whether you're exploring its historic districts, enjoying outdoor spaces, or cheering on a Thunder game, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

• Population: ~700,000
• Weather: Four-season climate; hot summers (80–100°F), cool winters (30–50°F), mild spring and fall.
• Places To Visit: Bricktown Entertainment District, Oklahoma City National Memorial, Myriad Botanical Gardens, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Scissortail Park.
• Top Activities: Catching a Thunder game, paddle boating in Bricktown Canal, enjoying live music, horseback riding, and exploring Route 66 landmarks.
• Famous Food: Chicken-fried steak, barbecue at Leo’s, onion burgers, calf fries, and savory bites from local food trucks.

Oklahoma City is a growing metropolitan area with a diverse economy. It has strong sectors in energy, aerospace, healthcare, and government. The city offers steady employment and a low cost of living, making it an attractive place for professionals in various fields. Below are some of the most in-demand jobs in Oklahoma City.

Top 5 Jobs in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City may not be as large as some cities, but it's full of places where students can unwind, have fun, and make lasting memories. Whether you enjoy nature, art, or the vibrant nightlife, OKC has something for everyone.

Myriad Botanical Gardens – A beautiful urban oasis perfect for relaxing walks, picnics, or even a spot of studying amid nature. The gardens offer a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Bricktown – A lively district with a mix of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Students can enjoy a walk along the canal, catch a movie, or even try out a fun escape room experience.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art – For the art enthusiasts, this museum offers stunning collections, including works by Dale Chihuly. It's an inspiring place to explore with friends or to get some creative inspiration.

Paseo Arts District – A vibrant area full of galleries, shops, and eateries. The first Friday of each month features art walks with live music and special exhibits—a must-visit for art lovers.

Lake Hefner – Ideal for outdoor activities like biking, running, or sailing. It's also a great spot to relax on the lakeside and watch the sunset with friends after a long day.

Overholser Mansion Ghost Tours – For those interested in a bit of history with a spooky twist, ghost tours at the Overholser Mansion offer a unique evening adventure, especially around Halloween.

Oklahoma City is a thriving hub for higher education, offering excellent public and private institutions known for strong programs in health sciences, engineering, liberal arts, and business. With a blend of research universities and small liberal arts colleges, students have access to a wide variety of academic paths and career opportunities.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Oklahoma City

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) – Located in the heart of Oklahoma City, OUHSC is a nationally recognized academic health center. It excels in medicine, dentistry, public health, nursing, and pharmacy. The center plays a vital role in health research and medical education across the state.

University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) – Situated just north of Oklahoma City in Edmond, UCO is known for strong programs in education, business, and liberal arts. Its College of Fine Arts and Design is highly regarded, and the university is a leader in producing graduates ready for the job market.

Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) – One of the largest community colleges in Oklahoma, OCCC offers accessible and affordable education in nursing, business, IT, and the performing arts. It's known for strong student support services and transfer pathways to four-year institutions.

Rose State College – Located in Midwest City, just minutes from downtown Oklahoma City, Rose State offers quality associate degrees in health, aviation, and engineering fields. It also supports military students and their families, thanks to its proximity to Tinker Air Force Base.

Langston University – Oklahoma City Campus – As one of Oklahoma’s historically Black universities, Langston offers degree programs in rehabilitation services, urban education, and administrative leadership. The Oklahoma City campus is focused on working adults and non-traditional students seeking flexible learning opportunities.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City University (OCU) – A highly regarded private university known for its performing arts, law, and nursing programs. OCU has a strong reputation within the Methodist tradition and emphasizes leadership and service. Its music and dance programs are among the best in the region.

Southern Nazarene University (SNU) – Located in suburban Bethany, SNU is a Christian liberal arts university offering bachelor’s and graduate degrees in theology, business, and education. It is known for a supportive campus community and values-based education.

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) – A growing private university in southwest Oklahoma City, MACU offers flexible degree options for traditional and adult learners. Its strengths include business, psychology, and ministry programs, with a faith-based approach to learning.

Oklahoma Christian University (OC) – Just outside Oklahoma City in Edmond, OC offers a faith-centered academic experience. It is well-known for programs in engineering, computer science, and business and places an emphasis on global service and spiritual growth.

Heritage College (formerly in Oklahoma City) – Previously a private institution focused on healthcare career training, Heritage College served many students in allied health programs before its closure. It contributed to Oklahoma City's workforce for many years.

Oklahoma City offers several outstanding high schools that help prepare students for college and beyond. These schools are known for their academic excellence, experienced teachers, and strong student support systems. Whether public or private, each of these schools provides unique opportunities for growth in academics, arts, and extracurricular activities.

Top Public High Schools in Oklahoma City

• Classen School of Advanced Studies at Northeast – Known for its focus on International Baccalaureate (IB), fine arts, and rigorous academics, this magnet school consistently ranks among the best in Oklahoma.
• Harding Charter Preparatory High School – A college preparatory charter school that offers an advanced placement (AP)-focused curriculum and a supportive learning environment.
• Deer Creek High School – Located in a fast-growing area of Oklahoma City, this school is praised for its high test scores, athletics, and student leadership opportunities.
• Westmoore High School – Part of the Moore Public Schools district, Westmoore provides a broad range of AP classes, technical education, and strong performing arts programs.
• Edmond North High School – This school has a reputation for academic excellence, offering many honors and AP courses. Students also benefit from well-rounded extracurriculars and sports programs.

Top Private High Schools in Oklahoma City

• Casana Academy – A private, college-preparatory school that focuses on academics, leadership, and Christian values in a close-knit school community.
• Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School – A top Catholic high school offering a faith-based education with rigorous academics, AP courses, and excellent athletics.
• Heritage Hall – Known for its challenging curriculum, strong extracurricular programs, and college readiness, Heritage Hall is one of Oklahoma City’s top independent schools.
• Christian Heritage Academy – This private school emphasizes classical education, spiritual development, and academic rigor across all grade levels.
• Mount St. Mary Catholic High School – A long-established private school combining academic excellence with a mission-centered approach to education.

Oklahoma City may not have as many professional sports teams as larger markets, but it boasts a passionate sports culture and a strong presence in basketball, with growing support for other sports franchises and events.

🏀 Basketball – Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA)

• Oklahoma City Thunder – The Thunder are Oklahoma City’s premier professional sports team. They relocated from Seattle (formerly the Seattle SuperSonics) in 2008. The franchise quickly built a powerhouse team with stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka. The Thunder reached the NBA Finals in 2012 and have been consistent playoff contenders. The team is known for its passionate fan base and strong community support.

⚾ Baseball – Oklahoma City Dodgers (Triple-A, MiLB)

• Oklahoma City Dodgers – The OKC Dodgers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. They play at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in downtown and are among the top minor league baseball teams. Oklahoma City residents enjoy top-tier baseball talent on their way to the Major Leagues, and the ballpark atmosphere is family-friendly and lively.

🏈 Football – Oklahoma City Wranglers (Defunct)

• Oklahoma City Wranglers – While Oklahoma City currently doesn’t have a team in the NFL or a top-level football league, it was once home to the Oklahoma City Wranglers of the Arena Football League. Today, football fans in Oklahoma often support college teams like the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys, which are extremely popular and followed like professional teams.

⚽ Soccer – Oklahoma City Energy FC (USL Championship)

• Oklahoma City Energy FC – Founded in 2013, Energy FC competes in the USL Championship, the second tier of American soccer. The club took a hiatus starting in 2022 to work on stadium improvements and long-term viability but has played an important role in growing soccer in Oklahoma. The team enjoys strong local support and contributes to the growing soccer culture in the city.

🏒 Hockey – Oklahoma Warriors (NAHL)

• Oklahoma Warriors – Oklahoma City is home to the Warriors, a team in the North American Hockey League (NAHL)

Oklahoma City is a vibrant and growing city with a Wild West history and plenty of surprising fun facts. From its cowboy roots to towering art pieces, here are 10 fun facts about this Oklahoma gem:

1. It's a Capital Idea – Oklahoma City has been the capital of Oklahoma since 1910, replacing Guthrie after a statewide vote.
2. Twister Central – The city is located in Tornado Alley and experiences more frequent tornadoes than almost any other U.S. city.
3. The Stockyards Still Rock – Stockyards City in OKC is the largest feeder and stocker cattle market in the world, still operating like the old days.
4. Art as Tall as a Skyscraper – The “Scissortail Park Skydance Bridge” is inspired by Oklahoma’s state bird and glows beautifully at night.
5. NBA Boom – The city’s team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, brought major league sports to the city in 2008 when the Seattle SuperSonics relocated.
6. Bike & Boathouse City – OKC is known for the Boathouse District along the Oklahoma River, offering Olympic-level rowing and kayaking attractions.
7. Oil Underfoot – There’s an actual oil well beneath the State Capitol building – one of the few capitols in the world built on top of active oil rigs!
8. Greatest Land Run Ever – The city was settled in a single day during the Land Run of 1889, where thousands of people rushed in to claim land.
9. Western Flair – The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is located in Oklahoma City and is one of the best places to learn about cowboy culture.
10. Big Friendly – Locals call it the “Big Friendly” — thanks to the welcoming nature of Oklahomans toward newcomers and visitors alike.