Best area of OKC (Norman, Edmond: hardwood floors, crime rates, houses)

[richardseaside1]

I'm looking for relocating advice for the OKC area - I have a good amount of flexibility in selecting an area to live and I'm looking for some help from those who are familiar with the area. These are things that are important to me: New schools, quality education, strong economic and population growth, nice but affordable housing, great restaurants and shopping, a family oriented community and very friendly people. Based on this criteria, which part of the city sounds like a good fit...north, east, west, south...any specific towns?

[Nameless]

I'll take a stab at this since no one else has. Hopefully you'll see this.

I can probably give you better advice on where to avoid than better areas. Since many areas of the metro are similar. I'd personally avoid Del City as it's one of the most run-down suburbs here. Areas of Midwest City are nice and there is lots of new retail going up along I-40. But it still has it's bad areas. Also the areas south of I-40, north of I-240, east of I-44 and west of I-35 are generally not the nicest areas. The inner north side is a mix of very nice and very dumpy. So I'd say avoid the inner south side and inner east side (Del City and western Midwest City).

[okie-64]

the SW side of oklahoma city is very nice .. i just recently moved here from illinois and the SW side is acessable to everything the city has to offer..

[recipecard]

I like Moore and Mustang...Yukon is nice, too...

[Griffis]

Originally Posted by recipecard

I like Moore and Mustang...Yukon is nice, too...

Unh...must...try to...hold...tongue....

[Sooner-On-The-Move]

I think the hands-down nicest place to live would be Edmond. I'd avoid Norman, unless you like a ginormous college crowd. OKC proper has its charms, and Yukon would be a good choice if you wish to live in a bedroom community.

[artz1]

Well Richard, I think what you are looking for could possibly be Edmond. It is a very nice city apx 10-15 minutes from downtown OKC. The homes are a bit pricy compared to OKC, but they do have excellent schools from what I've heard. NW OKC also has excellent historical &/or nice additions, i.e. Mesta Park, Heritage Hills, Cleveland, etc. that are older homes with hardwood floors... lots of great character. In these areas I would probably stay away from the public schools, but there are several charter schools that have excellent reputations (which is where my children go and love them).

[sooner_jenn]

I grew up in the Moore/Norman area and have been gone for 15 years. Parents live now in Norman and it is so crowded now. Most people I have met since leaving OK who have lived there, but were not from there lived in Edmond. I would personally probably live in the SW area of town, Moore schools, OK city address. Around May or Penn and 119th to 149th.

As far as schools, I would say Moore, Edmond or Norman, for Norman or Moore the west side is typically your best bet, but there are nice areas throughout each. I don't know much about Yukon or Mustang but have heard they are nice too.

[sstruby]

OKC has nine historic neighborhoods with loads of tree-lined streets, parks, and unique, character-filled houses. We live in what some would call the inner city and love it - in fact wouldn't live anywhere else in OKC. Have done so and came back to the inner city ASAP! Have lived here 12 years. We are within walking distance of two wonderful parks, a green space, lively Western Avenue with its fun shops and festive restaurants. We're also close the vibrant Asian District which is hopping and so interesting. It is truly the most unique area of OKC. If you go anywhere else you'll see boring architecture, cookie-cutter housing additions, big box stores. Not so in Midtown and Downtown. It's THE hot place to be!

[OKstrmchsr]

I would have to agree with Sooner-On-The-Move with Edmond. (Boomer Sooner) It's a very established yet reletively new suburban sprawl area. I would stay away form Del City/Midwest City. They tend to have older residents and higher crime rates. I lived in NW OKC for 13 years and besides Edmond is the best for education and family-oriented environment.