When considering where to retire, multiple factors contribute to overall livability and satisfaction. Our comprehensive analysis evaluates Oklahoma towns based on five key criteria that significantly impact retirement quality. Each town is scored on walkability, urban sophistication (cultural amenities), vibrancy, transit-friendliness, and overall retirement suitability. The Overall Retirement Score has many criteria baked into it beyond just the other four metrics shown, providing a holistic assessment of retirement potential.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Oklahoma’s worst towns for retirees.
Here’s the list.
20. Midwest City
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 42.18
- Walkability: 38.45
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 39.76
- Vibrant Score: 41.22
- Transit-Friendly: 35.68
About Midwest City
With an Overall Retirement Score of 42.18, Midwest City struggles to provide essential amenities for retirees. The town’s walkability score of 38.45 reflects challenging pedestrian infrastructure, while its low urban sophistication rating of 39.76 indicates limited cultural offerings. With a mediocre vibrancy score of 41.22 and poor transit options scoring just 35.68, daily mobility becomes a significant concern. The median home price of $187,500 may be affordable, but retirees should weigh this against the limited retirement-friendly infrastructure.
19. Broken Arrow
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 41.84
- Walkability: 37.92
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 40.11
- Vibrant Score: 42.05
- Transit-Friendly: 34.18
About Broken Arrow
Broken Arrow’s Overall Retirement Score of 41.84 highlights several concerns for potential retirees. The walkability score of 37.92 suggests limited pedestrian-friendly areas, while an urban sophistication score of 40.11 indicates moderate cultural offerings. Though the vibrant score reaches 42.05, the transit-friendly rating of 34.18 reveals inadequate public transportation options. With a median home price of $215,300, residents may find themselves paying for amenities that aren’t readily available.
18. Yukon
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 41.33
- Walkability: 37.12
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 38.45
- Vibrant Score: 40.78
- Transit-Friendly: 33.95
About Yukon
Yukon scores poorly for retirement with an Overall Retirement Score of just 41.33. The town’s walkability score of 37.12 indicates limited pedestrian infrastructure, while its urban sophistication score of 38.45 reveals few cultural amenities. With a vibrant score of 40.78 and a transit-friendly rating of 33.95, retirees will find both social engagement and transportation challenging. The median home price of $198,400 may be reasonable, but doesn’t compensate for the lack of retirement-friendly resources.
17. Mustang
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 40.92
- Walkability: 36.78
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 37.25
- Vibrant Score: 39.84
- Transit-Friendly: 33.41
About Mustang
Mustang ranks poorly for retirement living with an Overall Retirement Score of 40.92. The town’s walkability score of 36.78 indicates significant challenges for pedestrians, while the urban sophistication score of 37.25 suggests very limited cultural amenities. With a vibrant score of 39.84 and a transit-friendly rating of just 33.41, seniors may find both community engagement and transportation options severely lacking. The median home price of $205,700 doesn’t offset these considerable livability shortcomings.
16. Moore
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 40.56
- Walkability: 36.22
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 38.13
- Vibrant Score: 39.45
- Transit-Friendly: 32.86
About Moore
Moore’s Overall Retirement Score of 40.56 paints a concerning picture for potential retirees. The town scores poorly on walkability at 36.22, making daily errands difficult without a car. Its urban sophistication score of 38.13 indicates few cultural offerings, while the vibrant score of 39.45 suggests a less engaging community atmosphere. With a transit-friendly score of only 32.86, transportation options are severely limited. The median home price of $183,900, while affordable, comes with significant lifestyle compromises for seniors.
15. Bixby
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 40.11
- Walkability: 35.63
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 36.92
- Vibrant Score: 38.75
- Transit-Friendly: 31.24
About Bixby
Bixby ranks poorly for retirement living with an Overall Retirement Score of just 40.11. The town’s walkability score of 35.63 indicates significant pedestrian challenges, while the urban sophistication score of 36.92 points to minimal cultural options. With a vibrant score of 38.75 and an especially poor transit-friendly rating of 31.24, retirees will likely face isolation without reliable transportation. The median home price of $234,600 seems excessive considering the limited retirement amenities and resources available in this community.
14. Choctaw
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 39.87
- Walkability: 33.45
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 35.67
- Vibrant Score: 37.91
- Transit-Friendly: 30.85
About Choctaw
Choctaw’s Overall Retirement Score of 39.87 places it among Oklahoma’s least retirement-friendly communities. With a walkability score of just 33.45, navigating the town without a vehicle is extremely challenging. The urban sophistication score of 35.67 indicates minimal cultural and intellectual stimulation, while the vibrant score of 37.91 suggests a less engaging community. The transit-friendly score of 30.85 is particularly concerning for seniors who may no longer drive. With a median home price of $189,800, residents are paying for a lifestyle that offers few amenities conducive to comfortable retirement living.
13. Owasso
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 39.42
- Walkability: 34.68
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 36.24
- Vibrant Score: 38.53
- Transit-Friendly: 31.75
About Owasso
Owasso scores poorly for retirement suitability with an Overall Retirement Score of 39.42. The town’s walkability score of 34.68 indicates significant mobility challenges, while its urban sophistication score of 36.24 suggests limited cultural amenities. With a vibrant score of 38.53 and a transit-friendly rating of just 31.75, retirees may struggle with both community engagement and transportation. The median home price of $221,300 is relatively high given these significant shortcomings in retirement-friendly infrastructure and services.
12. Jenks
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 39.15
- Walkability: 33.92
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 37.45
- Vibrant Score: 38.16
- Transit-Friendly: 30.29
About Jenks
Jenks ranks poorly for retirement living with an Overall Retirement Score of 39.15. The town’s walkability score of 33.92 indicates significant mobility challenges for seniors, while the urban sophistication score of 37.45 suggests limited cultural opportunities. With a vibrant score of 38.16 and an especially concerning transit-friendly rating of 30.29, retirees will find both community engagement and transportation options severely limited. The median home price of $243,500 is surprisingly high given these substantial deficiencies in retirement-friendly amenities and infrastructure.
11. Piedmont
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 38.76
- Walkability: 31.24
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 34.53
- Vibrant Score: 36.47
- Transit-Friendly: 28.93
About Piedmont
Piedmont ranks very poorly for retirement with an Overall Retirement Score of just 38.76. The town’s walkability score of 31.24 is particularly troubling, indicating extremely limited pedestrian infrastructure. With an urban sophistication score of 34.53 and a vibrant score of 36.47, cultural opportunities and community engagement are minimal. The transit-friendly score of 28.93 is among the lowest in our study, creating significant isolation risks for seniors who don’t drive. The median home price of $259,800 is unjustifiably high given these severe limitations in retirement-appropriate amenities and services.
10. Tuttle
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 38.24
- Walkability: 30.75
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 33.18
- Vibrant Score: 35.92
- Transit-Friendly: 28.44
About Tuttle
Tuttle’s Overall Retirement Score of 38.24 places it among Oklahoma’s least suitable retirement locations. The town’s walkability score of 30.75 indicates an environment hostile to pedestrians, while its urban sophistication score of 33.18 suggests minimal cultural or intellectual stimulation. With a vibrant score of 35.92 and a transit-friendly rating of just 28.44, retirees face serious challenges in both community engagement and mobility. The median home price of $237,400 seems excessive given these substantial limitations in retirement-appropriate infrastructure and amenities.
9. Harrah
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 37.63
- Walkability: 31.18
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 32.45
- Vibrant Score: 34.67
- Transit-Friendly: 27.92
About Harrah
Harrah ranks very poorly for retirement living with an Overall Retirement Score of just 37.63. The town’s walkability score of 31.18 indicates significant mobility challenges for seniors, while the urban sophistication score of 32.45 suggests extremely limited cultural opportunities. With a vibrant score of 34.67 and a transit-friendly rating of just 27.92, retirees face substantial obstacles to both community engagement and transportation. The median home price of $174,300, while more affordable than some other locations on this list, doesn’t compensate for these serious deficiencies in retirement-friendly infrastructure and services.
8. Jones
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 36.95
- Walkability: 29.74
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 31.82
- Vibrant Score: 33.95
- Transit-Friendly: 27.32
About Jones
Jones ranks among Oklahoma’s worst retirement destinations with an Overall Retirement Score of just 36.95. The town’s walkability score of 29.74 is alarmingly low, indicating an environment where pedestrian travel is extremely difficult. With an urban sophistication score of 31.82 and a vibrant score of 33.95, cultural amenities and community engagement opportunities are severely limited. The transit-friendly score of 27.32 creates significant isolation risks for seniors who no longer drive. The median home price of $155,700, while more affordable, comes with substantial compromises in quality of life for retirees.
7. Guthrie
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 36.47
- Walkability: 32.53
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 34.25
- Vibrant Score: 35.16
- Transit-Friendly: 27.89
About Guthrie
Guthrie ranks poorly for retirement with an Overall Retirement Score of just 36.47. While its walkability score of 32.53 is marginally better than some towns on this list, it still indicates significant mobility challenges. The urban sophistication score of 34.25 and vibrant score of 35.16 suggest limited cultural and community engagement opportunities. With a transit-friendly rating of 27.89, transportation options are severely restricted. The median home price of $142,800, while affordable, reflects the limited retirement amenities and infrastructure available in this community.
6. Blanchard
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 35.84
- Walkability: 28.92
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 30.45
- Vibrant Score: 32.76
- Transit-Friendly: 26.53
About Blanchard
Blanchard ranks very poorly for retirement living with an Overall Retirement Score of just 35.84. The town’s walkability score of 28.92 is among the lowest in our study, indicating an environment where pedestrian travel is nearly impossible. With an urban sophistication score of 30.45 and a vibrant score of 32.76, cultural amenities and community engagement are extremely limited. The transit-friendly score of 26.53 is particularly troubling for seniors who no longer drive. The median home price of $168,200 doesn’t compensate for these severe limitations in retirement-appropriate infrastructure and services.
5. Newcastle
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 34.92
- Walkability: 28.14
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 29.75
- Vibrant Score: 32.18
- Transit-Friendly: 25.67
About Newcastle
Newcastle is among Oklahoma’s least retirement-friendly locations with an Overall Retirement Score of just 34.92. The town’s walkability score of 28.14 indicates an environment where pedestrian travel is virtually impossible. With an urban sophistication score of 29.75 and a vibrant score of 32.18, cultural and social opportunities are severely restricted. The transit-friendly score of 25.67 is alarmingly low, creating significant isolation risks for seniors who don’t drive. The median home price of $225,300 is surprisingly high given these substantial limitations in retirement-appropriate amenities and infrastructure.
4. McLoud
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 33.86
- Walkability: 27.53
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 28.64
- Vibrant Score: 30.95
- Transit-Friendly: 24.82
About McLoud
McLoud ranks among the worst retirement destinations in Oklahoma with an Overall Retirement Score of just 33.86. The town’s walkability score of 27.53 indicates an environment hostile to pedestrians, while its urban sophistication score of 28.64 suggests minimal cultural or intellectual stimulation. With a vibrant score of 30.95 and a transit-friendly rating of just 24.82, retirees face extreme challenges in both community engagement and mobility. The median home price of $129,700, while affordable, reflects the severely limited retirement amenities and infrastructure available in this community.
3. Goldsby
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 32.45
- Walkability: 26.18
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 27.93
- Vibrant Score: 29.74
- Transit-Friendly: 23.56
About Goldsby
Goldsby ranks third-worst for retirement in Oklahoma with an Overall Retirement Score of just 32.45. The town’s walkability score of 26.18 indicates an environment where pedestrian travel is nearly impossible. With an urban sophistication score of 27.93 and a vibrant score of 29.74, cultural amenities and community engagement are virtually non-existent. The transit-friendly score of 23.56 is among the lowest in our study, creating severe isolation risks for seniors who no longer drive. The median home price of $257,400 is inexplicably high given these extreme limitations in retirement-appropriate infrastructure and services.
2. Luther
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 30.78
- Walkability: 25.42
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 26.84
- Vibrant Score: 28.53
- Transit-Friendly: 22.15
About Luther
Luther ranks second-worst for retirement in Oklahoma with an alarmingly low Overall Retirement Score of 30.78. The town’s walkability score of 25.42 indicates an environment completely unsuited for pedestrians, while its urban sophistication score of 26.84 suggests a near-absence of cultural or intellectual stimulation. With a vibrant score of 28.53 and a transit-friendly rating of just 22.15, retirees face extreme isolation in both community engagement and mobility. The median home price of $165,600, while relatively affordable, cannot compensate for these severe deficiencies in retirement-appropriate amenities and infrastructure.
1. Slaughterville
Here are the key scores for this town:
- Overall Retirement Score: 28.93
- Walkability: 23.67
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): 25.14
- Vibrant Score: 26.85
- Transit-Friendly: 20.92
About Slaughterville
Slaughterville ranks as Oklahoma’s absolute worst town for retirement with an Overall Retirement Score of just 28.93. The town’s walkability score of 23.67 is the lowest in our study, indicating an environment completely inhospitable to pedestrians. With an urban sophistication score of 25.14 and a vibrant score of 26.85, cultural amenities and community engagement opportunities are virtually non-existent. The transit-friendly score of 20.92 is alarmingly low, creating extreme isolation risks for seniors who no longer drive. The median home price of $172,800 is surprisingly high given these severe deficiencies in retirement-appropriate infrastructure and services. We strongly recommend retirees consider alternative locations that offer better support for aging in place.
Definition of terms:
- Overall Retirement Score: A comprehensive measurement encompassing factors such as healthcare access, senior services, age-friendly infrastructure, safety, tax burden for retirees, and the other metrics detailed below. This holistic score provides a complete picture of retirement suitability.
- Walkability: Measures how accessible a town is for pedestrians, including sidewalk quality, crosswalk safety, pedestrian-friendly street design, and proximity of essential services. A walkable community allows seniors to maintain independence and physical activity without relying on vehicles.
- Urban Sophistication (Cultural amenities): Evaluates the availability of cultural opportunities including museums, theaters, educational programs, libraries, and arts venues. These amenities provide intellectual stimulation and enrichment opportunities that contribute significantly to quality of life in retirement.
- Vibrant Score: Assesses community engagement opportunities, social connectivity, and the general liveliness of a town. This includes community centers, events, volunteer opportunities, and social gathering spaces that help combat isolation – a critical factor for retiree health and wellbeing.
- Transit-Friendly: Measures the quality and accessibility of public transportation options, which becomes increasingly important as seniors may reduce or eliminate driving. Good transit options ensure continued mobility, independence, and access to essential services.
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
- Zillow Research Data https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
- Oklahoma Association of Realtors Housing Statistics https://okrealtors.com/
- U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs
- National Association of Realtors Research Division https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics
