What defines a great work-life balance? Cities with the best work-life balance are the cities that have both a fantastic local economy and excellent recreational options. If you want to find the Oklahoma cities that both work hard and play hard, you may want to look at the following communities first. These are the most popular communities that have the most to offer both in terms of jobs and entertainment.
Home of the Bricktown Entertainment District, Oklahoma City is by far the best city in Oklahoma for those who want both a rewarding career and the opportunity to experience the nightlife. Oklahoma City has the widest variety of restaurant venues, lounges, bars, galleries, and other attractions, in addition to being the thriving economic hub of the state.
Oklahoma City's economy is currently based primarily on energy, information technology, health, and administration, with bustling business districts that headquarter many of the local businesses. Major employers include the State of Oklahoma, the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, and Integris Health. Entertainment venues cover everything from the popular Cox Center -- which has live events throughout the year -- and local art shows and community events.
The quintessential college town, Norman residents tend to have higher wages and higher property values than most other Oklahoma residents. But it isn't just a college town. The affordable condominiums and townhomes to the north transition into luxury homes and even mansion estates to the south, offering everything that could be desired in a small and cozy community. Norman's college camps area is one of the only walkable locations throughout Oklahoma, with a variety of restaurant and dining options available on Main St.
Though the university is the primary employer in Norman, there are many other job opportunities, particularly for those within academia and those who desire government positions. Norman is the perfect choice for young professionals, as it is one of the most diverse and stable locations in the state.
Tulsa is the second largest city within Oklahoma -- and it shows. Tulsa has vastly expanded its metropolitan area, with a building boom that significantly expanded its downtown area. The financial and business district of Tulsa is extremely large, and includes entertainment venues such as the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, the Tulsa Convention Center, and the BOK Center. Tulsa is a diverse area of Oklahoma, and is an ideal place for those who are interested in developing their career without being too far away from their nightlife options.
Tulsa is substantially more walkable than most of the communities throughout Oklahoma, though it may not be as walkable as Norman. It has significant opportunities for growth and has recently grown away from a reliance upon the energy industry. Today the major economic center is manufacturing. Tulsa presently accounts for 60% of the exports from the state.
Primarily a bedroom community off of Tulsa, Broken Arrow is one of the best residential locations for those who want to be able to reap the benefits of Tulsa's thriving economy without having to commit to life in the city. Broken Arrow has over 100,000 residents as of the 2010 census, in addition to its own economy. As of 2005, a downtown revitalization project has expanded its historic center, including museums and other attractions.
Despite being considered a primarily residential community, Broken Arrow maintains the third highest presence of manufacturers throughout the state, and major employers include Windstream Communications, Blue Bell Creameries, and FlightSafe International. Consequently, Broken Arrow offers access to all of the amenities of city life with a low property investment.
With quickly rising property values, Moore is one of the most stable suburban cities located outside of Oklahoma City. Moore has a population of 50,000 residents and real estate values that have been adversely affected by adverse weather conditions in the past. Nevertheless, Moore is still the 7th largest city in the state.
Located directly between Oklahoma City and Norman, Moore is able to facilitate commutes to both of these thriving economic centers -- and residents of Moore can take advantage of the entertainment options located within both. Moore is also home to a wide range of its own restaurants, bars, and lounges, and has everything from older, historic neighborhoods to brand new developments.
With low property values and moderate salaries, virtually anywhere in Oklahoma is able to offer a superior work-life balance to other states. Oklahoma is able to maintain its exceptional quality of life through its impressively low cost of living, which makes each dollar go farther than it could in other areas of the nation. If you're looking for a new home with a solid work life balance in Oklahoma, the best thing you can do is go where the jobs are -- the bedroom communities surrounding Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
