Retiring in Oklahoma

When you think of traditional places to flock for retirement, Oklahoma may not cross your mind. Unless you’ve been lucky enough to live or visit here before, you probably won’t know the reasons why so many people love to spend their retirement here. Homes by Taber recognizes that our beloved state is perfect for homeowners of every age, lifestyle and background—and that’s why we consider it a hidden gem for retirees seeking an enjoyable and affordable place to live. Read on for all the advantages of living in Oklahoma at any age, but most specifically your post-career life. 

Low cost of living and retirement benefits in Oklahoma

One of the biggest perks of residing in Oklahoma is the incredibly low cost of living. When it comes to retirees, this means the money you’ve worked hard to save for this time of your life will go much further in Oklahoma—thanks to affordable housing, groceries, restaurants, utilities and top-notch healthcare options. 

Additionally, the state provides full exemption for Social Security retirement benefits and offers a $10,000 deduction toward other types of retirement income, like a 401(k) or pension. Pair these benefits with low income taxes, and you’ll see why Oklahoma is considered a tax-friendly state for retirees. 

Ways to keep your body and mind active in Oklahoma

Retirement might look different for everyone, but Oklahoma has the activity and entertainment options to make anyone happy. Whether you hope to spend your free time staying active, picking up a new hobby or immersing yourself in culture or history, check out some of the amenities you can expect from retirement in the Sooner State. 

Nature lovers will enjoy the outdoor beauty Oklahoma has to offer. In addition to plenty of walking trails and well-maintained parks, you’re also just a short drive away from lakes, mountains and state parks. Roman Nose State Park in Watonga, OK features a beautiful canyon, natural springs, trout fishing and dozens of hiking trails. Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City is a beautiful, accessible place for fishing, birdwatching and boating. The Arkansas River flows throughout Tulsa, OK, creating plenty of outdoor recreation along the shoreline. 

Perhaps one of the most unique places to visit with family and friends of all ages is the Gathering Place at Tulsa’s Riverfront Park. Voted Best New Attraction of 2019 by USA Today, this 100-acre park features a lake, massive playgrounds, sports courts, a running trail, hundreds of suspension bridges, botanical gardens, art installations and year round programming with events like drive-in concerts and cultural festivals. 

If you prefer to spend your outdoor time on a golf course, you’ll be happy with the options in our area. Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa and Oak Tree National in Edmond top the list of best courses in Oklahoma, while the first also earns its place on Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Courses in the U.S. and Top 100 Courses in the World. Other favorites include Karsten Creek in Stillwater, OK, Twin Hills Golf & Country Club in Oklahoma City and Patriot Golf Club in Owasso, OK. With a generally mild climate, you’ll be able to hit the links just about any time of year with your newly found spare time in retirement. 

One of the best ways to keep your mind sharp as you age is by visiting museums, art galleries and other cultural attractions. Oklahoma is home to many unique facilities, like the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Philbrook Museum of Art and the Gilcrease Museum. If you’re heading out on a fun, educational day with your grandkids, check out the Science Museum of Oklahoma in OKC or the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, OK. Both major cities are also home to impressive zoos that you and your family members are sure to enjoy exploring with plenty of shady resting spots to take advantage of. 

After spending your life on a certain path, you might be ready to tackle new subjects of knowledge and expand your horizons. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Oklahoma in Norman offers engaging, noncredit courses to anyone over the age of 50. Take as many classes as you’d like, socialize with other members through classroom discussion and engage your brain for a small annual fee of $50. 

An emphasis on safety and security in Oklahoma

When looking for the best places to spend retirement, safety should be high on your list of priorities. In an effort to help homeowners feel more secure where they live, we equip every single home we build with TaberTech smart home technology that is easy to operate. This includes a DSC Qolsys IQ alarm system, featuring a touch screen control panel, wired window and door sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and the ability to control the thermostat, garage doors, cameras, light switches and more from one app. Taber homes also come equipped with a Skybell doorbell, allowing residents to communicate with visitors at your front door when you’re home or away—keeping the house safe at all times. 

While most builders consider home security and technology a costly upgrade, we know that your peace of mind is absolutely priceless. We even provide six months of alarm monitoring for free, so homeowners can see for themselves how this technology can make a positive impact on your sense of security with comfort and convenience.  

Practical homes in peaceful neighborhoods in Oklahoma

Homes by Taber aims to better the communities in which we live, work and build. By designing functional, family-friendly neighborhoods in some of the most desirable cities in Oklahoma, we are confident that homeowners at every stage of their lives, including retirement, will love their home and neighbors. Whether you’re looking for a small town with a slower pace of life or a bustling city full of activity, one of our Taberhoods is sure to fit the bill. 

Check out our current selection of available homes, or browse our expertly-designed floor plans to see what sparks your interest. Once you’ve found the right plan and community for you, we’ll be happy to help kick off retirement with a new home that you’re proud to live in. 

Call our office at (405) 984-1185 to speak with a New Home Specialist who can answer questions, schedule a tour or tell you more about enjoying retirement in Oklahoma.