You just found out your company is transferring you from Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio to the Oklahoma City area. Maybe your first reaction was a mix of excitement and uncertainty. I get it. I’ve worked with hundreds of Texas families over my 31 years in this market, and the question I hear most often is: “Where should we live?” It’s a great question, and the answer is going to make you feel a lot better about this move.
The truth is, families relocating to the OKC metro from Texas are almost always surprised by what they find here. You get more house for your money, shorter commutes, excellent schools, and neighborhoods that still feel like actual communities. Let me walk you through the suburbs that Texas families consistently fall in love with.
Edmond: The Top Pick for Texas Families (And It’s Not Even Close)
If I had to recommend one suburb for a family moving to Edmond Oklahoma from a major Texas city, it would be Edmond about nine times out of ten. There’s a reason it keeps landing on “best places to live” lists. The school district is outstanding, the neighborhoods are well-maintained, and you get a quality of life that would cost you double in most parts of the DFW metroplex.
Edmond has that sweet spot Texas families are looking for. You get shopping, restaurants, parks, and community events without the traffic headaches you left behind. Coffee Creek, Deer Creek, and the areas around Mitch Park are all popular with relocating families. And if you’re coming from Frisco, Southlake, or Katy, you’ll find that Edmond has a very similar vibe but at a price point that lets you breathe a little easier.
The homes here range from smartly priced new construction in the $300s all the way up to luxury properties well over a million. No matter where you land on that spectrum, you’re getting more square footage and more land than what you left behind in Texas.
Deer Creek, Mustang, and Yukon: Don’t Overlook the West Side
A lot of Texas families zero in on the north side of OKC and forget to look west. That’s a mistake. The Deer Creek school district has exploded in popularity over the last several years, and for good reason. Families are finding brand new homes in growing communities with top-notch schools and easy access to the Kilpatrick Turnpike.
Yukon and Mustang are also worth serious consideration if your budget is in the $250K to $450K range. These towns have strong community identities, solid schools, and a pace of life that reminds a lot of Texas transplants of the smaller towns they grew up in. Friday night football is a big deal here, and your neighbors actually know your name.
If you’re working on the west side of OKC or near the airport corridor, living in this area can mean a 15-minute commute instead of an hour. Coming from Houston traffic, that alone might sell you.
Moore, Norman, and South OKC: Great Options for the Right Family
Heading south, Moore and Norman both offer compelling reasons to put down roots. Norman is a college town at heart thanks to the University of Oklahoma, which gives it a different energy than the northern suburbs. You’ll find more local restaurants, a walkable downtown, and a diverse mix of neighborhoods. It’s a great fit for families who want a little more character and culture in their daily lives.
Moore has rebuilt itself beautifully after the tornado events of the past decade. The community is tight-knit and resilient, and the housing stock includes everything from established neighborhoods with mature trees to brand new construction developments. For Texas families on a budget who still want good schools and a strong sense of community, Moore deserves a look.
South OKC has also seen a lot of growth, especially along the I-35 corridor. If you’re moving to Oklahoma City for work at Tinker Air Force Base, this area puts you close to work without sacrificing neighborhood quality.
What Texas Families Need to Know Before Making the Move
Here’s what I tell every Texas family when they first call me about relocating to OKC metro. First, your dollar goes further here than almost anywhere in Texas right now. The median home price in OKC is significantly lower than Dallas, Austin, or Houston. That means you can often move up in home size and features while lowering your monthly payment.
Second, there is no state income tax difference to worry about. Texas and Oklahoma both have their own tax structures, but when you factor in property taxes, many families actually come out ahead in Oklahoma. Property tax rates in most OKC metro suburbs are lower than what you’ve been paying in Texas. That’s a conversation worth having with your accountant before you make assumptions.
Third, don’t try to house-hunt remotely without a local expert who knows the nuances of each suburb. A neighborhood that looks great on Zillow might back up to a major road expansion project. An area that seems too far out might actually have a ten-minute commute thanks to turnpike access. This is where having Ronnie and me at OKC Metro Group in your corner makes a real difference. We’ve guided so many Texas relocations that we practically have it down to a science.
How does the cost of living in OKC compare to major Texas cities?
Overall, the cost of living in the OKC metro is about 15-25% lower than cities like Dallas, Austin, and Houston. Housing is the biggest difference, where your money stretches significantly further. Groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses are also generally lower, though the gap is smaller in those categories.
Which OKC suburb has the best schools for relocating families?
Edmond consistently ranks at the top for public schools in the OKC metro, and it’s the suburb most Texas families gravitate toward for that reason. Deer Creek is another standout school district that has earned a strong reputation in recent years. Norman and some parts of Moore also have excellent school options depending on the specific neighborhood.
How long does it take to find and close on a home when relocating to OKC?
Most families can find the right home within two to four weeks of actively looking, and closing typically takes 30 to 45 days after going under contract. If you’re on a tight timeline, we often set up virtual tours and narrow down options before you even arrive. Having a local agent who understands relocation timelines makes the whole process much smoother.
Moving to a new state is a big deal, especially when you’ve got kids, a career, and a life to uproot. But I can tell you from three decades of helping families just like yours that Oklahoma City has a way of surprising people in the best way possible. If you’re in the early stages of planning your move and want an honest conversation about which suburb fits your family best, reach out to us at OKC Metro Group. Ronnie and I are happy to answer your questions, walk you through the neighborhoods, and make sure you land in the right spot from day one.
