Offering an excellent combination of small-town charm and big-city amenities, Norman, OK, is a fine place to live, work, and raise a family! If you’re moving to Norman sometime soon and are looking for more detailed information, you’re in luck! Below are the top 5 reasons to move to this lovely city in the heart of Oklahoma, along with other helpful information! It’s all brought to you by the storage experts at SecurCare Self Storage!
1. The Cost of Living in Norman, OK, is Affordable
Norman is an affordable city, no matter how you look at it. For example, with an overall cost of living index of 88.4/100, the city is 11% less expensive than similar U.S. cities. Norman is also 8% less than the rest of Oklahoma. One drawback, however, is that the median home cost in Norman is $237,000. That’s lower than the national average ($338,100) but higher than the Oklahoma average of $174,600. Still, with only one other cost index above the national average (healthcare at 106/100), you’ll find Norman more affordable than similar cities.
2. Norman’s Job Market is Strong
The job market in Norman is one of the strongest in Oklahoma and is anchored by the healthcare, renewable energy, and tech sectors. It’s predicted that future job growth in Norman will remain strong at just over 20%, and the city’s unemployment rate is low at 3.1%, almost 50% less than the U.S. average. You’ll also be glad to know that the average salary in Norman, OK, is just under $60,000 annually, one of the highest in the state.
3. Public Schools in Norman are Highly Rated
There are 70 public schools in Norman, and the school system gets an A- grade from Niche, which any student will agree is an outstanding grade. 23 of Norman’s public schools get an A- or better, which is excellent and good news if you have school-age kids still at home. The #1 public high school in Oklahoma, Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, is located in Norman!
4. The Weather in Norman is Comfortable Most of the Year
While Norman doesn’t have the best weather in the world, it does get a comfort rating of 7.1/10, which is good, if not excellent. April, May, and November are the most pleasant months, but unlike many areas of the United States, Norman has hot but not sweltering summers. July can be humid, also, but not so humid that it’s suffocating. Norman gets some snow for about 3 months out of the year, with about 2 to 3 inches in January. As you might imagine, August is the hottest month of the year, but temps typically stay under 93.0° F.
5. There are Many Outdoor Activities to Enjoy in Norman
Enjoying the outdoors in Norman, OK, is a genuine treat! For example, the George Miksch Sutton Urban Wilderness Park has beautiful jogging paths, making it ideal for a peaceful walk. It is also available for jogging and disc golf. Golf enthusiasts have several options, including the Jimmie Austin Golf Club and The Trails Golf Club, which are known for well-maintained and challenging courses.
Lake Thunderbird State Park, within the city limits, is a prime spot for boating, fishing, water skiing, hiking, and biking. It also offers camping facilities and is home to Calypso Cove Marina and Discovery Cove Nature Center. Another popular attraction includes the Westwood Family Aquatic Center, with its renovated municipal pool, lazy river, and water slides.
The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Norman, OK
The top 5 neighborhoods in Norman, Oklahoma, each with its unique charm and amenities, include the following:
- Brookhaven- Known for its upscale, spacious homes, tree-lined streets, proximity to shopping, and access to top-rated schools.
- Hall Park- This family-friendly neighborhood has a strong sense of community and features well-maintained homes and several parks.
- Summit Lakes- Picturesque views with multiple lakes and walking trails await you in this Norman neighborhood, making it perfect for those who want a scenic environment.
- Alameda Park- This newer neighborhood near the University of Oklahoma has modern, single-family homes and is highly convenient to Highway I-35.
- Carrington Place- A master-planned community with various home styles, a community pool, lovely parks, and plenty of walking trails.
The 10 Best Restaurants in Norman, OK
There are more than a few excellent restaurants and eateries in Norman, but we can’t list them all here for lack of space! However, we did list the top 10 for you below!
- Chips ‘N Ales- An English pub-style eatery known for authentic British cuisine and a wide selection of ales. (Located inside the Riverwind Hotel.)
- The Garage- A locally acclaimed burger joint on Main Street, famous for its gourmet burgers and casual ambiance.
- Legend’s Restaurant- Established in 1968, this family-owned restaurant offers upscale American dining with prime steaks and premium seafood.
- Tarahumara’s Mexican Cafe- Authentic Mexican, a relaxed setting, and creative margaritas? Yes, please!
- Charleston’s Restaurant- Known for hearty American classics, presented dishes invitingly.
- Ted’s Cafe Escondido- Exquisite-tasting Mexican delicacies in a lively setting.
- Benvenutis Ristorante- An Upscale Italian restaurant known for house-made pasta and pizzas.
- Juan Del Fuego- A family-operated Tex-Mex restaurant with colorful interiors and oversized portions.
- Hideaway Pizza- A local institution in the Campus Corner neighborhood known for its specialty pizzas.
- The Moon Sushi & Asian Bistro- An eclectic menu of Asian-inspired delicacies.
Store Your Precious Belongings in Norman with SecurCare Self Storage
Whether you’ve just arrived or lived here your entire life, when you need to store items in Norman safely, OK, you can count on SecurCare Self Storage. SecurCare has secure, clean storage units that are perfect for storing practically anything, from household goods to collections, antiques, sporting gear, cars, and RVs. When you’re ready, you can reserve a storage unit in Norman, OK, online. Until then, we hope the information provided today about why you should move to Norman, OK, was precisely what you were searching for!