Norman, OKBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Norman’s location in the heart of Oklahoma and college town energy contribute to the city’s close-knit community, characterized by a vibrant arts scene, ample outdoor spaces and a spirited sports culture. The city has a low cost of living and plenty of things to do.
Norman, OK, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Norman, OK, combines the charm of a small town with the amenities of much larger cities. Scoring high in housing, with a median price of just $212,000, Norman is home to the University of Oklahoma, is easy to navigate and offers great health care options, which all helped make it one of the best places to live in the U.S. The largest meteorological school in the country is in Norman, and the National Weather Service has an office here that employs a wide array of brilliant folks. Forward-thinking isn’t just happening on campus; the city has a reputation as an excellent place for entrepreneurs who are driving higher-paying jobs and economic growth citywide. Though the University – and its perpetually talented football and gymnastics teams – are what Norman is known for, it’s more than just a college town.
Great museums, an awesome performing arts scene and tons of live music – including the free Norman Music Festival — mean there’s no excuse to be bored here. Downtown has been revitalized and is a great place to stroll shops and find great bites to eat. The area is surrounded by gorgeous landscapes for residents to explore when they need some fresh air, but there are also several great parks within the city for picnics, studying and hiking.
Norman, OK Quality of Life LivScore
Norman, OK Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Transportation
Economy
Norman ranks highest for housing, transportation and economy.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Norman, OK
Norman has a mild, comfortable climate where temperatures fall below 50 degrees for only about three months of the year. The average highs and lows are 92°F and 71°F (summer) and 53°F and 32°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Norman is very low, at just 5 inches. Snowfall in Norman is rare, and many years have no measurable snow at all.
The average annual rainfall in Norman is 40 inches, and the wettest months tend to be May and June, which coincide with the spring storm season in Oklahoma.
Norman averages 235 sunny days a year.
Sutton Wilderness Trail Park is a 160-acre park right in the city that’s a great place to spot wildlife and go for a hike. There’s also a disc golf course. Nearby Lake Thunderbird State Park is a great place to swim, fish and get out of the city for a while.
Norman Weather
235 days
Average Annual Sun
40 inches
Average Annual Rain
5 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Norman, OK
There are free concerts in Legacy Park in the spring and Lions Park in the summer. Lions Park also has free movies in the warmer months. In September, the Cleveland County Fair is a great way to wind down the summer.
Check out the massive dinosaur skeletons at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, or get immersed in meteorology at the National Weather Museum and Science Center. Also, check out HeyDay Norman, which has bowling, laser tag, an arcade, mini golf and a ropes course.
Interesting cocktails, fresh food, weekday brunch options and a gorgeous space make Scratch Kitchen a place you’ll return to again and again.
Cocktails at The Winston start at $4 at 3 p.m. and go up $1 for each of the next two hours. On Tuesdays, a wide selection of appetizers are $3. Beer drinkers will like the $2.25 drafts at The Library Bar and Grill. Plus, college students can say they were at “The Library” if their parents ask about any questionable transactions on the bank statement!
The Local and State Economy in Norman, OK
Education, health care and aerospace are the largest industries in Norman. The University of Oklahoma is one of the largest employers and a major contributor to the local economy.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Norman is 8.75%.
Yes, Oklahoma has a state income tax.
Norman residents are in good health thanks to providers like Norman Regional Health System, which has two campuses in the city. In addition, Norman Regional Hospital is rated as a high performer in five adult procedures and conditions.
There are several major colleges and universities in Norman, OK, but the University of Oklahoma is the most notable.
Quick Facts About Norman, OK
- Median Household Income
- $61,112
- Median Home Value
- $217,298
- Average State Property Tax
- $1,351
- Total Population
- 129,349
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $778
- Average Commute
- 17.75 minutes
Norman earned its spot as one of the best places to live thanks to its strong economy, affordable cost of living and thriving arts scene. Learn more about Norman and discover a few unique things to do in Oklahoma. Another moving resource: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
