Firstly why Norman, Oklahoma?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Norman
• State: Oklahoma
• Population: 124,610 people
• Norman’s quick summary would be Home to the University of Oklahoma and the vibrant Norman Music Festival.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 9,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 4,000 annually
• Net Migration: 5000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 500
• Number of Homeless people: 400

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to the University of Oklahoma attracting students and families

Perk #1: Norman Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 68%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $51,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Norman is $57,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Norman’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,478
• Property Tax %: 1.02%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
• Rent for an average house: $1,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Norman
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Norman, Moore, Noble, Blanchard, and probably could include Purcell
• Avg. Age of Homes in Norman: 38 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Norman’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Norman are  Education, Healthcare, and Retail
• Norman Job Scene: moderate job market in education and research
• The General Tech Scene: home to the University of Oklahoma, growing tech scene centered on education and innovation ,
• Norman Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Norman: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 90 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 5

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Norman

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-35 runs through Norman linking it to Oklahoma City
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy congestion near the university
• Transportation Score: 26 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Norman: 50,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Norman: ok.gov/ooa/
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 57 of 100
• Local Airport: Will Rogers World

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Norman’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Norman is best described as features hot summers and mild winters with moderate precipitation
• Winter Weather in Norman i’d describe as mild with some rain
• Spring Weather in Norman can be described as mild with chance of rain
• Summer’s in Norman are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Norman is usually mild with dry conditions
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 23 days in summer
• Days in a row in Norman below Freezing: 6
• Average Annual Rainfall: 35 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained by sustainability efforts
• Norman Winter Air generally good air quality influenced by local development

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Norman Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Norman 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Normans’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Norman Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Norman Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Norman only Doctors is about 30
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Norman only Police Officers is about 120
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Norman’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Norman’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• Norman’s Water Quality Score: 74

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Norman

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: university town with a youthful atmosphere and cultural events
• You might enjoy performances at the Norman Depot
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Norman  offers a lively nightlife catering to students with numerous bars clubs and entertainment options

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Norman

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes local eateries and a variety of casual dining options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Norman
• The Popular Sports Team is University of Oklahoma Sooners
• Top Level Political Climate in Norman can be described as liberal college town focusing on social issues
• Norman’s Longer standing religious establishment is Norman United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Norman Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Norman has 25 Parks?
• Lakeside Park is Norman’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Norman Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Norman Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Norman can be described as steady college town vibe with a focus on community and culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Norman hiking nature trails exploring parks attending sports events
• The Cities people commute to from Norman are Fort-Sill 6 miles away Duncan 28 miles away Altus 59 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Norman or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy congestion near the university. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Norman’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Norman is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Norman are Fort-Sill 6 miles away Duncan 28 miles away Altus 59 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Norman has 6 days in a row below freezing and 23 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Norman people have an average (positive or negative) $6000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   400 homeless people living in Norman. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal college town focusing on social issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Norman.

Retiree & Senior Life in Norman

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might be eligible for local property tax exemptions easing housing costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookhaven
• Norman Senior Center provides health programs recreational activities and social resources for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Norman, Oklahoma?

If Norman, Oklahoma ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Norman, Oklahoma, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!