Norman 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Norman is a fantastic location for retirement in an active adult community. With its thriving arts and music scene, there is always something to see and do in this vibrant city. Norman is home to the University of Oklahoma, which brings a rich history to the community. Norman is also known for its natural beauty, with many parks and outdoor spaces to explore, including Lake Thunderbird State Park, where residents can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and more. The city boasts a low cost of living, making it an affordable place to retire, and the warm and welcoming community provides a great place to make new friends. Norman's central location provides easy access to both Oklahoma City and Dallas, making it a great home base for exploring the region.

If you're considering moving to Norman there are many resources available to help you get started. VisitNorman is a great website for discovering all the attractions and events happening in the city. The City of Norman website provides useful information for new residents, including utilities and services. The Norman Chamber of Commerce is a helpful resource for business owners and provides information on community events and networking opportunities.

Affordability and Cost of Living

Residents of Norman enjoy a low cost of living. The city ranks about 13% lower than the national average, and it’s cheaper in every cost of living category except for healthcare. Norman has average healthcare costs that are 6.2% higher than the national average. Housing is especially affordable, as rental rates and home prices in Norman are 33% lower than the average costs around the country. 

Social security is not taxed in Oklahoma. Pensions and withdrawals from retirement accounts are subject to state income tax, but Oklahoma provides residents 65 years of age or older a deduction of $10,000 on any retirement income. The tax rate is flat and fairly low. Most residents will pay 5% in state income taxes. 

Oklahoma’s property taxes are some of the lowest in the country. Residents of Norman will pay around 0.85% in property taxes, the median being around $1,424 annually. Several exemptions and deductions are available to property owners in Oklahoma who meet different income conditions. There’s also a property tax benefit for veterans and homeowners with disabilities. There is no inheritance tax, nor is there an estate tax.

Norman residents can expect to pay a sales tax of 8.76%. This is a combined tax that includes state, county, and city sales tax rates. Medicines and groceries are subject to the state sales tax in the Sooner State, although the state government is trying to pass a law repealing the grocery tax.

Climate and Geography

Norman, OK has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. The average high temperature in the summer is around 93°F, with lows averaging around 71°F. Winters in Norman are relatively mild, with average highs around 50°F and lows around 27°F. The annual rainfall in Norman is around 40 inches, with May being the wettest month and January being the driest. The city enjoys around 237 sunny days per year, making it a great place for outdoor activities.

The geography of Norman, OK is diverse and offers plenty of benefits. The city is located in the center of Oklahoma and is surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and lakes. One of the main benefits of the geography of Norman is the abundance of outdoor recreational activities. Lake Thunderbird State Park is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and hiking, while the 300-acre Sutton Wilderness Park offers trails for hiking and biking. The city's location provides easy access to both the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and the Arbuckle Mountains, both of which offer stunning natural beauty and unique geological formations. Overall, the geography of Norman offers a great combination of natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment

Norman, OK offers a wide variety of recreational activities, cultural events, and entertainment options. Here are some of the top attractions to explore.

Golf and Racquet Sports:

• Westwood Park Golf Course
• The Trails Golf Club of Norman
• The Links Golf Course
• Westwood Tennis Center

Hiking, Biking, and Boating:

• Lake Thunderbird State Park
• Sutton Wilderness Park
• Lake Stanley Draper
• Legacy Trail

Museums and Historical Sites:

• Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
• Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
• Moore-Lindsay Historical House Museum
• National Weather Museum and Science Center

Performing Arts:

• Oklahoma Indigenous Theatre Company
• Nancy O’Brian Center for the Performing Arts
• Opolis
• Catlett Music Center

Shopping:

• Carriage Plaza Shopping Center
• Brookhaven Village
• Sooner Mall
• University Town Center

Parks and Gardens:

• Legacy Park
• Brookhaven Park
• William Morgan Park
• Norman Community Garden

Festivals and Fairs:

• Norman Pride Festival
• Norman Firecracker 5K
• Norman Music Festival
• Norman Chocolate Festival

Health and Wellness

Norman, OK is home to several medical centers that provide a range of services for 55+ homebuyers. The Norman Regional Health System is a comprehensive healthcare provider that has been serving the Norman community for over 70 years. It includes Norman Regional Hospital, an acute care facility, and several outpatient clinics throughout the city. Norman Regional offers a wide range of medical services, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and senior health services. The Norman Regional Health System is also affiliated with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and OU Medicine, which provide access to specialized medical care.

Additionally, there are several local options for self-care and keeping fit and mentally well. The Well offers fitness classes, wellness coaching, and other services to promote overall health and wellness. The Norman Public Library offers resources for mental health, including a library of books and online resources. For those looking to stay active, the city of Norman has several parks and trails, including the Legacy Trail and Sutton Wilderness Park. Norman is on the southern end of the Oklahoma City metro area, which has several major medical centers, including Integris Health and Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Day One

Morning:

• Start the day with breakfast at Syrup. This local spot is known for its delicious pancakes and coffee.
• Visit the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. This museum has a collection of over 10 million objects and is dedicated to preserving and sharing Oklahoma's natural and cultural heritage.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Red Rock Canyon Grill, known for house specialties like chicken fried chicken, meatloaf, enchiladas, and ribs.
• Spend the afternoon exploring Lake Thunderbird State Park, which offers activities like hiking, boating, and fishing.

Evening:

• Have dinner at The Mont. This historic restaurant has been a Norman staple for over 100 years and offers a menu of classic American fare.
• Catch a performance at the Sooner Theatre, which hosts a variety of productions throughout the year.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start the day with breakfast at The Diner, where locals enjoy breakfast favorites such as pancakes, breakfast burritos, omelets, and more.
• Visit the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, which has a collection of over 20,000 objects, including works by famous artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and Vincent van Gogh.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Victoria's Pasta Shop. This Italian eatery offers a menu of homemade pasta dishes and sandwiches.
• Meet with a local 55places real estate expert to discuss retirement living options in the Norman area.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Benvenuti's Ristorante. This upscale Italian restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere and a menu of classic Italian dishes.
• Catch a movie at the Regal Warren in nearby Moore, OK. This theater offers a luxurious movie-going experience with plush seating and a full menu of food and drinks.

Getting to Norman, OK

Norman, OK is easily accessible by several major highways, including I-35 and State Highway 9. For those arriving by air, the closest major airport is Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, which is about 2 miles northwest of Norman. This airport is serviced by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines, with direct flights to many major cities across the United States. It is also a hub for American Airlines, which offers connecting flights to many international destinations. To get to Norman from the airport, visitors can rent a car, take a taxi or rideshare service, or arrange for shuttle service with one of the local transportation companies.