Oklahoma City’s best neighborhoods include Downtown for walkability and nightlife, Midtown for young professionals seeking culture and dining, and Quail Creek for families focused on schools and a quieter lifestyle. In 2025, the city continues to attract renters with its affordability, where average rents sit at $1,462, more than 30% below the national average of $2,102 per month. We sized up standout neighborhoods based on what actually matters: livability, walkability, safety, and what it’s like to live there. From the urban energy of Downtown and Deep Deuce to the residential calm of Quail Creek and Edmond, each neighborhood brings something different to the table. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or parent, this guide will help you find your fit.
*Note: All of the rental data included here comes from our internal database of rent estimates, which is available for download. Transit scores come from Walk Score, crime and safety comes from Crime Grade, and school information comes from Niche.com.
| Neighborhood | Average Rent | Walk Score | Bike Score | Transit Score | Crime Grade | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown | $1,463 | 72 | 57 | 80 | D | Renters who want a walkable, car-free lifestyle near major employers and nightlife |
| Midtown | $1,644 | 88 | 70 | 93 | D | Young professionals who want cafes, bars, and short commutes |
| Automobile Alley | $1,443 | 78 | 68 | 87 | D | Renters who want restaurants, shops, and nightlife in converted historic spaces |
Downtown Oklahoma City is the city’s most walkable neighborhood, with direct access to Bricktown, Scissortail Park, and Paycom Center. Renters can walk to jobs, entertainment, and dining without relying heavily on a car. At an average of $1,463 for a two-bedroom apartment, it’s a significantly cheaper option than downtowns in other U.S. metros. The drawbacks include noise, limited parking, and a D crime grade reflecting higher property crime. Still, Downtown remains unmatched for renters who prioritize energy, transit options, and walkable convenience.
Midtown blends a social scene with residential convenience, offering food halls, cocktail bars, and green spaces like Midtown Park. Its strong walk score makes errands and dining easy without long drives. The area is known for its diversity and welcoming embrace of newcomers. While crime is similar to other central neighborhoods, community events and busy streets create a sense of safety. For renters who want to be in the heart of Oklahoma City’s culture, Midtown is a top choice.
Automobile Alley, north of Downtown, is one of Oklahoma City's trendiest walkable districts. Once filled with car dealerships, it now houses loft apartments, boutiques, and restaurants. Overall average rents sit at $1,443, slightly more affordable than Midtown but with similar walkability. Safety mirrors Downtown with a D crime grade, so property crime is a consideration. Even so, Automobile Alley’s historic architecture and growing amenities make it a favorite for renters who want character with convenience.
| Neighborhood | Average Rents | School Grade | Overall Family Rating | Crime Grade | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quail Creek | $1,026 | C+ | High | B- | Families who want decent schools, suburban calm, and community parks |
| The Village | $1,545 | C+ | Moderate-high | C | Families seeking affordability, safety, and convenience |
| Pleasant Grove | $1,153 | C+ | Moderate | C | Families who want more room and less rent stress |
Quail Creek is one of Oklahoma City’s most desirable family neighborhoods, known for its golf course, spacious homes, and community parks. Families value its well-rated schools like Quail Creek Elementary and its quiet, suburban feel. With average overall rents at $1,026, it’s cheaper than some areas but offers stability and community amenities. Safety here is better than in central Oklahoma City, though it earns a C+ crime grade, meaning families should still be cautious. Overall, Quail Creek balances suburban peace with city access, making it ideal for long-term renters.
The Village, just north of Oklahoma City, offers affordability and suburban amenities at an average rent of $1,545. Families enjoy access to parks, shopping, and reputable schools like Ridgeview Elementary. Commutes to Downtown are short, making it practical for parents who work in the city. The area earns a C crime grade, with safety stronger than inner-city neighborhoods but still not at suburban low levels. With its affordability and location, The Village is a popular option for families.
| Neighborhood | Overall Average Rent | Transit Score | Crime Grade | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midtown | $1,644 | 65 | D | Young professionals seeking nightlife and short commutes |
| Deep Deuce | $1,542 | 60 | D | Creatives and social renters wanting history and culture |
| Plaza District | $1,450 | 60 | C | Artists and entrepreneurs who want affordability and community energy |
Midtown is the heartbeat of Oklahoma City’s social scene, filled with food halls, cocktail lounges, and coffee shops that cater to professionals on the go. Renters here benefit from an average overall rent of $1,644—more affordable than major metros while still offering a dense urban lifestyle. Midtown’s proximity to Downtown makes it easy for young professionals to enjoy short commutes, while nightlife is just steps from their front door. The neighborhood is celebrated for its diversity and reflects a welcoming environment for newcomers from all backgrounds. On the flip side, Midtown holds a D crime grade, with property crime being the most common concern. Still, for those who want convenience, culture, and vibrant social opportunities, Midtown remains one of the most attractive areas for young professionals.
Deep Deuce offers a unique mix of historic jazz culture and modern loft living. Once the center of Oklahoma City’s Black cultural and music scene, it’s now a lively area filled with art-forward events, galleries, and entertainment. With an overall average rent of $1,542, it offers slightly more affordable housing than Midtown while maintaining easy access to Bricktown and Downtown. The diversity of Deep Deuce reflects the eclectic mix of renters who call it home. Like other central Oklahoma City neighborhoods, it carries a D crime grade, making safety a consideration for those walking home at night. Still, Deep Deuce’s combination of history, culture, and nightlife makes it especially popular among creatives and social young professionals.
The Plaza District is one of Oklahoma City’s most creative and affordable hubs for young renters. With murals, galleries, and the popular Live! on the Plaza art walk, this neighborhood blends affordability with community spirit. Rents average around $1,450 for an overall average rent offering budget-friendly living without sacrificing proximity to Downtown. The neighborhood’s diversity reflects its appeal to a wide mix of artists, college students, and entrepreneurs. Crime grades hover between C and D, depending on the block, so safety varies across the district. Despite this, the Plaza District continues to attract young professionals who prioritize creativity, affordability, and grassroots culture over polished high-rises.
Oklahoma City offers something for everyone, but the best neighborhood depends on your priorities.
Most walkable: Midtown and Automobile Alley High walk scores, restaurants, shops, and entertainment within steps, with overall average rents from $1,443 to $1,644.
Best for families: Quail Creek and The Village Top-rated schools, suburban calm, and community parks with rents ranging from $1,026 to $1,545.
Best for young adults: Midtown, Deep Deuce, and Plaza District A mix of nightlife, history, and creative culture, with average overall rents between $1,450 and $1,644.
Whether you’re focused on nightlife, schools, affordability, or walkability, Oklahoma City neighborhoods offer a wide range of choices. Define what matters most, including commute times, safety, rent, or community vibe, and you’ll find a corner of Oklahoma City that fits your lifestyle. Take the Apartment List quiz today and find your perfect match. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.
What is the safest neighborhood in Oklahoma City? Quail Creek, The Village, and Edmond consistently rank among the safest neighborhoods, offering lower crime rates than central Oklahoma City. Families choose these areas for quieter streets, better schools, and suburban calm.
What are the most walkable areas in Oklahoma City? Downtown, Midtown, and Automobile Alley rank highest for walkability, with restaurants, parks, and shops within walking distance. These areas also have the city’s best transit access, though Oklahoma City remains largely car-dependent.
Is Oklahoma City affordable for renters? Yes, the citywide average rent is $1,462, which is more than 30% below the U.S. average. Oklahoma City’s affordability allows renters to access larger spaces and newer housing than in many other metros.
Where do young professionals live in Oklahoma City? Midtown, Deep Deuce, and the Plaza District are the most popular with young professionals. These areas combine nightlife, coworking spaces, and short commutes, attracting renters in their 20s and 30s.
What neighborhood has the best access to public transit? Downtown leads the city for transit access, with most major bus routes running through the core. While Oklahoma City’s system is limited compared to bigger cities, Downtown renters can go car-light more easily than in the suburbs.
What are the best neighborhoods for families in Oklahoma City? Quail Creek, The Village, and Pleasant Grove top the list for families, thanks to good schools, suburban amenities, and affordable rents. These neighborhoods balance space, community, and safety.
How does Oklahoma City compare to other U.S. cities for renters? Oklahoma City is significantly more affordable than cities like Dallas, Denver, or Austin. While it lacks large-scale public transit, it offers renters bigger spaces, diverse neighborhoods, and a lower cost of living in Oklahoma City overall.
In unit laundry, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, 24hr maintenance, Stainless steel, Walk in closets + more
In unit laundry, Granite counters, Pet friendly, Stainless steel, Walk in closets, Gym + more
