Just north of Oklahoma City sits a community that changes everything you thought you knew about suburban living. Edmond doesn’t just offer good schools and safe streets, it delivers the kind of lifestyle that makes other cities jealous. With a median household income of $90,500 and crime rates that would make most metropolitan areas weep with envy, this isn’t your average suburb.
Key Takeaways
- Edmond ranks as Oklahoma’s 5th largest city with 96,000+ residents and exceptional quality of life
- Edmond Public Schools maintains a 97% graduation rate with multiple Blue Ribbon designations
- Median home values range from $340,000-$360,000 with 71% homeownership rate
- Violent crime rate of 1.3 per 1,000 residents compared to national average of 4 per 1,000
- University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian University provide higher education access
- Over 30 parks including 1,820-acre Arcadia Lake offer extensive recreational opportunities
- Downtown events like Heard on Hurd create vibrant community engagement throughout the year
Why Edmond Stands Out as Oklahoma's Premier Suburban Community
The numbers paint a pretty compelling picture of what makes Edmond special. This city of approximately 96,000 residents consistently attracts families and professionals who simply won’t settle for less when it comes to quality of life. According to U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, over 56% of residents hold bachelor’s degrees or higher, way above what you’ll find nationally.
Location plays a huge role in Edmond’s appeal. Positioned strategically north of Oklahoma City, residents enjoy easy access to big-city amenities while keeping their community’s distinct character intact. The Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area houses over 1.4 million people, yet Edmond somehow manages to preserve its upscale, family-focused vibe.
What really sets this community apart isn’t just demographics, it’s the deliberate choices residents make every day. The City of Edmond Official Website emphasizes how civic engagement and community pride genuinely shape daily life here. People don’t just live in Edmond, they invest in it emotionally and financially.
Educational Excellence Drives Family Decisions
Edmond Public Schools serves as the primary magnet drawing families to the area. The district operates three public high schools: Edmond Memorial, Edmond North, and Edmond Santa Fe. According to U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools Rankings, these schools consistently earn recognition for academic performance that turns heads.
The statistics speak volumes about educational quality here. Edmond Public Schools maintains an 18:1 student-teacher ratio and achieves approximately 97% graduation rates across the district. Multiple schools have earned Blue Ribbon designations, with high Advanced Placement participation rates that genuinely prepare students for college success.
Higher education options strengthen Edmond’s educational landscape even further. University of Central Oklahoma, founded way back in 1890 as the state’s oldest institution of higher learning, anchors the community’s academic reputation. Oklahoma Christian University adds another valuable layer of educational opportunity for residents and their children.
Housing Market Offers Premium Value in Oklahoma's Most Desirable Location
Real estate in Edmond commands premium prices for good reason. Current Zillow and Redfin data shows median home values ranging from $340,000 to $360,000, with a homeownership rate of approximately 71% compared to the national average of 65%.
Housing options span from charming historic properties near downtown to expansive new developments in north and east Edmond. Single-family homes dominate the market, ranging from starter homes perfect for young professionals to luxury estates tucked away in gated communities. The variety ensures families at different life stages find something that fits.
The premium pricing compared to Oklahoma City proper reflects more than just location, it represents superior infrastructure, school districts, and community services that actually deliver. Cost of living runs slightly higher than the Oklahoma average but remains well below national levels. This balance creates genuine value for residents who prioritize quality over bare minimum pricing.
Stability really characterizes Edmond’s housing market. Rather than transient renters, the community attracts permanent residents who view their homes as long-term investments. This stability strengthens property values and creates the neighborly atmosphere families actively seek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Edmond's cost of living runs approximately 8-10% higher than the Oklahoma state average but remains 5-7% below the national average. Housing represents the biggest expense difference, with median home values ranging from $340,000-$360,000 according to recent Zillow and Redfin data.
Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs align pretty closely with state averages. The premium reflects superior infrastructure, top-rated schools, and enhanced city services that justify the additional investment for most families genuinely seeking quality of life improvements.
Edmond Public Schools ranks among Oklahoma's absolute top-performing districts with a 97% graduation rate and 18:1 student-teacher ratio. According to U.S. News & World Report's Best High Schools Rankings, multiple schools have earned Blue Ribbon designations for academic excellence.
The district operates three high schools, Edmond Memorial, Edmond North, and Edmond Santa Fe, all maintaining high Advanced Placement participation rates that really prepare kids for college.
University of Central Oklahoma, the state's oldest higher education institution founded in 1890, provides additional educational opportunities right in your backyard. These educational advantages directly correlate with Edmond's high property values and family-focused demographics.
Edmond consistently ranks among Oklahoma's safest cities with a violent crime rate of approximately 1.3 per 1,000 residents compared to the national average of 4 per 1,000, according to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program statistics.
Property crimes like car break-ins happen occasionally, but violent crimes remain genuinely rare. The city's safety record significantly outperforms downtown Oklahoma City and most metropolitan areas you'll find anywhere.
Strong community policing, well-maintained neighborhoods, and active civic engagement all contribute to these impressive safety statistics that make Edmond particularly attractive to families with children.
Current median home prices in Edmond range from $340,000 to $360,000 based on recent Zillow and Redfin market data. Single-family homes dominate the market, offering everything from starter homes for young professionals to luxury estates in gated communities.
The homeownership rate reaches 71% compared to the national average of 65%, reflecting real community stability and long-term resident investment. Premium pricing compared to Oklahoma City proper reflects superior school districts, lower crime rates, and enhanced municipal services that actually make a difference.
Housing costs vary by neighborhood, with newer developments in north and east Edmond commanding higher prices than historic areas near downtown.
Edmond's neighborhoods each offer distinct advantages depending on your family needs and lifestyle preferences. Historic downtown areas provide walkable access to restaurants, shops, and community events like Heard on Hurd.
Northern developments feature newer construction with larger lots and modern amenities, often in gated communities. Eastern Edmond offers growing neighborhoods with easy access to Arcadia Lake's recreational opportunities.
Areas near University of Central Oklahoma provide convenient access to educational resources and cultural events happening year-round. Property values remain strong across all neighborhoods, with variations reflecting age of construction, lot sizes, and proximity to schools and parks.
Edmond sits just north of Oklahoma City with an average commute time of approximately 23 minutes to downtown according to Edmond Economic Development Authority data. The short commute allows residents to access Oklahoma City's employment opportunities in energy, government, and professional services while maintaining suburban tranquility.
Major highways provide multiple route options, and traffic patterns typically favor reverse commuting from suburbs to city center. This proximity to Oklahoma City's metropolitan amenities, including professional sports, cultural attractions, and expanded dining options, enhances Edmond's appeal for families wanting suburban benefits without sacrificing urban conveniences they genuinely enjoy.
Edmond's economy centers around education, healthcare, and professional services according to the Edmond Economic Development Authority. Top employers include Edmond Public Schools, University of Central Oklahoma, Integris Health Edmond, Mercy Hospital Edmond, and the City of Edmond itself.
The median household income reaches approximately $90,500 compared to Oklahoma's state median of roughly $60,000. Unemployment historically hovers around 2.5-3.0%, reflecting real economic stability.
Many residents commute to Oklahoma City for energy sector and state government positions while enjoying Edmond's superior schools and safety. This economic diversity creates recession resistance compared to communities heavily dependent on oil and gas industries.
Edmond manages over 30 parks providing extensive recreational opportunities for families according to the City of Edmond's Parks and Recreation Department. Arcadia Lake offers 1,820 surface acres for fishing, camping, and trail systems that families genuinely love.
Mitch Park features YMCA facilities and walking trails, while Hafer Park serves as a community concert venue with playgrounds. Armstrong Auditorium provides world-class performing arts in stunning architecture that'll take your breath away.
The Art in Public Places program showcases over 200 pieces of public art throughout the city. Downtown's Heard on Hurd monthly festival features food trucks, live music, and pop-up shops. Route 66 heritage sites, including the iconic Blue Hippo landmark, add historical interest for families exploring local attractions.
Edmond's population reaches approximately 96,000 residents, making it Oklahoma's 5th largest city according to U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. The city forms part of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area's 1.4+ million residents while maintaining its distinct suburban character.
Population growth continues steadily as families and professionals discover Edmond's quality of life advantages firsthand. Demographics skew toward educated professionals, with over 56% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, significantly above national averages.
The stable, permanent resident base contrasts sharply with more transient communities, creating the neighborly atmosphere and civic engagement that truly defines Edmond's community culture.
Downtown Edmond features a growing collection of local restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shopping that creates vibrant community gathering spaces.
The walkable downtown area emphasizes local businesses over chain establishments, fostering unique dining and shopping experiences you won't find elsewhere. Heard on Hurd monthly festivals showcase food trucks and pop-up vendors alongside established restaurants.
While Edmond's dining scene may not match Oklahoma City's sheer variety, the focus on quality and community engagement creates genuinely satisfying options for residents.
Shopping needs are met through local boutiques downtown and convenient access to Oklahoma City's major retail centers. The emphasis on supporting local businesses strengthens community bonds and maintains downtown's authentic charm.
Driving Directions From Edmond, Oklahoma to 5-Star Towing OKC, 2800 SW 25th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 - 27 min (18.8 miles) via US-77 S and I-44
Edmond, Oklahoma
Take E 1st St to US-77 S/S Broadway - 3 min (0.3 mi)
Continue on US-77 S. Take I-44 to SW 15th St in Oklahoma City. Take exit 119 from I-44 - 22 min (17.3 mi)
Continue on SW 15th St to your destination - 4 min (1.2 mi)
5-Star Towing OKC, 2800 SW 25th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73108
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