You can drive through Moore, Oklahoma in just under ten minutes, but this Cleveland County city packs more value per square mile than almost anywhere else in Central Oklahoma. Families discover what locals already know, Moore delivers big-city amenities at small-town prices, positioned perfectly between Oklahoma City’s economic opportunities and Norman’s university culture.
Key Takeaways
- Moore sits strategically along Interstate 35, just 10 miles south of downtown Oklahoma City with 15-minute commutes
- The city ranks as Oklahoma’s 7th largest with over 63,000 residents and steady population growth
- Cost of living runs 15-18% below national averages with median home values hovering around $200,000
- Moore Public Schools serves 24,000+ students across 35 sites including three comprehensive high schools
- World-class recreation facilities like The Station at Central Park draw visitors from across the state
- Advanced weather preparedness and building codes reflect the community’s “Moore Strong” resilience
- Strategic location and affordable housing create prime investment opportunities in Oklahoma’s fastest-growing suburban market
Strategic Location Between Oklahoma City and Norman Creates Commuter Paradise
Moore occupies prime real estate along the Interstate 35 corridor in Cleveland County, Oklahoma. The city stretches across approximately 21.8 square miles at an elevation of 1,200 feet above sea level, perfectly positioned 10 miles south of downtown Oklahoma City and directly north of Norman.
Interstate 35 bisects Moore, creating seamless access to major employment centers and educational institutions. Your commute to downtown OKC takes roughly 15 minutes during normal traffic conditions. This beats driving times from other suburbs like Edmond or Yukon, which often require 25-30 minutes just to reach the city center.
The strategic positioning pays dividends for families and professionals alike. You can reach Will Rogers World Airport in 15-20 minutes, making business travel convenient. The University of Oklahoma campus in Norman sits just minutes south, creating opportunities for students, faculty, and staff who prefer suburban living over campus housing.
This location advantage drives Moore’s appeal as a commuter city. Residents enjoy suburban amenities while maintaining easy access to Oklahoma City’s job market and cultural attractions. The proximity to both the state’s largest university and economic hub creates a unique demographic mix that supports diverse housing options and community services.
Rapid Population Growth Makes Moore Oklahoma's 7th Largest City
Moore’s population has surged from approximately 55,000 residents in 2010 to over 63,000 today, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates. This steady growth trajectory places Moore as Oklahoma’s 7th largest city, reflecting the area’s increasing popularity among families and young professionals.
The demographic profile tells a compelling story about community stability. The median age hovers around 34 years old, indicating a younger, family-oriented population that drives demand for quality schools and family amenities. Moore’s homeownership rate reaches approximately 70%, significantly higher than the national average of 64-65%.
This high homeownership percentage signals community investment and stability. Residents aren’t just passing through, they’re putting down roots, supporting local businesses, and contributing to long-term growth. The combination of young families and established homeowners creates a balanced community that supports both new construction and neighborhood preservation efforts.
Population Growth Drives Infrastructure Development
The expanding population necessitates continuous infrastructure improvements. Moore Public Schools regularly adds capacity to handle enrollment growth, while the city invests in road improvements and utility upgrades. New housing developments on the east and west sides of the city reflect developer confidence in sustained population growth.
Exceptional Value With Cost of Living 15-18% Below National Average
Moore delivers exceptional value with a Cost of Living Index ranging from 82-85, compared to the U.S. average of 100. According to Sperling’s Best Places, housing costs run particularly low with a Housing Index between 65-70, well below national benchmarks.
The median household income in Moore ranges from $65,000-$70,000, often tracking higher than Oklahoma’s state median. This income level, combined with lower living costs, creates strong purchasing power for residents. Your dollar stretches further here, whether you’re buying groceries, dining out, or purchasing a home.
Major employment sectors include retail, education, and healthcare. The retail centers along 19th Street serve as significant economic drivers, providing both jobs and convenient shopping options for residents. Moore Public Schools represents one of the largest employers in the region, offering stable career opportunities in education and administration.
Unemployment rates in Moore typically track below national averages, reflecting economic stability and job availability. The combination of strategic location, affordable housing, and diverse employment opportunities creates a sustainable economic foundation that supports continued growth and prosperity.
Moore Public Schools Serves 24,000+ Students Across 35 Educational Sites
Moore Public Schools (MPS) operates as one of Oklahoma’s largest school districts, serving over 24,000 students across 35 educational sites according to the district’s official profile. The system includes three comprehensive high schools: Moore High School, Westmoore High School, and Southmoore High School.
The district extends beyond Moore’s city limits, covering parts of Oklahoma City and south OKC. This expansive coverage area creates economies of scale that support diverse programming and competitive athletic departments. MPS offers robust extracurricular opportunities, from championship-caliber sports programs to award-winning fine arts departments.
Community support for education runs deep in Moore. Friday night football games draw thousands of residents, creating a social fabric that extends well beyond the school walls. The district’s size and community backing attract quality teachers and administrators, contributing to educational outcomes that consistently rank above state averages.
Moore Public Schools also functions as a major regional employer, providing career opportunities in education, administration, transportation, and facilities management. The district’s stability and growth trajectory make it an attractive workplace for education professionals throughout Central Oklahoma.
Competitive Real Estate Market Features Median Home Values Around $200,000
Moore’s real estate market offers exceptional value with median home values ranging from $185,000-$220,000, depending on timing and specific neighborhoods. Year-over-year appreciation has averaged 5-10% in recent years, providing healthy equity growth without pricing out first-time buyers.
The housing stock consists primarily of single-family detached homes, with new construction prevalent on the city’s east and west sides. Moore’s 70% homeownership rate makes ownership the dominant housing model, creating stable neighborhoods and strong property maintenance standards.
The “Old Town” area near the city center features smaller, historic bungalows that appeal to buyers seeking character and established neighborhoods. Meanwhile, new developments offer modern brick homes with contemporary floor plans and energy-efficient features. This variety ensures options for different budgets and preferences.
Real estate professionals often note that Moore offers “more square footage for the price” compared to premium suburbs like Edmond or North OKC. Entry-level inventory moves quickly, reflecting strong demand from young families and first-time homebuyers who recognize the value proposition.
World-Class Recreation and Entertainment Destinations Draw Statewide Visitors
The Station at Central Park represents Moore’s crown jewel of recreation facilities. This $28 million complex combines an aquatic center, fitness facility, and outdoor water park with features including a lazy river, multiple slides, walking tracks, and basketball courts according to the City of Moore’s Parks Department.
Regal Warren Moore attracts visitors from across Oklahoma with its luxury cinema experience featuring balcony seating, full dinner service, and grand “old Hollywood” aesthetic. The theater’s unique atmosphere makes it a destination for special occasions and date nights, drawing customers from throughout the Oklahoma City metro area.
Buck Thomas Park serves as the epicenter for Moore’s signature community events, including the annual “Celebration in the Heartland” 4th of July festivities. These events bring together thousands of residents and visitors, strengthening community bonds while showcasing Moore’s welcoming character.
The Yellow Rose Theater operates as Oklahoma’s only full-time professional dinner theater, offering year-round entertainment that combines quality performances with dining experiences. These amenities reflect Moore’s commitment to quality of life investments that benefit residents while attracting regional visitors and supporting local economic development.
"Moore Strong" Community Resilience Built Through Advanced Weather Preparedness
Moore’s tornado history includes the devastating May 3, 1999 F5 tornado that recorded the highest wind speeds ever measured, and the May 20, 2013 EF5 tornado, according to National Weather Service records. These events forged a community identity built around preparedness and resilience.
Modern building codes in Moore exceed standards in many other areas, with stricter requirements for wind resistance and structural integrity. Newer homes built after 2014 feature reinforced framing and garage doors due to updated city ordinances that reflect lessons learned from tornado damage assessments.
The city maintains some of the most advanced emergency management systems and warning sirens in the world. Storm shelters, whether underground or safe rooms, have become standard home features and important considerations for property values. Real estate listings routinely highlight shelter availability as a key selling point.
The “Moore Strong” identity reflects more than just weather preparedness, it represents community unity and determination. Residents take pride in their ability to rebuild, support neighbors, and maintain optimism despite challenges. This resilience attracts families who value community solidarity and proven crisis management capabilities.
Prime Investment Opportunity in Oklahoma's Fastest-Growing Suburban Market
Moore presents compelling investment opportunities through its combination of strategic location, affordable housing, excellent schools, and strong community foundation. Population growth of approximately 15% over the past decade indicates sustained demand that supports both residential and commercial development.
The lower cost of living paired with higher median incomes creates strong purchasing power among residents, supporting retail businesses and service providers. New construction projects and infrastructure investments signal continued growth trajectory and municipal confidence in the area’s future.
Easy access to Oklahoma City employment centers via Interstate 35 makes Moore attractive to commuters, while proximity to the University of Oklahoma appeals to students, faculty, and staff. This diverse demand base reduces investment risk and supports property value stability.
Commercial development opportunities exist along major corridors, particularly as population growth creates demand for additional services and retail options. The city’s business-friendly environment and strategic location position Moore as a logical choice for investors seeking exposure to Central Oklahoma’s continued expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moore's cost of living runs 15-18% below national averages with a Cost of Living Index between 82-85, where 100 represents the U.S. average according to Sperling's Best Places.
Housing costs provide the most significant savings, with a Housing Index of 65-70 compared to the national baseline of 100. Your grocery bills, utility costs, and entertainment expenses will typically run lower than most metropolitan areas across the United States.
This affordability advantage, combined with median household incomes of $65,000-$70,000, creates strong purchasing power that allows residents to maintain higher living standards while building wealth through homeownership and savings.
Moore sits approximately 10 miles south of downtown Oklahoma City along the Interstate 35 corridor, making it one of the most conveniently located suburbs in the metro area.
Your typical commute time runs about 15 minutes during normal traffic conditions, which beats driving times from other popular suburbs like Edmond or Yukon that often require 25-30 minutes to reach downtown. The direct Interstate 35 access eliminates the need for complex routing through city streets, providing reliable travel times for daily commuters.
Will Rogers World Airport sits just 15-20 minutes away, while the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman is easily accessible within minutes heading south. This strategic positioning allows residents to access employment, education, and entertainment opportunities throughout Central Oklahoma without the lengthy commutes common in other suburban communities.
Moore Public Schools operates as one of Oklahoma's largest and most well-regarded school districts, serving over 24,000 students across 35 educational sites according to district data.
The system includes three comprehensive high schools, Moore High School, Westmoore High School, and Southmoore High School, each offering diverse academic programs, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular activities.
The district's size creates economies of scale that support specialized programs, advanced placement courses, and state-of-the-art facilities that smaller districts cannot typically afford. Community support runs exceptionally deep, with Friday night football games drawing thousands of residents and creating a social fabric that extends beyond the classroom.
The district consistently ranks above state averages in key performance metrics while attracting quality educators through competitive compensation and professional development opportunities, making it a primary factor in many families' decisions to relocate to Moore.
Median home values in Moore currently range from $185,000-$220,000 depending on specific neighborhoods and market timing, with year-over-year appreciation averaging 5-10% in recent years according to local real estate data.
The housing market consists primarily of single-family detached homes, with new construction prevalent on the city's east and west sides offering modern amenities and energy-efficient features.
The "Old Town" area near the city center features smaller, historic bungalows that provide character and established neighborhoods at lower price points. Real estate professionals consistently note that Moore offers "more square footage for the price" compared to premium suburbs like Edmond or North OKC, making it particularly attractive to first-time homebuyers and growing families.
The 70% homeownership rate creates stable neighborhoods with strong property maintenance standards, while entry-level inventory typically moves quickly due to sustained demand from young families recognizing the value proposition of Moore's combination of affordability, location, and amenities.
Moore cannot claim complete safety from tornadoes, as it sits in Tornado Alley and has experienced significant tornado events including the May 3, 1999 F5 tornado with the highest wind speeds ever recorded and the May 20, 2013 EF5 tornado according to National Weather Service documentation.
However, these experiences have created one of the most prepared and resilient communities in the world regarding severe weather response and mitigation.
Modern building codes in Moore exceed standards in many other areas, with stricter requirements for wind resistance, reinforced framing, and structural integrity implemented after extensive damage analysis from previous storms.
Newer homes built after 2014 must meet enhanced construction standards, while storm shelters (underground or safe rooms) have become standard home features and important property value considerations.
The city maintains advanced emergency management systems with some of the most sophisticated warning sirens in the world, giving residents maximum advance notice and response time during severe weather events, creating a level of preparedness that significantly enhances safety compared to less tornado-experienced communities.
Family-friendly neighborhoods in Moore include both established areas near the city center and newer developments on the east and west sides, each offering distinct advantages for different family needs and budgets.
The "Old Town" area provides character homes with mature trees, walkable neighborhoods, and proximity to established schools and parks, appealing to families who value community history and smaller lot sizes.
New construction areas offer modern homes with contemporary floor plans, energy-efficient features, and updated safety standards including enhanced wind resistance and often pre-installed storm shelters. Neighborhoods near The Station at Central Park provide easy access to world-class recreation facilities including aquatic centers, fitness areas, and youth sports programs that support active family lifestyles.
Areas within walking distance of Moore Public Schools' three high schools create convenience for families with teenagers, while developments near major retail corridors along 19th Street offer shopping and dining convenience.
The city's 70% homeownership rate across all neighborhoods creates stability and community investment that benefits families through well-maintained properties, neighborhood watch programs, and strong parent involvement in local schools and activities.
Moore experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons, featuring hot summers averaging in the upper 80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit and mild winters with average lows in the upper 20s to low 30s according to National Weather Service data from the Norman office.
Spring and fall provide the most comfortable weather with moderate temperatures and lower humidity, though spring brings the peak tornado season from April through June when severe weather awareness becomes essential.
Summer months can be quite warm with occasional heat indices exceeding 100°F, but modern homes with efficient air conditioning systems manage comfort levels effectively.
Winter weather typically includes occasional ice storms and light snow, but rarely produces prolonged freezing conditions that disrupt daily activities significantly. The area receives approximately 35 inches of rainfall annually, with most precipitation occurring during spring months when severe thunderstorms are common.
Despite the severe weather potential, Moore's advanced warning systems and community preparedness make year-round living comfortable and safe for residents who appreciate the area's seasonal variety and the community's expertise in weather response and safety protocols.
Moore's job market benefits from its strategic location between Oklahoma City's downtown employment center and Norman's University of Oklahoma, creating access to diverse career opportunities within a 15-20 minute commute.
Major local employment sectors include retail, education, and healthcare, with Moore Public Schools serving as one of the region's largest employers offering positions in education, administration, transportation, and facilities management.
The retail corridors along 19th Street provide numerous opportunities in management, sales, and customer service, while the city's proximity to Oklahoma City opens access to government jobs, energy sector positions, and corporate headquarters throughout the metro area. Unemployment rates in Moore typically track below both state and national averages, reflecting economic stability and job availability according to regional economic development data.
The median household income range of $65,000-$70,000 often exceeds Oklahoma's state median, indicating the presence of quality employment opportunities that support middle-class lifestyles.
The combination of local job availability and easy commuter access to Oklahoma City's broader job market creates employment flexibility that reduces economic risk for residents while supporting career advancement opportunities across multiple industries and sectors.
Moore offers world-class entertainment and recreation facilities that draw visitors from across Oklahoma, starting with The Station at Central Park, a $28 million complex featuring an aquatic center, fitness facilities, outdoor water park with lazy river and slides, walking tracks, and basketball courts according to the City of Moore Parks Department.
Regal Warren Moore provides a luxury cinema experience with balcony seating, full dinner service, and grand "old Hollywood" aesthetic that makes it a regional destination for moviegoers seeking premium entertainment experiences.
Buck Thomas Park serves as the venue for Moore's signature "Celebration in the Heartland" 4th of July festivities and other community events throughout the year that bring together thousands of residents and visitors.
The Yellow Rose Theater operates as Oklahoma's only full-time professional dinner theater, combining quality performances with dining experiences year-round. The city's commitment to quality of life investments includes numerous neighborhood parks, sports complexes, and green spaces that support youth athletics, family activities, and community gatherings.
Additionally, Moore's location provides easy access to Oklahoma City's professional sports teams, museums, and cultural attractions, while remaining close enough to Norman for University of Oklahoma sporting events and campus activities.
Moore attracts young families through its combination of affordability, excellent schools, and family-focused amenities that create an ideal environment for raising children. The city's median age of approximately 34 years and 70% homeownership rate reflect a community built around family stability and long-term investment rather than transient rental populations.
Moore Public Schools' reputation as one of Oklahoma's largest and highest-performing districts provides educational opportunities typically found in much larger, more expensive metropolitan areas, while the district's extensive extracurricular programs in athletics and arts give children diverse development opportunities.
Housing affordability stands out as a key advantage, with median home values around $200,000 providing "more square footage for the price" compared to other quality suburban areas, allowing families to purchase larger homes while building equity for their children's futures. The Station at Central Park and other recreation facilities provide year-round activities that support active, healthy lifestyles for children and parents alike.
The community's "Moore Strong" identity and proven resilience create a supportive environment where neighbors look out for each other, while the strategic location between Oklahoma City and Norman offers educational and career flexibility as children grow and family needs evolve throughout different life stages.
Driving Directions From Moore, Oklahoma to 5-Star Towing OKC, 2800 SW 25th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73108 - 16 min (12.3 miles) via I-240 W
Moore, Oklahoma
Get on I-35 N/US-77 N from I-35 Frontage Rd/N Service Rd - 3 min (1.4 mi)
Continue on I-35 N/US-77 N. Take I-240 W/OK-3 W to SW 29th St in Oklahoma City. Take exit 118 from I-44 E - 11 min (10.2 mi)
Continue on SW 29th St to your destination - 3 min (0.7 mi)
5-Star Towing OKC, 2800 SW 25th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73108
We also provide towing and roadside assistance services in Moore, Oklahoma. Learn more about Scissortail Park District OKC.
