If you’re planning on relocating to Oklahoma City and considering whether to rent or buy a home, you might be feeling overwhelmed with the decision. Should you dive straight into homeownership or take a more cautious approach and rent first? In this blog post, we’ll explore my suggestion to rent first when moving to Oklahoma City. I covered this in a recent video on my YouTube channel @yourbestlifeokc.  While it might seem counterintuitive coming from a realtor, my reasoning is rooted in helping you make the right decision for your unique needs. Let’s dive into the reasons why renting could be a smart move before purchasing your dream home.

 

1. Exploring the Diverse Neighborhoods

Oklahoma City offers an array of vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. From downtown’s Arts District to the lively Uptown and the cultural Midtown, you’ll want to explore these areas to find your ideal fit. Renting for a few months allows you to immerse yourself in the city, experience the local atmosphere, and determine which neighborhood aligns best with your lifestyle and preferences.

2. Flexibility and Budget Considerations

Renting gives you the flexibility to adapt and fine-tune your preferences as you become more familiar with the city. You’ll have time to assess your budget realistically and observe the real estate market trends. You might be surprised to find that Oklahoma City offers a cost of living and home prices that could allow you to purchase a more desirable home than initially anticipated.

3. Evaluating Job Situation and Commute

If you’re relocating for work, renting allows you to assess your new job’s commute and gauge your comfort level with it. Additionally, renting provides the flexibility to explore job opportunities and make informed decisions about the location of your future home based on your long-term career plans.

4. Considering Proximity to Amenities

By renting first, you’ll have the opportunity to investigate the proximity to amenities that are essential to your lifestyle. Whether it’s parks, sports communities, gyms, yoga studios, or your favorite restaurants, experiencing them firsthand will help you choose the right location for your new home.

5. Determining Optimal Size and Layout

Living in a rental home for a while will help you understand your space needs better. You can assess whether the square footage and layout of your rental feel just right or if you prefer a different size or configuration when you’re ready to buy.

6. Seasonal Awareness and Home Orientation

Oklahoma City experiences tornadoes, and being mindful of your safety is crucial. Renting allows you to determine whether you’d feel more secure with an in-ground shelter, a safe room, or an external storm shelter. Additionally, you can evaluate the orientation of your rental home and decide on your preferred location for the sunsets and outdoor activities.

7. Assessing Local Expenses

Understanding the cost of living in Oklahoma City is vital to setting an accurate home purchase budget. Renting for a period lets you experience and evaluate the expenses associated with your preferred lifestyle choices, such as grocery stores, entertainment, and cultural activities.

8. Factoring in Pet and Outdoor Considerations

For pet owners, renting provides an opportunity to assess the pet-friendliness of the area, the presence of nearby parks or walking trails, and the suitability of the rental property for your furry friends. This information can be valuable when selecting the perfect home for your pets.

9. Considering Health Care Needs

Access to medical facilities is essential, especially if you have specific healthcare requirements or children with medical needs. Renting allows you to evaluate the convenience and proximity of healthcare providers to ensure that you have easy access to the medical services you require.

 

While the idea of renting before buying may seem unconventional, it can be a wise approach when relocating to a new city like Oklahoma City. Taking the time to explore the diverse neighborhoods, consider your budget, and evaluate your lifestyle preferences will lead to a more informed decision when it’s time to make one of the most significant investments of your life. So, when it’s time for you to make the move, consider renting first to ensure that your next home is the perfect fit for your best life in Oklahoma City.