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Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma (population 1.13 million in the greater
metro area with roughly 4,500 in the 20 to 30 square
block downtown area) is in the midst of an innovative
downtown revitalization called MAPS (Metropolitan Area
Projects). Begun in 1993, the project was started
when city leaders decided to rebuild the downtown area
and create a vibrant urban center for people to live,
gather and conduct business. The result is an
impressive new library, a new baseball park, a new
convention center and the standout Bricktown Canal, a
mile-long meandering pedestrian trail that wanders past
new restaurants, clubs and cafes.
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The Arts District is home to the Myriad Botanical
Gardens, Ballet Oklahoma, the Civic Center Music Hall, the
Oklahoma City Museum of Art and the haunting National Memorial, as
well as numerous apartment and condominium buildings.
Retirees will find an abundance of services in
downtown Oklahoma City. There are five churches, a major
hospital (St. Anthony's), medical clinics, numerous dentists,
eleven banks, salons and spas, fitness clubs (including a YMCA),
clothing stores and more. Dozens of restaurants,
museums and festivals, including the Festival of the Arts (crafts,
music and food), the Bricktown Downtown Salute (music and food)
and the deadCENTER Film Festival, make the neighborhood an
energetic place. Those seeking volunteer
opportunities will appreciate that the Volunteer Center of Central
Oklahoma is located downtown, and sports fans will enjoy watching
three local sports teams. There is no need for a car since
the public bus system (Metro Transit) transports retirees around
the area for a nominal fee.
Downtown Oklahoma City also has an underground
pedestrian tunnel system. Built in 1931, it lets residents
travel underneath the city and stay out of the cold during winter
months. There are even plans to open art galleries within the
tunnels. And a transportation mode not found in many major mid-western
U.S. cities is the fleet of passenger water taxis zipping along the Bricktown Riverwalk, taking urbanites to restaurants and
other downtown sites. Docks for hailing water taxis are located along
the waterway, and all-day tickets are $6 for those 65 and above
($7 for those under 65).
As noted previously, several housing developments
are underway in the downtown area, and many will include retail
space. The Lofts at Maywood Park (405-605-1000)
will have units ranging from 578 square feet to 1,291 square feet
and cost between $124,000 and $296,000. The project is set
for completion the summer of 2008, and presales are currently
underway. The Central Avenue Villas will have thirty
one, two and three bedroom condominiums, including single- floor
and multi-floor luxury penthouses. Sizes range from 735
square feet to 2,800 square feet and are priced from
$175,000 to $500,000. So it is possible to find housing in
nearly all price ranges.
There
are obviously drawbacks to retiring to downtown. There are
no golf courses, and many downtown areas, including Providence and
Oklahoma City, have higher than average crime rates.
Downtown Oklahoma City also currently has no grocery stores,
although several are planned.
But
for
anyone who is ready to ditch the car, meet new people and stay
engaged in an eclectic, vital community, retirement in a healthy downtown is worth
consideration. It is an often-overlooked option, but it is one
full of possibilities!
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