Broken Arrow landed the No. 2 spot in Oklahoma and 55th nationally on U.S. News & World Report's Best Places to Retire list for 2026-2027.
The ranking cited the city's low cost of living, seasonal temperatures and travel times to local points of interest, according to a city announcement posted Oct. 19. Moore, Oklahoma, ranked first in the state at No. 54 nationally, with Edmond close behind at No. 56, The Oklahoman reported.
U.S. News evaluated cities on quality of life, cost of living, healthcare quality, retiree taxes, senior population and migration, according to The Oklahoman. The publication surveyed more than 3,500 people aged 45 and older nationwide in March 2025.
The city cited U.S. News figures putting Broken Arrow’s median home value at $251,425, compared with a national figure of $359,870. Median monthly rent is $1,019, and median household income is $88,906.
Of the city's estimated 118,039 residents, about 17% are over 65 and 23% are between 45 and 64.
It is the fifth time U.S. News has ranked Broken Arrow in recent years, according to the city. Previous honors include Best Place to Live in Oklahoma, 12th Best Place to Live in the U.S. and 6th Best Medium-Sized City in the U.S.
Broken Arrow voters approved an $18 million expansion of the Broken Arrow Seniors facility as part of Proposition 4 in the April 2026 general obligation bond election. That center, at 1800 S. Main St., has served residents 55 and older since 1988 and offers more than 115 weekly activities to nearly 4,000 members.
City Manager Michael Spurgeon said the bond results showed broad community support. "Broken Arrow consistently supports projects for public safety, infrastructure and quality of life," Spurgeon said at the time, according to Tulsa Flyer coverage of the April election. Voters approved all seven general obligation bond propositions, totaling $415 million, while rejecting a separate temporary sales-tax increase for sports facilities.
Council advances Rose District, airport projects
The Broken Arrow City Council tackled more than 49 agenda items at its Tuesday, Oct. 20, meeting.
The council adopted Resolution 1779 authorizing the proposed closure of South Ash Avenue over the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way between West El Paso Street and West Fort Worth Street. The closure would expand the Rose District Plaza. The street will remain open until a separate city ordinance formally closes the section.
The council also approved a $150,000 agreement with Garver, LLC, to study the feasibility of locating an airport within Broken Arrow. The study will consider FAA requirements, market demand and a preliminary development plan.
Spurgeon updated the council on permanent zoning standards for data centers. The council established a six-month moratorium on data centers in June, running through Dec. 31, 2026, or until permanent regulations are adopted.
Other approvals included a $191,712 contract to Cherokee Pride Construction, Inc., for the Indian Springs Storm Sewer Improvements Project and a $29,745 agreement with Hudson Prince Engineering and Inspection, PLLC, to design a roadway widening and parking expansion at Elam Park.
