Thinking about buying land for the first time? Oklahoma might not be the first place that comes to mind—but it should be. Beyond its famous musical and sprawling prairies lies a state packed with surprising perks for new property owners.
What makes Oklahoma stand out? Let’s cut to the chase: affordability, diverse landscapes, and buyer-friendly zoning rules. Whether you’re dreaming of wide-open spaces, wooded retreats, or small-town charm, the Sooner State offers a little bit of everything—without breaking the bank.
Let’s explore what makes Oklahoma an ideal choice for many first-time buyers.
Factor 1: Affordable Land Prices in Oklahoma (Compared to Other States)
Oklahoma is one of your best options if you’re looking for affordable places to live (who isn’t?). Compared to national averages, land prices are lower in the state. That makes it an ideal place for first-time buyers and those who want to invest in extra property.
Right now, Oklahoma:
- Is in the top ten states with the best housing market.
- Is in the top ten states with the lowest cost of living.
- Has a farm real estate value that rose 8.6% in 2024.
Oklahoma isn’t just a great place to buy land—it’s also a thriving hub for jobs in telecommunications, energy, aviation, and electronics. These industries create a steady stream of opportunities, making the state an appealing choice for individuals and families ready to put down roots and build a future.
Factor 2: Diverse Landscapes—Options for Every Buyer
Another reason to consider buying land in Oklahoma for your first purchase? Its vast diversity of landscapes. You’ll have plenty of options from the prairies of the central state to the grasslands of the west and forests of the east. Common types of geography you’ll encounter throughout the state include:
- Prairies
- Woodsy hills
- Basins
- Meadows
- Grasslands
- Mountains
You can also divide Oklahoma into specific regions featuring similar geography and climate. These 12 “ecoregions” include:
- Western High Plains
- Cypress Swamps and Forest
- Hardwood Forest
- Central Great Plains
- Crosstimbers
- Ozark Highlands
- Southwestern Tablelands
- Ouachita Mountains
- East Central Texas Plains
- Tallgrass Prairie
- Ozark Forest
- Caves and Prairie
Each area offers unique geographical features, climates, soil fertility, and recreation options. Plus, Oklahoma’s diverse geography makes finding a property that fits your preferences that much easier.
Factor 3: Friendly Zoning and Regulations for New Landowners
Oklahoma’s straightforward zoning laws make it easy to find plots that suit your needs, giving you the freedom to use your land as you envision.
Land use categories you may come across, as defined by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, include:
- A-1 – General Agricultural District. Here, you can build single-family homes, parks, and schools or raise crops and farm animals with a two-acre minimum lot size.
- A-2 – Rural Agricultural District. This is quite similar to the previous zoning category, though the property is more remote, and the minimum lot size is 10 acres.
- R-1 – Single-Family Dwelling District. Here, you can have a single-family house and general-purpose gardens or farms. You may be allowed to build a golf course, childcare facility, or church if approved by the Planning Commission and City Council. There is a minimum requirement of 6,000 square feet of land.
- RE – Residential Estates District. These plots are available for single-family dwellings, educational facilities, and recreational activities. The minimum lot size is two acres.
While these are general expectations in Oklahoma, rules and regulations vary by county. For example, some counties have no zoning requirements, which means you’re free to do as you wish with the plot—but so are your neighbors.
Regardless of where you live in Oklahoma, it’s your responsibility to follow any local or state laws and regulations.
Factor 4: Proximity to Amenities and Growing Communities
With Oklahoma’s affordability and strong job market, communities are thriving, expanding, and gaining access to more amenities than ever before. If you don’t want to be a suburbanite, the rural lands outside metros like Tulsa and Oklahoma City offer a balance of rural charm and city life.
Living in a commutable distance to one of the larger cities improves employment opportunities. Children may also have easier access to quality education with shorter commute times. Plus, you’ll have access to services or amenities in both rural and urban areas, such as:
- State parks
- Sporting centers
- Cultural attractions and museums
- Lakes
- Amusement parks
- Public transportation (in cities)
- Airports
- Licensing and permit offices
Between the activities and services found in cities and the rustic charm of small towns, Oklahoma provides the best of both worlds for people looking to have their feet in both.
Factor 5: Financial Incentives and Assistance for First-Time Land Buyers
Looking for even more reasons to live in Oklahoma? Consider the financial incentives and assistance available for first-time buyers. But that’s not all—the state has some of the lowest property taxes in the country. That makes buying parcels or building a home more achievable for people from many economic backgrounds.
In addition, first-time buyers can also look into grants and loans applicable to their situation or desired use. For example, the USDA Farm Service Agency offers loans for people interested in farming, such as:
- Farm Ownership Loans
- Minority and Women Farmers and Ranchers Loans
- Ownership Microloan
There is also the Oklahoma Beginning Farmer Loan Program, which offers additional credit options for first-time farmers. These financial assistance opportunities can put land ownership within your reach.
Tips for First-Time Buyers: How to Find the Right Land in Oklahoma
Now you’re convinced—buying property in Oklahoma is the next big goal on your bucket list. What’s the best way to get started? Here are our top tips for first-time buyers looking for land in the Sooner State:
- Connect with a local land pro – While it doesn’t hurt to scope out properties online or in person, working with a professional who understands the area you’re interested in can make the process much easier. They can guide you toward the best places to buy land in Oklahoma, ensuring the properties you explore align with your goals for recreation, farming, or residential use.
- Secure financing – Next, you’ll want to determine your financing options, including loans and grants. A property agent can also help you negotiate the asking price for your desired property.
- Invest in a property survey – Know what you’re getting into with a land survey. These help identify property boundaries and dimensions and determine if any existing structures or fences are where they should be.
These guidelines make starting the property-buying process easier. Whatever you do, seek the help of a professional real estate agent to ensure you get the best deal on property that fits your needs.
Make Oklahoma Your First Choice for Land Ownership
Between affordable prices, diverse geography, and relaxed zoning, the Sooner State has what you need to own a small farm, build a personal campsite, or create a recreational dream.
In short, Oklahoma is a hidden gem for first-time property buyers, and you can jumpstart the process with Land.com.
Search for property in Oklahoma using filters and sort by price or acreage. You can also connect with a land specialist in the state or county to find the property of your dreams.
Sources:
U.S. News & World Report. Housing Affordability. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/opportunity/affordability/housing-affordability
U.S. News & World Report. Cost of Living. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/opportunity/affordability/cost-living
USDA. Land Values 2024 Summary. https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/pn89d6567/vh53zm770/sf269z18h/land0824.pdf
Oklahoma Historical Society. The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=EN007
Travel Oklahoma. Oklahoma’s Diverse Ecoregions. https://www.travelok.com/article_page/oklahomasdiverseecoregions
Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Zoning Definitions. https://www.okcommerce.gov/wp-content/uploads/Zoning-Definitions.pdf
Oklahoma State University Extension. Moving to the Country? https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/moving-to-the-country.html
USDA Farm Service Agency. Find a Program. https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs?program_type%5B0%5D=15
Farmland Information Center. Oklahoma Beginning Farmer Loan Program. https://farmlandinfo.org/programs/oklahoma-beginning-farmer-loan-program/
Land.com Network. 10 Essential Tips for a First-time Land Buyer. https://network.land.com/buying/first-time-land-buyer/
