If you’re considering moving to Norman, Oklahoma, or are just curious about the area, this blog post is for you. In this post, I’ll be answering five common questions I receive about Norman, Oklahoma. As the third-largest city in Oklahoma, people often move here from other states and even other countries. Norman’s main draw is its association with the University of Oklahoma, a major research university. I do have a couple *bonus questions* at the end, so be sure to keep reading!

1. What’s The University Of Oklahoma Like?

I often receive questions about the University of Oklahoma campus and whether it’s busy, especially if you won’t be working or spending a lot of time in that area. The answer is yes, there is typically more traffic around the university than other parts of Norman, although that has been changing recently.

The university is located in a concentrated area between Boyd and Lindsay streets, and it extends further onto Highway 9 where a lot of the research takes place. The main campus area, where undergraduates are located, which is between Boyd and Lindsay, has a lot of pedestrian traffic, as the dorms are just south of Lindsay and most of the class buildings are between Boyd and Lindsay. As a result, driving in this area can take longer than other places in Norman.

2. What’s Traffic Like In Norman, OK?

Stop and go traffic like LA or Atlanta? Absolutely not. The busiest days in town are football game days, which only occur for seven days a year (give or take), and you can easily check the schedule to know when they’ll happen.

The time when traffic in Norman is noticeably different is in August, when students arrive back on campus because the University of Oklahoma isn’t really a summer university, so many people leave during the summer. In May, you’ll feel like there are fewer cars on the road and you can breathe again because many people leave town at that time.

3. What Kind of Weather Is There In Norman?

On my YouTube channel, I often receive questions about the weather in Norman, particularly about tornadoes. Thank you for asking, these questions are really appreciated. I have a weather video that I’ll link for you, if you’re interested. Just to clarify, Moore is located just north of Norman and many people avoid it due to the tornadoes it has experienced in the past few decades. However, Oklahoma City actually experiences more tornadoes than Moore. I do understand the fear though, and if you’ve never experienced that kind of weather before, it can be really scary.

It’s important to keep in mind that while tornadoes can be scary and dangerous, they are not a constant threat in Norman. In fact, the chances of any one person being directly impacted by a tornado in Norman are quite low. Most of the time, tornadoes occur in open areas and do not hit populated areas. Additionally, we usually have plenty of warning before any potential tornadoes, giving people time to prepare and take shelter if needed.

While it’s understandable to feel anxious about tornadoes if you’re not used to them, it’s important to remember that the people of Oklahoma have been dealing with severe weather for generations, and we know how to stay safe. We have designated storm shelters, designated safe zones within buildings, and other measures in place to protect ourselves from the worst of the storms.

That being said, it’s always a good idea to stay informed about the weather, especially during storm season (April – June). I recommend keeping a weather app on your phone and checking it regularly, and paying attention to any watches or warnings issued by the National Weather Service. And if you’re ever in doubt about what to do during a storm, don’t hesitate to ask your neighbors or reach out to local authorities for guidance.

4. What Are The Demographics In Norman?

I get questions a lot for Norman about diversity, so we’ve talked at length about Norman being a university town and with that we do have around 1500 International students enrolled at any given time that number does not include exchange students or you know professors or staff or faculty or their families that come to Norman because of the jobs that the University of Oklahoma offers. So other things that Norman itself has done to embrace diversity equity and inclusion include being the first city in Oklahoma to pass comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ residents. Norman’s First international festival was also held in October of 2022 and then at the public school level the Norman Public Schools have diversity enrichment Council and they’ve been working diligently since 2016 to create spaces for these conversations in our public school system.

5. Where To Work In Norman, OK?

Another common question I get is about job opportunities in Norman. Being the third largest city in Oklahoma with a population of 125,000, there are plenty of job opportunities in Norman. Some of the largest employers in the city are the University of Oklahoma, Norman Regional Hospital, Norman Public Schools, Johnson Controls, Walmart, City of Norman, and Riverwind Casino. Additionally, Oklahoma City is just a short drive up I-35 and offers even more job opportunities. If you want more info on the Top 5 Employers in Norman, OK, click the link.

Here are a couple bonus questions for you!!

*6. Does Norman Have Reliable Internet?

Now, let’s talk about internet access in Norman. When I first started in real estate, internet access in some parts of town was not great, especially on the east side or south of Highway 9. However, since then, a local company called OEC has installed fiber in most areas, including Moore, where internet access was previously an issue. Therefore, if you’re living in Norman proper and have a Norman address, you’re most likely going to have access to OEC fiber or another type of fiber, so you don’t have to worry about internet access anymore.

So if you haven’t been on my blog before, my name is Marcie Billen I am a real estate agent in Oklahoma particularly Oklahoma City and I do live in Norman. I have a free download about relocating to Norman if you need that information and of course, if you’re needing a realtor in Oklahoma you can contact me by clicking the button below.

*7. What’s The Housing Market In Norman Like?

One thing to keep in mind is that Norman’s housing market is competitive, especially for houses in popular areas or those that have been recently updated. This means that buyers may need to act quickly and be prepared to make offers above the listing price in order to secure a home. However, despite the competition, there are still opportunities for buyers to find a home that fits their needs and budget.

Another factor to consider is the variety of housing options available in Norman. There are older historic homes, new construction homes, and everything in between. Additionally, there are a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics and amenities. Whether you’re looking for a quiet suburban neighborhood, a walkable urban area, or a rural retreat, there is something for everyone in Norman.

If you’re considering buying a home in Norman, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent who can help guide you through the process. A good agent can help you navigate the competitive market, find properties that meet your needs, negotiate on your behalf, and answer any questions you may have about the local market.