Oklahoma City's southern neighborhoods are experiencing a boom in growth, according to a recent report by RentCafe. The report analyzed housing inventory and population growth across 32,400 ZIP codes to identify the 50 fastest-growing new areas in the U.S. Two Oklahoma City ZIP codes, 73173 and 73179, made the list, with 73173 ranking 16th and 73179 ranking 34th. These neighborhoods have seen significant growth in housing units and population over the last decade, with 73173 experiencing a nearly threefold increase in housing units and a 184% increase in population. What makes these neighborhoods particularly fascinating is the combination of affordability and convenience. In 73173, the median income has grown by 11.7% in the last decade, suggesting that the area is attracting established professionals and families looking for a place outside the urban core. The ZIP code is located in southwest Oklahoma City, but also includes northern Cleveland County, and is close to OKC Will Rogers International Airport and the Oklahoma City Outlet Mall. The opportunity to have more space and still be able to get to the more urban areas of the metro was what motivated Dan Overfield and his wife to purchase a 2,500-square-foot home on five acres near SW 119th in 2022. In 73179, the housing inventory has more than doubled, increasing 139% from roughly 1,270 to more than 3,000 units, and the population has increased by 110% to more than 7,500 residents. The growth trend in this ZIP code is attributed to affordability, as Oklahoma City "proper" runs out of developable land. The area is bounded by South Council Road to the west, Interstate 44 and South May Avenue to the east, SW 29th Street and Interstate 40 to the north, and Will Rogers International Airport to the south. About 81% of residents in this ZIP code are homeowners and 65% are college educated, which could indicate a shift in the neighborhood's demographic composition. One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between the two ZIP codes. While 73173 is attracting established professionals and families, 73179 is attracting younger families and first-time buyers. This raises a deeper question: what does this say about the changing demographics of Oklahoma City? In my opinion, it suggests that the city is becoming more diverse and inclusive, with different neighborhoods catering to different types of residents. However, it also raises concerns about the affordability of housing in the city, as the median income in 73179 has seen a slight decrease over the past decade. From my perspective, this highlights the need for more affordable housing options in Oklahoma City, particularly for younger families and first-time buyers. Overall, the growth of these southern neighborhoods in Oklahoma City is an interesting development that reflects the changing demographics and housing patterns in the city. It is a trend that is worth watching, as it could have significant implications for the future of the city.
