Moving to or from Moore?
Oklahoma City's southern suburb — infamously hit by multiple violent tornadoes including the 2013 EF5 that killed 24 people, yet rebuilt and grown into one of the OKC metro's largest cities with strong schools and affordable family housing.
- 62,000 City population
- 1,470,000 Metro area
- 1893 Founded
- OKC Metro / Cleveland County Region
Why people move to Moore.
- Being an OKC suburb with one of the most intense tornado histories of any US city
- The May 3, 1999 EF5 tornado — the strongest tornado ever recorded with 302 mph winds
- The May 20, 2013 EF5 tornado that killed 24 including Plaza Towers Elementary students
- Moore Public Schools — recovering and rebuilding with modern storm-shelter-equipped schools
- The National Weather Center (nearby Norman)
- Being the gateway between OKC proper and Norman/University of Oklahoma
Moore has been hit by more violent tornadoes than almost any city in America — May 3, 1999 EF5 (the strongest tornado ever recorded with wind speeds of 302 mph), May 20, 2013 EF5 (killed 24 including 7 children at Plaza Towers Elementary), and several others. Despite this, Moore residents have rebuilt each time, and the city has become a national leader in tornado-resilient construction and storm-shelter requirements.
Where people live in Moore.
A quick guide to Moore's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Old Town Moore
Historic core with revitalization efforts and character homes
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The Meadows
Family-oriented subdivision with newer construction
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The Trails
Master-planned community with amenities
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Southgate
Established neighborhood with mid-century homes
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Briarwood
Area rebuilt after the 2013 tornado with newer, more tornado-resistant construction
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Norman-adjacent
Southern Moore blending into Norman with OU-proximity
Where people spend their time in Moore.
- Moore War Memorial Park Central Moore
- Buck Thomas Park Central Moore
- The Warren Theatre Moore
- Moore Central Park Central Moore
- Oklahoma City Stockyards (nearby) OKC
- Riverwind Casino (nearby Norman) Goldsby
Planning a Moore move.
- Moore's extreme tornado history has led to some of the strictest storm-shelter construction standards in the country; verify shelter access and home tornado-resistance features before buying
- Housing prices are below OKC metro averages; Moore offers affordability relative to Edmond or Norman
- Moore Public Schools serve the city; specific school ratings vary and significantly affect property values
- Tornado warnings and watches are taken very seriously — install NOAA weather radios and have a family plan
Moving in Moore: FAQ.
Is it really safe to live in Moore with the tornado history?
Statistically, lightning striking the same place twice is rare, but Moore has been hit by multiple violent tornadoes in short succession — so the perception of risk is understandably high. Modern construction includes FEMA-rated safe rooms in many new homes and garage-integrated storm shelters. Most current residents consider the risk acceptable given the city's other benefits (schools, affordability, OKC proximity). Every household should have a tornado plan regardless.
What changed in Moore after the 2013 tornado?
Building codes were strengthened to require more robust construction. New schools built or rebuilt after 2013 include integrated storm shelters — which had not been required before. Community storm-shelter programs subsidized installation in existing homes. Tornado-related civic memory runs deep, and the city takes severe weather preparation very seriously.
How does Moore compare to Norman or OKC proper for cost?
More affordable than Norman and somewhat more affordable than OKC proper. Median home prices are 20-30% below Edmond. For families wanting OKC-metro amenities at lower prices with good schools, Moore offers strong value — though the tornado history is the defining trade-off compared to safer-perceived northern suburbs.
Is there much to do in Moore itself?
Limited compared to larger OKC suburbs, but not isolated. Moore has solid family amenities (parks, the Warren Theatre, chain restaurants, and major retail), and downtown OKC and Norman are both 15-25 minutes away. Many Moore residents live here for affordability and schools while accessing amenities elsewhere in the metro.
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