Get to know Norman, Oklahoma: New Home Guide

New Homes in Norman, OK

Just twenty miles south of Oklahoma City along I-35 is Norman, the third-largest city in the state. Home of the University of Oklahoma, Norman is more than a college town. With nearly 130,000 residents, it is known for its stellar schools, vibrant arts scene, and family-friendly appeal.

Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods offers four new communities in Norman, featuring beautiful homes with modern amenities, energy efficiency, and customizable floorplans to fit your lifestyle:

• Greenleaf Trails in north Norman offers homes between 1,456 - 2,136 square feet. Final section of Greenleaf Trails is now under construction.
• Flint Hills in north Norman offers homes between 1,158 - 2,136 square feet. 
• Red Canyon Ranch in northeast Norman offers homes between 1,655 and 2,713 square feet.
• Pine Creek in north Norman offers homes between 2,617 and 3,424 square feet.

Whether you’re moving within the city or relocating to Norman, we’re here to help.

School Report Card

Norman Public Schools

In a town known for education, it’s no surprise that Norman Public Schools (NPS) is ranked in the top 6% of school districts in Oklahoma. As the eighth-largest school district in the state, NPS is recognized for its strong academics, competitive athletics, and award-winning arts programs.

Norman Public Schools has recently opened the Oklahoma Aviation Academy for high school students in Norman.

"Working with the University of Oklahoma, Moore Norman Technology Center and industry partners from both the public and private sectors, NPS will capitalize on Norman’s geographic location and rich history in flight to create a program for high school students. Students will engage in an STEAM-focused curriculum with an emphasis on aviation and aerospace."

Additionally, Norman Public Schools will be opening a Spanish Immersion School in 2025. 

Local Tip: Not sure if you’re looking at an elementary or middle school? In Norman, elementary schools are named after U.S. presidents, while middle schools are named after authors.

Greenleaf Trails and Flint Hills Schools

School-aged children in Greenleaf Trails and Flint Hills attend the following schools: 

Adams Elementary School  | Niche Rating: B

Adams Elementary is home to the Norman Public Schools 2023 Teacher of the Year and has been designated a School of Excellence by the National PTA. Like all elementary schools in Norman, it offers free Pre-K for all students.

Whittier Middle School  | Niche Rating: A-

Ranked among the top 10% of middle schools in Oklahoma, Whittier excels in both academics and extracurricular activities. Students achieve high marks in a variety of subjects, including band and orchestra, which received statewide recognition at the 2025 Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association competitions.

Norman North High School  | Niche Rating: A

Norman North, home of the Timberwolves, was named one of the 2025 Best College Prep Public High Schools in Oklahoma. It is known for its Advanced Placement (AP) courses and award-winning fine arts programs. Its close proximity to the University of Oklahoma (only 2.4 miles away!) allows for unique concurrent enrollment opportunities for students. The Timberwolves, a 6A high school, have won 22 state championships in eight sports. 

Red Canyon Ranch and Pine Creek 

School-aged children in Red Canyon Ranch and Pine Creek attend the following schools: 

Eisenhower Elementary School  | Niche Rating: A-

Recognized as a U.S. News Best Elementary School, Eisenhower Elementary’s motto is:

"Belonging, Community, Traditions, Joy, Relationships, High Expectations." Ranked in the top 20% of elementary schools in the state, Eisenhower provides a supportive and engaging learning environment. Like all elementary schools in Norman, it offers free Pre-K for all students.

Longfellow Middle School  | Niche Rating: B+

Longfellow has been designated as both a National Blue Ribbon School and a Green Flag Award recipient. It has also been recognized as a U.S. News Best Middle School. Students excel in athletics, speech and debate, and music. Longfellow is also a state champion in the Energy Champions Leading the Advancement of Sustainable Schools program.

Norman North High School  | Niche Rating: A

Norman North, home of the Timberwolves, was named one of the 2025 Best College Prep Public High Schools in Oklahoma. It is known for its Advanced Placement (AP) courses and award-winning fine arts programs. Its close proximity to the University of Oklahoma (only 2.4 miles away!) allows for unique concurrent enrollment opportunities for students. The Timberwolves, a 6A high school, have won 22 state championships in eight sports.

Living in Norman

Shopping and Dining

While Norman has many retail and dining national chains, it is best known for its locally owned establishments. In Norman, you’ll find boutiques of all kinds, especially along historic Main Street and Campus Corner.

There’s no better time to explore the shops and restaurants on Main Street than during the monthly 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk. Starting at 6 p.m., art galleries, shops and restaurants open their doors to local artists and musicians, and many of the restaurants offer finger foods to grab and go. You can explore and taste your way through all the little shops Norman has to offer!

Recreation

Recreation in Norman can take many forms. On one day, you can go hiking at Lake Thunderbird, cheer on the Sooners in any number of games, or go to the ballet or opera. 

Family-Friendly Experience: The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is an interactive science museum featuring fossils found throughout Oklahoma, including woolly mammoths, enormous dinosaurs, and the largest dinosaur skull ever found! It also features Oklahoma history, Native American culture, and interactive temporary exhibits.

Cultural Experience: Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art showcases the Weitzenhoffer Collection of French Impressionism, a private collection that includes works by Degas, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and others.

Festival Experience: Every April, downtown Norman transforms into a hive of activity as streets, restaurants, and theaters become music venues. It’s all in preparation of the Norman Music Festival, one of the largest free music festivals in the United States. 

History

Though officially founded in 1889, Norman was named in 1870. That’s when the United States Land Office contracted with an engineering company to survey the area. The surveyor sent to lead the crew was, Abner E. Norman, who was much younger than his crew. To taunt him, the crew burned “Norman’s Camp” into a nearby elm tree. The name stuck, and a century and a half later, the city continues to be a haven for families, academics, innovators, and independent thinkers.

Norman’s identity is intertwined with the University of Oklahoma, which was established in 1890 as one of two land-grant colleges in Oklahoma territory. Today, the university is a tier-one research institution, the home of the Sooners, and brings a lively college atmosphere to the city.

Working in Norman

Major Employers

Norman has a strong job market, with opportunities in education, healthcare, technology, engineering, and meteorology. Norman’s largest employers include the University of Oklahoma, the Norman Regional Health System, Chickasaw Nation Industries, and Johnson Controls.

Commuting from Norman

Thanks to its short drive to Oklahoma City, it is an ideal destination for commuters to downtown OKC and nearby Tinker Airforce Base.

We’ve listed the estimated drive times from Norman to major commuting destinations:

• Downtown OKC – 25 minutes via I-35
• Will Rogers World Airport – 30 minutes
• Tinker Air Force Base – 35 minutes

Your Ideal Home in Norman

Find Your Ideal Home in Norman Today! The team at Ideal Homes is ready to welcome you. Visit www.idealhomes.com to learn more about available homes and floorplans at Greenleaf Trails, Flint Hills, Red Canyon Ranch, and Pine Creek.

We can’t wait to welcome you home.