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From wide open spaces and sprawling suburban life to hip downtown areas with eclectic experiences, Oklahoma is the perfect place to discover something different, and Tinker Air Force Base is at the heart of it all. Located in Midwest City just minutes east of Oklahoma City and with easy access to major highways like I-40, I-35, and I-240, Tinker Air Force Base has more to offer than you think. 

Image of a family moving into a new home.

Highways near Tinker Air Force Base

I-240 runs east and west just south of Tinker AFB, connecting I-40 and I-44 and intersecting I-35, for convenient access many of the area’s largest employers like Oklahoma Heart Hospital South, Amazon, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing, including several exits for the base; multiple universities and higher education institutions; and Will Rogers Airport (about 20 miles away). Get from the bustling retail areas of Moore and southwest Oklahoma City or the excitement of downtown to the spacious landscapes of Lake Stanley Draper in just minutes. 

I-44 takes you from the dry heat of the state’s southwest corner straight through Oklahoma City to the lush lake country of the northeast. Tulsa & Broken Arrow (about 2 hours away), Chickasha, Medicine Park and the Wichita Mountains, and Lawton/Ft. Sill are just a few of the major towns situated along the highway. Just a little further south on I-44 will take you directly to Wichita Falls/Sheppard AFB in Texas. 

There’s no better way to experience all of Oklahoma’s natural wonder than I-40, a modern-day version of historic Route 66 that runs directly east and west right through the middle of the state. Western Oklahoma is a veritable trove of treasures, full of state parks and stunning landscapes ranging from high plateaus, sand dunes, salt plains, and mountains to caves, swimming beaches, and natural springs. Head straight east and you’ll find yourself in another world entirely as you approach the Ozarks. I-40 puts major cities and attractions like Weatherford, Clinton, Yukon, El Reno, Shawnee, Lake Eufaula, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, and Fort Smith, Arkansas within a few hours. There are also great shopping opportunities like the OKC Outlets, travel centers, and entertainment venues at the various casinos and hotels all along the route.

Jump on I-35 for a straight shot to Kansas, Texas, or anywhere in the center of Oklahoma. Three hours south is Dallas/Ft. Worth, while Wichita, Kansas, is an easy two-hour drive north. Towns like Ponca City, Stillwater, and Sulphur—as well as Lake Murray State Park—are just a jaunt east of the highway, while hidden gems like Guthrie, Pauls Valley, and the Arbuckle Wilderness in Davis are just an exit away. You can also take it all the way south to Thackerville and the award-winning WinStar World Casino & Resort.

For more on how Tinker Air Force Base’s prime location is the perfect jumping-off spot to exploring Oklahoma, visit travelok.com.

Local colleges and institutions for higher education near Tinker AFB

Military life can make it hard to complete your education. From a GED or technical degree to an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or more, 2 years or 4, you can find in-person and online programs that fit your needs and your lifestyle from the 20+ colleges, universities, and technical institutions in the Oklahoma City area, including.

  • Randall University
  • Oklahoma City Community College
  • Oklahoma State University—Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC)
  • Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC)
  • Mid-America Christian University
  • Platt College-Moore
  • Oklahoma City University
  • The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
  • The University of Oklahoma—Norman
  • Francis Tuttle Technology Center
  • Canadian Valley Technology Center
  • University of Central Oklahoma (UCO)—Edmond
  • Langston University
  • University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma—Chickasha
  • Redlands Community College—El Reno
  • Rose State College—Midwest City
  • DeVry University—OKC campus
  • Oklahoma Baptist University—Shawnee
  • Oklahoma Baptist College
  • Southern Nazarene University—Bethany 
  • University of Phoenix—OKC campuses
  • Oklahoma Christian University
  • Southwestern Christian University

Communities Near Tinker AFB

Tinker AFB’s proximity to three major highways means just about anything is close. Take your pick of Oklahoma City’s suburbs for everything from shopping, dining, and day trips to off-post living. 

Norman. Home to The University of Oklahoma (Go Sooners!), Norman is the quintessential college town with a little something for everyone. Head just 20 minutes south for a plethora of college sporting events, Campus Corner, the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.

Edmond. Located at the northern edge of Oklahoma City, 30 minutes from Tinker AFB, Edmond is a growing community with some of the state’s top-performing schools. Boasting a small-town feel with an upscale vibe, Edmond is home to Arcadia Lake, the state’s largest Independence Day celebration, and golf courses, wineries, and spas galore. There are also plenty of historical sites, cultural offerings, and kid-friendly spaces to explore.

Moore. About 15-20 minutes south and quite literally straddling I-35, Moore combines the best of a small town like Norman with the offerings of a large urban area. You’ll find Warren Theaters, a luxurious state-of-the-art 14-screen movie theater; playground, water, amusement, and trampoline parks; and both chain and local shopping.  

Del City. Del City is essentially Midwest City’s next-door neighbor, offering direct access to Tinker Air Force Base, affordable housing, and a close-knit military community. Here you’ll be close to everything, including work, home, and play.

Choctaw. Ranked the 3rd safest city in Oklahoma, Choctaw is laid-back living just the way you like it and just 30 minutes from Tinker AFB. From Farmer’s Markets and fishing derbies to car shows and holiday events, Choctaw’s just a little bit country real close to the city.     

Yukon. Just 30 minutes west down I-40, Yukon is a town famous for its Czech heritage. It’s also well-known for its safe family feel, slower pace, and open spaces, all just a short commute from OKC or Tinker AFB, so you can get the most out of the suburbs without sacrificing the city.

Mustang. Mustang is one of the fastest-growing cities in Oklahoma. Another great area just 30 miles from Tinker AFB, Mustang is home to families, working professionals, and retirees alike where the focus is community. Mustang schools are highly rated, and there are plenty of places for the family to stay active, including a state-of-the-art sports complex, walking and biking trails, parks, and a large aquatic center.

Oklahoma City. OKC is a city on the move, with a perfect pocket for everyone. Discover delectable dining and dynamic districts downtown, or spread out into the bordering neighborhoods for diversity and culture in the most unexpected places. Historic to modern, lofts to single-family homes with a yard, Oklahoma City’s housing market is wide and varied and ranked #1 in the country for most affordable, while multiple schools in the district consistently receive national recognition.

Attractions Near Tinker AFB

The great thing about living near Tinker Air Force Base and the Oklahoma City area is that no matter where you are, you aren’t far from fun. Take just a short drive in any direction to find activities like:

  • Tinker Golf Course
  • Trosper Golf Course
  • OKC Dodgers, Thunder, and FC sporting events 
  • Oklahoma City Zoo
  • Oklahoma Science Museum
  • National Cowboy Hall of Fame
  • Oklahoma City Memorial
  • Oklahoma River Boathouse district and Riversport OKC
  • 45th Infantry Division Museum
  • Oklahoma History Museum
  • Scissortail Park
  • Myriad Botanical Gardens
  • Oklahoma Museum of Art

Parks Near Tinker AFB

Oklahoma’s weather can be finicky, but when it’s good, it’s absolutely irresistible. The area around Tinker AFB boasts a plethora of parks for taking advantage of long summer days, cool fall mornings, and warm winter weekends.

  • Scissortail Trail Nature Preserve
  • Trosper Park: golf, tennis, playground
  • Edwards Park: baseball fields, playground
  • Lake Stanley Draper: park recreation areas, riding stables, observation points, marina, mountain bike trails, RV park
  • Lake Thunderbird State Park: archery, biking, boating, fishing, hiking, camping
  • Wheeler Park: baseball fields, playground
  • Will Rogers Park: garden, tennis, disc golf, amphitheater
  • Stars & Stripes Park at Lake Hefner: softball fields, walking paths, playground
  • Martin Park Nature Center: walking trails, playgrounds, nature center
  • Happy Tails Dog Park

Schools Near Tinker AFB

There are no on-base schools at Tinker AFB, but there are multiple public and home-schooling options available. The Mid-Del school district specifically—which serves Tinker—serves more than 14,000 students and boasts a 98.8 percent graduation rate as well as some of the highest-ranked schools in the state. All elementary schools offer a pre-k program and full-day kindergarten, and all students receive world language education from elementary school through high school.

On-base residents will attend Tinker Elementary, Jarman Middle School, and Midwest City High School, while off-base students will enroll in the district in which they reside. Buses will pick up students who live within one mile of their school.

Other Considerations When Moving to Tinker AFB

Since Tinker AFB is close to just about everything with convenient access to just about anywhere, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to storage facilities, childcare, and pet care, including boarding, grooming, and training services. Hotels and restaurants are plentiful and close to base, taking the stress out of the transition, while an abundance of urgent care centers help make sure you and your family can receive quality care for the inevitable—and often inconvenient—illness. 

In addition to many chain and fast food restaurants, local dining options near Tinker AFB also include:

  • Black Bear Diner Midwest City
  • Santa Fe Cattle Co.
  • Brielle’s Bistro
  • The Catch & the Wedge
  • Chequers Restaurant & Pub
  • Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
  • Charley’s Cheesesteaks
  • Akropolis Greek Restaurant
  • Madison’s Country Cooking
  • Pho B & B Vietnamese
  • Siam Noodles Thai Cuisine
  • Bricktown Brewery 

Nearby urgent care includes:

  • Access Medical Center-Urgent Care—multiple locations
  • Immediate Care of Oklahoma at I-240 & Sooner Road
  • Air Depot Family Medicine & Urgent Care
  • Integris Community Hospital-Del City
  • HealthCARE Express Urgent Care
  • Immediate Care of Oklahoma-West Moore
  • First Med Urgent Care-South Oklahoma City
  • Variety Care Mid-Del Health Center
  • SSM Health St. Anthony Healthplex
  • SSM Health Medical Group—multiple locations
  • Mercy-GoHealth Urgent Care

Hotels near Tinker Air Force Base:

  • Home2 Suites by Hilton OKC Midwest City
  • SpringHill Suites by Marriott Midwest City/Del City
  • Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Midwest City
  • Hampton Inn Oklahoma City I-40E
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites Midwest City
  • Best Western Plus Inn & Suites Midwest City
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Midwest City
  • Candlewood Suites Midwest City
  • WoodSpring Suites Oklahoma City Tinker AFB

For your morning cup of joe, try some of the local coffee favorites like:

  • Jitters Coffee
  • Scooter’s
  • Open Flame Coffee Company & Roastery
  • Dutch Bros Coffee
  • The Underground Coffee
  • Creperie & European Cafe

Make the Most of Your New Tinker AFB Home at Liberty Creek Village

Whether you’re single or married, with pets or with kids, needing a permanent residence or temporary housing, Liberty Creek Village has your luxury apartment living just minutes from Tinker Air Force Base. From fully-furnished options to pet-friendly spaces, we have all the amenities you need to make your new home feel like home. All of our beautifully designed 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments include washers and dryers, generous storage, routine maintenance, and garage parking. Upscale details are standard, with spacious walk-in closets, modern finishes, and a Samsung stainless appliance package in every kitchen.

Liberty Creek Village is refined community living at its best with plenty of places to play both indoors and out. Live like you’re on vacation with a resort-style layout that includes two swimming pools, patio pubs, putting greens, professional-quality grilling stations, and more. Take advantage of a state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center for your own personal PT session, or enjoy your time off in copious green spaces.

Spend more time doing the things you love, and come home to Liberty Creek Village. Find the perfect floor plan for your family at libertycreekvillage.com and schedule a tour. 

Our team is experienced in serving military renters, and we’re proud of our close relationship with the Tinker AFB housing office to help service members and their families find the safe, quality housing they deserve. For more information or questions, please call our friendly leasing staff today at 405-604-3377. You can also email us at info@libertycreekvillage.com or fill out our convenient online contact form here.