Southern Manor Apartments in Oklahoma City: Mid-Range Family Housing Near Midwest City
Southern Manor Apartments is a 200-unit garden-style community in south Oklahoma City, positioned as moderate-income family housing between the I-44 and Sooner Road corridor. The complex targets renters seeking affordability without high-rise density, with a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans.
What Southern Manor actually is
Southern Manor operates as a conventional rental community rather than income-restricted or subsidized housing. Units are arranged in low-rise brick buildings across a landscaped grounds typical of 1980s Oklahoma residential construction. The location sits roughly three miles south of Tinker Air Force Base, which shapes both the resident profile and lease stability; military families and civilian base employees account for a significant portion of the tenant base. The community is also within the Midwest City school district, though the physical address remains Oklahoma City.
Unit types and rental rates
Southern Manor offers floor plans ranging from 550 to 950 square feet. One-bedroom units start near $650 to $750 monthly (verify current rates, as these shift seasonally). Two-bedroom units typically run $800 to $950, and three-bedroom units fall in the $950 to $1,100 range. These figures place Southern Manor below the Oklahoma City average for comparable apartment stock and reflect both its age and the south-side location. Most leases run 12 months. Deposits equal one month's rent, with no pet deposit structure listed publicly; confirm pet policy specifics before applying. The community does not advertise income limits, meaning it accepts applications across the income spectrum rather than targeting low-income renters exclusively.
How it compares to other Oklahoma City apartments
Southern Manor's pricing sits between true budget complexes like those in the $550-to-$700 range further south and mid-market communities in Bricktown or Midtown, which command $950 to $1,300 for comparable square footage. The trade-off is location: Southern Manor offers no walkable retail, dining, or entertainment, whereas a Bricktown two-bedroom at $1,050 places you steps from bars, restaurants, and the canal. Southern Manor does offer what newer or trendier complexes do not: stability for families with school-age children tied to Midwest City schools and proximity to base employment. For renters prioritizing affordability and school access over nightlife or urban walkability, Southern Manor undercuts comparable family-oriented communities like those near Edmond or Norman, where two-bedrooms start closer to $950.
Who it suits and who it does not
Southern Manor works well for military families, Tinker Air Force Base employees, or renters with children in Midwest City schools who need affordable housing without subsidized-housing application processes. The community also suits renters indifferent to being near downtown attractions or restaurants. It does not suit downtown workers commuting daily or those seeking trendy amenities like co-working spaces, resort pools, or fitness studios. Single young professionals without school-tie constraints typically find better value and lifestyle fit elsewhere.
What to expect on your first visit
Arrive during business hours (verify office hours when you call) with a photo ID and proof of income. Most apartments require a rental application, credit check, and income verification; approval decisions typically come within two to three business days. Unit tours are available, though not all available units may be shown. Expect to see the community from street level; Southern Manor has no visitor center or model unit hallway. If approved, move-in happens within 7 to 14 days of lease signing, depending on unit turnover.
Parking and logistics
Southern Manor provides surface lot parking with no assigned spaces. One parking spot per bedroom is standard, sufficient for most family households. The property sits accessible from 29th Street and does not require gated entry. Public transit (OCTA bus routes) serves the area but infrequently; a car is effectively necessary. Nearby shopping (grocery, retail) is a five-minute drive.
Southern Manor fills a practical gap in Oklahoma City's rental market: it keeps housing costs low for families tied to Midwest City schools or base employment without the complexity of income-restricted programs.
