Bethany, Oklahoma sits just 10 miles west of downtown Oklahoma City and offers a distinct small-town atmosphere, anchored by its historic downtown district along 39th Street Expressway. Founded in 1909 by followers of the Church of the Nazarene, this community of over 20,000 residents maintains its educational heritage as home to both Southern Nazarene University and Southwestern Christian University. The 39th Street Expressway, part of Historic Route 66, runs through downtown Bethany, connecting residents to the broader Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Renters in Bethany enjoy relatively affordable housing options compared to neighboring Oklahoma City, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $715 monthly. The compact 5.2-square-mile community offers a mix of rental options including smaller apartment communities and single-family homes. The area provides convenient access to employment centers in Oklahoma City while maintaining a more relaxed pace of life with lower population density than the urban core.

Bethany's amenities include several parks such as Eldon Lyon Park, which hosts the annual Fourth of July festival, and access to the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge along the western border. The historic downtown district features a charming mix of brick-front buildings housing independent businesses, while community events like Bethany66 and the Annual Tree Lighting celebration bring residents together throughout the year. For commuters, the city offers easy access to major employers including the universities, The Children's Center medical facility, and the aviation businesses surrounding Wiley Post Airport, while Oklahoma City's diverse job market is just minutes away.