Oklahoma--A decent place to Live--Minus the Mishap
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6/26/2012
I lived in Oklahoma for over 6 years. It has grown tremendously in that time frame. I will attempt to be impartial as I provide my opinion on the good and the bad, of Oklahoma.
The GOOD: It is relatively slow paced, which I found less hectic than living in Dallas. The traffic has increased due to lots of transplants, but it's do-able. The schools systems are pretty good, especially the colleges (OSU, UCO, OC, OCU, OU, OCC, OSU-OKC). The cost of living is relatively low (Housing, groceries, gas, clothing). People tend to be relatively friendly, at least on the surface. Okies engage in small talk in elevators, or while standing in line to place an order or make purchases. The highway system has improved and there is an abundance of jobs.
The BAD: Oklahoma still has the "good o'le boy system and is currently used in hiring. If were not born and bread in Oklahoma (especially a Texan), you may struggle a while longer to get a job. OU (Univ of Oklahoma) is over-rated. Residents (most of whom never attended OU) are the schools most loyal fans and advocates. OSU, the state of Oklahoma's official college, is often overlooked. There is extreme rivalry between OU fans and those of OSU, especially on the part of OU fans. Okies will engrave this excitement about OU in your head until it either explodes, you become an obessessive fan just like they are. In addition to imposing OU sports on you, Okies impose religion. We are in the heart of the BIBLE BELT region. While I am Christian, and religious, I find this very offensive. The weather is often cold in the winter and very hot in the summer, with damaging tornadoes (with large hail) from late spring to the early summer (March to June). If you are married, especially with kids, you will FIT in fine. If you were born and raised in Oklahoma, and don't relocate out of the state, you will survive well here like most okies. Socially, born and raised Okies (who never leave the state) along with married couples with kids, will find lots of social activity here. Okies have their established friends, most from church and from birth (elementary, grade school), and do not WISH to make new friends. If they discover you are new and from TEXAS, you won't stand a chance. Texas, due to the OU football rivalry, is Oklahoma's biggest enemy. Most Okies despise Texans, and you will be disrespected in traffic. I had to quickly get rid of my Texas license in order to have respect.
In addition: Okies tend to give off the impression that they are deeply religious and convicted to do what is right. However, I have found them to be racists, hypocrites, obessessive with sports, casinos, drugs, partying, and other contradicting behavior, contrary to religion.
Statistics: Highest incarceration rate of women, highest child abuse cases, highest divorce rates, are among a few alarming statistics. There is a high drug and prostitution rates also here. Oklahoma also ranked number 1 city for having lots of obese residents, and lots of smokers. This states that most should take their focus on their health instead of some of the things I mentioned.
Conclusion, if you LOVE sports (OU college FB or pofessional BB), are married with kids, are chain smokers, who are obese, and have your own set of friends and not looking to make new ones, Oklahoma may be for you. If you are overly religious or a judging fanatic, you will fit right in. If you like very slow paced cities, that are at least 10-15 years behind most other cities, you will be okay here. Good luck! You may have better luck than I did. It was not the worst place for me to live, but I have seen way better, and have actually lived out of the state of Oklahoma to know the difference.
keith | ,