SperlingViews - Bartlesville, Oklahoma

When we moved here from the Minneapolis area, we looked forward to warmer weather and a lower cost of living. Yes, we got warmer weather (110 degrees plus for much of the summer this year), but, while statistics say that utilities are lower, we did not find that to be true for gas, electric or water. We are paying more for all of those. Your air conditioner runs almost constantly in the summer, and watering your lawn sort of seems like a waste of money. Housing is cheaper, but then so is the quality of homes. Groceries are not cheaper, and some of the more "exotic" items (when you can find them)are much more expensive. Good fish is hard to find, except, of course, for catfish, which is sold under any variety of names. The people are friendly, though, and Tulsa (a very nice city) is only an hour away.[read more...]

I grew up in Bartlesville until I graduated in 1974. I had an outstanding, high-quality driven education. In fact, Bartlesville ranks #1 as the best school system in Oklahoma! Furthermore, there are more National Merit Schol- orship finalists from Bartlesville per capita, then anywhere else! I have lived in the Northeast, especially Philadelphia, for many years now. I am so proud to be from Bartlesville! When visitors come here for the first time, they are usually amazed and so impressed with all that Bartlesville of- ers! The Price Tower, a 19-story skyscraper, is the only skyscraper ever designed by the famous Frank Lloyd Wright. Its now an art gallery and has a intimate, upscale bar and bistro on the top floor. You have an impressive skyline, thanks to Phillips that used to be headquarted there until it merged with Conoco and top management relocated to Houston. The city has been highly successful in diversifying its economy in last 5 years. You have one of the most beautiful country clubs, Hillcrest, along with one of the best golf courses in the entire state! I was back last summer for the first time in over 20 years, and instantly, became home sick! My high school has undergone, a tremendous renovation and is unbelievable to see!!! Lastly, the world famous "OK Mozart", is held for 2 weeks every year, with people from all over the world, attending. The Community Center, is a multi-million, state-of-the art, jewel that host this event every year! I assure you, if you want to get away for a few days, and want to take in a wide range of activities, then Bartlesville is calling you! Did I mention Wooloroc Museum? Another treasure worth visiting! After visiting, you and your family, just may decide to move to Bartlesville![read more...]

bartlesville is nestled in the osage hills and foothills of the ozarks, with lots of outdoor recreation. it has two good sized lakes to the north [hulah] and [copan]. osage hills state park, wah-sha-she state park and the tall grass prairie preserve. hi-way 10 is a beautiful scenic drive. nice place to take the kids, or to get a quiet get-a-way..[read more...]

There's been a revolution of sorts. An election brought us a turnover in city politics, and it seems like some good changes are coming. Medical care still needs improvement; ditto entertainment options. But I guess enough of us had "had enough" of some problems--and we fixed 'em. :)[read more...]

This town is nothing more than a ton of churches and close minded conservative republicans. Because of this it has a clique feel to it. Not a place I'd want my family to spend any more of our time in.[read more...]

I live in the historic district in Bartlesville. Yes, housing costs are low. Yes, cost of living is low in some categories (other than state income tax), but you also pay for that in other ways. The summers are hell on earth. The local "newspaper" can't even write grammatical sentences, let alone report honestly. Government is a joke, on the whole. Sure, there are friendly people here--but there are friendly people everywhere. However, you'd best be prepared to be a flag-waving, neo-conservative, Bible-thumpin' Republican. In many ways I have a great life--lots of friends, community groups, and an incredible house, which I love dearly, at comparative low cost. However, living in the land of "group think," where say, a member of the Libertarian Party (which I'm not) would be close to being run out of town on a rail, with a government that makes the Three Stooges look like intelligentsia, think twice. Example: after running through city employees, they now want to hire someone to be city manager who isn't even sure if he wanted the job. He lives 1.8 miles outside Bartlesville in another county. City regs say you must live in the city to work for the city. So, what does the city council decide to do, without cost/liability studies and future impact? They decide to annex his property and all property in between his land and the city. Then they get upset and angry if citizens ask: what do the other landowners think? How much will this cost us now? How much cost/liability will we incur in the future? Etc. They decide, grandiosely, what they want on the spur of the moment. They cut citizens off when they show up at meetings to voice comments; then complain that enough citizens don't get involved. If you're looking for true graciousness (which involves more than surface "good manners"), this isn't the place. If you want to live in a nice house in a fairly comfy town, move here, but then be prepared to go out of town for good medical care (medical care around here is a standing joke), real culture, diversity in people and thinking, a stimulating environment, and something other than a droning, cult-like chant of how wonderful the place is. Shopping? Go out of town. Make sure you filter your water. Basically, if you'd like to buy a great house in a pretty setting, and then use it as a base to launch yourself elsewhere, come here. But remember: OK taxes are hell, the summer is hell, and unless you think that sitting on your porch admiring the view while chanting "eve[read more...]

....and now at 49 years old, am planning to return to live in Bartlesville. The main reason is that the people are so warm and friendly. Good manners have not gone out of style in Bartlesville! On my last visit about 6 months ago, I could almost not bear to leave again. I no longer have family or roots in B'ville, but I always feel welcomed and completely at home by the town and its people. Real estate costs are low, magnificent stately homes are available in abundance and you can walk from the older neighborhoods into the town's center. You can be in Tulsa in no time at all by car, if you should need a little more than is available in Bartlesville. I currently live in surburban Washington, D.C. and it takes me longer to get to my local mall than it would take to drive to Tulsa from Bartlesville, due to our horid traffic and overcrowding issues here. When my daughter grduates from HS in 2008, I will be on my way back to the best little place in the USA![read more...]