The OK reference to Oklahoma comes from the long-running Broadway play, ‘Oklahoma.’ The play was also made into a major motion picture. I have lived in many states and have visited most of the large cities in the world. I love Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City. The weather can be extreme some years but so many other things make up for it. Very little traffic, low cost of living, very, very friendly people, Christian values, waterparks, river rapids. many parks and a large amusement park, as well as the largest casino in the world. If you love the ocean, I can see how you might not like Oklahoma. However, Oklahoma has more shoreline via its many lakes than the entire eastern coast of the United States. The state geographic regions are very diverse. The western part of the state is somewhat flat, with fewer trees. The center of the state is divided into partly trees and hills to a transition to the western part of the state. The east side of Oklahoma is beautiful. It is covered with trees, mountains, lakes, and amazing views. The southern part of the state has a mix of weather and beautiful terrain. In the south there are the Arbuckle Mountains, waterfalls, and trees galore. I would say Oklahoma is for the mature person who enjoys life without having to have the glitzy lifestyle of Los Angeles, New York, or Miami. Oklahoma is not perfect but it’s a great place to raise a family. Some cities like Edmond, Oklahoma have award-winning schools as well. To me and my wife, it’s as close to what we refer to as ‘the good ole days’ as one can get. As the old expression goes, “No matter where you go, there you are.” In other words, wherever you go, you take with you a personality, attitude, perspective and opinion about things like beauty and fun things to do that are uniquely yours.
Art | Edmond, OK | Report Abuse

I disagree with some of your assessment of OKC. I've lived in OKC for over 26years (two stints) initially coming from Chicago. OKC was boring in the late 80s, but since then, the city has been transformed. There's a lot to do: multiple concert venues, multiple professional sports teams, multiple casinos, multiple parks, events almost weekly out at the fairgrounds, cultural events, and hundreds or bars and restaurants. OKC just completed the construction of a trolley system and new events center/hotel which includes a large park in the downtown area. The main industries in OK are energy, finance, transportation/distribution, and agriculture...and believe it or not, motion pictures is a growing industry here. There are two D1 universities who always have nationally ranked sports programs; plus several D2 and private universities, and a lot of state colleges and technical schools. OK is below the national average for cost of living in all areas except healthcare. Yes, teachers are underpaid when comparing teacher salaries nationwide; but when you consider OK's low cost of living, its not that bad. My wife is a 14yr teacher in OKC and her salary is just under $60k. The OK Governor is working hard to increase teacher and other public service salaries and add additional industries to keep OK growing and competitive. OK insurance is expensive. Severe weather does a lot of damage to autos and homes annually. FL has the same issue due to hurricanes. As someone who travels a lot, I can say that OK drivers aren't any worse than any other states'; distracted driving is a nationwide problem. OKC rush hour is approximately 2hrs long (4-6pm). Outside those times the highway system can get you anywhere in the large OKC metro area quickly. ODOT is working hard to modernize OK's highways, bridges, and interchanges; but there is still some work to do there. Mainly because of the population growth. Families are moving to OKC by the hundreds monthly. They are fleeing states with financial problems, crazy taxes, and political unrest. I love living in OK. Are there problems...yes; but every city has pros and cons. OK reports all crime and doesnt catch and release smash and grabs so the crime rate seems higher than other cities...but our PD's do a great job of keeping people safe. One last thing to add for those thinking of moving to OK; OK is a red state. All 77 counties were red during the last presidential election, and may continue to be for the foreseeable future. OK citizens fully support the 2nd Amendment and can carry firearms concealed or otherwise. They fully support their law enforcement and fire departments. Oklahomans, for the most part, don't ask for handouts and take care of their own. OKC has had numerous large tornados which caused extensive damage to neighborhoods and businesses...those places recover quickly and come back better and stronger. If you're thinking about moving to OK you'll be welcomed...but we ask that you leave the ideals/problems that caused you to leave whatever state you'll be coming from back there and not bring them to OK.
Scott | Moore, OK | Report Abuse