The state of Oklahoma is located in the south-central region and sits on one of the most significant highway corridors in the United States.
It is most often referred to as the Sooner State, a nickname it earned during the Land Rush of 1889 when people landed here sooner than the official start of the Land Rush to claim the unassigned property.
Well, while the Land Rush days are long gone, many people still consider moving to Oklahoma.
In this regard, What Are The Pros And Cons Of Relocating To Oklahoma?
Oklahoma has a lot to offer to its residents. The Sooner State attracts many due to its friendly and welcoming people, affordable housing, super-low cost of living, diversity, excellent education, and decent wages. Obviously, there are few pitfalls, including unpredictable weather, wacky laws, and then big cities.
If you are considering moving to Oklahoma, there are really a lot of things to review before making the big decision.
This post discusses the pros and cons of relocating to Oklahoma to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading!
The Eight Pros Of Moving To Oklahoma
From affordable housing to lots of great places to eat and delicious BBQ, there are things that make moving to the Sooner State a good idea.
Here are reasons why you may be tempted to become an Oklahoman.
1. Affordable Housing
The #1 reason why Oklahoma is considered one of the best places to live in the US is the exceptionally affordable housing market.
Whether you choose to live in the heart of Oklahoma City or buy a ranch in the middle of nowhere, you will find the cost significantly low relative to other states.
Although the time is gone when settlers could claim up to 160 acres, Oklahoma still has plenty of affordable space, which is probably the reason for affordable housing.
If you dreamt of owning a mansion, it might pass in Oklahoma without necessarily paying through the roof.
2. Low Cost Of Living
If you are considering relocating to a place where you can get a lot of value for money, Oklahoma might be your favorite destination. The cost of living here is super low.
You will not only live in your dream home but also spend less on utilities, transport (except for flights), entertainment, grocery items, and food. You can also save more on online purchases.
According to BestPlaces, the Sooner State has a cost of living index of about 83.7, which is 16% less than the US national average.
Overall, Oklahoma offers shockingly affordable living, meaning you will find yourself a lot of stuff to do without breaking a piggy bank.
3. Diversity And Culture
This comes as a surprise to many, as many outsiders see Oklahoma as a monoculture.
While the state of Oklahoma was originally reserved for Native Americans, the Land Rush changed it all.
As a result, there is a huge mix of Native Americans, whites, Hispanic, and black, which translates to more cultural diversity than any outsider would expect.
Notably, the state is one of the youngest nationally, with almost a quarter of its population being under 18 years.
Most residents are also friendly and welcoming as long as you do not introduce political and religious topics.
4. Productive Economy
Alongside its affordability, it turns out that there are a lot of golden opportunities in the Sooner State.
It ranks as one of the best places with thriving business opportunities, with overhead costs being lower than the national average. Rent is also incredibly low, which also attracts prospects.
Besides the business-friendly atmosphere, Oklahoma has a stable economy and lots of rapidly growing towns and cities.
The state has seen considerable earnings growth since the recovery from the recession of 2010.
The job market has also remained consistently strong, which makes it a one-stop destination for young professionals, particularly those in the information technology industry, energy, and biotechnology industries.
5. There Are No Crowds And No Rush Hour
If you enjoy living in less crowded places, you will love living in Oklahoma.
Crowds are mostly unheard of here, even in Oklahoma City, the state’s capital and largest city, meaning you will have plenty of space to yourself.
Speaking of commuting, locals say that there’s no such thing as rush hour.
It doesn’t matter where you choose to live in the Sooner State; commuting will be a breeze with little to no traffic. This is a significant benefit of not being surrounded by significantly large cities.
You will find commuting very enjoyable, particularly if you’re relocating from an area where heavy traffic is an unavoidable reality.
6. Delicious BBQ
If you like BBQ, relocating to Oklahoma is a no-brainer.
While many may claim to have the best, the BBQ here is amazing, combining styles and sauces from Texas, Kansas City, Memphis, all famous for their barbeques.
Everyone in the Sooner State raves about BBQ, and, of course, it is loved by one and all.
Let alone the finder lickin’ BBQ, you will find their savory chicken fried steak – steak that is battered, deep-fried, and smothered with gravy – which you might have never had before.
7. Comparatively Decent Earnings
As per the report of 2019, the median household income in Oklahoma was $52,919.
Although it is lower than the national average, Oklahoma’s super-low cost of living allows you to live a better life without spending much too much.
If you’re in the technical industry, you are likely to earn a decent wage that allows you to enjoy high-quality life.
8. Entertainment And Plenty Of Things To Do
The state of Oklahoma is famous for its music and lassoing, but honestly, there is a lot more to the Sooner state.
It is the home to amazing musicians like Woody Guthrie, Blake Shelton, Color Me Badd, Carrie Underwood, Kings of Leon, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, and Hanson. There are so many entertainment options that you can’t get bored.
If music is not your thing, there are plenty of must-see attractions and destinations.
The Oklahoma City Museum has one of the finest collections you can explore.
If you like seeing places, you can drive along Route 66; it is packed with many roadside attractions.
The Five Cons Of Moving To Oklahoma
Here are some of the not-so-great things about the Sooner State that you need to know before relocating.
1. Unpredictable Weather
Living in the Sooner State means living in the heart of Tornado Alley – the state tends to experience pretty strange weather.
From rain to snow and everything between, daily weather conditions can change dramatically, so stay prepared.
During the summer, temperatures can be as high as 119 degrees Fahrenheit, and it will get too cold in winter.
Intense winds will also blow through the state at times when no one expects. Avoid arid parts because they’re prone to drought.
In a nutshell, you never know when to expect rains, heat, or storms.
2. Wacky Laws
Like other states, Oklahoma has its share of wacky laws. They are fun – yes, fun, but they are laws.
For instance, it is against the law to have tissues in the back of your car.
Other weird laws to note are: It’s illegal to wear boots to the bedroom, and you can’t be contained in fish bowls on a public bus.
3. There Are No Large Cities
If you are a fan of big cities, relocating to Oklahoma may not be the best thing for you.
All the same, you can experience the city life you crave in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. They are not too big but still have enough to offer.
4. Taxes
Food, drinks, and grocery items are taxed throughout the state.
5. There Is No Balance Between Culture And Religion.
You will also find very little to talk about as far as politics are concerned.
Conclusion
Are you still thinking about moving to Oklahoma?
Hopefully, this review has covered a lot in terms of Oklahoma’s livability.
Make sure to find a balance between the cost of living and cultural expectations.
Overall, it is a crazy affordable place to live and a great one for Native Americans.
References
A Guide to Moving to: Oklahoma
#1 Moving to Oklahoma Relocation Guide for 2021
20 Big Pros and Cons of Living in Oklahoma City
Moving to Oklahoma: Everything You Need to Know
Related
United States Relocations
| Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California |
| Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia |
| Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa |
| Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland |
| Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri |
| Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey |
| New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio |
| Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina |
| South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont |
| Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
