Oklahoma, often known as the Sooner State, provides a singular mix of small-town attraction and a various expertise for its residents. It’s recognized for its wealthy Native American historical past and tradition, with 38 tribal nations and varied historic websites and museums. Oklahoma boasts a wealth of pure magnificence and scenic landscapes, and whereas there are a lot of causes to reside there, it does have its drawbacks. So whether you’re looking for properties on the market in Oklahoma Metropolis, an house in Tulsa, or questioning if Oklahoma is an efficient place to reside, learn on for ten professionals and cons of residing in Oklahoma earlier than calling this state house.
Execs of residing in Oklahoma
1. BBQ lovers will thrive right here
Oklahoma is legendary for its BBQ tradition, with many BBQ joints and competitions all through the state. The “Oklahoma-style” BBQ, which mixes Texan and Kansas Metropolis-style BBQ is especially famend. It sometimes options smoked meats reminiscent of beef brisket, pork, and sausage served with a tomato-based sauce. Oklahoma can also be house to many BBQ festivals and occasions, together with the annual Oklahoma Pork and Barbecue Competition, which attracts hundreds of tourists yearly.
2. Oklahoma is understood to be an reasonably priced state
The state has a median house sale worth of $227,000, which is decrease than the nationwide common of $388,472. The general price of residing, together with transportation, healthcare, and different important bills, can also be typically decrease than in different elements of the nation. If you happen to’re looking for properties on the market, try cities like Oklahoma Metropolis, which has a median sale worth of $242,000, or Norman, the place the median sale worth is $249,000. Together with shopping for, renting is reasonably priced all through the state. In bigger cities like Tulsa, a two-bedroom house averages round $1,053.
3. The Sooner State has wealthy historical past
Formed by the various teams of people that have referred to as the state house over the centuries, Oklahoma’s cultural historical past is various and sophisticated. The Sooner State grew to become the brand new house to numerous indigenous tribes within the nineteenth century, and was additionally a sought-after vacation spot for settlers throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. It’s also possible to discover a thriving African American tradition within the northeastern area with wealthy music, delicacies, and cultural historical past. To be taught extra concerning the state’s previous, contemplate the Oklahoma Metropolis Nationwide Memorial and Museum or the Nationwide Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
4. Oklahoma has a vibrant arts scene
Oklahoma has a thriving arts scene that encompasses quite a lot of kinds and kinds, from conventional Native American and Western artwork to up to date works by native artists. The state is house to quite a few museums, galleries, and cultural facilities, in addition to efficiency areas for theater, dance, and music. A few of the most notable arts establishments in Oklahoma embrace the Oklahoma Metropolis Museum of Artwork and the Philbrook Museum of Artwork in Tulsa. Wealthy traditions of Native American artwork and tradition are deeply rooted and broadly distinguished. The state has a big Native American inhabitants, and the humanities scene displays this various cultural heritage by means of conventional pottery, weaving, beadwork, and different types of Native American artwork.
5. There’s a variety of leisure actions
Oklahoma provides its residents wonderful leisure alternatives for any adventurer. The Sooner State is house to a number of state parks, reminiscent of Beavers Bend State Park and Pure Falls State Park, which supply climbing, tenting, fishing, and boating alternatives. Lake Texoma and Grand Lake are in style locations for boating and fishing. There are additionally many golf programs and alternatives for looking, horseback using, and mountaineering. Regardless of the place you’re within the state, you’ll discover an exercise you take pleasure in.
Cons of residing in Oklahoma
1. Some areas have weak infrastructure
The infrastructure in Oklahoma will be described as having some challenges, significantly in budgeting and funding for its infrastructure. Consequently, many infrastructure tasks, reminiscent of repairs to bridges and roadways, will not be accomplished in a well timed method. This may result in points reminiscent of potholes and uneven surfaces on the roads, which may doubtlessly trigger injury to autos.
2. Liable to pure disasters
Oklahoma is understood for its extreme climate, significantly tornadoes. The state is situated in an space referred to as Twister Alley, which incorporates elements of Texas, Kansas, and Nebraska. This area experiences many tornadoes because of the mixture of heat, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and funky, dry air from the Rocky Mountains. Residents additionally expertise extreme thunderstorms, hail, and flash flooding. It’s important for residents to be ready for extreme climate and to create an emergency evacuation plan.
3. You’ll desire a automobile to get round
Dwelling within the Sooner State can current challenges for these counting on public transportation. There are restricted public transportation choices, with most cities and cities relying totally on bus techniques which will have restricted schedules and routes. Moreover, many rural areas in Oklahoma don’t have any public transportation choices, making it tough for residents to entry important providers and assets. This lack of public transportation can create boundaries for these with out entry to a automobile. Nonetheless, lately, Oklahoma has made efforts to enhance public transportation choices, together with increasing bus routes, partnering with ride-sharing firms, and implementing bike-share packages in some areas.
4. Massive metropolis life is missing
Oklahoma has a sparse inhabitants density compared to different states within the U.S., resulting in the absence of main metropolitan areas. The state’s largest metropolis, Oklahoma Metropolis, has a inhabitants of about 700,000, which is comparatively small in comparison with different main cities within the nation like Los Angeles or New York Metropolis. This may result in fewer job alternatives, fewer locations of cultural curiosity, and an absence of nightlife in some areas of the state. Dwelling in Oklahoma could be a problem for these in search of an city way of life and extra entry to facilities and assets because of the lack of enormous cities.
5. The summers can get sizzling and muggy
Oklahoma summers are sometimes heat to sizzling, starting from the excessive 80s to low 90s levels Fahrenheit. The state experiences excessive humidity, making the air really feel oppressive and growing the warmth index. It’s also liable to drought, affecting crops and water assets. You’ll need to put together your own home for drought to guard your property in the summertime months.
The professionals and cons of residing in Oklahoma: Backside line
It’s necessary to contemplate all the professionals and cons of residing in Oklahoma earlier than making a transfer. Whereas the state provides a singular mixture of pure magnificence, outside actions, and southern attraction, it additionally has its set of challenges. Make sure you weigh all of the components earlier than making a call.