Oklahoma, also referred to as the Sooner State, presents a novel mix of small-town attraction and a various expertise for its residents. It’s identified 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 various causes to dwell there, it does have its drawbacks. So whether or not you’re trying to find properties on the market in Oklahoma Metropolis, an condominium in Tulsa, or questioning if Oklahoma is an effective place to dwell, learn on for ten professionals and cons of dwelling in Oklahoma earlier than calling this state residence.
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Fast Details about Oklahoma
Inhabitants
3,959,353
Median residence sale worth
$250,800
Common lease in Oklahoma
$1,056
Largest cities in Oklahoma
Oklahoma Metropolis, Tulsa, Norman
1. Professional: BBQ lovers will thrive right here
Oklahoma is known 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 similar to beef brisket, pork, and sausage served with a tomato-based sauce. Oklahoma can be residence to many BBQ festivals and occasions, together with the annual Oklahoma Pork and Barbecue Competition, which attracts 1000’s of tourists yearly.
2. Con: Some areas have weak infrastructure
The infrastructure in Oklahoma might be described as having some challenges, significantly in budgeting and funding for its infrastructure. In consequence, many infrastructure tasks, similar to repairs to bridges and roadways, is probably not accomplished in a well timed method. This will result in points similar to potholes and uneven surfaces on the roads, which might probably trigger harm to automobiles.
3. Professional: Oklahoma is understood to be an inexpensive state
The state has a median residence sale worth of $227,000, which is decrease than the nationwide common of $388,472. The general price of dwelling, together with transportation, healthcare, and different important bills, can be usually decrease than in different components of the nation. When you’re trying to find properties on the market, take a look at 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 inexpensive all through the state. In bigger cities like Tulsa, a two-bedroom condominium averages round $1,053.
4. Con: Susceptible to pure disasters
Oklahoma is understood for its extreme climate, significantly tornadoes. The state is positioned in an space often called Twister Alley, which incorporates components 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.
5. Professional: The Sooner State has wealthy historical past
Formed by the numerous teams of people that have referred to as the state residence over the centuries, Oklahoma’s cultural historical past is various and sophisticated. The Sooner State turned the brand new residence to numerous indigenous tribes within the nineteenth century, and was additionally a sought-after vacation spot for settlers in the course of the late 1800s and early 1900s. You may as well 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, think about the Oklahoma Metropolis Nationwide Memorial and Museum or the Nationwide Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
6. Con: You’ll desire a automobile to get round
Residing 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 methods which will have restricted schedules and routes. Moreover, many rural areas in Oklahoma haven’t any public transportation choices, making it tough for residents to entry important companies and assets. This lack of public transportation can create limitations for these with out entry to a automobile. Nonetheless, in recent times, Oklahoma has made efforts to enhance public transportation choices, together with increasing bus routes, partnering with ride-sharing firms, and implementing bike-share applications in some areas.
7. Professional: 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 residence to quite a few museums, galleries, and cultural facilities, in addition to efficiency areas for theater, dance, and music. A number 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 extensively distinguished. The state has a big Native American inhabitants, and the humanities scene displays this various cultural heritage by way of conventional pottery, weaving, beadwork, and different types of Native American artwork.
8. Con: Large 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 will result in fewer job alternatives, fewer locations of cultural curiosity, and a scarcity of nightlife in some areas of the state. Residing in Oklahoma could be a problem for these searching for an city way of life and extra entry to facilities and assets because of the lack of enormous cities.
9. Professional: There may be a variety of leisure actions
Oklahoma presents its residents wonderful leisure alternatives for any adventurer. The Sooner State is residence to a number of state parks, similar to Beavers Bend State Park and Pure Falls State Park, which provide mountaineering, tenting, fishing, and boating alternatives. Lake Texoma and Grand Lake are standard locations for boating and fishing. There are additionally many golf programs and alternatives for looking, horseback driving, and mountain climbing. Regardless of the place you’re within the state, you’ll discover an exercise you take pleasure in.
10. Con: The summers can get scorching and muggy
Oklahoma summers are sometimes heat to scorching, starting from the excessive 80s to low 90s levels Fahrenheit. The state experiences excessive humidity, making the air really feel oppressive and rising the warmth index. It is usually vulnerable 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.
