10 Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Oklahoma

Oklahoma, often known as the Sooner State, presents a novel mix of small-town appeal 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 numerous causes to dwell there, it does have its drawbacks. So whether you’re looking for properties on the market in Oklahoma Metropolis, an residence in Tulsa, or questioning if Oklahoma is an efficient place to dwell, learn on for ten professionals and cons of dwelling in Oklahoma earlier than calling this state house.

Execs of dwelling in Oklahoma

1. 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 comparable to beef brisket, pork, and sausage served with a tomato-based sauce. Oklahoma can be house to many BBQ festivals and occasions, together with the annual Oklahoma Pork and Barbecue Pageant, which attracts 1000’s of tourists yearly.

2. Oklahoma is thought to be an inexpensive state

The state has a median house sale value of $227,000, which is decrease than the nationwide common of $388,472. The general value of dwelling, together with transportation, healthcare, and different important bills, can be usually lower than in other parts of the country. In the event you’re looking for properties on the market, take a look at cities like Oklahoma Metropolis, which has a median sale value of $242,000, or Norman, the place the median sale value is $249,000. Together with shopping for, renting is inexpensive all through the state. In bigger cities like Tulsa, a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,053.

3. The Sooner State has wealthy historical past 

Formed by the various teams of people that have known as the state house over the centuries, Oklahoma’s cultural historical past is numerous 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 through 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 study extra concerning the state’s previous, think about 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 varieties and types, from conventional Native American and Western artwork to modern 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 number of the most notable arts establishments in Oklahoma embody 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 numerous cultural heritage via conventional pottery, weaving, beadwork, and different types of Native American artwork.

5. There’s a variety of leisure actions 

Oklahoma presents its residents glorious leisure alternatives for any adventurer. The Sooner State is house to a number of state parks, comparable to Beavers Bend State Park and Pure Falls State Park, which supply mountaineering, tenting, fishing, and boating alternatives. Lake Texoma and Grand Lake are common locations for boating and fishing. There are additionally many golf programs and alternatives for searching, horseback driving, and mountaineering. Regardless of the place you’re within the state, you’ll discover an exercise you get pleasure from.

Cons of dwelling in Oklahoma

1. Some areas have weak infrastructure 

The infrastructure in Oklahoma may be described as having some challenges, significantly in budgeting and funding for its infrastructure. In consequence, many infrastructure tasks, comparable to repairs to bridges and roadways, will not be accomplished in a well timed method. This could result in points comparable to potholes and uneven surfaces on the roads, which might doubtlessly trigger harm to autos.

2. Susceptible to pure disasters

Oklahoma is thought for its extreme climate, significantly tornadoes. The state is situated in an space generally known 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 programs 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 companies and assets. This lack of public transportation can create obstacles 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 packages in some areas.

4. Huge 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 could result in fewer job alternatives, fewer locations of cultural curiosity, and an absence of nightlife in some areas of the state. Dwelling in Oklahoma generally is a problem for these in search of an city life-style and extra entry to facilities and assets because of the lack of huge 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 rising the warmth index. It’s also susceptible to drought, affecting crops and water assets. You’ll wish to put together your property for drought to guard your property in the summertime months.

The professionals and cons of dwelling in Oklahoma: Backside line

It’s essential to contemplate all the professionals and cons of dwelling in Oklahoma earlier than making a transfer. Whereas the state presents a novel mixture of pure magnificence, out of doors actions, and southern appeal, it additionally has its set of challenges. Remember to weigh all of the elements earlier than making a call.