Need Info (Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore: houses, find a job, neighborhood)

[Mint Green]

I am thinking about relocating to OKC in about 9/10 months and I have began researching the area. I have heard nothing but positive things about the area in general. But what I was wondering is can anybody tell what OKC is like from an African American perspective(You do not have to be black to reply just looking for opinions). I am not concerned with race relations because no matter where you go there is always issues. I really want to know is there nice amount of middle class African Americans in the area. I will be finding employment and going to U of O pursuing my MPA degree.

[Wildzan]

Not being African American, I can't answer from that persepctive, but I can tell you that I live in a suburb just west of OKC, called Bethany, in a very middle class neighborhood, and there are families of every possible race living within a 1 block radius of myself. My next door neighbors are Romanian on one side, African American on the other, two doors down is a lovely Hispanic family with 3 kids, and there is a new family that just moved in across the street and down a couple of houses that is from Korea. There is some racial divide, areas of the city where it is predominantly one race or another, but for the most part everything has always seemed very mix and match to me, and I have lived here my entire life. I'm not sure about some of the smaller towns, but if you are going to be attending OU in Norman, your best bet is to look there, Moore, maybe south OKC. Depending on where you find find a job, commuting is really easy. I know a lot of people that live in Norman that work in OKC, it's not a bad drive, 45 minutes or so during rush hour, depending on how far you have to drive.

[flintysooner]

I live in Moore which is about half way between Norman and Oklahoma City. I attend church at Crossroads Church at South 89th and Shields. There are a good many African Americans among the congregation. I would call the congregation largely middle class in general - assistant principals, teachers, small business owners - and I think African Americans are probably about the same. African Americans serve as elders and in most other positions. I think the church is probably a representative microcosm.

Everyone in Oklahoma is from somewhere else at some point in their family history.

Hope you enjoy your time at OU and very best wishes.

[peggydavis]

I don't live in the metro OKC area anymore, but visit there often. I am not African American, but it seems to me that there is a strong middle class African American community in OKC. As posted above, it is a city where all races are accepted and if you are educated and a good citizen race is not a factor.

[Mint Green]

Thanks for all your posts I really appreciate it. When I arrive I may have to check that church that was mentioned above. Because me and my family will be looking for a church home.

[flintysooner]

When I arrive I may have to check that church that was mentioned above. Because me and my family will be looking for a church home.

You would be warmly welcomed.

[rockyinyourradio]

I've visited many major metropolitan areas in this country and find Oklahoma City quite friendly overall to minorities... (which is a good thing because I have no tolerance for racists) When the time comes, please inquire about where to live around here because there are certain places in the OKC metro that you'll want to avoid. If your a church going person, there are lots of interracial churches in the area... mostly in the charismatic/pentecostal circles if thats your style.

Rockyinyourradio