Terrain around Oklahoma City (Tulsa, Norman: violent crime, employment, taxes)

[Mattie Jo]

Now, I happen to love New Orleans and have been there several times. I have often thought of living there, but not any more. Miami is beautiful too.

Griffis', being that you are young, I can understand your feelings. I am not for Bush, but I don't get into political discussions with people. I actually don't get into politics at all.

If we move there I may complain about the heat too, but at this moment we are having 100 degree weather with 80 percent humidity in San Diego CO. Not on the coast. This year it even went to 115.

As far as perfect climate and perfect politics go, you can't beat Berkeley, CA but homes are expensive, traffic is horrific. Just too crowded.

I imagine that people can find alot wrong with the area east of Tulsa.

[IGotJack]

Okay, despite what some posters have to say, we ADORE OKC! What I love most is that despite the fact that it's a good size city, there's TONS of land smack in the middle of it all! Just random land with nothing built, or plans to build there. Plus all the parks are wonderful!

Oklahoma City and the Edmond area are really beautiful. And Oklahoma in general is VERY pretty, especially come spring and autumn. Yes, it's not the most beautiful scenerie I've ever seen in my life, but stunning none the less. And yes, we have rolling hills. Not mountains, but gorgeous plains and hills. I've been to almost every other state and I think there is good and bad to all of them. But I'm not generally a negative Nellie either.

The tornados, for the most part, are not as bad as they seem. Yes, they can be definitely! But I've lived in Oklahoma my entire life and have only hidden from them twice, never actually been effected by them. Tends to be when we get the warnings, we run outside to watch for them.

I lived in Tulsa for 16 years, been in OKC for 5. I prefer OKC by far. Tulsa has grown too much. They have teeny streets for the gianormous vehicles out now, and you can sit in traffic for 3 hours before you make it home! Crazy. My parents still live there. I invite them here a lot. lol.

[Ponderosa]

Jessaka: I have been through OK many times in the last year and spent over 50 days in the Tahlequah area looking at properties, dealing with realtors, contractors, the water company, etc. The people are nice, the town is clean and attractive, and the politics is actually a little odd for what you would expect being in OK. I get the local paper via mail everyday and the editiorials constantly blast the current administration. Most of the local positions are held by (gasp!) democrats. It is truly refreshing to read the editorials as that kind of perspective is non-existent in AZ papers. Like you, though, I don't really care about politics anymore. I have never been asked what church I go to, they don't have religious posters on the front lawns like in MO and I see people of many colors in the local Walmart - especially Indians. For the most part, people of different socio-economic groups live close together and there is no "de-facto" school segregation. All that suits me just fine. As Griffis points out, they love the local sports teams. It's a softball/baseball-nuts place. Their teams are national champions in these sports. Bring your glove!

As far as Tenkiller Lake goes, Griffis, you are misinformed about its water clarity. Tenkiller is clear as glass. They have several scuba centers around the lake. What you look at in a fresh water lake I don't know, but the water clarity is remarkable. As for scenery there, well we've got lakes in AZ that will blow away anything in MI, WI, or MN short of L. Superior and Tenkiller, while no Apache Lake, AZ is downright attractive. It is not developed along the shore and is surrounded by high bluffs. It looks very "western" unlike the shallow depth, home-studded shores of midwestern lakes. It's also ice-free year round. It is truly a gem and you ought to drive over some time and have a look.

Back on topic, OKC is flat to rolling terrain. It's got more trees than AZ, but an easterner would find it a tad barren. Things begin to green up to the east with more and more trees. One thing OKC does have is lower humidity. I feel that whenever I drive through the area. OKC kind of reminds me of Phoenix, though, with its flat terrain and strip development look. Beats Amarillo!

[Sooner-On-The-Move]

Ever see Son In Law, where Pauly Shore goes, "Middle aMERica!" ? Well, that's what you get around OKC.

[Nameless]

Originally Posted by IGotJack

Okay, despite what some posters have to say, we ADORE OKC! What I love most is that despite the fact that it's a good size city, there's TONS of land smack in the middle of it all! Just random land with nothing built, or plans to build there. Plus all the parks are wonderful!

Oklahoma City and the Edmond area are really beautiful. And Oklahoma in general is VERY pretty, especially come spring and autumn. Yes, it's not the most beautiful scenerie I've ever seen in my life, but stunning none the less. And yes, we have rolling hills. Not mountains, but gorgeous plains and hills. I've been to almost every other state and I think there is good and bad to all of them. But I'm not generally a negative Nellie either.

The tornados, for the most part, are not as bad as they seem. Yes, they can be definitely! But I've lived in Oklahoma my entire life and have only hidden from them twice, never actually been effected by them. Tends to be when we get the warnings, we run outside to watch for them.

I lived in Tulsa for 16 years, been in OKC for 5. I prefer OKC by far. Tulsa has grown too much. They have teeny streets for the gianormous vehicles out now, and you can sit in traffic for 3 hours before you make it home! Crazy. My parents still live there. I invite them here a lot. lol.

Thank you for saying what I've been trying to say all along.


Ponderosa, how does Phoenix compare to OKC? I see little resemblance.

[Griffis]

Hey, Nameless, I know you didn't ask me, but I used to live in AZ and was in Phoenix a lot. I know I've slagged Oklahoma and OKC, but I'd take OKC over Phoenix ANY DAY.

Some people love that desert/southwestern look, but I thought Phoenix was WAY too big and plain ugly. When I was there, really high crime too.\

I don't really see how you'd compare the two cities. Phoenix looks a little cleaner, and it's easier to get around (it's a very grid-like city setup), but I really didn't like it at all.

[recipecard]

Well, I have lived in Oklahoma (city) all my life. I love it here. I guess I'm just used to it, but I do not think it is a hell hole.

just my .02 cents

[Griffis]

recipecard,

I'm glad you like living in the OKC area. But I can tell you, if you think it's a NICE area, you need to get out more.

[Synopsis]

I've been out about as much as anyone on this board, if not more. I've lived all over, even outside of the U.S. I am from Oklahoma, and of course that is where my heart is.

Although OKC isn't my favorite part of Oklahoma, it IS NOT a hell hole. I consider Tulsa my adopted hometown after living there for 4 years in the 80s. A place is what you make it, and what your heart desires. Personally, I love Tulsa, and as I've said, I've lived all over. OKC, although not my first preference, has alot going for it as well. It's a pet peeve of mine that when I hear people bash someplace (while they live there) then they should just get up and move if it isn't so great. Then there's the standard reply, "My family lives here, but I'm outta here as soon as possible." Well, pick up your family and move! Unless (God forbid) THEY think it is nice there. There are good and bad places anywhere you go. If you want to live like a bum for 60k a year in NYC, go live there. Personally, I'd rather live like a King for 60K a year in OKC or Tulsa, or even Topeka, Kansas for that matter than a city crammed with 12 million people.

[artz1]

Moderator cut: No personal attacks I moved here from Kansas just over a year ago and thought I would hate OKC, but I was wrong. No, it is not the prettiest city and the traffic/drivers are just plain nuts, but there are pros and cons no matter where you live. I've been a lot of places and even paradise has its drawbacks!