OKC University Neighborhood (Oklahoma City, Gate: hardwood floors, apartments, renter)

[Toxic Toast]

Hello Oklahoma City folks. I have a friend that will be relocating to OKC to attend Oklahoma City University. He wants to live close enough to walk to school, but would settle for north of 23rd Street, east and south of I-44, and west of I-235. Is that an ok area? He really wants to hear what locals think, ideally that live in that area. You can look at stats all you want, but that does not always tell the whole story. Thanks OKC folks!

[DrinkGreen]

There is a couple of "old town" or "historic" neighborhoods in the area you mentioned. I would consider them more of a bike ride to school more than a walk. But perhaps if you like walking it would be easy.

Tip for your friend though. I've never lived on 23rd, but I've had a few jobs there including OKCU itself. The further from 23rd you are, the better. When I worked at OKCU, they kept saying the university was the "jewel on 23rd" or something similiar. That's because 23rd, and most things attached to it is crap. You could see drug deals going on across the street from my office window.

The campus is safe, with security that is quick to respond. But stepping out onto 23rd street outside of school grounds is like stepping into a different area altogether.

[windowphobe]

There are some dubious apartments along 30th, north of OCU, but rentals aren't too hard to find around there.

South of 23rd you get into Gatewood and other nifty areas, but they tend to be pricey, and you still have to get across 23rd to get to campus.

[chasingclouds]

I really wouldnt say that the area he wants to live in would be within walking distance. While it is *very* true that 23rd in that area is urban especially around PENN. There are some areas that many students and okc metro working people and even familys live in that are up and coming or historic and well kept in which he can find a nice rental with hardwood floors, lots of time all bills paid in a nice building with other 20-30 somethings and students. Gatewood (across the street from the school south of 23rd), Paseo (google this one, lots of info)
edgemere park, and mesta park. I especially like paseo, edgemere park and I lived as a flat (called duplex here) renter in mesta park for 7 years and loved it.

[escantrell]

I attended OCU and lived in the area the entire time. I never, ever felt unsafe. True, it's not as "scrubbed clean" looking as a 'burb, but it is just fine. As a frame of reference, I am a female, blonde, tall.....whatever...I went all over and, once again, always felt safe. Does your friend just want an apartment? If so, there are apartments on campus and off campus Copperfield houses many, many OCU students. Off campus, there are a multitude of garage apartments, duplexes and small houses.

[Toxic Toast]

Thanks OKC folks!

He is wanting to be able to bike OR walk, either/or; as close to the university as possible. He is hoping to rent a house, but would rent an apartment if that is what is more readily available in the area. Is there a website that lists rental houses for OKC other than Craigslist or aprtment finder type websites?

[peggydavis]

Try the Oklahoman classifieds. Apts - OKC NW(12 listed)