Oklahoma City or Phoenix, AZ? (Tulsa, Edmond: environment, skyscraper, relocate)

[vegaspilgrim]

Hello everybody, I was wondering if you could help me out. I'm 26 y/o, I live in eastern Washington state, and I want to move on and live in a different region of the country and live in a big city (at least a million people). Right now I have an immediate awesome job opportunity available, which can take me to either Phoenix (Gilbert to be exact) and Oklahoma City (in the northwest part of town). It's been a long time but I have been to Phoenix before (I have some friends who moved out there), I remember I liked what I saw but I've never been to Oklahoma City before. I'm pretty sure Phoenix is hotter (I know they can get 120 degrees in the summer), but which city is better weather wise? Are tornadoes a big worry? From what I can tell by surfing the net, rent for apartments seems lower in OKC. Is this correct? Which of the two cities has the most going on? My friends tell me downtown Phoenix has nothing to do besides baseball games. I've heard the Bricktown area is pretty cool-- what do you guys say? Is Oklahoma City, especially the northwest area safe? My girlfriend wants to move out with me to whichever city I choose, so I want to make sure she'll be safe too. Are Oklahomans as nice as the reputation has it? I'm aware Oklahoma City is totally flat, which might take some getting used to, but I don't think I'll mind that much as long as there are some good lakes around for fishing and areas to go hiking. I'm not an outdoor nut, but I like doing things from time to time. I've seen pictures of the Ouchitas and they look pretty cool. Also, what about golf... does Oklahoma City have any decent courses that are reasonably affordable? So, overall, which city do you think is the best choice for me?

[DrinkGreen]

Phoenix may be hotter, but its usually a dry heat. Oklahoma's summers can be very humid. Also, I remember a couple summers as a teenager where they said Oklahoma's average temp was higher than NM or AZ.

Tornadoes are common, especially right now in the Spring. But if you read a couple of the Tornado themed threads, you'll learn that they are something to keep an eye out for but not to live your life in fear of. If your job is in NW OKC, you should be fine against the southerly tornadoes, but I'd steer clear of Bethany, OK as a place to live. It's usually on the hit list.

I wouldn't be suprised if OKC rent is cheaper. Cost of Living in Oklahoma, in any fashion, is usually one of the cheapest in the nation. Bricktown has baseball games (Minor), basketball games and concerts at the Ford Center, lots of places to eat, the riverwalk, and some clubs. I'm not a club hopper so I can't speak of the quality of the clubs in Bricktown. Oklahoma is trying to get the Seattle Sonics to relocate to OKC. If that happens, I would imagine lots of new things would open up down there.

when you talk about safety, define safe. Safe from the weather? Violent crime rate? Non-violent crime rate? NW OKC is usually considered a higher-end area, around the Lake Hefner area. But as with anywhere in the city, the scenery can change quickly.

Being in Oklahoma all my life, I don't know how to gauge our friendliness. I know I've never had problems making new friends, and have talked to plenty of people out of state who have moved and have tons of Oklahoma friends now. Oklahomans are typically very proud of their state. When someone wants to become an Oklahoman, usually natives are eager to welcome them.

Oklahoma can be VERY flat. But do a little google searching and you may find that Oklahoma has very diverse environments throughout the state. We have flat prairies, we have a sand dune desert, dense forests, small mountain ranges, and even some swamps. I think for a recreational hiker, there are some nice places to look into. And yes, we have many different lakes to hike, fish, and swim. If you feel like a very refreshing dip, I'd recommend the sulfur springs in Sulfur, OK. Even on the hottest day, the springs there are ice, ICE cold.

Finally, concerning golf. Again, define affordable. We have people coming down here from higher cost of living states, asking "I want a 3br 2bth house. I can only spend 300k" and then we all laugh because with that money you could by a small mansion in Oklahoma. So affordability is debatle depending on your cash flow. Quality wise, we have quite a few courses that I would consider nice plays. The best will probably fall mostly in Edmond, which isn't far from NW OKC. "Oak Tree Golf Club" is on the PGA tour if that says anything.

Hope all that helps.

[peggydavis]

I agree with you, DrinkGreen. I would rep you if it would let me.

midnight rambler, try reading the Phoenix forum too.

[Nameless]

The housing market is in a downfall in Phoenix and we are experience a turn up in housing here. Phoenix itself is much flatter than OKC, Phoenix may have mountains around it but the city is like a board. NE OKC is hilly in fact. Phoenix is growing too fast for it's own good. Sorry I can't elaborate on this post but I'm going to lunch. Do yourself a favor and steer clear of Phoenix.

[TU 'cane]

OKC's summers aren't as hot as Phoenix. It can get up to the triple digits though. Torandoes aren't that big of a worry, it's the same if you lived in Tulsa, Dallas, Fort Worth, Kansas City, Little Rock.. But overall weather wise OKC get's everything, snow, ice, rain etc... Phoenix or OKC will be completely different from Eastern Washington and you seem to know that. Phoenix is getting hit hard by the recession while OKC is the exact opposite. And OKC has a ton going for it right now. New iconic skyscraper coming, thousands of residential units going up in the downtown area, Ford Center renovations (it's only a matter of time before we get an NBA team), Core to Shore..OKC is flourishing pretty much. If I were you I would move to OKC. But that's just me, I don't care for the crime in Phoenix and as stated above, it's growing too fast for it's own good. And Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser are in NW OKC.

Here's an old but detailed look at what Core to Shore is. They've already began purchasing the land and the "Boulevard" is to be completed by 2012.

http://okc.gov/planning/coretoshore/...%20Meeting.pdf

And about golf courses, OKC has one that I know of that is under going renovations to compete for the PGA championship, or whatever it is. Bricktown continues to grow everyday and it's real nice, a lot to do. And of course the crime is not near as bad in OKC as it is in Phoenix. Most Oklahomans are real friendly, of course it probably varies where you go, OKC is known as "The Big Friendly". Also there's a "sticky" thread at the top of the sub forum labeled "OKC pics", I just looked at it and it seems to be nice, so if you're wanting to get to know a little more and see what it's like then I suggest you look at it.

I hope that helps you with your decision, and good luck!

[Synopsis]

Wow, what a bunch of good observations and well made points. I would choose OkC over Phoenix anyday but I am biased.. I usually like deserts, but mostly higher deserts like El Paso and Reno. Arizona is a beautiful state though.

As for Oklahoma City being flat. The west side of the city may be somewhat flat, but the eastern side of the city has numerous small hills.

[Cali_Okie_Girl]

just cause i love OK, i would pick OK but they have there differences...OK is somewhat flat but there are some hills..even Mountains near KS (Wichita Mountians) AZ as ive heard is more flat then OK and OK is known to be flat well then there is tornadoes but still...i did some research for u on each state..Arizona seems more dry and much more desert..OK has a variaty of weather

Arizona @ Your Service


this OK site is more there is what to do and see...i hope you come to OK and see what there is to offer!
TravelOK.com:* Official Oklahoma Tourism Info. Site

also its your desion where to live and what there is to offer for u in each state...if the job is better for u in AZ of course pick AZ...its just what fits you..not OK is for everybody and not AZ is for everybody..i mean im more of a NC girl myself but im here in Cali

[vegaspilgrim]

Thank you everyone for the great information so far! You guys really are nice! I would initially be renting an apartment (for at least 6 months). We go back and forth on this, but my g/f will probably be joining me within a few months of the move. TU 'cane, Core to Shore sounds really neat. It sounds like either city would be a good choice for golf. I also posted my question on the Phoenix site and what they're saying there about your city (several people moved to Phoenix from OKC) is kind of scaring me, I have to admit. Are ice storms very common there? Here we get a ton of snow, not so much ice though. I'm not totally freaked out about tornadoes; I say what's going to happen will happen, there's nothing you can do to change it, but driving on ice does scare me. Also, is Oklahoma City considered the Bible belt, as they are saying on the Phoenix site? Do you guys (and gals) consider yourselves the south, southwest, or midwest? Are there any special foods or traditions that make Oklahoma different? I've heard Oklahoma has a lot of Native American culture-- is that visible in Oklahoma City too? I'm trying to picture what it would be like. I really wish I could come down there to visit, but my company wants me to decide ASAP, since the training for the position starts in 3 weeks. I might be able to take a quick trip to OKC sometime in the next two weeks. To be honest, I'm leaning towards Phoenix, mainly because I know more about it, but I want to make sure I'm not turning down a good option. I'm going to keep doing a lot of research here. I appreciate all of your help.

[Nameless]

Originally Posted by midnight rambler

Thank you everyone for the great information so far! You guys really are nice! I would initially be renting an apartment (for at least 6 months). We go back and forth on this, but my g/f will probably be joining me within a few months of the move. TU 'cane, Core to Shore sounds really neat. It sounds like either city would be a good choice for golf. I also posted my question on the Phoenix site and what they're saying there about your city (several people moved to Phoenix from OKC) is kind of scaring me, I have to admit. Are ice storms very common there? Here we get a ton of snow, not so much ice though. I'm not totally freaked out about tornadoes; I say what's going to happen will happen, there's nothing you can do to change it, but driving on ice does scare me. Also, is Oklahoma City considered the Bible belt, as they are saying on the Phoenix site? Do you guys (and gals) consider yourselves the south, southwest, or midwest? Are there any special foods or traditions that make Oklahoma different? I've heard Oklahoma has a lot of Native American culture-- is that visible in Oklahoma City too? I'm trying to picture what it would be like. I really wish I could come down there to visit, but my company wants me to decide ASAP, since the training for the position starts in 3 weeks. I might be able to take a quick trip to OKC sometime in the next two weeks. To be honest, I'm leaning towards Phoenix, mainly because I know more about it, but I want to make sure I'm not turning down a good option. I'm going to keep doing a lot of research here. I appreciate all of your help.

Ice storms tend to happen almost every winter (some winters worse than others). You won't have to worry about driving on ice for more than a day or two, it's the power problems it can cause that you should concern yourself with.

Yes, it is in the bible belt. If that's not your thing though just go about your daily life and if someone asks you a question about going to a church just explain how you feel about it and they will accept it. Even though this is the bible belt, most people are excepting of everyone, especially in a metro like OKC, sometimes people make it out to be heaven, come on there's over a million people here, we have all types.

I hate labeling Oklahoma and especially OKC as a specific region. It really does have attributes of all those regions you listed above. If I had to say one more than the other it'd be Midwest. Agriculture is bigger in the country surrounding here than in places south and east. But really, you can make an argument for either of those regions. I don't understand why some people need to know what region we are, maybe because they are from a place like Iowa which is 100% Midwest and they can't understand not having a distinct identity.

It's whatever floats your boat. Yes, if you went to PHX you'd be turning down a good option, an excellent option that is. But, I've never even been to PHX so all I can tell you is stats and what I read online/see in the media. Maybe it's not terrible overall, but 115 degree weather for 3 months straight, tens of thousands of new residents a year and constant subdivisions as far as the eye can see are enough for me to discount it.

Don't be surprised by any of the responses you're getting from your post both on this thread and the thread you made in the PHX forum. Most people here have never even been to PHX, let alone lived there. It's a thousand miles away, way off most of our radars and vice versa with them I'm sure.

[yensid]

Maybe I can shed some light also hopefully. ?
I'm a Cali native who has been living around OKC for almost two years. I'm also agnostic (don't have a specific religion). Although this IS the bible belt, I would back up what the previous poster (nameless) said about the people. They are very nice and I don't really sense that "bible-beltish" feeling much. Unlike parts of Arkansas, you can get liquor at any time here, versus dry areas. Just mentioning it because it adds to a more laid back and less restricted culture to me. If you like a big city feel, where you will be around a vast variety of people (and lots of them), then phx could be more for you. If you like more a friendly, small town feel, then this may be more in your style.

Weather? ...if you can handle cold during the winter, you would be fine. Nameless was right on about the ice factor. Otherwise, from about the middle of December, towards the end of March, it's around freezing and windy here. I personally can't stand it being from Cali, but you are from Wash. One big thing (for me anyway) is the wind. Because it is very flat here, there is a lot of it. The summers here are great IMO.

So anyway, you are choosing between two very different places. Best of luck!