Moving from Louisiana to OKC - big difference? (Oklahoma City, Stillwater: for sale, job)

[LBurry]

I can't speak for OKC but for Oklahoma in general. I live in the NE part of the state. We moved here in 2002 from New Orleans and it was a welcome move for us. Louisiana is very much like a third world country with filth, corruption, and crime.... I've heard that it's far worse since the Katrina disaster.

In Oklahoma, you'll not likely find the "chip on the shoulder" and deeply imbedded anger that so many folks in Louisiana have. After living here for a few years, you'll be considered an "okie." In Louisiana, you'll always be an outsider even if you live there for decades. Most folks in Oklahoma are genuinely friendly and welcoming to all. We found that when we moved here, our auto insurance was cut in half and the general cost of living was far less than New Orleans.

Incidentally, I'm originally from Oklahoma and simply returned home in 2002 after being gone for 28 years. Good luck with you move.

[Lillywhite]

wasteofpaint, I'm going to be taking an academic position - assistant professor. Where do you work if you don't mind my asking?

LBurry, very interesting to hear your thoughts. I couldn't agree more with you regarding the 'outsider' thing - I've been here for four years and have rarely managed to penetrate the local culture. The first things people want to know on meeting you are what your second name is (i.e. are you a Cormier, a LaBlanc, a Broussard, etc.), where you went to high school, and what church you go to. I've had incidents where people have told me not to forget I'm not from Louisiana, as if that means I'm not entitled to an opinion on the place.

It's definitely looking like I'll be taking the position at OUHSC now so I'm really looking forward to the move.

[TU 'cane]

Originally Posted by Lillywhite

wasteofpaint, I'm going to be taking an academic position - assistant professor. Where do you work if you don't mind my asking?

LBurry, very interesting to hear your thoughts. I couldn't agree more with you regarding the 'outsider' thing - I've been here for four years and have rarely managed to penetrate the local culture. The first things people want to know on meeting you are what your second name is (i.e. are you a Cormier, a LaBlanc, a Broussard, etc.), where you went to high school, and what church you go to. I've had incidents where people have told me not to forget I'm not from Louisiana, as if that means I'm not entitled to an opinion on the place.

It's definitely looking like I'll be taking the position at OUHSC now so I'm really looking forward to the move.

That's great to hear. I hope you choose wisely and good luck to you.

[wasteofpaint]

Originally Posted by Lillywhite

wasteofpaint, I'm going to be taking an academic position - assistant professor. Where do you work if you don't mind my asking?

LBurry, very interesting to hear your thoughts. I couldn't agree more with you regarding the 'outsider' thing - I've been here for four years and have rarely managed to penetrate the local culture. The first things people want to know on meeting you are what your second name is (i.e. are you a Cormier, a LaBlanc, a Broussard, etc.), where you went to high school, and what church you go to. I've had incidents where people have told me not to forget I'm not from Louisiana, as if that means I'm not entitled to an opinion on the place.

It's definitely looking like I'll be taking the position at OUHSC now so I'm really looking forward to the move.

Sorry today is the first day I thought to check this forum again. I work for OU Children's Physicians. But it's under the OUHSC umbrella. In fact, our doctors serve as faculty at the Health Sciences Center. Congratulations on that position, I think you will really like it here in Oklahoma and at OUHSC. Good luck!

[imbubbles]

If you don't have kids then and not a lot of nice stuff then moving basically anywhere is ok. If you cherish your stuff move to the outskirts of okc. But not del city or mwc. It has become bad there. Mustang, Yukon, Edmond, Moore, and Norman would be the safest to move. I am from Hartlepool. I haven't been there for 27 or more years. But here is better than there. I can say that. My dads side of the family is there my moms are here. Both sides are snobbish. DOn't know why. They have no reason to be. LOL But even though we have problems here the people here are not as arrogent.

[jteezcj]

Originally Posted by imbubbles

If you don't have kids then and not a lot of nice stuff then moving basically anywhere is ok. If you cherish your stuff move to the outskirts of okc. But not del city or mwc. It has become bad there. Mustang, Yukon, Edmond, Moore, and Norman would be the safest to move. I am from Hartlepool. I haven't been there for 27 or more years. But here is better than there. I can say that. My dads side of the family is there my moms are here. Both sides are snobbish. DOn't know why. They have no reason to be. LOL But even though we have problems here the people here are not as arrogent.

I was raised in Moore, it has its good and bad spots there also, west Moore is nice, would be a little bit of a drive for you in not so good traffic, I have lived in Midwest City for 2 years now and have NEVER had a problem, I live in a middle class neighborhood and drive a very nice Expedition, have never had an issue, Del City on the other hand is getting a little rough and the further north you are in MWC, down by the base is not too bad. If your working at OUHSC, Norman would be a crazy drive for you everyday due to I-35 traffic. There is a historic area close to OUHSC that is nice, but it is hard to find anything reasonable there that is really safe. Good luck to you!

[SteviePee2]

Originally Posted by Lillywhite

Hi everyone. I've just finished a Ph.D. in Lafayette, La, and am considering taking a job at the OU Health Sciences Center in OKC. I just have a few questions that I'm hoping some of you might be able to help me with.

1). I'm a young, male, originally from England and have found it extremely difficult to settle in Louisiana. I have found the culture to be insular, the politics to be extremely non-progressive, and have encounted racism, sexism, and general bigotry. The state as a whole also seems to be very poverty stricken, and the general scenery is bleak. I'm really hoping that it will be a different story in OKC. When I visited for interview I was impressed but was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this.

2). Given that I'd be working at OUHSC, where would anybody recommend for a first apartment. I'm 25 but want somewhere fairly peaceful for about 6 months until I can find somewhere more permanent to live.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Oklahoma: Imagine Louisiana with roads...albeit not very good ones and you would pretty much be right on.. My wife and I moved here from Minnesota about a year ago when I accepted a job as a contract instructor for "a major university". We moved here with the idea that we would stay for a year and then move on to bigger and better things. Well a year is up and we are both aquiver with the thought of getting the heck out of here (40 days and counting).

Let me say right off that the highlight of our stay has been the people. Most of them are genuinely friendly and well meaning. Things begin to fall off after that. So looking at things through the eyes of a 25 year old (of which I am not) here is our take on OKC.

Culture: "The Arts" are overall extremely weak in OKC and do not appear to be very well supported. Aside from a coven of the "piercing and tatto" crowd down in "The Paseo District" (you don't want to be there after dark) there isn't really anything approaching young and vibrant. Major theatre and dance events are few. Major (rock) concerts do make it occasionally make it through OKC...Usually on a Wed or Thu night...and usually some washed up band from the 70's. I think what happens is that these bands figure since they HAVE to drive through OKC on the way to a show in Dallas, why not unload the truck and make a few bucks on the way. That being said the local music scene DOES have some shining stars. Talented musicians, many of whom play a variety of music know as "red dirt". The blues are also well represented in the local music scene. Most of the "clubs" we have been to have been kind of "sketchy"...i.e. dark little juke-joints with two or three barmaids and 30 guys waiting around for their girlfriends behind the bar to get off work. Many bars only serve a variety of beer known as "3.2"...in other words watered down beer. Dining is really hit and miss. If you are into Tex-Mex food then you will be in heaven. There are over 300 restaurants in the phone book with "Taco" in there name. On the other hand there are over 150 "Sonic" drive-in restaurants, so a good "cheeeeleee-dawg" is never more than a block away. My wife and I (being foodies) have made an effort to try most of the establishments listed on virtually every "top 10 list" we have came across and have had a "hit and miss" experience...mostly "miss". For example they are big out here on a place called "Cattleman's Steakhouse". Our take on this place was that it was a half a notch below what you would be served in some "chain" restaraunt off any freeway exit in America.

Politics: If your political leanings are to the right of center then you will fit right in here...particularly if you are evangelical. If not, well they won't hesititate to let you know that your views aren't particularly welcome and in fact are downright WRONG. On the rare occasion that they DO elect someone not from the Republican party they make sure to prominately post this persons picture as evidence that they are in fact "progressive" and not prejudiced (I'm joking...since there are no democrats in Oklahoma).

Infastructure/etc: The roads are falling apart. Public transportation (compared to most cities) is non-existent. They are building (some) new and attractive homes at reasonable prices but that being said the overall existing housing stock is becoming quite dilapidated. Most cities I've lived in have had a "good side of the tracks" and a "bad side of the tracks" (for lack of a better discription). Not so here in Oklahoma City. Here you can have an awesome neighborhood with lovely sidewalks and beautiful homes and a quarter of a mile away a neighborhood of dilapidated properties in a neighborhood that you wouldn't want to walk through at night. Very disconcerting, particularly for new residents. One thing I have found to be quite disturbing...and I'm not sure that this is a major problem...just one that gets my goat. Four times in the past couple of months I have witnessed LARGE dogs that have been killed by vehicles crossing major city intersections. In each case the poor animals have somehow been thrown to the curb and LAYED there rotting for weeks on end. I've lived in a lot of places but I've NEVER lived in a place where THAT is allowed to go on.

In short, if going to the Walmart and "people watching" is your thing. Or if the idea of sitting on the side of the road counting White pick up trucks appeals to you, then by ALL means this is the end of the rainbow. Otherwise I would look elswhere for my place in the sun. Sorry if my discriptions have offended any long time OKC residents...Then again perhaps it is a good thing to know how your fair city is perceived by others. Through realization could come motivation and through motivation could come improvement.

SteviePee

[Bass&Catfish2008]

Originally Posted by SteviePee2

Oklahoma: Imagine Louisiana with roads...albeit not very good ones and you would pretty much be right on.. My wife and I moved here from Minnesota about a year ago when I accepted a job as a contract instructor for "a major university". We moved here with the idea that we would stay for a year and then move on to bigger and better things. Well a year is up and we are both aquiver with the thought of getting the heck out of here (40 days and counting).

Let me say right off that the highlight of our stay has been the people. Most of them are genuinely friendly and well meaning. Things begin to fall off after that. So looking at things through the eyes of a 25 year old (of which I am not) here is our take on OKC.

Culture: "The Arts" are overall extremely weak in OKC and do not appear to be very well supported. Aside from a coven of the "piercing and tatto" crowd down in "The Paseo District" (you don't want to be there after dark) there isn't really anything approaching young and vibrant. Major theatre and dance events are few. Major (rock) concerts do make it occasionally make it through OKC...Usually on a Wed or Thu night...and usually some washed up band from the 70's. I think what happens is that these bands figure since they HAVE to drive through OKC on the way to a show in Dallas, why not unload the truck and make a few bucks on the way. That being said the local music scene DOES have some shining stars. Talented musicians, many of whom play a variety of music know as "red dirt". The blues are also well represented in the local music scene. Most of the "clubs" we have been to have been kind of "sketchy"...i.e. dark little juke-joints with two or three barmaids and 30 guys waiting around for their girlfriends behind the bar to get off work. Many bars only serve a variety of beer known as "3.2"...in other words watered down beer. Dining is really hit and miss. If you are into Tex-Mex food then you will be in heaven. There are over 300 restaurants in the phone book with "Taco" in there name. On the other hand there are over 150 "Sonic" drive-in restaurants, so a good "cheeeeleee-dawg" is never more than a block away. My wife and I (being foodies) have made an effort to try most of the establishments listed on virtually every "top 10 list" we have came across and have had a "hit and miss" experience...mostly "miss". For example they are big out here on a place called "Cattleman's Steakhouse". Our take on this place was that it was a half a notch below what you would be served in some "chain" restaraunt off any freeway exit in America.

Politics: If your political leanings are to the right of center then you will fit right in here...particularly if you are evangelical. If not, well they won't hesititate to let you know that your views aren't particularly welcome and in fact are downright WRONG. On the rare occasion that they DO elect someone not from the Republican party they make sure to prominately post this persons picture as evidence that they are in fact "progressive" and not prejudiced (I'm joking...since there are no democrats in Oklahoma).

Infastructure/etc: The roads are falling apart. Public transportation (compared to most cities) is non-existent. They are building (some) new and attractive homes at reasonable prices but that being said the overall existing housing stock is becoming quite dilapidated. Most cities I've lived in have had a "good side of the tracks" and a "bad side of the tracks" (for lack of a better discription). Not so here in Oklahoma City. Here you can have an awesome neighborhood with lovely sidewalks and beautiful homes and a quarter of a mile away a neighborhood of dilapidated properties in a neighborhood that you wouldn't want to walk through at night. Very disconcerting, particularly for new residents. One thing I have found to be quite disturbing...and I'm not sure that this is a major problem...just one that gets my goat. Four times in the past couple of months I have witnessed LARGE dogs that have been killed by vehicles crossing major city intersections. In each case the poor animals have somehow been thrown to the curb and LAYED there rotting for weeks on end. I've lived in a lot of places but I've NEVER lived in a place where THAT is allowed to go on.

In short, if going to the Walmart and "people watching" is your thing. Or if the idea of sitting on the side of the road counting White pick up trucks appeals to you, then by ALL means this is the end of the rainbow. Otherwise I would look elswhere for my place in the sun. Sorry if my discriptions have offended any long time OKC residents...Then again perhaps it is a good thing to know how your fair city is perceived by others. Through realization could come motivation and through motivation could come improvement.

SteviePee

ROTFLOL....Given your attitude, it is my humble hillbilly opinion (albeit completely uninformed and uneducated as you have so succinctly pointed out) that you have done nothing to improve OKC. Good luck on your move and hopefully the next city will be able to handle your negativity;-)

[TU 'cane]

I see someone up there complaining about reps and dems.

Mick is republican right? Look at what he's done to OKC. Totally revamped it and made it a new city.

Look at Kathy in Tulsa, a democrat. What has she done? She likes the Arabian Horse show. Yes Kathy does.

[happytown]

Originally Posted by SteviePee2

Oklahoma: Imagine Louisiana with roads...albeit not very good ones and you would pretty much be right on.. My wife and I moved here from Minnesota about a year ago when I accepted a job as a contract instructor for "a major university". We moved here with the idea that we would stay for a year and then move on to bigger and better things. Well a year is up and we are both aquiver with the thought of getting the heck out of here (40 days and counting).

Let me say right off that the highlight of our stay has been the people. Most of them are genuinely friendly and well meaning. Things begin to fall off after that. So looking at things through the eyes of a 25 year old (of which I am not) here is our take on OKC.

Culture: "The Arts" are overall extremely weak in OKC and do not appear to be very well supported. Aside from a coven of the "piercing and tatto" crowd down in "The Paseo District" (you don't want to be there after dark) there isn't really anything approaching young and vibrant. Major theatre and dance events are few. Major (rock) concerts do make it occasionally make it through OKC...Usually on a Wed or Thu night...and usually some washed up band from the 70's. I think what happens is that these bands figure since they HAVE to drive through OKC on the way to a show in Dallas, why not unload the truck and make a few bucks on the way. That being said the local music scene DOES have some shining stars. Talented musicians, many of whom play a variety of music know as "red dirt". The blues are also well represented in the local music scene. Most of the "clubs" we have been to have been kind of "sketchy"...i.e. dark little juke-joints with two or three barmaids and 30 guys waiting around for their girlfriends behind the bar to get off work. Many bars only serve a variety of beer known as "3.2"...in other words watered down beer. Dining is really hit and miss. If you are into Tex-Mex food then you will be in heaven. There are over 300 restaurants in the phone book with "Taco" in there name. On the other hand there are over 150 "Sonic" drive-in restaurants, so a good "cheeeeleee-dawg" is never more than a block away. My wife and I (being foodies) have made an effort to try most of the establishments listed on virtually every "top 10 list" we have came across and have had a "hit and miss" experience...mostly "miss". For example they are big out here on a place called "Cattleman's Steakhouse". Our take on this place was that it was a half a notch below what you would be served in some "chain" restaraunt off any freeway exit in America.

Politics: If your political leanings are to the right of center then you will fit right in here...particularly if you are evangelical. If not, well they won't hesititate to let you know that your views aren't particularly welcome and in fact are downright WRONG. On the rare occasion that they DO elect someone not from the Republican party they make sure to prominately post this persons picture as evidence that they are in fact "progressive" and not prejudiced (I'm joking...since there are no democrats in Oklahoma).

Infastructure/etc: The roads are falling apart. Public transportation (compared to most cities) is non-existent. They are building (some) new and attractive homes at reasonable prices but that being said the overall existing housing stock is becoming quite dilapidated. Most cities I've lived in have had a "good side of the tracks" and a "bad side of the tracks" (for lack of a better discription). Not so here in Oklahoma City. Here you can have an awesome neighborhood with lovely sidewalks and beautiful homes and a quarter of a mile away a neighborhood of dilapidated properties in a neighborhood that you wouldn't want to walk through at night. Very disconcerting, particularly for new residents. One thing I have found to be quite disturbing...and I'm not sure that this is a major problem...just one that gets my goat. Four times in the past couple of months I have witnessed LARGE dogs that have been killed by vehicles crossing major city intersections. In each case the poor animals have somehow been thrown to the curb and LAYED there rotting for weeks on end. I've lived in a lot of places but I've NEVER lived in a place where THAT is allowed to go on.

In short, if going to the Walmart and "people watching" is your thing. Or if the idea of sitting on the side of the road counting White pick up trucks appeals to you, then by ALL means this is the end of the rainbow. Otherwise I would look elswhere for my place in the sun. Sorry if my discriptions have offended any long time OKC residents...Then again perhaps it is a good thing to know how your fair city is perceived by others. Through realization could come motivation and through motivation could come improvement.

SteviePee

Your opinion is out dated and a bit harsh, but thats okay your probably a Hornet or former Sonics fan! Lots of hatred towards OKC these days coming from two major cities, because of the NBA. Pathetic.