A few questions - relocation from IOWA (Oklahoma City, Stillwater: agriculture, apartment complex)

[Northern Traveler]

I have quite a few questions, please be patient!!

I'm seriously considering relocating from the Des Moines area of Iowa to (maybe) OKC. I am at a community college right now for my first year, and would consider transferring to a community college in OKC next year, so I can establish residency so I wouldn't have to pay out of state when I transfer to a university after. (I'm hoping OK is like most states where you only have to live there one year to be a resident, info on this is appreciated.)

After I get my gen. eds. out of the way I will transfer to a university, haven't decided on my major yet, maybe some sort of business, or agriculture/agribusiness. Like, I said - this is up in the air. But I'm curious, are there plenty of good 4 yr colleges and universities in the OKC metro area? Any you guys would recommend?

Also! Part of the reason I am looking to relocate is because I want to live in a more conservative area and I know Oklahoma is known for being conservative. But I know cities can differ from their states sometimes - so is OKC as a whole conservative? or is this more rural OK?

I don't mind diversity, but one thing I will not tolerate is being around thug-like behavior or gangster acting people... is this a huge problem in Oklahoma? Greater Des Moines is very safe and I would like to move somewhere that I can have that same sense of security.. Also, I've been to Texas quite a bit and sometimes they're not so friendly to out of staters or Northerners like Iowans... is this the case in Oklahoma? Will I have to try to hide my Northern Iowa accent and start saying "y'all?"

From what I have seen, the main campus for OCCC is near the airport, I would probably want an apartment (around 650 or less if possible) in a suburban type of area around here. Is this a safe area? I'm going to check out apartmentfinder but info on here is great too.

OK!! I realize this is wayy to many questions for one thread, but guys! I need help! It's not like I can just drive down for the weekend, that's why this site is great! Please provide me with as much info as possible and I will definitely be giving out rep points. I'm sure I'll have more questions.

Thank you!!

[colleeng47]

Ok, let's see if we can help y'all

No, you don't have to say y'all to live here.

Colleges: OCCC is a very good community college. The area it is located in is very safe, and there are apartment complexes very close to the school where I'm sure you can find something for yourself for $650 or less.

OSU (Oklahoma State University) has an excellent Agricultural department. They even have a competitive equine team. -- They also have a great football team, but I dont' say that too loud on this forum since most posters are OU fans! OSU's main campus is located in Stillwater, north of OKC. There is another poster here who lives in Stillwater, and could probably give you a lot of good info on that city.

OKC is a major city -- not rural. I mean, parts of it, like the outskirts are more rural than city, but make no mistake, this is a real city. Like any large city there are good parts and bad parts, but the good parts definitely dominate. The gang problem from what I've seen is not that horrible compared to some cities. The gang activity seems to be centered in mostly the southwest part of the city.

Are Okies friendly? Wow. I've lived in NJ, GA, NV, AZ, CA, and CO before moving here. I find friendly people wherever I go (even when I worked in NYC), but OK beats them all. You won't have any problems here with being an out-of-stater, or having an accent, or whatever.

I know there will be other posters who can give you some info. Good luck with your move!

[Northern Traveler]

Thank you VERY much colleen... anyone else? lol

I'm thinking I would transfer to University of Oklahoma after OCCC ... I was also considering meteorology.

Anyone else have advice?

[colleeng47]

Originally Posted by Northern Traveler

Thank you VERY much colleen... anyone else? lol

I'm thinking I would transfer to University of Oklahoma after OCCC ... I was also considering meteorology.

Anyone else have advice?

If you're considering Meteorology than OU is definitely the best school you could go to.

[Northern Traveler]

I'm really undecided about the college and major. But I'm still looking for info on the area because it seems ideal for me. I've been looking into Mid America Christian University and Oklahoma Christian University as well.

[colleeng47]

Originally Posted by Northern Traveler

I'm really undecided about the college and major. But I'm still looking for info on the area because it seems ideal for me. I've been looking into Mid America Christian University and Oklahoma Christian University as well.

Well once you get here, and enrolled in OCCC, you'll be able to visit all the schools you're interested in.

[whiteandright2]

Hello,
My boyfriend moved here from Newton, IA back in 1990. He had only $600 in his pocket and a small pickup. He has prospered to the extent that I can tell you, without a doubt, that you need to quit talking about it and do it. He stopped in Yukon, OK and has been here ever since. He attended Des Moines Area Community College also. He started his own business about 10 or 12 years ago in El Reno and moved it into Oklahoma City about 5 years ago. Very good thinking on your part. Don't be afraid. Just do it! It worked for him and has really payed off$$$$.

[Northern Traveler]

Originally Posted by whiteandright2

Hello,
My boyfriend moved here from Newton, IA back in 1990. He had only $600 in his pocket and a small pickup. He has prospered to the extent that I can tell you, without a doubt, that you need to quit talking about it and do it. He stopped in Yukon, OK and has been here ever since. He attended Des Moines Area Community College also. He started his own business about 10 or 12 years ago in El Reno and moved it into Oklahoma City about 5 years ago. Very good thinking on your part. Don't be afraid. Just do it! It worked for him and has really payed off$$$$.

how funny to hear from someone so close to home, especially considering i go to dmacc! what was it that attracted your bf to Oklahoma? Do you have any info on the area regarding my questions in the orginal post?

thanks

[Goodpasture]

Originally Posted by Northern Traveler

..........what was it that attracted your bf to Oklahoma?

You kidding? How many Miss America's have come from Iowa? Oklahoma has had six............

[Northern Traveler]

Originally Posted by Goodpasture

You kidding? How many Miss America's have come from Iowa? Oklahoma has had six............

Hahahha .... ok ok ... point taken lol