looking for a SMALL town to head back to (Tulsa: real estate, military)

[RBH Automotive]

My wife and I are getting ready to leave the military after 10 years. We own and operate a small automotive service fully capable of tending to most any needs. We are both from VERY small towns which have now grown into uncomfortable cities(currently in El Paso, Tx (more like Mexico)).

We spent more than 6 years in Lawton with the Army and love Oklahoma. We are however looking for a truly SMALL town, maybe 3-6,000 residents. Just looking for some input from folks closer than we are.

I, of course will be looking for work as an auto-tech or an opportunity to continue operating our own service. So far we have looked into Stilwell, Atoka, Arkoma, Broken Arrow, a few others. Any volunteers to offer some info, or even maybe opportunity.

Thanks, Love the state your in, because believe me we have been around and the grass is NOT greener! If there is any at all.

Ray
RBH Automotive

[Synopsis]

There are lots and lots of small towns in Oklahoma. Atoka would fit the bill in regards to the population; I believe it is around 6,000 in population. It's also in a pretty part of the state (if you like hills and such). Broken Arrow is a suburb of Tulsa and probably wouldn't fit into your mental picture of a small town. I'm from Ada, although I don't live there anymore. It has a population of about 18,000, which may be a little too big for your taste. I hope this helps, and best of luck to you in your venture, and thanks for your service to our country.

[Grantcounty]

Small towns need good mechanics. I think if you wanted to be over by the Tulsa area that Cleveland OK wouldn't be a bad choice. Very small town atmosphere lots of trees and close to Keystone lake.
Over by the OKC area I think Okarche or Kingfisher are good bets. I think they will be growing once they are discoverd.
Perkins is also a nice smaller town too.

There are alot of nice smaller towns in OK but it's too bad they are not in very good economically anymore and you have to make a living...

[Jammie]

You may want to check into Grove. It is just the cutest town. I believe the population is near 7,000. If you like fishing or the water, it's the perfect spot. They'd also be in need of mechanics because it sounds like it's a pretty hot tourist destination in the summer.

[Harleygal1991]

Another option for you might be Arcadia, or Luther, OK. They are about 10 and 17 miles east of I-35 on the good old Mother Road, Rt. 66. They are both really small towns in need of mechanics. Both are growing, and have great people and good churches. Luther has its own schools (which are very good) and Arcadia kids go to nearby Edmond for education. Both are in a good proximity to hospitals and night life in OKC and surrounding area. Property prices continue to climb everywhere, but are fairly reasonable in both places. There are a lot of trees and hills right along there. You would be welcome.

[RBH Automotive]

Well thank you all for your help! We actually are now looking into Grove, What an INCREDIBLE place! Of course everything is just thought at this point but after some research and a few contacts things are looking up!

Anyone know people around the area that may be able to give some "need to know" kind of info? Maybe local auto services or the lack there of? We are still considering moving our operation with us but in small towns I would rather join in than compete.

Talk to ya later!

Ray

[Jammie]

I wish I could help you, but I don't know anyone there. As far as competing, I'm not sure it'd be a problem. They have a LOT of people who vacation there and I'm sure a few are in need of mechanical assistance. Do you work on boats? It seems like there are SO many boats there. I don't know if you're looking for a house, but we looked at a real estate book when we were there. They have a nice 2 bedroom/2 bath condo for sale at Megan's Cove. Since we weren't ready to move quite yet, we didn't call a realtor, but went to look at it. All we could do is peer in the beautiful wrought-iron gate there, but we saw a nice little waterfall with a nice little stream. They also have a pool. We thought the condo was fairly reasonable and it looked like a VERY nice community. Just so no one gets the wrong idea~ I'm NOT a realtor and I don't have any friend in Grove who is. We got a lot of our info from the manager at the motel we stayed at. May I suggest that you call one of the local motels or a manager at one of the restaurants? A lot of people in that type of business are very aware of things going on in their community because people who pass through always ask questions. Good luck and keep us posted as to how you're doing on this.

[Tyler]

Well, Vinita is close to Grove and has about 6,500 residents. It is about 20 minutes from Grove (Grand Lake) and is also about 30-45 minutes away from Oologah (OOH-luh-gah) Lake. Vinita also has some of the best schools in Northeast Oklahoma in both academics and athletics, just in case you have kids. We have a few mechanics in town, but none of them are very good at all. It has a really good small town atmosphere, but has pretty much everything you could need; Wal-Mart, McDonald's, Ace Hardware, Stage, Pizza Hut, Simple Simon's, Movie Gallery, and several banks. Well I hope this helped!

[RBH Automotive]

There are tons of great small areas out there. We are buying on Lake Eucha(keeping the boat on Grand Lake though), and buying all the property around us. My wife and I grew up in rural areas and don't like the thought of neighbors 10 feet away. Better than that most of the people moving that way from Ca. and such think that the small towns they find are truly country living. Those places are going to explode. We are just delaying the inevitable, but get what ya can! Out there it's almost like having your own private lake for now.........

[Grayghost]

Its already crowded around Grove.If your idea of architecture is metal buildings then Grove is your town .Grand Lake is one of the dirtiest lakes in the ozarks.They should call it Brown or Big Murky.