[Carolinemoveswhere?]

Can I just say thank you already to anyone who responds. I hope you don't think that this is just another question like so many others...should we move to your state. But I am so TORN! Other questions like this, they just haven't fit my family. So, here goes..... begging for some of that good ole Okie spirit of hospitality!

In a nut shell, this is my fam:

I am part time university instructor (few courses each year). DH has his MBA and owns a commercial construction company. (mostly medical offices) Kids are young, 5 and 8. Attend a private Christian school. We are evangelical Christians. Kids very bright and need to be challenged in school, so school districts are big concern. We would like to try public school, but it's just not an option here.

We are from CA, but love visiting family in Seminole County. (My mom's cousins husband affectionately refers to my DH as the "CA Redneck") Their friends are so friendly and welcoming. We would like a dose of conservatism, I mostly have to keep my political leanings and religion hidden at work.

We have gotten to know several people in OK, as we own some property there. (some rentals that will one day serve us in retirement) We have looked at Edmond, but are open to other areas, too. I like more hilly than flat.

We are just tired of the crime, politics, hustle and bustle, etc. (in our town of 32,000 people alone, there have been 34 drive by shootings since the beginning of the year, according to a sergeant police officer we know) I literally have to throw my little one into the car seat when at the mall because it's recommended that you don't turn your back on your surroundings. We haven't been to the snow in years and only saw the ocean once in the last year. Who has the money???

We crave a more family-friendly place, where neighbors get together for football parties and kids can play outside. (hey we already love the Sooners! I got to fly out for the Red River Rivalry with my girlfriend this year!) We make friends fairly easily, DH and I are both extroverts and our kids are into everything.

So what do you think? Did our relatives make a mistake when they moved out west during the Dust Bowl-era? Should we move back to make things right? Tell me the truth, the good bad and ugly for our family.

[eddie gein]

Sounds like you would do well in Oklahoma with your conservative outlook.

I think you then need to look at whether you want to be in a suburban community or a free standing type town.

[peggydavis]

If you have already spent time in Oklahoma and liked it you are one step ahead, since you know somewhat what you will be getting into.

Edmond schools are not the only good schools in Oklahoma. The published test scores reflect a lot of the affluence of an area. Many small towns have great schools, but the town may not be as affluent as Edmond is.

Why not take a look at Seminole? You have built in friends, & Seminole State College where you could teach a few classes.

[Beach143]

I suggest Edmond. The schools are great, you can go for public schools in Edmond, I suggest living on the North side of Edmond, the schools are really good on the north side, but all of Edmond is nice

[Mattie Jo]

You will not be making a mistake moving to Oklahoma. If you prefer hills then I would go east to either Grove or Tahlequah. Tahlequah has a college. I think Grove has a few hills, not sure. We don't have much here, but not as flat as Edmond area. Still I think that the OKC area is really pretty. And I think you may wish to be closer to relatives, but I am not sure. I don't know where Seminole is located. New from CA myself just a year and 4 months ago.