[Melanie30]

My fiance just got accepted to OU Norman for grad school and we're seriously considering moving by August 2008. We visited the campus and it seemed very nice, although the flatness of OK is kind of disconcerting (PA is full of hills and snow). Anyway, everywhere I look on the internet I find apartments, and I was wondering where I could find a house for rent. If possible around $500 or $600 a month. Plus we got a black lab that will cannot be left behind, and everthing I see says no pets. He's the best dog that doesn't really bark or mess with anyone.

I was also wondering what the counseling field is like down there. I just got my masters in counseling and will be looking for a job somewhere in the region. I see a lot of bi-lingual postings but my Spanish sucks lol.

Thanks for the answers, Mel

[TU 'cane]

Well it depends where you are in OK when it comes to "flatness", NE Oklahoma is full of hills, SE Oklahoma has mountains, the west and panhandle have plateaus and mesas.. But I do understand what you're saying.

[Melanie30]

I only got to be in Oklahoma for 48 hours, so it is difficult to judge a whole state in such a short period of time. I did some research and seen that there is a lake right near Norman, which I would have never known was there. That actually made me feel much better, lol. We're almost definately moving to OK now so I'm trying to find out as much about it as I can. We're kind of outdoorsy people, and I was wondering also about different parks in the Norman area. Any suggestions on things to do in Norman.

I know the job seach from so far away is going to be difficult, but hey, what are you going to do.

[peggydavis]

Lake Thunderbird is a state park with the usual boating, sailing, water skiing, and trails for biking & horses.

If you like to watch or play sports there is plenty of that in Norman.

People jog & ride bikes in Norman, and there are all the bars etc. that college students like.

[Melanie30]

Does anyone think that it is better to live outside of the college town? I'm 30 so I don't want to live in fraternity row by any means. What are some good places to look for houses outside of Norman, but still close enough so he could commute. I'm sure I'll probably work closer to the city, and from what I've read on the forums seems like a difficult cummute. It has to better than driving in Pittsburgh, the roads here are like a Rubik's cube.

[Goodpasture]

What are you looking for? There are a few other options than fraternity row. I did some appraisal review work towards the SW part of town near the river on a golf course community....I doubt many keggers are held there. There are a lot of horse places surrounding Norman as well, and drunk frat fellas generally don't do equestrian sports. If you are looking for suburban life in a quiet community where your kids can play football and soccer, close to shopping and churches, then communities like Moore and Mustang are viable options.

What we need to know, in order to be of assistance, is what you want, not so much what you don't want.

[Melanie30]

Well, I'd just like to live in an area where people are friendly, and that I don't have to live on top of people. I live in an old coal town now, so if someone slams the door down the street, it sounds like they're coming through my house. I really would rather live in a house (preferably with storage space) because I have so much crap, my crap has crap. I'm really not picky, but I would like to live in an area that has reasonable rental prices. Thank you for the answers everyone.

[Melanie30]

One more question, are there any Steelers bars in OKC? I've heard that there were in Dallas but that seems to be a bit of jaunt. We are huge Steelers fans, and would like to know if there is any place close by where like minded black and gold freaks can go and watch a game together. I have a feeling that Sooner football will be on my list soon as well. Thanks again, sorry for all the goofy questions.

[Goodpasture]

Steelers bars? Even if I knew, I wouldn't admit to it...............

What do you consider reasonable rent? A $300 house might be in a rough neighborhood, but Midwest City and Del City have nice rentals for $650-$750 with slightly more money for a nicer home in Moore or Norman. Golf course homes will be $1,200 or more.

[flintysooner]

Just FYI OU great Clendon Thomas played for the Steeler's from 62 to 68.

There is a Steeler's club in Tulsa - see steelerfanatics.com - might check with someone on that site.