[colleeng47]

Even those of us who defend the state agree that not every place is good for every one. I'm a little south of you in Mustang, and we have not been treated like "outsiders." My daughter has numerous friends in school, has a very active social life and is invited to many parties. My son, who just moved here with us and started school last week has already been out with new friends three times.

Sorry you had such a bad experience. We've lived in several states, and honestly have never felt like an outsider any place we've lived. I hope you find a place where you and your family are comfortable and happy. Stop in and see us once in a while.

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by jhiggs

I'm also leaving for some of the same reasons. It has nothing to do with "outsider" attitudes as people here make it seem, actually the same 5 or 6 people over and over posting in defense of Oklahoma. Don't make the mistake of letting them represent the entire state. And don't take my post as gospel either. I posted over a year ago asking about Oklahoma as a place to live. Seemed great. I couldn't have been more wrong. Like the poster that I am qouting says, you are always treated as an outsider. And he pin-pointed the problem. The view that puts the blame at not being born and raised here. If your moving from one part of Oklahoma to another part of Oklahoma, especially if you were born in Oklahoma, then your welcomed with open arms. If your coming from another state, beware. I moved my family here thinking it would be a better life for us. You always hear how friendly Oklahoma is. Honestly, one of my neighbors has to be genuinely one of the friendliest people on earth. The rest don't even acknowledge our existence. I don't think my child has been more alone. A year almost and he has no friends, at 4. Yes, we have tried. But I guess there is no need for anyone to be his friend when they have their brothers, sisters, cousins, etc. all within the precinity. We are white incase anyone is speculating at this point. We came from a place where everyone was an outsider, so everyone was in the same boat. We are headed back there as soon as we can. I won't bad mouth Oklahoma or list all the things I find awful about it. I'll save that for a webpage I'm making that will list everything you should know about Oklahoma, well Yukon in particular, when coming from out of state. It won't be to slam Oklahoma, just some facts and opinions, from weather, to crime and general nature of things. In closing, if you want to know the true colors of Oklahomans, look at some of the responses to those that want to leave Oklahoma and those that want to stay. That is where their true feelings of outsiders come out. Like "well get the heck out", and "don't let the door hit ya", etc. Some show restraint, and manners. Others show just how little they care about you as an outsider. If you posted that you like Oklahoma, they couldn't be friendlier. Just don't change your opinion, otherwise their close-mindedness starts to show.

Sorry to hear that it wasn't your cup of tea. Oklahoma does have its problems just like anyplace else; some problems worse than others. I wish you the best of luck wherever you end up.

[HeatherDawn]

Colleen, I think it's all about where you FEEL that you will fit in and your mindset as to whether you are accepted or not. It's no surprise you haven't had any trouble. ;-)

[jhiggs]

Originally Posted by HeatherDawn

Maybe it's because you say words like "precinity"...

Maybe I should be saying things like "Their number ones in the ayer." for OU and I would fit right in.
I've used that word here, not speaking to other people. Do Oklahomans not like "good morning" or "how are you"? If a word is what you want to blame it on, that's fine. I expect that kind of response. The word comes from my time as a Texas Peace officer, and security police officer for the USAF.
What wasn't expected was the kind responses of wishing my family well wherever we may go. It's certainly appreciated. Thank you.

[HeatherDawn]

Sorry for being snippy. I really don't think "precinity" is even a real word...

[TulsaArtist]

I can really only speak for myself. But whenever I meet someone from out of state I am excited to talk to them. Am always curious as to how they ended up in Tulsa for instance. What things were like where they used to be, how they are doing here. If there is anything I can do to help. If they are having problems or experiencing some negative something or another I try to point out possible solutions and help or encourage them to find like minded people and help make a difference, and point out where to find them. Tulsa is really quite a diversified place. We arent a large city so you may not find your likeminded "community" to hang with or that part of town, as easily as you may in other places. But we are growing and changing in that regard.

Its like the Urban vrs Suburban type issue you run into in other conversations about zoning changes or whatever. To me its not an either or situation, us versus them. Its about creating great areas of both types. Having a city that can offer great urban and suburban options. Areas that are hip and modern, areas that are quiet and kid friendly. areas that are bustling and dense, artsy areas, conservative areas, historic and intact old neighborhoods, neighborhoods that are ecclectic a mix of old and new, neighborhoods that are entirely new. etc. etc. In other words, a place for everyone, whatever lifestyle, community or neighborhood they want. In order to truly be competitive with other cities, Tulsa needs to be like that. Tulsa is just now starting to get to that phase where it is starting to create more diverse and distinct areas. So that if say your an urban hipster/ young professional, creative class type person,,, You have a cool, hip neighborhood and area full of other likeminded individuals, an area that has the kinds of shops and products, restaurants, grocery stores, architecture, lifestyle, etc you enjoy. And not end up pretty much having to choose the "new house in the new subdivision in the suburb" as your option. Tulsa is a very small city, and a very young one, but we are getting there. Its been an interesting and exciting time to see this "biggest small town" really, finally, start evolving into a "small big city" lol.

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by TulsaArtist

I can really only speak for myself. But whenever I meet someone from out of state I am excited to talk to them. Am always curious as to how they ended up in Tulsa for instance. What things were like where they used to be, how they are doing here. If there is anything I can do to help. If they are having problems or experiencing some negative something or another I try to point out possible solutions and help or encourage them to find like minded people and help make a difference, and point out where to find them. Tulsa is really quite a diversified place. We arent a large city so you may not find your likeminded "community" to hang with or that part of town, as easily as you may in other places. But we are growing and changing in that regard.

Its like the Urban vrs Suburban type issue you run into in other conversations about zoning changes or whatever. To me its not an either or situation, us versus them. Its about creating great areas of both types. Having a city that can offer great urban and suburban options. Areas that are hip and modern, areas that are quiet and kid friendly. areas that are bustling and dense, artsy areas, conservative areas, historic and intact old neighborhoods, neighborhoods that are ecclectic a mix of old and new, neighborhoods that are entirely new. etc. etc. In other words, a place for everyone, whatever lifestyle, community or neighborhood they want. In order to truly be competitive with other cities, Tulsa needs to be like that. Tulsa is just now starting to get to that phase where it is starting to create more diverse and distinct areas. So that if say your an urban hipster/ young professional, creative class type person,,, You have a cool, hip neighborhood and area full of other likeminded individuals, an area that has the kinds of shops and products, restaurants, grocery stores, architecture, lifestyle, etc you enjoy. And not end up pretty much having to choose the "new house in the new subdivision in the suburb" as your option. Tulsa is a very small city, and a very young one, but we are getting there. Its been an interesting and exciting time to see this "biggest small town" really, finally, start evolving into a "small big city" lol.

Thumbs up...

[Megafoxy]

I love Oklahoma! I was born and raised here and I don't plan on leaving it anytime soon, yes Oklahoma has it's faults but so does ever other state.

[StillwaterTownie]

Originally Posted by Megafoxy

I love Oklahoma! I was born and raised here and I don't plan on leaving it anytime soon, yes Oklahoma has it's faults but so does ever other state.

I had to be born here to tolerate the backwardness and over conservative ways of Oklahoma.

[StillwaterTownie]

As a native Oklahoman for someone to describe Tulsa as a "very small city" is very hard to understand just where the heck that person is coming from unless it's from New York City.