[jillstrading]

We want to move to OK, but can't decide where. We are an older couple, with a boy age 8, and a girl age 5. I am a sahm, but would like to find something, I can do at home. My dh is working for a manufacturer of small engines as a machine operator. He is expecting to loose his job, along with many others, and was told that they will not be called back to work (company moving overseas). He just turned 50, and is looking to find a job with a company (manufacturing) until he is ready to retire.

My main concern is that we find a safe, and kid friendy area. Any information is greatly appreciated.

[gonefishing]

Have you looked to see where the jobs are first?
I googled and it came up with several towns where there are jobs:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...ob&btnG=Search

Are there any you might be interested in? I see Stillwater (home of the Oklahoma State University and Stillwater is the county seat) There are many small towns around Stillwater.

There are jobs in Tulsa and there are lots of towns outside of Tulsa.

Tell us more...where are you moving from? Would you want to own a home....some of the towns have very low housing costs.

[BiBi73003]

In response:

I believe it depends on your finances. If you intend to rent or buy, and your transportation needs. Bethany is a low-middle income area that many older couples retire to and it is the home of a famous christian university. Edmond is a middle-upper middle income area that has a quick access to the city but in some what of a sleepy town. It is home to UCO. Norman (home of OU) is also anywhere from middle-upper middle income area. The Village (low-upper middle income) is next door to Nichols Hills which is old money upper middle-upper class area. All of these areas have a large variety of differences in culther, class, and education. The best education options in OKC area might be Putnam City, which is actually in OK county, Deer Creek, Edmond have good schools. These are the areas I'm familiar with. If I were to move back to Oklahoma and I had children I would want to live on the north side of Memorial Road, closer to Emond, or NW closer to Deer Creek....

Originally Posted by jillstrading

We want to move to OK, but can't decide where. We are an older couple, with a boy age 8, and a girl age 5. I am a sahm, but would like to find something, I can do at home. My dh is working for a manufacturer of small engines as a machine operator. He is expecting to loose his job, along with many others, and was told that they will not be called back to work (company moving overseas). He just turned 50, and is looking to find a job with a company (manufacturing) until he is ready to retire.

My main concern is that we find a safe, and kid friendy area. Any information is greatly appreciated.

[eddie gein]

Besides the urban areas of Tulsa and OKC/Norman/Edmond that option of Stillwater is a good one. Fairly small university town surrounded by small communities that have good school systems. Stillwater has developed quite a manufacturing base over the last decade or so.

As far as the town surrounding it, Perkins is developing an excellent reputation and it is getting a new road up to Stillwater. It's about a 15 minute drive. Other small towns that are close include Glencoe, Morrison, Yale and Ripley. These are really small. If you want a town of 5-10,000 Perry would be a good choice as the "Ditchwitch corperation" is located there. They might be hiring.
Perry is nice because it is close to Stillwater and is close to the interstate to get to OKC or Tulsa. Another town that is rebounding is the town of Cushing. It is towards Tulsa and is an old refinery town that is coming back. It is about 30 minutes to Stillwater.

An area worth looking into that would have a little milder weather would be Ardmore. Ardmore is about 25K. They are building an MG (car) plant there in the not so distant future and will be hiring.

[gonefishing]

Originally Posted by eddie gein

Besides the urban areas of Tulsa and OKC/Norman/Edmond that option of Stillwater is a good one. Fairly small university town surrounded by small communities that have good school systems. Stillwater has developed quite a manufacturing base over the last decade or so.

As far as the town surrounding it, Perkins is developing an excellent reputation and it is getting a new road up to Stillwater. It's about a 15 minute drive. Other small towns that are close include Glencoe, Morrison, Yale and Ripley. These are really small. If you want a town of 5-10,000 Perry would be a good choice as the "Ditchwitch corperation" is located there. They might be hiring.
Perry is nice because it is close to Stillwater and is close to the interstate to get to OKC or Tulsa. Another town that is rebounding is the town of Cushing. It is towards Tulsa and is an old refinery town that is coming back. It is about 30 minutes to Stillwater.

An area worth looking into that would have a little milder weather would be Ardmore. Ardmore is about 25K. They are building an MG (car) plant there in the not so distant future and will be hiring.

They just announced the pipeline that is going to built from Colorado going into Cushing. Housing prices are really pretty inexpensive there. Some do live there and drive to Stillwater.

[Chancellorman]

I would definetly suggest Owasso, OK. Owasso is 10 minutes from Tulsa and has just about everything you would want. It is my favorite Tulsa suburb and I believe it is the fastest growing community in OK. Great schools with brand new facilities being built because of all the growth. Good luck with your move

[orlsrr]

Where are you comming from I moved out from Ca and I found that the best city to live here in oklahoma is edmond

[David SHC]

I've lived in Oklahoma all my life, I love the state, and I've lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Edmond, Mannford, Alva, and now McAlester. My children grew up mainly in Mannford, Edmond, and Alva. My parents retired to Stillwater and I make many visits there. In my occupation I talk every day with teachers and parents of students, quite often about the challenges they face in school.

Quite frankly, I'd rule out Edmond immediately. Although I made a decent living in Edmond, there were so many people who sported such an opulent lifestyle that my kids were always feeling we were poor. Some parents were so pushy on behalf of their children that they were downright rude to other parents. But if you must move to Edmond, try to get into the Memorial High School district which has a wider, healthier range of economic groups than the others.

Oklahoma City? When I lived there no one bragged about its schools; I mostly heard complaints. My brother and his wife who live there home school their daughters.

Tulsa? Schools have always been better there than Oklahoma City. But where in Tulsa would I send my children now? I don't know.

McAlester, though I love it, can be a hard place for girls. It has great teachers, a good administration, good facilities, but the girls here seem to be especially hard on other girls--even more so than in other places I've lived.

Mannford doesn't have a big job market, but it is a good community with a good school system. It's on the wrong side of Tulsa's job market; Tulsa grows southeastward, away from Mannford. But, you might check the local large manufacturing plant in Mannford which may have just the job you need.

I don't know much about Owasso, but Stillwater strikes me as the best community for what you need. It has lots of job in manufacturing and probably has a good school system with a good climate for learning. Putting children into a school system in a community which hosts a major state university would seem to me to be a good gamble. Perkins, basically a Stillwater suburb, should be good, too.

Finally, why Oklahoma? If you can stand the climate and can find housing, West Texas offers wonderful high-paying opportunities for skilled workers in the oil industry. Employment has to be your biggest issue, so check out job opportunities at a site such as mywesttexas.com. Best wishes!

[shad8974]

Check out El Reno..its awesome for your situation.

Lake El Reno
Lake El Reno has 333 acres of open land and 300 acres of flat water that is used recreationally for water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, boating and fishing. It is also home to a herd of buffalo, a remote control airplane field and a motorcycle dirt track. A quiet 22 space RV park is nestled behind the lake with water and electrical hook ups. The newest addition to Lake El Reno is a P.B Dye Jr. designed 18-hole Golf Course. One of the premier Golf Courses in the state.


Crimson Creek Golf Course
Crimson Creek Golf Course offers 18 holes of golfing pleasure. This P.B Dye, Jr. designed course is guaranteed to provide one of your most challenging games. Nestled in a beautiful setting at Lake El Reno we are sure your visit to Crimson Creek will be a memorable one.


El Reno Parks
El Reno is equipped with over 150 acres of beautiful park area. These parks have something for everyone, including baseball fields, playgrounds, walking trails, basketball courts, tennis courts, picnic shelters, sand volleyball courts and an ADA municipal swimming pool.

Heritage Express Trolley
New to El Reno is the Heritage Express Trolley, the only rail based trolley in the great State of Oklahoma. The trolley runs from Heritage Park, located on the grounds of the Canadian County Historical Museum, and travels through the downtown area where where you can exit to enjoy a great meal at one of the unique restaurants or browse at one of the many specialty shops. The trolley will run Wednesday through Sunday. Call ahead to confirm scheduled times.


Historic Downtown
Historic downtown El Reno is located at the intersection of two state highways, nostalgic Route 66 and the official Chisholm Trail, or Highway 81. Downtown offers many opportunities for unique shopping, from Victorian to southwest. Tour our art gallery, discover great antiques and collectibles, visit the candle factory or just eat at one of the great restaurants. Join us for the downtown experience.


Fort Reno
Fort Reno was established as an Indian Territory military fort in 1875 and is located four miles west of El Reno on Route 66. Fifteen buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places are adjacent to the parade grounds. The historic Post Cemetery is the location of the annual Tombstone Tales event in September. The land base exceeds 6,000 acres and is the location of the Grazinglands Research Laboratory of the United States Department of Agriculture.


El Reno is a short drive to OKC a major two tier city. Enid which is north of el Reno is also a great town.

[classiccowgirl]

Originally Posted by David SHC

I don't know much about Owasso, but Stillwater strikes me as the best community for what you need. It has lots of job in manufacturing and probably has a good school system with a good climate for learning. Putting children into a school system in a community which hosts a major state university would seem to me to be a good gamble. Perkins, basically a Stillwater suburb, should be good, too.

Perkins is a consolidated school with Tryon, and they still play 8-man football. They did have an Academic All-Stater this year, though. My first reaction when I read your post was Perry. Ditch Witch is a huge pull. Ponca also has much manufacturing in addition to ConocoPhillips.