[restam]

I'm contemplating moving this summer and as I'm narrowing it down I have a few questions about Oklahoma I'd like to ask.

First off, I am a single 41 year-old male that is independent, easy-going and generally quiet. I don't need a lot of friends but would like to meet a few people without being treated as an outcast.

I don't mind hard, outdoor, physical labor but due to physical limitations I am unable to twist frequently or stand for long periods of time. Most of my experience has been in the low paying social service industry where I do also have a bachelors degree in that type of field (sociology). I'm not opposed to returning to school in order to further my education but don't want to feel as I have to in order to stay up with the cost of living in the area.

During the spring, summer and fall I'm always able to get out and find things to do but I do tend to "hibernate" in the winter and would like to be in a town that has some kind of winter social scene. Even a minor league or college hockey or basketball team would be ok.

I could live in either a large city or small town but I do not like urban sprawl.

I would need to be able to find a job shortly after I arrive as I wouldn't have much money. It wouldn't have to be much, just enough so that I would be able to find a rental before winter sets in. If need be, I could camp out before then though

I would need a pet friendly area as I would have a small dog coming with me.

Might there be a spot in Oklahoma that would work for me based on the above factors? Insight, suggestions, ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

[_redbird_]

Good post and welcome to the okie forum. First off, I would think about where you will work and take it from there.

Thankfully, your degree gives you a wide spectrum from which to choose. I think the social aspects will fall into place once you are established in a job. There are usually very cheap rentals in Oklahoma compared to other states.

Secure employment first if possible is my advice. Good luck.

[karibear]

Depending on where you are coming from, winter won't be a problem - it will more likely be the summer heat. The winter here in Hughes County so far has been more or less shirt sleeve weather, with a few exceptions of below freezing and one ice storm. A small dog shouldn't be much of a problem, either. I don't know about employment potential, someone else can post a link for that. And there are plenty of smallish, rural towns well within driving distance of the larger cities. I got here nearly a year ago, and I haven't run into any of the 'you're an outsider' types. Even the real estate agent who got me my house gave me a Christmas present!

[_redbird_]

http://www.newsok.com/marketplace/jobsok/

[linicx]

OKalhoma is a right to work state where you can find four seasons or two. The only area in NE OK is more econically depressed than the town of Grove on Grand Lake. I don't know enough about the mental health field to make much of a statement except this. There is a mental health center. The school system hires social workers. There are at least two assisted living retirement homes. Delaware County has an active Child Advocy and Abuse network. I am not sure if the Sherrif Departmand or Police Department have social workers or not, It would not surprise me if they did. The House of Hope in Grove is a half-way house and the Hope House in Venitia has more to do with abuse vicitims - although I could be worng.

Grove does have a junior college. It also has a full service state park called Bernice Honey Creek State Park. Camping is primitive or RV with water and eleectric. Showers, showers, phones and pumpout with black water for the loo but not to drink. It is not urban or upscale, but it is fishing, hunting and family wherer rent is still reasonable.

Tulsa is a beautful city with all kinds of services, and a metro population of close to 1M. It is far more urban, has the four year university, performing arts, symphony, and it is also upscale, and so forth. The culture and religion is as diverse as the shopping and foods. Good hospitals and good services. Much more opportunity than small OK towns which are generally less affluent. Grove is as exception because it is a top 4-5 ranked retirement area.

[nightbird47]

The city of Grove and other areas should have a website or other contact information. Look up phone numbers and make phone calls. Have an uptodate resume ready to send and a always incude a cover letter. Few do and it impresses people.

Just search for job openings in Oklahoma in the mental health field. You should be able to find various places to contact. Don't insist on one area if you are looking to establish yourself.

And remember that around the urban areas like OKC and Tulsa and the college towns like Stillwater are many small towns that are reasonably close and cheap to live in. I'm not sure exactly what your looking for, but I moved here for peace and quiet and friendly neighbors and have found it. I have met ALL my nearby neighbors. Nobody has insisted I go to church. Lots of open area and greenery.

Your lucky since you are in one field where the jobs are still there and will keep on being there. Anything connected with health right now is a good place to be.

[Synopsis]

Not to take anything away from these wonderful, helpful posts, but sociology isn't exactly considered a part of the mental health field, IMO. Social work focuses on human social structure and activity, sometimes with the goal of applying such knowledge to the pursuit of social welfare. It can be related to mental health, but when I think of mental health I tend to think of Psychologists an Psychiatrists.

Restam, if I were you I would focus on Northeastern Oklahoma as that will be more similar to the area where you are coming from. Tulsa is a large city, but nowhere near as large as the Seattle metropolitan area. You could also live outside the city but still be in the country.

Good luck!

[karibear]

Originally Posted by Synopsis

Not to take anything away from these wonderful, helpful posts, but sociology isn't exactly considered a part of the mental health field.

Restam, if I were you I would focus on Northeastern Oklahoma as that will be more similar to the area where you are coming from. Tulsa is a large city, but nowhere near as large as the Seattle metropolitan area. You could also live outside the city but still be in the country.

Good luck!

That's partly true. Any larger hospital or nursing home or medical clinic will have a sociologist on hand. They help people who need supplemental funding, assistance with forms and reports, and in some cases pre-screen for people who really do need substantial mental health help. Sociology is one of those parallel/cross-overs that do at times work within the mental health field. One of the most important areas, IMO, is when they work with abusive/abused families and children, they are or should be the first line of defense for people who will need serious mental health help to live anything approaching a normal life.

[linicx]

The Cify of Grove has never had an official website. The Chamber of Commerce has good info
Grove Chamber of Commerce
The Grove Sun Newspaper Grove Sun Daily - Grove, OK
Other local newspapers:
The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO - Home
Tulsa World: Home Page

I believe it is on Wednesdays that the newest issue of the Big Nickle comes out every week. It is four state advertising paper with rentals, employment, auctions, autos, etc..

If you have a particular interest in ????, I have the phonebooks. I am willing to do look ups.

There are social workers in Grove in various positions.