Wichita Falls-TIA for feedback-moving there soon (Vernon, Burkburnett: crime, tornado, living in)

[NOTAM]

i cant add any more than Lilypad did, that was an excellent post. i lived 30 minutes southeast of Wichita Falls, way out in the country, but worked in Wichita Falls at the hospital. i love the area. you can definitely find great places to live that are very rural right on the outskirts.
i dont have too much knowledge about the city-i only worked there, would do some of my shopping there (mostly on base at Sheppard AFB commissary and BX), and used the hospital on base for my medical needs, and of course nightlife (country western places/concerts) and ranch rodeos/rodeos etc. i never felt unsafe there, but then again, i never hung out in "the hood".
folks can be sorta kinda "clicky", and yes conservative.
i love the weather-that's the part i miss the most-i loved the extreme weather-the tornado warnings-the skies looked so cool there during severe weather warnings. great lightning storms. i find the weather sorta boring down here in Central Texas.
make sure you drive through the bucolic town of Windthorst and Scotland-aint nothing there but dairy farms etc, and the big Wichita County sale barn, but i sure love the smell of cow sh** there, i would always roll down my windows during my daily commute through those towns. the grass is SO green there during the summers. great picture ops!

[txsizzler]

Originally Posted by toosie

Hi everyone,

My husband and I might be moving from Pittsburgh, PA so he can work as a civilian at Ft Sill, OK. I’ve been lurking at the board here and searching Ft Sill/Lawton/Wichita Falls for a couple weeks now. The Oklahoma board sounds so bleak but the Texas board sounds much more positive. We’re pretty excited to make this move, live in Wichita Falls, and he would commute to Ft Sill. A city of 100k sounds just right and I’m hoping to find work/volunteer opportunities in the area. I’ve learned a lot already but still have some questions I hope you all can help me with.

Here are my questions/concerns…
Safety - gangs/violence/property crime/drugs – is this everywhere or mostly in certain parts of town? Is meth a big problem? Will I be safe being out by myself during the day and evening?

Transportation – I see that the public system is small but can a person get around without driving? We will only have one car so I’ll need to rely on my feet, a bike, or a bus.

Acceptance – We’re in our 40s, married almost 19 years, no kids. I grew up in Pittsburgh, lived in DC and VA. He is an Air Force brat, 20+ year Army veteran, born in TX, grew up mostly in CA, AZ, AK. His folks are from AR and GA. We’re socially liberal and not religious but most of our friends are conservative. I’m petite with really short hair and fair skin - am friendly & kind but not outgoing or rowdy – not afraid to get dirty or do physical work but even when mucking out a stall people tend to perceive me as delicate. I doubt I’ll blend but do you think I’ll have trouble being accepted and meeting people?

Utilities – It’s just the two of us and we’ll try to rent a 2-3 bedroom apartment or house in the west/MWSU area (preferably not a big complex and not with a bunch of undergrads). Any ballpark idea what the different utility services could run us on a monthly or yearly basis? I’m guessing we’ll have to pay our own water, electricity, gas (for cooking/heating) or are utilities usually included in rent? Is it common to have gas ranges for cooking or mostly electric? Are hardwood floors common or mostly wall to wall carpet?

Smoking - It seems like everyone in Pittsburgh smokes cigarettes but the past few years have seen smoking bans requiring smoke-free restaurants and such. Is there lots of smoking in Wichita Falls/Texas in general? Are there any or all smoke-free restaurants and bars, or at least non-smoking sections?

Water – Drinking and bathing. We drink a lot of water – how is the tap water in Wichita Falls? Is it good as is, will we need a filter, or should we just drink bottled water? Also, my husband loves taking long, hot, high pressure showers. Are there conservation efforts there that will prevent that? For example – do we have to have low-flow shower heads or anything like that?

Are there pics on this forum from Wichita falls and the surrounding area? I found lots of posts but no pics. Along those lines – are there any blogs by Wichita Falls locals that you can recommend? I’ve found some official sites but am interested in reading more of a personal take on daily life in the area.

Thanks in advance for your input on any or all of the above questions. Sorry so long but, hey, at least there aren't any weather related questions! Your feedback is appreciated very much!

I lived in Wichita Falls for nearly 15 years. Its a decent town, with a high degree of conservative values. I will attempt to answer your questions:

Safety: As a whole, Wichita Falls is a fairly safe town. There are certain areas of town that are not desirable to be in, but for the most part, you will do fine in most areas. The areas I would stay away from would be Eastside, The areas between 9th Street and Seymour Hwy (5th Street), pretty much all areas west of Brook Ave from Elizabeth St. to Collins over to Monroe. Also, most of the homes near downtown, and areas from N. 1st Street to N. 8th. Your best bet areas would be in the Southwestern areas of town, on the western side of Seymour Hwy (basically from Loop 11 to areas west of that street), and the northwestern areas of town (City View, Missle Road area). As far as Meth problems, they are practically non-existant now, due to a heavy crackdown on this problem.

Transportation: A literal must in Wichita Falls. Wichita Falls is a large, spread out city, especially given its population. Unless you work and live really close to the south-center of town (Kemp/Midwestern Pkwy, to Kemp/Southwest Pkwy), you will have to have a vehicle to get around. Its just too spread out otherwise. There is a Public Bus route, and you can go to www.cwftx.net for more info on that.

Acceptance: I think you will do fine in Wichita Falls. You have to remember, that there is a large Air Force base on the north side of town (Sheppard Air Force Base), plus a relatively large University (Midwestern State University), so you have a bit of a "melting pot" enviornment there. I see races of all kinds there, and many a varied interest there. Just be yourself, and try not to act like something your not, and you will do great!

Anyhow, I will try to answer the rest of your questions tomorrow. Its getting late, and I need some shut-eye as I have to get up early for work. I hope that this bit of info will help some for you though. Feel free to ask me any other questions as well.


Ian

[toosie]

Originally Posted by Fullback32

The only good thing about living there for me was that I am an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma and our tribal headquarters is in Lawton, so it was nice to be so close to family and the dances. Wichita Falls is what it is.

In addition to learning more about the cowboy culture, I'd like to learn more first-hand about Native American culture and the tribes in OK. Not sure what I could commit to but was wondering if there are ways to volunteer or if outsiders don't really get involved?

Originally Posted by NOTAM

make sure you drive through the bucolic town of Windthorst and Scotland-aint nothing there but dairy farms etc, and the big Wichita County sale barn, but i sure love the smell of cow sh** there, i would always roll down my windows during my daily commute through those towns. the grass is SO green there during the summers. great picture ops!

You had me at "smell of cow sh**" - seriously! It will take me back to summers with my sweet charolais Thanks for the recommendation!

Originally Posted by txsizzler

Transportation: A literal must in Wichita Falls. Wichita Falls is a large, spread out city, especially given its population.

Acceptance: Just be yourself, and try not to act like something your not, and you will do great!

Anyhow, I will try to answer the rest of your questions tomorrow. Its getting late, and I need some shut-eye as I have to get up early for work. I hope that this bit of info will help some for you though. Feel free to ask me any other questions as well.

Thanks for all the detail about streets/areas in WF - that will be VERY helpful!

Ack, getting a little urgh about driving. I have my license but don't really drive - long story. Also, won't really have the $$ for a second car right away. <heavy sigh>

Acceptance - ya, I'm no good at faking it anyway. I'm fine not having loads of friends - but not so fine feeling shunned and like an outsider.

Hope you got some good shut-eye!

[Fullback32]

Originally Posted by toosie

In addition to learning more about the cowboy culture, I'd like to learn more first-hand about Native American culture and the tribes in OK. Not sure what I could commit to but was wondering if there are ways to volunteer or if outsiders don't really get involved?

Yeah, there are opportunities to get involved with the various nations and pan-tribal organizations. The one thing to be very aware of is anything that hints of "wannabeism". In other words, people who wear Indian "stuff" and try to act like Indians especially based on media protrayals. We don't like that and get kind of angry about it. The biggest thing to remember is to take things slow, don't go in like gangbusters. Keep in mind that we tend to watch people before approaching or opening up to them. We're observing to make an assessment of what kind of person they are. Even though it may seem as if you are being ignored, know that the people are paying attention. Little things like going to a powwow and giving a few dollars during a blanket dance or special (I can define these things later for you if you want) are noticed. As you attend more native events, the people will see you there more and more and eventually someone will more than likely approach you. Just take things slow. All that said, a sincere desire to help and being yourself is always appreciated among us. Even though I live in Colorado now, I still go back to Lawton a couple times a year for dances and to see family. I can let you know when we have something coming up if you want.

[case44]

As far as places to live in Wichita Falls, depending on what you can afford, they've got new neighborhoods being built off of Southwest Pkwy and Stone Lake, and it's a nice development. This area is east of Kemp and Taft and located west of the Archer City Highway diagonal. You may want to consider that area.

[toosie]

Fullback - I hear you about wannabeism. That's not my thing at all. In fact, one of my pet peeves is that it seems like everyone wants to claim to be "part" Indian but then they have no idea what they're talking about, about the culture, heritage or anything. Oy. I'll definitely want to learn some more, though, and probably will PM you or start another thread for that topic. Thanks for what you've offered so far.

Case - thanks for the tip - made a note to check that area out

Heading to Philly for a scrappy girl's weekend. Will check back here Sunday night or Monday. Have a great weekend everyone - stay safe!

[cobolt]

Originally Posted by toosie

Thank you! Maybe it sounds crazy but that really is one of my main concerns - your post helps. Love Chicago, BTW - mmmm Frango Mints. From what I've read, WF will give Chicago a run for it's money on the "windy city" title We plan to do some recon in May so we will certainly give OK a fair shake. Got a feeling TX will win out, though - did you know Electra has an annual goat bbq? This year it's May 8-9. We WILL be at the 2010 one!

Cobolt - couldn't help but notice your tag line and location. Are you a Mr Rogers fan? He was from Pittsburgh!

Frango Mints aren't what they used to be.

I lived in West Texas (Amarillo) for 13 years. I'm currently on the left coast in the hell that is the Pacific NW and trying to work my way back to either TX or OK. West Texas beats anything "the windy city" of Chicago can drum up, hands down. I've NEVER been to a windier place than the Texas Panhandle, but I love it there.

I love Mr Rogers but I also love Ray Rayner (a Chicago childhood television personality).

[lilypad]

Originally Posted by cobolt

Frango Mints aren't what they used to be.

I lived in West Texas (Amarillo) for 13 years. I'm currently on the left coast in the hell that is the Pacific NW and trying to work my way back to either TX or OK. West Texas beats anything "the windy city" of Chicago can drum up, hands down. I've NEVER been to a windier place than the Texas Panhandle, but I love it there.

I love Mr Rogers but I also love Ray Rayner (a Chicago childhood television personality).

I am stuck in PNW for awhile as well. Also loved the Panhandle area, the wide open spaces, beautiful sunsets and serenity. Just not the wind!

[toosie]

Looks like we'll be coming out to see the area the week of May 11th or 18th!

Thanks again for all the input so far - it's been really helpful. I'm excited to see North Texas and where my guy will be working in OK. Feel free to add any more advice/ideas as you think of it - the more the better!

I'll keep checking back here and will update y'all after we visit. Yes, I do write "y'all" just don't usually say it

[lilypad]

Originally Posted by toosie

Looks like we'll be coming out to see the area the week of May 11th or 18th!

Thanks again for all the input so far - it's been really helpful. I'm excited to see North Texas and where my guy will be working in OK. Feel free to add any more advice/ideas as you think of it - the more the better!

I'll keep checking back here and will update y'all after we visit. Yes, I do write "y'all" just don't usually say it

Best of luck and hoping you will love the area. Keep us updated!