Moving to Broken Arrow in August (Tulsa, Howe: hotel, neighborhoods, gated)

[MianneB]

I'm of mixed race and am a little nervous about moving to Oklahoma. I've heard stories about racism in Oklahoma but I don't know if they are true or not. I know there is racism everywhere but a little nervous moving to a new place and not knowing what the culture is like. I am thinking about moving to Broken Arrow. I'm currently living in Des Moines, Iowa but originally from a small town in Iowa. Also, I'll be coming there in June for a visit can anyone advise a nice hotel to stay at? Thank you for your help in advance.

[Bass&Catfish2008]

Originally Posted by MianneB

I'm of mixed race and am a little nervous about moving to Oklahoma. I've heard stories about racism in Oklahoma but I don't know if they are true or not. I know there is racism everywhere but a little nervous moving to a new place and not knowing what the culture is like. I am thinking about moving to Broken Arrow. I'm currently living in Des Moines, Iowa but originally from a small town in Iowa. Also, I'll be coming there in June for a visit can anyone advise a nice hotel to stay at? Thank you for your help in advance.

Culturally, Oklahoma is obviously different than Des Moines. You're coming from a strong Midwest state to the South-Central area of the United States, so yes, it will be a tad different.

However, just like everywhere, if you are friendly, courteous, and laid back then you shouldn't have any problem. Also, I would say that race relations are very good (on the whole) in Oklahoma. I'm basing that on personal experience and the many people that I know from diverse ethnicities that coexist just fine in Oklahoma.

People in Oklahoma/Texas and the rest of the South always hear about how racist it is in our region of the country; however, the most racist place I've ever lived (by far) was New England = an area that is supposedly very tolerant and accepting of all races. That turned out to not be true in my experience living there.

Anyway, you'll love Oklahoma. It's a great state. Let's just keep it a secret.....we don't want too many people moving here.

[happywacko]

Originally Posted by MianneB

I'm of mixed race and am a little nervous about moving to Oklahoma. I've heard stories about racism in Oklahoma but I don't know if they are true or not. I know there is racism everywhere but a little nervous moving to a new place and not knowing what the culture is like. I am thinking about moving to Broken Arrow. I'm currently living in Des Moines, Iowa but originally from a small town in Iowa. Also, I'll be coming there in June for a visit can anyone advise a nice hotel to stay at? Thank you for your help in advance.

I don't think Tulsa is too much different from Des Moines. If I were VERY concerned about racial issues, I would immigrate to Canada or UK, the US in general is very racially segregated and divided country as you know. I have friends who would prefer California or Pennsylvania to any southern state. On another hand, Oklahoma has the highest interracial marriage rate in the nation!!!! .... thanks to Native Americans.

[ERISAjunkie]

Frankly, It amazes me a bit about the "racism" issue in Oklahoma. I see this thread a lot. Want to experience racism, class distinction, segregated neighborhoods and a general corseness of life? Then come and actually LIVE in the New York City area. I've lived in NYC my whole life. I'd venture that there is a lot more cultural division here than in say, Tulsa, or the great metropolitan city of Des Moines.

Being white and Jewish I can't really speak to feelings of being disciminated because of race. I can say that I've never felt any antagonism because of religion in Oklahoma or for that matter anywhere else. I've found most people in Oklahoma good and decent- at least to the extent I'm treated.

In my humble opinion, most people are as welcoming as they are treated. Treat all you meet with respect. God knows there are clunkers out there. When you meet them shake the dust off your feet and go on to the next person. Live your life- not their life.

Hotel- the worst kept secret in Tulsa is the Best Value Inn at Tulsa Airport. The cost is less than $50 per night. If you're staying for a week or two you can get it cheaper. Fifty is the high side. It's nothing fancy but I assume you'll be out exploring anyway. The only drawback is that it can get a bit noisy with all the coming and going from the airport and it's not much to look at from the outside. You will find a warm and caring staff and large clean rooms for your stay. Don't take my word for it- it's the second most highly rated hotel in Tulsa on Trip Advisor. Of course you may want something with more amenities etc.

I'll be back in Tulsa at the end of June myself. It's a great town.

[The_Sage1]

My wife is a Filipina and we're visiting Tulsa this weekend so we'll see how the people are there. I have a pretty good feeling about it. People stereotype the south as racist but I think southern people are the friendlist I've met. At least that's true when I went through Tennessee and Georgia.

Nothing's much worse than living in a small hick town when it comes to racism. Most big cities I've been to were a lot more friendly than small rural towns.

I've heard Richmond, Viriginia is one of the most racist cities, white VS black anyway.

[okie1962]

I'm white, german and English and a little Creek indian. Most of my friends are white I do have black, Indian and Mexican friends. But what I am getting at is when I am with my white friends and coworkers I never hear unkind words about other races. And I am in a blue collar occupation. I do pipeline work. Sometimes I will hear that the Mexicans are taking all the jobs here, but I don't hear people saying they don't like Mexicans, blacks, or any other minority based on their skin color or religion.

I am a little on the liberal side. But a lot of my friends and most certainly most of my coworkers are conservative. So I'm kind of the fly on the wall so to speak. So I always have my radar on when we go to a restaurant and see a mixed race couple having dinner. No one every says anything at our table. I don't think most people care anymore. I'm sure there are a few miserable folks out there that just hate about anything, but all in all I think you will find most of us Okies are very tolerant and loving people.

[okie1962]

Going to but in again if I may. I think that the biggest rude experience you will encounter when moving to Broken Arrow is moving there in August! August is usually too hot for even us seasoned Okies! LOL

[Raelyn28]

Originally Posted by MianneB

I'm of mixed race and am a little nervous about moving to Oklahoma. I've heard stories about racism in Oklahoma but I don't know if they are true or not. I know there is racism everywhere but a little nervous moving to a new place and not knowing what the culture is like. I am thinking about moving to Broken Arrow. I'm currently living in Des Moines, Iowa but originally from a small town in Iowa. Also, I'll be coming there in June for a visit can anyone advise a nice hotel to stay at? Thank you for your help in advance.

PM me...

[BAGuy]

I think you will enjoy Broken Arrow. If you are still looking for a hotel, I would look into the Holiday Inn Express near Bass Pro or the Clarion hotel right here in Broken Arrow. The Broken Arrow Hampton Inn is also nice. Good luck!