Article Overview: List of the Pros & Cons of Living in Oklahoma
Thinking about moving to Oklahoma? You’re in good hands.
My name is Aaron Turner and I’ve lived in the Sooner State for 8 years. As a current resident, I’m here to guide you through the benefits and disadvantages of living in Oklahoma, offering an insider’s view of daily life. Let’s dive in!
Note: As long time readers of this website will know, the fun lives in the comments. Don’t forget to take a look below to see what other locals are saying. We update this post regularly based on feedback received. Cheers!
Living in Oklahoma
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The Benefits of Moving to Oklahoma
The low cost of living in Oklahoma
By far, the biggest advantage of living in Oklahoma is the low cost of living. Everything is fairly affordable when compared to the national average, making it a great place to live for anyone looking to build up a savings account.
Apart from affordable housing (which I’ll cover in detail in a second), everyday expenses like transportation, groceries and utilities are lower than most places in the US, which is why Oklahoma is a popular choice for retirees.
However, it’s worth calling out that the low cost of living goes hand-in-hand with low wages. The median household income is $61,000, which is lower than the national average.
Affordable Housing Market
If you’re moving to Oklahoma to buy a home, you’re in luck. The state has one of the most affordable housing markets in the country. The median home price in Oklahoma is $304k, among the lowest in the country (and well below the national average).
This affordability extends to rentals as well, with average rent prices also well below national figures. This cost advantage allows for a higher quality of life. Whether you’re buying or renting, Oklahoma’s housing market is a nice change of pace from most of the country.
The People Are Very Kind
Southern hospitality is a real thing while living in Oklahoma. People are quick to greet and offer a hand if you ever need help. Getting invited to places isn’t difficult, even for newcomers, because locals are very friendly.
The double-edge sword is this: folks may be nice to your face while gossiping about you behind your back. However, having lived in Seattle, I prefer this to the infamous “Seattle Freeze” where people hardly acknowledge you at all.
But, I will add this: Friendliness seems to be loosely tied to religious affiliation. If someone finds out you’re not attending church, they may turn the encounter into a preaching moment and invite you to theirs. It’s not always the case, but not uncommon either.
The Disadvantages of Living in Oklahoma
Poor Public Schools
One of the biggest disadvantages of living in Oklahoma is the state of public education. Our schools are sorely underfunded, but don’t just take my word for it.
Oklahoma consistently ranks among states with the lowest average teacher salaries, which greatly impacts the quality of education and teacher retention. Not to mention large class sizes, limited resources and some of the lowest graduation rates in the country.
All told, when it comes to academic performance, Oklahoma ranks among the lowest in the US. This is a huge consideration for anyone thinking about moving to Oklahoma with kids. You might want to consider private school (based on personal experience, I suggest budgeting $10k per kid, per year for private school).
Religious Sentiments
Alright, here’s something that may be viewed as a pro or con, depending on your upbringing. You’ll need to brace for strong religious sentiments while living in Oklahoma because people have no chill if you’re not part of a church.
Deep-rooted religious values reign supreme, so religion plays a huge role in people’s lives, so if you don’t attend church you may find it hard to make friends. Based on my own experience, there’s a general sense of dislike towards anyone that considers themselves non-religious. Not too surprising, considering we’re in the heart of the Bible Belt.
Additionally, there have been instances where legislation influenced by religious beliefs has been at odds with national trends on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive rights. Mixing religion and public policy presents a slew of problems, especially for those that don’t align with conservative Christian beliefs.
However, if you’re religious, you’ll feel comfortable living in Oklahoma (so many churches to choose from!).
High Poverty Rates
Oklahoma’s poverty rate currently clocks in at 15.3%, one of the highest in the nation. This is especially true in rural areas and among certain demographic groups, particularly children (1 in 5 children live in poverty).
I understand that poverty is a complex issue but damn — our local and state governments are doing a terrible job addressing the issues because poverty rates are slowly growing from year to year. It’s embarrassing to live in a state where 20% of our children go hungry daily.
Racism is Prevalent
Here’s a personal beef of mine. The state is full of folks that consider themselves Christian yet don’t live by the teachings of Jesus, a fact made evident by the prevalent racism and sexist tendencies in the state. This is more common in smaller towns, where diversity is severely lacking.
So, when considering a move to Oklahoma, it’s important to be aware of the state’s complex history with racism. Like many places, Oklahoma has a history of racial tensions stemming in part from its past, including the tragic Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 (one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history).
Oklahoma also grapples with ongoing racial disparities in areas like the criminal justice system, education, and health care. For example, African Americans in Oklahoma are incarcerated at a rate approximately 4 times higher than their white counterparts, a disparity that reflects nationwide trends.
Recent years have seen initiatives aimed at education, reconciliation, and fostering a more inclusive community, but there’s no need to sugarcoat it: these long-held beliefs are hard to shake and some locals still abide by racist ideologies.
Tornadoes Are a Part of Daily Life in Oklahoma
As mentioned earlier, the weather is unpredictable. It’s either great or not, seldom in between. My biggest advice for anyone considering moving to Oklahoma is to research tornado activity wherever you plan to live.
Oklahoma is in the heart of Tornado Alley, which means tornadoes are par for the course. The state averages 52 tornadoes a year, making it the most tornado-prone state in the country (per unit area). Tornado season runs from March through August, peaking in May. But certain parts of the state are more prone to tornadoes than others.
It’s crucial for residents to have a tornado plan in place, which includes knowing where the nearest shelter is and having a way to get weather alerts when communication goes down. Most homes in Oklahoma have storm shelters and safe rooms, but it’s still crucial for residents to have a solid game plan in place.
Lack of Outdoor Recreation
Oklahoma never makes headlines in the entertainment department. Generally speaking, the state is lacking when it comes to outdoor recreation. Don’t get me wrong, it has a little bit of a lot of things, but not a whole lot of any particularly great thing.
While Oklahoma has beautiful plains and some scenic areas like the Wichita Mountains, it lacks the extensive hiking, skiing, and mountain biking opportunities found in states with larger mountain ranges or coastal areas. For instance, Oklahoma has less public land available for recreation compared to western states; only 4.6% of land is reserved for public use.
Some folks claim we have great hiking trails, but as someone that hails from the Pacific Northwest originally, I’d call them a joke. Short paved paths are the most common trails I’ve come across, and those aren’t tempting to return to. At least the state has decent fishing, boating, and camping (I’ll give them that).
All told, the lack of mountains and beaches (there’s lakes, but it’s not the same) means everyday life in Oklahoma gets rather boring fast. This is especially true for nature nuts. Bluntly put, other states have it way better than us when it comes to outdoor recreation.
Winters Are Long and Dull
I’ve had a few friends move out of Oklahoma because of the winters. They’re dull, brown (dead grass everywhere) and last too long. Likewise, the winter seasons is marred by strong winds and bitterly cold temperatures.
One other major issue is the unpredictable weather patterns. Oklahoma often faces rapid temperature changes, leading to icy conditions and winter storms. For example, significant ice storms are quite common, like the one in October 2020, which caused extensive power outages and damage.
We don’t have brutal winters like the north, but our unpredictable winter weather is hard to manage. Thankfully we get ample sunshine, but being outside isn’t as enjoyable because of the temperatures and wind.
High Teen Pregnancy Rates
Oklahoma consistently ranks among the top states for teen birth rates, significantly higher than the national average. Factors contributing to this include limited access to comprehensive sex education and reproductive health services in many areas of the state.
This high rate of teen pregnancy can have far-reaching implications, not only for the health and well-being of teens but also for their educational and economic opportunities — no doubt a huge contributor to the state’s high poverty rates.
Sadder still, the infant mortality rate is the 10th highest in the country.
Lacking Food Scene
Here’s something I wish I knew before moving to Oklahoma — we have the worst food scene in the country! At first, I thought it was in my head because my coworkers seemed content with the restaurants on offer. But, it quickly occurred to me that most of them haven’t lived outside of Oklahoma so they don’t really know better.
Seems like most restaurants are burger joints or fast food chains. Good luck finding farm-to-table cuisine or restaurants that take pride in local and seasonal cuisine while living in Oklahoma. No such luck.
Retiring in Oklahoma FAQ
Is Oklahoma a good place to live?
Not really. I mean, it depends on what you’re after. The affordable cost of living makes it an attractive place to live, but wages are lower and public education suffers from lack of proper funding. All told, Oklahoma is a good place to build up (especially if you’re religiously affiliated), but if you’re not religious or conservative, you may find it difficult to fit in.
Is Oklahoma a good place to retire?
With its low cost of living, which is well below the national average, retirees can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without stretching their budgets. Housing, healthcare, and general living expenses are notably affordable. The state also offers a tranquil, community-oriented environment, perfect for those looking to enjoy their golden years in peace.
Is marijuana legal in Oklahoma?
Marijuana is legal in Oklahoma for medical purposes, but not for recreational use. Oklahoma has one of the most liberal marijuana programs in the country, with a relatively broad range of qualifying conditions, but still — you’ll need a medical reason to have marijuana on you.
What’s the cost of living in Oklahoma?
The cost of living in Oklahoma is significantly lower than the national average. Oklahoma is known for its affordability, particularly in housing, which is one of the major factors contributing to its lower overall cost of living. The state’s housing costs are considerably below the national average, making it an attractive option for both homeowners and renters.
Is Oklahoma a tax-friendly state?
The state boasts a low income tax rate with considerable deductions available for retirement income, including partial exemptions on Social Security benefits. While it has a relatively high sales tax rate, the property taxes are quite low. These factors, coupled with an overall low cost of living, make Oklahoma an appealing choice for those looking to stretch their dollars further.
Things to Know About Living in Oklahoma (Summary)
In sum, here’s a quick roundup of the benefits of living in Oklahoma, along with the disadvantages.
- The low cost of living in Oklahoma
- Affordable Housing Market
- Locals Are Very Kind
- Poor Public Schools
- Religious Sentiments
- High Poverty Rates
- Tornadoes Are a Part of Daily Life in Oklahoma
- Racism is Prevalent
- Lack of Outdoor Recreation
- Winters Are Long and Dull
- High Teen Pregnancy Rates
- Lacking Food Scene
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Cheers!
Aaron
Myshala Foster says
This was an awesome article!
Sherri says
I have to agree with the author over the pros and cons. There is a big difference between living in the urban areas (Oklahoma City and Tulsa) and rural areas. Some rural areas have limited internet access or none. The nearest hospital may be several hours away. Homelessness is a serious problem as well, it isn’t located in a single part of town. In Oklahoma City homeless people are everywhere and there seem to be more and more people living on the streets. It is probably the same in Tulsa.
The only pro I could add would be local entertainment. In the Oklahoma City area there’s the Festival of the Arts, Medieval Fair (in Norman 30 miles away) Paseo Arts Festival (the Paseo neighborhood is a good place to explore) and state fair. Also the Thunder, professional basketball team but that can be expensive.
ALison says
we want our sonics back 🙂