If I had to move from my small southern town of Creeks Bend, located three miles south of No Where and just east of The Middle of Nothing, I would move to Oklahoma City. I have lived there in the past and nothing compares to it. I have lived on both coasts and many places in between, but if I had to give up Creeks Bend, I would move directly to Oklahoma City and never leave. There are so many reasons I know Oklahoma City is the best place to live, next to my dinky little town where I am related to 90 percent of the residents and it isn't even on a map.
First of all, it is big enough and small enough. Most people do not know that Oklahoma City is the largest city west of the Mississippi River in square miles. Yes, it is bigger than Los Angeles and Houston. Thankfully, there isn't the problems that those larger city have in Oklahoma City. There is never a shortage of things to do. Museums, art galleries and a wonderful fine arts program are just a few of the things on the long list of things to do. There are many colleges and universities close by and they are always having events the whole family can enjoy. The selection of restaurants is large. It is small enough that people still wave when you pass them in the streets. Neighborhoods tend to close knit communities and watch out for each other. Southern hospitality or mid-western charm? You will have to be answer that question.
Traffic is not a problem in OKC like it is in other cities it's size. The highways are set up in a "wagon wheel" design. Two of the major highways that run through Oklahoma City (one running north and south, the other runs east and west) cross each other in the middle of the city, dividing the city in fourths. The other two major highways run on a diagonal and cross about at the same mid-point. Now the city is divided into eighths. In less than ten minutes, from anywhere in the metro area, drivers can be on a major highway. This is a blessing. No more sitting at red lights, waiting to get on the interstate highway. There are a few stop lights, but not like in other cities the same size. Who ever decided this on this "wagon wheel" design was a genius.
The schools in Oklahoma City are great. Class sizes are much smaller than in other parts of the country. Text books are not outdated as in other places. They have excellent special education opportunities for both students with disabilities and students who are advanced. The advanced students do not have to be wait until the middle of elementary school to be tested. They can be tested even before they are old enough to go to school. These are just the public schools. Private schools, of course, are even better. And, they are quite economical.
Speaking of economics, Oklahoma City hasn't been hit by the current recession (if that is what it actually is; no one seems to know for sure) as the rest of the country has been. Unemployment is much lower. If a person wants to work, there is work available. Not just in low-paying jobs, either. Manufacturing, publishing, computer-related employment, executive positions and aircraft jobs (on all levels) are available to those who want to work.
The housing market has not been effected that much by the current housing fiasco faced in many parts of the country. A four-bedroom, two bath home can be purchased in good, clean, crime-free areas for less then $200,000 - usually much less than that. These houses aren't mansions and Donald Trump would never consider living there, but they are still good solid homes in great neighborhoods. If you prefer renting, there are hundreds, if not thousands. of apartment complexes and private landlords who offer fair prices.
The crime rate is low, about half of the national average. Gang violence is not a major concern like in Los Angeles, Houston, New York City, Boston and Miami. Due to harsh anti-drug laws, illegal drugs aren't as available as they are in other cities. There are more police officers and firefighters than in many cities half it's size. It is a safe place for families to live.
City life not your cup of tea? Try living in one of the small towns just minutes from downtown. Mustang, the tri-city area ( Tuttle, Newcastle and Blanchard, a bit more of a drive, though), Del-City, Norman and El Reno are great options for those work in OKC, but want a more rural or suburban feel. The schools in these areas are also great. Houses, as expected, are more expensive, but still well worth the money spent.
The hospitals and medical care are top rate. OKC has one of the best burn units in the country. The quality of the children's hospital has been compared to St. Jude's, though their services are not free. Many of the hospitals are grouped closely together in the downtown area, but there are many others in the outskirts that are just as good, if not better.
There is a major, international airport that has flights taking off and landing from all over the world. It, too, is set up in a logical manner unlike Dallas/Fort Worth and O'Hare in Chicago. It is set in a more rural area, so the residents do not feel like a 747 is about to land in their driveway. This is a huge bonus, especially if you have lived near an airport.
Oklahoma is city rich in history. It never forgets it's past (The Trail of Tears, the many different land runs and, of course, the bombing of the federal building) as it looks to the future. Local and state organizations and governments are always looking for ways to improve their city. Talk is heard about a major league baseball expansion team moving there as well as a bid to host the summer Olympics in the future.
Oklahoma City can also boast about having the greatest meteorologist in the world, Gary England. He has fought hard for many years to protect the residents of Oklahoma from the weather by making sure the best and most up-to-date equipment is available. He also educates the residents, especially the children, of weather safety. If you have seen the movie "Twister," you have seen him. Not only did the movie show snippets of his weather updates, he was also technical advisor.
The weather is wonderful. There are four separate seasons, but without the harsh winters of the north and the heat of the deep south. Temperatures vary, but they are usually mild enough not to cause much discomfort. There is snow in the winters and cool summer nights. Of course, be prepared for tornadoes and thunderstorms. Every area has it's extreme conditions - blizzards, hurricanes, high winds and earthquakes.
The people are friendly and helpful. This goes back to the southern hospitality or mid-western charm question. Neighbors take the time to get to know each other. Drivers are courteous and polite. Those who work in service related fields (restaurants, hotels, small business owners, etc.) know too well who makes their paychecks possible, and they do not forget it. Smiles abound as do eager hands offering a hand up in time of crisis.
If you are considering relocating, Oklahoma City is an excellent choice. It isn't just oil fields, cowboys and Indians. It is big enough to have all the amenities of a large city, yet small enough to be called home. It has everything you could want and not much of the things you don't want. If I ever decide to leave Creeks Bend, where I can't throw rock without hitting a family member's home, I would move to Oklahoma City. It is as close to perfect as possible.