5 Things You Should Love About Living in Oklahoma

It's not a secret that Oklahoma is struggling in some ways.

Yes, we're a flyover state, so our list of fun things gets pretty short pretty quickly. As far as education goes, our kids in public schools aren't doing so well. And now, after fall of 2024, we will only have 10 days to get new vehicles registered (even in private sales).

But, if you spend all of your time looking for something, you'll find it. So, instead of hunting for the cons, take a moment to see why it's a good thing to live in the Sooner state.

5 Things You Should Love About Living in Oklahoma

1. Gardens Galore

Oklahoma has a mixture of soils throughout the state that actually help make some incredible gardens. Since Oklahomans are usually pretty knowledgable about growing their own food, we have an abundance of "scratch cooking" and things made from the very basics - which we also make ourselves. I mean, just check out the Amish eateries in Choteau, Oklahoma or the best U-Pick Farms here.

 2. Open Carry

Oklahoma is an "open carry" state, meaning that anyone over 21 (besides felons and other disqualifications) are allowed to openly carry a firearm without a permit. There are many other cases that allow people to carry loaded and unloaded firearms without permits.

@firefighter1186 #oklahomacheck #opencarry #2ndadmendment #cowboybutts ♬ original sound - Mary

In a study between 2018 and 2023, Oklahoma had 10 people killed in 12 school shootings, better rates than Colorado, Louisiana, Texas and many states in the U.S. Oklahoma's overall rural communities generally don't have issues with shootings or gun violence.

3. Affordable Housing

Although it isn't the most affordable place in the United States, it is significantly better than many states across the nation. According to the cost of living calculator, Oklahoma's cost of living is 12% lower than the national average.

@maryledbetter9 #ad This past weekend Craig and I went with our friend, Marche, to check out Trulo Homes in Jenks, Oklahoma! This gated rental community is amazing because you do not share any walls! In addition, they have a resort style pool, game room, dog park, and much more! You can schedule a tour or a self-guided tour online at trulohomes.com/jenks 🏠 #wheretoliveinoklahoma #rentalhomes #tulsaoklahoma #tulsa #jenksoklahoma #trulohomes #wheretoliveinjenks #jenks #wheretoliveintulsa ♬ original sound - Mary Hatheway

For example, it is possible to rent a 2-3 bedroom home for less than $1,000 monthly in Oklahoma; whereas, in many states, it's unheard of.

4. Close Relationship with Military and Law Enforcement

In Oklahoma, we don't treat our military as though they live in an entirely other world; many times, the folks on base host events open to civilians and military families and even some of our local communities put events on to celebrate our troops.

@tiktoklahoma Great work by the Stillwater police department! #oklahoma #stillwater #stillwaterok #oklahomastate #osu #police #policeofficers #helping #retired #naturaldisaster #storm #volunteer #help #oklahomacity #tulsa #brokenarrow #edmond #norman #feelgood #happystory #fyp #fypシ #xyzbca ♬ original sound - tiktoklahoma

Depending on where in Oklahoma, your relationship with law enforcement can vary. But, in many places, officers are there to help. People in Oklahoma are raised with manners and respect and are generally pretty friendly, hence the reason officers in Oklahoma usually are respected. Of course, it's important to bear in mind that a few bad apples don't spoil the whole bunch.

5. Peaceful Escapes

Oklahoma has some incredible wildlife and scenery. Being as the state sits near the center of the U.S., there's a little bit of every type of landscape throughout. There are various state parks and sights to see - a ton of them are free.

@oklahoma77.com Do you say glass or gloss? Cause I often hear both. I choose the typo version myself. Typos resonate with my soul. #glossmountainstatepark #gypsumselenite #gypsum #exploreoklahoma #buttes ♬ Lofi nostalgic old music box(833007) - NARU

The wildlife in Oklahoma will make you forget your worries, watching majestic bison stroll across the plains or see the powerful elk enjoying the fields. If you're lucky, you'll catch the coolest show from the scissortail or cardinals.

6. Exposure To Culture

Oklahoma has the second largest population of Native Americans in the United States, after Alaska. With 39 different tribes in the state, it's difficult not to see why Oklahoma continues to celebrate Native American heritage.

@marcenella Pow-Wow #nativetiktok #nativegenes #kiowa #nativeamerican #oklahoma ♬ original sound - Marcy LaFerr

Here in Oklahoma, everyone can attend pow wows or learn more about Indian culture in classes that teach history, languages, practices and traditions.

What are you grateful for in Oklahoma? Message us on the app to update the list.

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