Oklahoma Attracting New Residents with 'Flyover Lifestyle'

The State of Oklahoma recently started a new campaign to entice new residents to move here, and the commercials have more than a few Oklahomans raising their eyebrows.

From a marketing standpoint, it's not a bad strategy to embrace the nationwide reputation that we're a "flyover" state, but some Okies aren't taking it so well.

As an avid outdoorsman, even I rolled my eyes at that giant trout... Was this even filmed in Oklahoma? Or did the state just give a pile of money over to some out-of-state marketing agency that stuck a bunch of stock footage together in the eleventh hour?

Regardless, it's still a solid ploy, and here's why... California did the same thing for years.

It's that classic "You think you know, but you have no idea" teaser strategy that has become so popular on the web these days.

You've probably seen more of this too. Headlines like "Don't Come to (insert state/town)" or "Six Reasons Why You Shouldn't Visit (insert state/town)."

You can't help but click a sensational headline like that, and by the time you've made it through the first paragraph, you realize that headline was a Trojan Horse and the overall message is "Come here, please!"

Oklahoma isn't the first to capitalize on this trend, we're just the next in line. Commercials started running during the UofO/Texas Red River Rivalry game a few weeks ago in Texas, and the website makes OK even more enticing.

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From the official Live In Oklahoma website, here are things that are cheaper in the Sooner State:

Home Ownership
Rent
Electric
Water
Gasoline
Milk
Beer
Dining
Eggs
Out-of-State College Tuition
Movie Tickets
Yoga
Cappuccino
State Parks
State Fair Tickets
Zoo Tickets

It's a wild hodge-podge of topics specifically meant to catch as many eyes as possible, a solid strategy. It's also completely true and Oklahoma was kind enough to provide source data... but therein lies the double-edged sword.

Like we've seen happen to countless states over the years, people may move to Oklahoma because it's cheap... but that ultimately drives up the price.

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Back in the 1980s and 90s, Californians seeking a cheaper living cost made a mass migration to the small, mostly conservative state of Colorado. The population of The Centennial State has nearly doubled since then, but the cost of living has practically tripled. Especially across the sprawling metropolitan capital of Denver.

A 4-bed house built and bought in 1991 for $190,000 now sells for between $700,000-$770,000.

The growth in Colorado did level off when mostly conservative Texas became the new must-go place. The exact same thing is happening in the Lone Star State. The costs are soaring as the values dwindle.

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Do we need an influx of people to Oklahoma?

Meh... It's the same double-edged sword. It'd be really nice to have a larger economy and more tax revenues, but it all comes at a price.

You'll appreciate all the new roads you'll have to use to move to a cheaper town because everything seems to go up except paychecks.

Top 10 Snobbiest Towns & Cities in Oklahoma

Don't shoot the messenger. I'm not calling these places snobby, the internet is. A recent report by Roadsnacks.net identified 10 of the snobbiest towns and cities in Oklahoma. The methodology behind the study used median household incomes, the percentage of the population with college educations, and median home prices in determining just how snobby a town or city is. Most would agree with the results below. Unless you live in one of these places, then you may disagree. Also, keep in mind this list was all done in good fun. Sure there's some truth to the findings but like most places, you'll find both good and bad. Keep scrolling to check out Oklahoma's top 10 snobbiest towns and cities to see if your hometown made the list.

Gallery Credit: Don "Critter" Brown

Oklahoma's Ten Poorest Cities and Towns

While it's a list no municipality aspires to be on, there's one in every state across America. Whether it's due to limited economic opportunities, the failing popularity of once-booming towns, or a generation of youth running away from their hometowns, but nine out of the ten poorest communities exist on the east side of I-35.

Based on the stats of those living at or below the state poverty level, median household incomes, and unemployment, here are the poorest communities in Oklahoma.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Top 10 safest towns & cities in Oklahoma

These 10 Oklahoma towns and cities have been ranked and named as the safest in the entire Sooner State. If you're looking for someplace to move, retire or visit and are worried about crime, these are the safest places. They have some of the lowest crime rates in the state, some have the lowest in the Nation according to FBI crime statistics. Most of the cities and towns that made the top 10 safest places year are located in the southwest central portion of the state. One town made it to the top of the list at #1 for its 5th or 6th time.

Gallery Credit: Don "Critter" Brown

10 Oklahoma Hallmark holiday hometowns you can visit

Looking for someplace special to spend the holidays? The Sooner State has you covered with some of the best towns and cities to get into the Christmas spirit. If you've ever wanted to visit a place that feels like it came out of a Hallmark movie you're in luck. Check out these ten Oklahoma Hallmark holiday hometowns to experience the small-town charm and friendliness of some of Oklahoma's best-known holiday destinations. Each has its own unique traditions and holiday events that will surely get you into the spirit of the season. From amazing lights and displays to performances and festive family fun you'll find in the Sooner State.

Gallery Credit: Don "Critter" Brown

Source: Oklahoma Attracting New Residents with ‘Flyover Lifestyle’

Categories: Oklahoma News, Travel