We're all entitled to our own opinions, especially in online forums. Recently on Reddit, a new thread or post was created in the Sub-Reddit (Oklahoma) named: "Possibly moving to Lawton soon, is it really as bad as people say?" Needless to say what followed was a long string of over 80 plus comments, most trashing Lawton, Fort Sill declaring it one of the worst places to live in Oklahoma. There were a few positive comments, but most were negative. It seems Lawton continues to struggle with its reputation and standing.

I've lived in Lawton for over 30 plus years and while I admit there are a few truths to what some are saying about my hometown, but overall Lawton isn't that bad. Sure we have our fair share of problems, what town doesn't? However, it's gotten a lot better over the past several years and we're starting to see some growth and positive changes in our community. So why do so many people bad mouth Lawton, Fort SIll? 

A lot of people are convinced that Lawton is a bad place to live and work due to all the negative press and complaints from past residents, and even some current residents. Scroll through some of the comments that were posted on the forum to see what others think of our happy, humble, medium-sized metropolis. WARNING: A few of the comments below contain strong adult language. You've been officially warned. 

LAWTON IS ONLY MILITARY FAMILIES AND IS A DYING TOWN:

The original thread or post was the question "Possibly moving to Lawton soon, is it really as bad as people say?" I'm not sure if this person is Military and moving to the area due to that, or if they're coming for other reasons. The post mentioned Fort Sill so I'm thinking they're Military. They also asked about surrounding towns and communities outside of Lawton as possible options that have quick commutes.

The thread responded with several towns right outside of Lawton like Cache, Elgin, Medicine Park, Duncan, and Marlow. All of which were listed as being better places to live than Lawton. All of these places are great, but are they really better than Lawton? I guess that depends on the person and their preferences.

LAWTON IS HOTTER THAN HELL AND NO ONE LIKE LIVING THERE:

Lawton has improved a lot in the past couple of years as city leaders and citizens work to make it a better place to live and work. There's been quite a bit of growth and we're seeing more and more companies and businesses move here and open up. There's been a ton of construction and it doesn't look like it'll slow down anytime soon. Just take a quick trip down Cache Road and you'll see all the construction going on.

Do we have everything? No, but it's certainly gotten better. We have a lot more options with shopping and restaurants than we use to that's for sure. And there are more career and job opportunities as well. Even during the pandemic, Lawton continued to see growth and expansion, unlike most other towns and cities across the Sooner State. The City of Lawton has also been busy with infrastructure and beautification.

LAWTON IS BORING AND HAS A TERRIBLE CRIME PROBLEM:

Now I'll admit that I wish there was more to do in town, especially for kids and teenagers. Even so, Lawton does have a lot of parks, recreation centers, and other activities for local youth. We have great organized youth sports programs and clubs that are very active. Boredom is a state of mind, not a place where you live. It's like my Mom use to say "There's no such thing as boring places, just boring people." 

What about crime? Like anywhere else we have crime and some places in town are worse than others. Has it gotten worse? Yes and no to be honest. We do have a higher crime rate when compared to some other cities and towns in the state. You can get all the details on this by visiting www.neighborhoodscout.com

LAWTON HAS A FEW PLACES YOU WANT TO AVOID, BUT NICE PEOPLE:

I've said it again and again. Lawton, Fort SIll has some of the nicest most neighborly people you'll ever meet. Sure we have a few bad apples and some people that you'd rather not get to know better, but overall Lawtonians are very polite and hospitable. It really is the people that make Lawton a great place.

We really do have caring people and a very active city council and government who want the best for Lawton and its citizens. Do they always get it right? No, but what city government does? The "good ol' boy network" of years past is diminishing and those who held Lawton back in the past aren't as big a roadblock as they once were. Our current elected officials, while not perfect, are making it a better place.

LAWTON IS ROUGH, DILAPIDATED AND IS POVERTY RIDDEN:

I know I've spent a lot of time in this article defending Lawton, Fort SIll but it's my hometown. I've lived in other places, some were better, but others were far worse. Lawton isn't that bad and it's definitely not the worst place to live in Oklahoma. At least in my opinion. Sure we have some problems and some things we need to improve, but it's gotten a lot better. Lawton has a rough past and a lot of people only remember what it use to be like, instead of what it's becoming. Lawton is slowly but surely transforming!

It would be easy to pile on the complaints and add to the already growing list of gripes when it comes to talking about Lawton and what it's like living here. I'd rather try to find the good and be a part of the solution instead. Now that's not to say I don't have complaints or haven't said a bad word about Lawton because I have. But I try to limit that and only express it to others who can actually do something about it. I hate that people who don't live here are afraid of Lawton, or think badly of it because of what they've heard.