Why moving to Oklahoma: Affordable cost of living. Strong job market. Diverse cultural experiences. Mild weather conditions. Friendly communities. Outdoor recreational opportunities. Quality healthcare facilities. Excellent education system. Thriving arts scene. Low traffic congestion.
Affordable cost of living.
Oklahoma offers an exceptionally affordable cost of living, ranking second in the U.S., with lower costs in housing, utilities, groceries, healthcare, and transportation. The median home value is $191,700, and the median rent is $1,395. These costs are significantly below national averages, making it an attractive option for many individuals and families. Learn more about these benefits at Oklahoma Ranks, which elaborates on how these expenses compare nationally.
Strong job market.
Moving to Oklahoma offers a strong job market, with 114,000 job openings in July 2024 and a job openings rate of 6.0%, which is higher than the national rate of 4.6%. The state also saw an average of 82,000 hires per month over the last 12 months, indicating a robust labor market. For more detailed information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website where insightful reports on employment trends in Oklahoma can be found, helping potential movers understand the economic opportunities available.
Diverse cultural experiences.
Oklahoma offers a rich and diverse cultural experience, with attractions like the First Americans Museum, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, and Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, showcasing the state's Native American heritage, Western culture, and contemporary art scene. The state is home to 39 federally recognized Native American tribes, numerous arts festivals, and a vibrant mix of traditional and modern cultural experiences. For more detailed information, visit the Visit OKC website, which highlights these unique cultural experiences. Whether exploring history or contemporary art, Oklahoma provides an immersive journey into its cultural landscape.
Mild weather conditions.
Oklahoma offers mild weather conditions, with a climate ranging from humid subtropical in the east to semi-arid in the west, characterized by long, hot summers and short, mild winters, with temperatures seldom falling below 10°F for extended periods. The state's average annual temperature is about 60°F, making it generally pleasant, especially in the southern regions. To get more detailed information about the climate, you can explore the resources provided by the Oklahoma Climate Survey, which offers insights into the diverse weather patterns of the state.
Friendly communities.
Oklahoma is known for its friendly communities, with towns like Hugo, Guymon, and Goodwell offering warm hospitality, charming local businesses, and a strong sense of small-town America, making them highly welcoming to newcomers. To explore more about these locales, visit WorldAtlas for additional insights on the most welcoming towns in the state.
Outdoor recreational opportunities.
Moving to Oklahoma offers a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities, including kayaking, zip lining, and rafting at Riversport Rapids, hiking and wildlife exploration at Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge and Martin Nature Park, and various water activities at Lake Hefner and other state parks. The state also features scenic drives, such as the Talimena National Scenic Byway, and numerous state parks like Beavers Bend and Roman Nose State Park, offering hiking, biking, boating, and more.
Quality healthcare facilities.
Oklahoma boasts high-quality healthcare facilities, with hospitals required to report various quality indicators, including patient diagnosis, safety events, and patient satisfaction scores, to ensure continuous improvement and compliance with Medicare and state regulations. For more information, you can visit the Quality Data Reporting page. Additionally, Oklahoma hospitals prioritize patient safety and clinical outcomes, with some earning top national ratings for their excellence in care.
Excellent education system.
Oklahoma's education system is ranked as the second-worst in the nation, with poor performance in quality, test scores, and safety metrics, making it an unfavorable choice for those seeking an excellent Education System. This standing highlights significant challenges that the state faces in providing a high-quality educational experience for students.
Thriving arts scene.
Oklahoma City boasts a thriving arts scene, featuring vibrant museums like the Oklahoma City Museum of Art with its Dale Chihuly exhibit, contemporary art galleries such as Artspace at Untitled and DNA Galleries, and a rich display of Native American art at Exhibit C and the First Americans Museum, making it an unexpected delight for art lovers. Discover more about the Best Places to See Oklahoma City Art and immerse yourself in the city’s unique cultural offerings.
Low traffic congestion.
Oklahoma is the 16th least congested state in the nation, with only Arkansas and Kansas being slightly less congested, making it an attractive option for those seeking to avoid heavy traffic congestion, especially compared to larger urban areas in other states. For an insightful comparison of Oklahoma's road performance, visit the 1889 Institute. This makes Oklahoma a strategic choice for both residents and businesses looking to establish themselves in areas with better traffic conditions.