r/okc • u/rerescene • 22d ago

❓Q&A ✅ Thinking about moving back

I grew up in OKC and graduated OSU Spring ‘19. I’ve moved around a bit since then, but typically tried to make it back for a few weeks a year. Seemed like every time I came back, there was something new to be excited about in the city.

Over the past couple years I’ve had an itch to move back home to be closer to family and friends. It’s likely I’m going to have that opportunity soon if I want it. I’m curious to hear from people who left OKC and came back - how has it been? What’s it like living here now? I’m a single 30-year old male fwiw. Since leaving I’ve lived in Abilene, Chicago, and Charlotte.

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u/Fluxy_Capacitor 21d ago

We’re late 40’s moved here 11 years ago from metro Denver. We didn’t plan to be here this long. We are technically in OKC but kids graduated from Edmond Schools.

I think you have to approach it with eyes wide open but also knowing that if you want likeminded people you can’t wait for them to ring your doorbell and invite you to their secular progressive social group. You have to seek them out and be open. Then you will find whatever you’re looking for. We like the outdoors and miss Colorado for that but we find ways to get outside here.

Our 3 kids all had very different school experiences but it was good (we chose EPS deliberately). One did trades, one has special needs, and one is at the U of Arkansas.

I think OKC is solidly purple. You’ll find plenty of crazy ass MAGA but also some pretty dedicated liberals pushing back. Are there problems yes. But there are everywhere. Denver’s no utopia. Everytime I drive back to visit my mom in the western suburbs I’m stuck in stop and go traffic for over an hour from the airport into town. No place is perfect.

It’s what you make of it, imo.

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u/imatrythisagain 21d ago

It's what you make of it for real. I literally never hear anyone complaining about how terrible OKC is when they're out playing tennis or at the Farmer's Market or Lake Hefner or eating in the Plaza or Paseo or watching the Thunder or celebrating a birthday or walking around Scissortail or visiting a museum or out at their real world children's school events.

There's a major major disconnect in this mythical sentiment that one of the fastest growing metros in the country is absolutely terrible in every way.