Oklahoma’s story could be the most unique in American history. On April 22, 1889, President Harrison authorized the government to open nearly two million acres of territory for settling.
About 50,000 people formed a line right at the border. Some people were on horses, while families were awaiting in wagons for their chance to own essentially free land. A few people were even on foot!
During that time, cities like Oklahoma City were created almost overnight. Although the displacement of tribal culture should be part of the debate from a historical perspective, we can still consider several benefits when moving to Oklahoma from NYC.
What Is It Like to Live in Oklahoma?
When you live in Oklahoma, you can expect affordable prices and reasonable access to the goods you need. It’s often ranked as one of the cheapest states in the country, and that evaluation starts with housing costs.
The average price in NYC is approximately $665,000 across all boroughs and outlying communities. However, when you look at Oklahoma as a state, the cost is only $123,000.
That’s even cheaper than the U.S. median of $226,000 by 50%.
If you prefer to rent, the cost is still half of the American median. For example, you’ll pay about $700 for a place in Oklahoma City when the rest of the nation is averaging $1,600. If you’re in NYC, you will pay around $2,500 to $3,500 for a comparative space.
You don’t need to worry about traffic, rush hour, or congestion when you move to OK. Of course, you’ll trade 24/7 convenience for this benefit, but the positives usually outweigh the negatives for the average person.
Get Ready to Enjoy Some Barbecue in Oklahoma
When you think about Oklahoma’s culinary culture, the first thing that comes to mind should be southern hospitality. You’ll find plenty of comfort food options, especially if you head to one of the more rural communities.
Although barbecue is offered everywhere (and rightly so!), you’ll have some other excellent options to try. There’s the pan-fried catfish, some hush puppies, authentic chili, and a whole lot more waiting for your tastebuds.
You can find similar restaurants in NYC, but you’ll see more of a kick waiting for you is OK.
Oklahoma Is in the Middle of the Continent
Oklahoma has plenty of excellent weather to enjoy if you love getting outside. You won’t find the mountains or beaches that are so close to you in New York City.
That’s not to say that you can’t find a great place to hike or enjoy the rolling plains with an ATV, but it is fair to say that getting outside is a different adventure here.
Your best option for a beach in Oklahoma is Broken Bow Lake. It’s surrounded by hills and forests, offers canoeing and swimming, and the area is perfect for a horseback ride.
Another popular option is Lake Texoma in Bryan County. However, when you want to see the mountains, your best option is to head west to see the Rockies.
What Are the Taxes to Expect in Oklahoma?
When you move from NYC to Oklahoma, another financial picture element involves the taxes you need to pay.
The current OK state sales tax is 4.5%, but each municipality can set its own rate. That means you’ll pay up to 11.5% on each purchase.
Although the property tax is 0.87% throughout the state, you’ll also have an income tax of up to 5% to pay when you’re here.
Those rates are still much lower than you’ll find in New York City, but it isn’t the deal you might expect when moving to a different state.
Are You Thinking About Launching a Business?
Although you might find some lifestyle challenges awaiting you in Oklahoma, you’ll also discover that it is a fantastic place for entrepreneurs. It’s relatively cheap to start a business in the state, especially with low rental costs.
You can find many co-working spaces, incubators, and supportive events for startups in Oklahoma City and throughout the state. Tulsa has similar opportunities.
If you want to explore the third option, Norman provides another metropolitan opportunity to explore. When your goal is to find somewhere quiet and off-the-grid, numerous small communities can provide what you want.
Oklahoma has a lot to offer, but it isn’t always the right stop for everyone. If you’re thinking about moving here from New York City, you’ll want to evaluate the pros and cons carefully before contacting professional movers to help with your relocation.
