Here are 10 things people often find themselves unexpectedly missing after leaving Oklahoma:
- The Flat Landscape and Wide Open Skies Many miss the distinctive flatness of Oklahoma’s terrain, which offers unobstructed views of the horizon and vast open skies. This simplicity in landscape is unique compared to more mountainous or heavily forested areas elsewhere.
- The Love of College Football Oklahoma has a deep-rooted college football culture that residents are passionate about. The community spirit and excitement around games are something many miss after moving away.
- Affordable Cost of Living and Housing Oklahoma is known for its relatively low cost of living and affordable housing market, which can be a stark contrast to more expensive cities. This affordability is often missed by those who move to pricier urban areas.
- Small-Town Community Feel in Some Areas Despite being a state with large cities, Oklahoma has many small towns where community ties are strong and people know their neighbors, a quality that can be hard to find elsewhere.
- Convenience of Local Stores and Services The convenience of having stores that offer everything under one roof within a short drive is something people appreciate in Oklahoma. This kind of accessibility is not always available in other places.
- Oklahoma’s Unique Weather While the weather can be extreme, with hot summers and occasional ice storms, some miss the distinct seasonal changes and the dramatic weather patterns that are part of Oklahoma’s character.
- Local Festivals and Cultural Events Events like the Red Earth Festival celebrating Native American culture, local rodeos, and other community gatherings provide a cultural richness that residents often miss after relocating.
- The Sense of Civic Pride Oklahomans are known for their strong civic pride and community spirit, which creates a welcoming and supportive environment that can be missed in larger, more impersonal cities.
- Proximity to Nature and Outdoor Activities Oklahoma offers access to lakes, rivers, and nearby mountain ranges within a couple of hours, providing outdoor recreational opportunities that people miss when they move to more urbanized or geographically different areas.
- The Friendly, Down-to-Earth People Many former residents note missing the friendliness and straightforward nature of people in Oklahoma, which contributes to a sense of belonging and community.
These aspects combine to create a lifestyle and environment that many do not fully appreciate until they leave Oklahoma.
Sources:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-d2s4C8K7U
- https://www.reddit.com/r/okc/comments/ec70l0/i_miss_oklahoma/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKqZgzPOt_A
- https://gessmannnorthamerica.com/15-things-youll-miss-when-you-move-outside/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehpa2ecyhC0
- https://paper-planes.co/6-things-i-miss-about-living-in-the-us-and-6-i-really-dont/