Something’s happening in Oklahoma, and it’s not subtle. For better or worse, people are moving here, and even better, a lot of folks who already live here are deciding to stay.

The word’s out, the Sooner State is a pretty great place to call home.

Now, before you go referencing state politics and our public education rankings, let's look at the bigger picture of why people are choosing Oklahoma these days. No of state pro's is without the con's.

For starters, our friendliness isn’t just a stereotype. Our culture, our landscapes, the way people actually talk to each other is different than other states. But it’s not just about charm. Oklahoma is quietly becoming a hotspot for jobs and business. With affordable higher education, it's also a popular pick for that too.

Unlike a lot of other states, especially those on both coasts, Oklahoma is really business-friendly. Our laws don’t just allow companies to set up shop, they encourage it... and, much to taxpayers' chagrin, the state does typically bend over backwards to earn new business.

Your dollar stretches further. Housing, groceries, and everyday life is more affordable than most other states.

Sure, the weather can be a little… dramatic. Winters are mild, but spring and summer can test your patience. Still, most people agree it’s worth it. Honestly, seeing the Sooner State get this kind of attention is pretty refreshing. We’ve come a long way, and it shows.

What To Know When Moving To Oklahoma

Against popular in-state belief, Oklahoma is currently growing. In fact, the Sooner State has been steadily growing for the last thirty-ish years. We haven't had a population dip since the mid-90s.

As of 2023, native-born and adopted Okies now make up a wolfpack of over 4 million people, and if trends continue, we'll just keep adding new residents to the mix. Whether Americans are coming to Oklahoma for a more cost-effective lifestyle or just for work, here are a few things they can expect when they get here.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Top 10 safest towns & cities in Oklahoma

These 10 Oklahoma towns and cities have been ranked and named as the safest in the entire Sooner State. If you're looking for someplace to move, retire or visit and are worried about crime, these are the safest places. They have some of the lowest crime rates in the state, some have the lowest in the Nation according to FBI crime statistics.

Gallery Credit: Don "Critter" Brown

The Best Things About Oklahoma

It seems we've reached a point in human history where the norm is to sit around and complain about anything and everything. Oklahoma is a sore subject on both political sides of the aisle. So instead of adding to the morose nature of being bummed, here are some 100% pure Sooner State things Okies can't help but think positively about.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

More From KZCD-FM