I have the opportunity to help many people in relocating from other states, and it’s interesting to note that when considering a move, most individuals tend to think of Texas before they think of Oklahoma. Californians, in particular, often have Texas on their radar due to the popularity of people moving there and the influence of friends who have made the move. However, let’s take a moment to consider what Oklahoma has to offer.

Is living in Oklahoma similar to living in California? When comparing these two states, it’s akin to comparing living in Barcelona, Spain, to living in Stockholm, Sweden. Although the distance between Oklahoma and California is comparable to that between Spain and Sweden, there are distinct differences. In the United States, the common language is English, which is not the case when comparing two separate countries. As such, Oklahoma and California often feel like separate entities. Let me tell you what I mean.

I’m Marcie Billen, a real estate agent here in Oklahoma. The similarities between living in California and living in Oklahoma can be observed in the size and overall feel of the towns, which are often influenced by population. Los Angeles, with its population of approximately 12.5 million people, contrasts with Oklahoma City’s metropolitan population of around 1 million, which is similar to that of Tulsa. I do apologize for the generalization regarding living in LA, as I understand that not everyone will be residing there. For a more direct comparison, let’s take a place like Pasadena, a college town situated outside of LA.

Pasadena has a population of around 152,000 people, and while Oklahoma does not have towns of that exact size, Norman, the third-largest city in Oklahoma after Oklahoma City and Tulsa, has a population of approximately 125,000 and is also a college town. Another suitable comparison would be Berkeley, located outside of San Francisco, with a population of around 120,000, which is quite close to Norman’s population of 125,000.

Now, let’s shift our focus to Bakersfield, California. With a population of approximately 700,000, Bakersfield holds significance for Oklahomans. Why is that? Bakersfield is often referred to as the “little Oklahoma” of California, stemming from its connection to the 1930s dust bowl era during the Great Depression in Oklahoma.

Dust Bowl | Duration, Effects, & Facts | Britannica — Dust Bowl Source Britanica

The movement of people from Oklahoma to California during the dust bowl era holds significant historical importance. The devastating effects of farmers stripping lands of their grasses, followed by a prolonged drought and the resulting dust storms, caused immense suffering and compelled Okies (people from Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and Colorado) to seek refuge in Bakersfield, California.

Even today, there are families who maintain connections between Oklahoma and Bakersfield or other parts of California. Some families have members split between the two states, a testament to the different experiences during the 1930s when California was experiencing an economic boom while Oklahoma was in the depths of depression.

The Okies who made the journey from Oklahoma to California faced ridicule, discrimination, and were relegated to the worst jobs. However, we are fortunate that we are not witnessing such mistreatment in the current mass exodus from California to Oklahoma. While other states may have their concerns about Californians moving in, I have yet to hear anyone in Oklahoma complain about the influx of Californians. In fact, Oklahoma City is the sixth fastest-growing metro area in the United States, and we are currently experiencing our own economic boom.

In many ways, California is like a country of its own, boasting a robust economy that surpasses that of many nations. Now, it seems that Oklahoma is going through its own boom. While it may appear to be an overnight phenomenon, the progress we are experiencing has been the result of decades of hard work and efforts to improve our state.

In addition, we can’t overlook the fact that remote work has become increasingly prevalent, contributing to the exodus from California. Many individuals now have the opportunity to work from home and seek a lower cost of living, making Oklahoma an attractive option. If you are considering moving to Oklahoma for economic reasons and have the flexibility to work remotely, our state offers a compelling choice.

If you are planning to move here, you may be wondering about our schools and school rankings in the state of Oklahoma.

Schools

In terms of public education, Oklahoma typically ranks 42nd or 43rd among all states in the U.S., depending on the source. California, on the other hand, ranks around 40th for its public education system. In this aspect, our states are relatively similar.

As for private schools, Oklahoma offers a range of options, including both religious and secular institutions. I often receive inquiries about private schools in Oklahoma, and I can assure you that there are available choices for those seeking an alternative to the public education system. You can download this guide for a list of private schools in the OKC metro!

Healthcare

Many individuals who move to Oklahoma do so for retirement purposes, often attracted by the lower cost of living in Oklahoma compared to California. Considering healthcare, it is important to note that Oklahoma ranks 48th nationally in terms of healthcare. In contrast, California is ranked number 1 in public health and number 21 in access to healthcare. These rankings highlight the healthcare disparities between the two states, with California generally having a more favorable healthcare system.

However, it is important to consider that healthcare rankings can vary depending on different factors and methodologies used. While California may have better healthcare rankings overall, Oklahoma still offers healthcare services and facilities that cater to the needs of its residents. It’s essential to explore healthcare options and resources available in Oklahoma when considering a move, especially for retirement purposes.

Culture

When it comes to reasons for moving, culture often plays a big role. And when it comes to living in Oklahoma, there is a common perception that Oklahomans are exceptionally nice and courteous. Of course, perception is reality and so that will change from person to person and on the other hand, some people have their days or just like being ugly (no matter where you go). However, it seems like generally, living in Oklahoma, you’ll find a friendly culture.

Politics

Politically, Oklahoma is known to be a heavily Republican state, which is closely tied to certain cultural aspects. Depending on the source, it is often ranked as the second or fourth most Republican state in the country. This Republican dominance is reflected in the state’s conservative values, including beliefs about tax structures and gun control. In Oklahoma, we have open carry laws, allowing individuals to carry firearms without restrictions. Additionally, family values hold significant importance in the state, and discussions surrounding them are prevalent within our state government.

On the other hand, California is commonly viewed as a state that leans towards the Democratic Party. While I don’t have firsthand experience living in California, I’ve heard from others that they are dissatisfied with the state’s direction in recent years, particularly since the last decade. This dissatisfaction may stem from various factors and can influence one’s perception of living in California.

When considering the differences between Oklahoma and California, it’s important to recognize that they are distinct in terms of culture and political leanings. They are not alike in any obvious sense. Ultimately, the decision of whether living in Oklahoma is comparable to living in California is a personal one. It depends on your own preferences, background, and the kind of change you may be seeking in your life. Each state offers a unique experience, and you must come to your own conclusions about what suits you best.