My video titled “10 Things I Hate About Living in Oklahoma” has garnered a substantial number of views, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for watching it. What’s equally intriguing, though, are the amusing comments it has attracted. It seems that many viewers, whether they watched the video or not, took it upon themselves to suggest that if I harbor such reservations about Oklahoma, I should consider relocating. Alongside these, there were also comments that, let’s say, fell short of being compliments.

In the recent months, I’ve come across a few more aspects, and I must admit, discovered a few myself, that might not necessarily be the most endearing traits of living in Oklahoma. I do acknowledge that the term “hate” may come across as quite strong, but it’s important to remember that these are my personal opinions, which may or may not resonate with you.

So, without further ado, I’d like to share five additional reasons why, at times, I find myself less enamored with living in Oklahoma.

No.1 Summer Living in Oklahoma: The Season of Snakes

Ah, summertime living in Oklahoma—an exciting season that also brings along some uninvited guests: snakes. Like several other Southwestern states, Oklahoma is home to a variety of snake species. In my quest for information on the total number of venomous snakes in the state, I found the Oklahoma State University extension office to be a reliable source. According to their research, Oklahoma is home to seven different venomous snake species.

I’ve been living in Oklahoma nearly my whole life. Growing up here, I was well-acquainted with two common types of snakes: water moccasins and copperheads. However, I must confess that I can’t confidently distinguish between different snake species, so I’ve developed a general aversion to all snakes. Copperheads are typically not associated with bodies of water, although I’m not entirely clear on their specific habitat requirements. Water moccasins, on the other hand, are aquatic snakes that inhabit the water’s edge, often found near ponds. Interestingly, I recently learned that the term “water moccasin” is used as a general descriptor for all water snakes, with the venomous ones being called cottonmouths. Regardless of their classification, I can’t deny that snakes, in general, make me uneasy.

In Western Oklahoma, a different challenge arises—the presence of rattlesnakes. It’s said that there are five distinct types of rattlesnakes in this region. While I’ve never personally encountered a rattlesnake in the wild while living in Oklahoma, I’ve heard enough to stay vigilant, especially when visiting my parents on their ranch and exploring areas around ponds during the summer. While rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive, I’ve been advised to exercise caution and slowly retreat if I ever come across one. Discussing this as my number one reason for unease might help me avoid any snake-related nightmares tonight!

Living in Oklahoma is truly an adventure, and encountering snakes is just one aspect of this unique experience.

No. 2 Job Diversity Living in Oklahoma: A Narrow Landscape

Another aspect of living in Oklahoma that can be quite challenging is the limited job diversity. In this state, it’s common to find people employed by the government, whether it’s the state government itself or various federal government departments. State universities, oil companies, American Airlines, Love’s Travel Stops, Hobby Lobby, and hospitals also rank among the prominent employers in Oklahoma. More recently, we’ve witnessed the emergence of tech companies, a development that encompasses a wide range of opportunities.

Oklahoma’s allure to certain industries can be attributed to several factors, including affordable land, relatively inexpensive labor, and a tax structure that encourages businesses to establish a presence here. Now, I understand that you may not know me personally, unless, of course, you’re one of my loyal viewers who have been following my videos and hearing comments suggesting that I should consider relocating. Allow me to clarify—I’m actually a realtor, and I genuinely enjoy living here. Moreover, I find immense satisfaction in helping people transition to living in Oklahoma. In fact, my YouTube channel features over 180 videos, each offering valuable insights into the various aspects of living in Oklahoma and why it might just be the right fit for you.

If you have any questions about relocating to Oklahoma or navigating the intricacies of the buying and selling process in this state, don’t hesitate to schedule a call with me! I’m here to assist you every step of the way.

No. 3 Exploring Oklahoma’s State Parks: A Quest for Information

Now, let’s talk about the third item on my list—access to state parks. Oklahoma boasts a grand total of 38 state parks, and I’ve had the pleasure of visiting quite a few of them. However, what I’ve found most frustrating is the lack of comprehensive information available about these parks. While the Oklahoma State Tourism Department does make efforts to provide some content regarding what these parks have to offer, it can still be a challenge to gain a clear understanding of the amenities available in each area.

Undoubtedly, Oklahoma is home to some remarkable natural wonders and outdoor destinations. Yet, in my humble opinion, there’s room for improvement when it comes to providing detailed and easily accessible information about these beautiful state parks. I’m curious to know what you think as well, so please feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments section. Your insights and tips are always welcome and appreciated! Together, we can make exploring Oklahoma’s state parks an even more enriching experience.

No. 4 Dreaming of a Connected Oklahoma: The Need for Inter-City Trains

In my previous video, I touched upon the limited public transportation options we have here living in Oklahoma, and it’s safe to say that we don’t have an extensive network by any means. However, something that has been on my mind quite a bit lately is the absence of inter-city trains, particularly a rail link between Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Now, don’t get me wrong, we do have an Amtrak train that runs from Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas (and yes, there’s a distinction between Fort Worth and Dallas for those who might be wondering). While this existing route is great, I must confess that I haven’t had the chance to experience it yet, and I’m eager to see what it’s like. Riding a train within the United States is a unique experience in itself.

However, what would truly be fantastic is having a train connection directly between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Imagine the convenience! While a high-speed bullet train might be wishful thinking, a regular train service would significantly improve my life. Given that my family resides near Tulsa, it would provide a safer and more efficient alternative to navigating the current road systems. Of course, it’s important to note that this is just my opinion, but I can’t help but dream of a more connected Oklahoma. What are your thoughts on this matter? If you were living in Oklahoma, would you agree?

No. 5 The Sticky Subject of Humidity Living in Oklahoma: Is it Too Much?

Last but certainly not least on my list of considerations about living in Oklahoma is the infamous humidity. I’ve got to be honest; the humidity here can be rather daunting. Oklahoma boasts a rather humid climate, and it often feels oppressively intense—well, at least until I make my annual pilgrimage to Austin, Texas, where I’m promptly reminded of the meaning of sweltering humidity.

One thing you can count on in Oklahoma is air conditioning. It’s practically a given. Whether you’re visiting a business establishment or a residence, living in Oklahoma, you’ll find air conditioning, unless it happens to be broken. Now, there’s a distinct difference between the dry heat of places like Arizona and Las Vegas and the sticky, suffocating humidity of Oklahoma.

If you’re contemplating whether you can handle the heat before fully committing to living in Oklahoma, I’d recommend planning a visit during the summertime. The hottest stretch of the year typically falls between June 21st and September 21st, with August reigning as the hottest month in the state.

So, come on down, experience it for yourself, and see if you’re a fan of our unique brand of heat. If you already know you can handle it, let me know in the comments below. Of course, be prepared because you can easily find yourself overheating. During the summer, citizens living in Oklahoma tend to gravitate towards outdoor activities in the early mornings and late evenings, when the scorching sun starts to dip below the horizon. If you missed my other video about the first 10 Things I Hate About Living in Oklahoma, don’t forget to check it out!