Oklahomans know they have a good thing going with the Sooner State, and it seems the rest of the country is catching on. For the first time since 1995, Oklahoma has made United Van Lines’ list of the most popular destinations for relocating households. Moving company United Van Lines’ 38th Annual National Movers study ranks Oklahoma No. 9 on its list of top moving destinations during 2014. Do you think they found out we’re not just a flat, boring state? Here are 14 of the best things about Oklahoma and why everyone should move here:

1. We have a low cost of living.
furfur/Flickr
In CNBC's "America's Top States for Business 2012" ranking, CNBC ranked Oklahoma the top state for its cost of living. Oklahoma also placed fourth in cost of business, proving that in Oklahoma the value you get for your dollar exceeds almost anywhere else in the country.
2. Oklahoma has been A-OK since the recession.
401k(2012)/Flickr
When it comes to earnings growth, few states have fared as well as Oklahoma. Recently the Bureau of Economic Analysis looked at the data and found that the Sooner State was one of the top three states with the highest percentage earnings growth since 2009. Oklahoma was also of the top five fastest-growing economies in the nation.
3. Our largest city is one of the friendliest cities in the nation.
Nan Palmero/Flickr
Travel+Leisure found that OKC ranked No. 5 on its "America’s Friendliest Cities" list. OKC is also ranked as the least rude and snobby city in the U.S. That there are some pretty good things about Oklahoma, dontcha think?
4. And a must-see destination.
bricktown.okc.7/Flickr
National Geographic Traveler named Oklahoma City as a must-see destination for 2015. The list is comprised of 30 locations worldwide and highlights Downtown OKC as well as the Asian District.
5. Oklahoma ranks as one of the best states for military retirees.
Knox County Government/Flickr
With such strong military ties in our state, it is no surprise WalletHub recently ranked the Sooner State No. 9 on its recent "Best States for Military Retirees" list. Oklahoma scored particularly high for our economic environment.
6. We have a diverse culture.
hepingting/Flickr
According to a recent study from Brookings, Oklahoma ranks No. 8 nationally for states who are diversifying quickly. Currently, 45 percent of Oklahomans under the age of 19 are people of color.
7. We have some of the best college cities.
VisitNorman/Facebook
Two college towns in Oklahoma recently made WalletHub's list of "Best College Cities and Towns in America" for 2014. Stillwater, home of Oklahoma State, came in at No. 8 with high rankings in affordability. The University of Oklahoma and Norman came in at No. 36 also scoring high in affordability.

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8. We have mouthwatering BBQ.
Burncobbq/Facebook
Oklahoma barbecue is some of the best in the country.
9. Speaking of food...you'll never run out of delicious new restaurants to try.
Mickey-Mantles-Restaurant-Sports-Bar/Flickr
Oklahoma's food scene is diverse, plentiful, and superb.
10. We have gorgeous lakes!
CarltonLanding/Facebook
Oklahoma has the largest number of lakes created by dams of any state in the United States, with more than 200.
11. And beautiful scenery.
TalimenaNationalScenicByway/Facebook
One of the best views in the state is the drive along Talimena Scenic Drive in southeastern Oklahoma.
12. You can have a taste of all four seasons.
The Real Estraya/Flickr
In Oklahoma, the saying goes, "If you're not happy with the weather, just wait." All of our seasons are beautiful and can happen at any moment.
13. We have our first Costco and Trader Joes coming to Oklahoma in 2016...which means more will follow!
Costco/Facebook
Oklahoma is becoming a prime spot for retailers across the country. New ones are continually coming into the state.
14. We are polite, happy, and laid-back people.
jill, jellidonut... whatever/Flickr
The people are nice and welcoming, the food is spectacular and you get all four seasons...what else could you want?

Of course, these are only a few of the best things about Oklahoma, we could go on for days. But it’s your turn. What else do you love about this fine state? Drop a comment and tell us even more reasons to move to Oklahoma.

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More to Explore

Even more reasons to live in Oklahoma

Chris Muras | December 29, 2022

Why would you live in Oklahoma?

Besides the boring (but important) reasons to live in Oklahoma like the low cost of living, tons of activities, the unique culture, and abundant career opportunities, we'll add one no one else is talking about - road trips! Here are a few super fun road trips you can only take in Oklahoma:

1. Oklahoma Waterfall Road Trip
2. Haunted Oklahoma Road Trip
3. Oklahoma Natural Wonders Road Trip
4. Oklahoma’s Most Picturesque Small Towns Road Trip
5. Oklahoma Ghost Town Road Trip
6. Oklahoma Weekend Road Trip
7. 8 Amazing Places You Can Go On One Tank Of Gas In Oklahoma
8. Oklahoma Fall Foliage Road Trip

Read more about each of these fun road trips in Oklahoma in this handy dandy article (with maps). And then check out some of the best cabins in Oklahoma to catch some zzzs after your long drive.

What are 3 things Oklahoma is known for?

Oklahoma might not be on everyone's radar when it comes to a lot of things, but it should be. When you think about Oklahoma you might think about its rough on the outside warm and cuddly on the inside cowboy culture, or maybe its beautiful natural areas like the Wichita Mountains pop into your head. Of course, the famous Oklahoma BBQ is making your tummy rumble right about now too. Here are a few more things that Oklahoma is known for:

  • State Pride: Oklahomans know we are the best.
  • County Music: Nashville? What Nashville?
  • Tire Manufacturing: Yup, number one in the nation.
  • Storm Watching: Those Oklahoma skies are pretty spectacular during a storm.
  • Grilling: We said that already, but it's worth mentioning twice.

 

For even more wild and wacky reasons to love Oklahoma read all about it. Did you know someone in Oklahoma invented voicemail?

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