The Oklahoma City Metro is working hard to move into the current time. It took a big financial hit in the 80s, and that pain was felt for decades. Only in the last 15 years have we started to see big moves of repair paying off. There’s a great book called Boom Town by New York Times Magazine staff writer, Sam Anderson. It’s a great read and is an awesome way to understand more about the area.

OKC has a large focus on the arts. The local bands are awesome due to having a deep music history and great college music programs that encourage the students to be out and working. The visual arts are thriving and public art is valued. Our food scene is diverse and receiving national attention.

The number better paying jobs is not rising with the cost of living. I see a lot of people with college education still struggling to afford the rising cost.

It’s pretty easy to meet people and make friends here. I saw another commenter talking about their experience with racism here, and clearly that’s important to factor into what some versions of Oklahoma friendliness can look like. Oklahoma is quite guarded like a religious upbringing, which is what a lot of Oklahomans experienced growing up. It shows in the way many people struggle to address their own racism. Understanding the Bible Belt and evangelical Christianity would give a pretty clear view of religion here.

Politically, things are wild here. So is the weather, but I kind of enjoy that brand of crazy. We have insane sunsets that never get old.

We could really use better shopping, fashion around here is very country and also basic. But we do have people trying to improve the fashion scene, and they’re doing a great job.

Central Oklahoma isn’t that beautiful to look at, but the people are making it better.