Overall City Sentiment Score
What’s it really like to live in Oklahoma City? How do locals feel about the city’s overall vibe and livability? In 2023, Oklahoma City earns a sentiment score of 78 out of 100, reflecting a generally positive perception among residents. This score is influenced by factors like the strong sense of community, relatively affordable housing costs compared to other metros, and the city’s continued growth and development. However, some locals express concerns about rising traffic congestion and pockets of higher crime rates.
Social Media Buzz in Oklahoma City
On platforms like the r/okc subreddit and local Facebook groups, Oklahoma City residents are talking about both the upsides and challenges of life in OKC. Positive sentiment revolves around the friendly people, diverse dining scene, and family-friendly amenities. As one Redditor shared, “I’ve lived in OKC for over a decade now and love how much the city has grown while still keeping its small town charm.”
However, social media buzz also reflects growing pains as the metro expands. “Traffic on I-35 and I-40 is getting worse by the day it seems,” lamented a member of the Oklahoma City Word of Mouth Facebook group. Others point to the need for more public transit options and bike lanes. Overall sentiment on social media seems to be remaining steady, with a mix of hometown pride and calls for continued improvement.
Local News Tone
Local news outlets in Oklahoma City strike a tone that is cautiously optimistic. Headlines celebrate new park openings, development projects, and job growth, but also shine a light on challenges like education disparities and the need for infrastructure upgrades. A recent headline in The Oklahoman read “OKC sees lowest unemployment in 20 years but some workers still struggle,” capturing the nuance of the city’s progress and pain points.
Review-Based Public Perception
On review platforms like Google and Niche.com, Oklahoma City earns solid marks, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Locals praise the city’s affordability, friendly residents, and abundance of parks and green space. “You can actually afford to buy a home here, unlike on the coasts,” wrote one reviewer. Neighborhood-level sentiment does vary, with downtown and Bricktown areas feeling more lively than sleepier suburbs like Edmond or Moore.
A small but vocal contingent of reviewers point out downsides like limited public transit, occasional extreme weather, and a local economy still dependent on oil and gas. As one Niche reviewer put it, “OKC is a great place to raise a family, but it’s not perfect. We still have work to do on creating more diverse job opportunities.”
Comparison to Nearby Cities
| City | Sentiment Score | Strengths | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK | 78 | Affordability, community feel, parks | Growing traffic, some high crime pockets |
| Tulsa, OK | 76 | Riverfront development, arts scene | Limited public transit, education gaps |
| Wichita, KS | 74 | Low cost of living, friendly vibe | Slow pace of life, fewer job options |
What Locals Are Saying
“As a young professional, I appreciate how Oklahoma City has a small town feel with big city amenities. I can afford a nice apartment downtown and walk to great restaurants and bars. The sense of community here is really special.” – Jenna, 28
“Oklahoma City has been a wonderful place to retire. The people are so welcoming, there’s always a festival or event happening, and my money goes a lot further here. I do wish we had more reliable public transportation though.” – Mark, 67
“I’ve been able to launch my own business here in OKC with lower overhead costs than I would have on the coasts. The city has a great entrepreneurial spirit. But we’re not immune to economic swings, especially with oil and gas prices.” – Luis, 44
“As a parent, I love all the family-friendly activities in Oklahoma City, from the zoo to the science museum. The schools in our suburb are pretty good. I just hope the city keeps investing in education, especially on the south side.” – Alyssa, 36
Conclusion: Is Oklahoma City a Happy City?
Overall, locals express largely positive sentiment about living in Oklahoma City. With a solid sentiment score of 78/100, OKC earns points for its tight-knit community feel, relative affordability, and continued growth. However, the city still grapples with challenges like traffic congestion, crime rates in certain areas, and an economy still tied to the boom and bust of oil.
For those considering a move to Oklahoma City, it’s worth diving deeper into the nuances of each neighborhood and suburb. Explore monthly budget examples for Oklahoma City residents to see how far your money can go. Get a sense of how much you need to live comfortably in Oklahoma City and break down housing costs by home type. While no city is perfect, many locals are proud to call OKC home.