[Think4Yourself]

I thought I'd ask what people here thought about Oklahoma in general and Tulsa in particular. I honestly have only been to Oklahoma once (the interview was my first time) and that was only briefly as I had to be back in California by the end of the day. Right now, I'm live in San Diego and love it there but the economy remains a bit slow and the cost of living is very high. Currently I work in the environmental geology field but I've pretty much topped out on the pay scale here in San Diego and I would like to transition into petroleum geology as that is where the big bucks and job growth are right now.

To this end I've been floating my resume around and actually now have a job offer in Tulsa though I'm a bit torn as 1) I am not very familiar with the area having lived in California most of my life 2) This job offer does get me into the petroleum geology field but it would mean taking a step down in pay (almost a 20% reduction in salary though it should go up fast once I'm in the field where as I'm topped out where I'm currently at with no advancement potential) 3) Oklahoma is a long way from all of my friends and family.

So can people tell me what the inside scope on the good and the bad of living in Oklahoma? I really don't like the idea of taking a 20% pay cut but I understand the cost of living in Tulsa is far lower than in San Diego so maybe I'd still come out ahead plus I'd have room for advancement in the future where as right now there isn't. Advice? Oh, and thanks in advance.

[Think4Yourself]

Cost of Living comparison calculator

The cost of living calculator at that website says:

"You may take a 32.37% decrease and still maintain your standard of living."

So I would actually come out ahead even though the pay is less in Oklahoma compared to California. Now the question becomes what do people think about Tulsa as a place to live?

[StillwaterTownie]

Originally Posted by Think4Yourself

Cost of Living comparison calculator

The cost of living calculator at that website says:

"You may take a 32.37% decrease and still maintain your standard of living."

So I would actually come out ahead even though the pay is less in Oklahoma compared to California. Now the question becomes what do people think about Tulsa as a place to live?

It's a prettier place to live than Oklahoma City, due to more trees and hills. Surely car traffic isn't as bad as in California. Tulsa has been redoing some of its Interstates. It's a lot better to be asking about Tulsa as a place to live in Oklahoma, rather than a places less good, such as Lawton and Woodward.

[Howest2008]

Originally Posted by Think4Yourself

I thought I'd ask what people here thought about Oklahoma in general and Tulsa in particular. I honestly have only been to Oklahoma once (the interview was my first time) and that was only briefly as I had to be back in California by the end of the day. Right now, I'm live in San Diego and love it there but the economy remains a bit slow and the cost of living is very high. Currently I work in the environmental geology field but I've pretty much topped out on the pay scale here in San Diego and I would like to transition into petroleum geology as that is where the big bucks and job growth are right now.

To this end I've been floating my resume around and actually now have a job offer in Tulsa though I'm a bit torn as 1) I am not very familiar with the area having lived in California most of my life 2) This job offer does get me into the petroleum geology field but it would mean taking a step down in pay (almost a 20% reduction in salary though it should go up fast once I'm in the field where as I'm topped out where I'm currently at with no advancement potential) 3) Oklahoma is a long way from all of my friends and family.

So can people tell me what the inside scope on the good and the bad of living in Oklahoma?

(B) I really don't like the idea of taking a 20% pay cut but I understand the cost of living in Tulsa is far lower than in San Diego so maybe I'd still come out ahead

(C) plus I'd have room for advancement in the future where as right now there isn't. Advice? Oh, and thanks in advance.

Oklahoma doesn't have world class cities , but Tulsa and OKC are on the verge of becoming one/ The Good is that Tulsa has some world class attractions.
It's area lakes
The Tulsa River Park
BOK Center a World Class Ranked Sports Entertainment Arena
Gilcrease Museum World Ranked
Philbrook Museum World Ranked
Tulsa Ballet World Class and Ranked
Sherwin Miller A Strong Regional Jewish Museum
Mabee Center Strong entertainment Venue
Tulsa Convention Center
Tulsa Hard Rock Hotel/Casino
Cain's Ballroom World Class and Ranked Live Music Venue
Brady Theater Entertainment
Several Other Casino Offer National Entertainment

Pay cut would not matter

You have a glass ceiling in San Diego not so in Tulsa

[okie1962]

Most of my friends are from out of state and all of them have mentioned they like Tulsa much better than they thought they would. Most were expecting Tulsa to be on a flat dusty plain, but it's nothing like that.

The eastern part of Oklahoma is much nicer than the western part. Much greener, hilly, lakes and streams tons of trees.

The politics here in Oklahoma leans very hard right, that maybe the hardest thing to adjust too. Very Christain evangelist.

[Bass&Catfish2008]

Originally Posted by Think4Yourself

I thought I'd ask what people here thought about Oklahoma in general and Tulsa in particular. I honestly have only been to Oklahoma once (the interview was my first time) and that was only briefly as I had to be back in California by the end of the day. Right now, I'm live in San Diego and love it there but the economy remains a bit slow and the cost of living is very high. Currently I work in the environmental geology field but I've pretty much topped out on the pay scale here in San Diego and I would like to transition into petroleum geology as that is where the big bucks and job growth are right now.

To this end I've been floating my resume around and actually now have a job offer in Tulsa though I'm a bit torn as 1) I am not very familiar with the area having lived in California most of my life 2) This job offer does get me into the petroleum geology field but it would mean taking a step down in pay (almost a 20% reduction in salary though it should go up fast once I'm in the field where as I'm topped out where I'm currently at with no advancement potential) 3) Oklahoma is a long way from all of my friends and family.

So can people tell me what the inside scope on the good and the bad of living in Oklahoma? I really don't like the idea of taking a 20% pay cut but I understand the cost of living in Tulsa is far lower than in San Diego so maybe I'd still come out ahead plus I'd have room for advancement in the future where as right now there isn't. Advice? Oh, and thanks in advance.

>>>>>
Oklahoma is a long way from all of my friends and family.
<<<<<

That would be a deal breaker for me. The fact that you mentioned the possibility of being away from family/friends indicates to me that you're close to them.

I lived a long time on the East/West Coast away from my family/extended family/friends. Probably the loneliest time of my life. It's worth thinking about.

Also, T-Town is a great place. However, you should take into account how different the culture will be for you. Many transplants do not take into account the inevitable culture shock and find themselves longing for where they came from a year or two after the move.

It makes me think of a lady that was on this forum a few years back, having moved to Tulsa from Washington state, I believe. She ended up having a miserable experience and found the so-called "Southern hospitality" to be a misnomer and fake.

Blessings.

[debzkidz]

Tulsa is a nice, very pretty city. It's also a world apart from San Diego.

If you want to get into the petroleum industry, you should take the opportunity to do so, because its not always easy to cross that barrier once you are headed down another path in your discipline.

I do think you would be shocked though at how much more disposable income you will have in Tulsa, even with a 20% pay cut. Just the state income tax alone would save you about 5% or so. Have you looked at what kind of home you could buy or rent in Tulsa on your salary? Housing is going to seem almost free to you. Gas is much less. Food is cheaper too.

We've moved around a bit since my husband is also in the O&G industry. What I learned very early on is, don't move somewhere expecting it to be like home, because you will only be disappointed and alienate everyone you meet. Then you will complain that its hard to make friends. Find the beauty in your surroundings, even if its sometimes hard to see. Appreciate the locals and their customs, it will go a long way in helping you feel more grounded wherever you land. Believe me, I've now been in OK for over 6 years, and I love it here. Its not like where I moved from, but that's okay. Oh, and when I say "you", please know that I'm not speaking of you personally, just transplants in general.

[Dale Cooper]

lol.

Based on posts elsewhere, anywhere in OK will probably not please you. That said, Tulsa is probably the most left swinging part of the state. OK is still very red, though.

Put in a way you'll understand, OK was the only state in 2008 that was 100% RED. Every single county went for McCain.

/just sayin'.

[StillwaterTownie]

Originally Posted by Dale Cooper

lol.

Based on posts elsewhere, anywhere in OK will probably not please you. That said, Tulsa is probably the most left swinging part of the state. OK is still very red, though.

Put in a way you'll understand, OK was the only state in 2008 that was 100% RED. Every single county went for McCain.

/just sayin'.

With the religious establishments there and no gays in elective office, especially at the State Capitol, I don't get how Tulsa isn't so conservative.

[okcpulse]

Originally Posted by Dale Cooper

lol.

Based on posts elsewhere, anywhere in OK will probably not please you. That said, Tulsa is probably the most left swinging part of the state. OK is still very red, though.

Put in a way you'll understand, OK was the only state in 2008 that was 100% RED. Every single county went for McCain.

/just sayin'.

Based on voting statistics, north-central Oklahoma City is the most left-leaning place in the entire state. Besides, it isn't wise to demonize one political party over another. It encourages polarization. Both parties are in need of reform and the only way to start down that path is to unite, not divide.