11 Things to Know When Moving to Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state in the South-Central region of the United States. It has a low cost of living and the people in Oklahoma are very friendly. In addition to this, Oklahoma is the 4th most affordable place to live in the United States. It has a diverse culture and some of the best college cities. Not only this, but in Oklahoma you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful lakes and scenery. So, if you are considering moving to Oklahoma, there are several things you need to know and prepare. Here are 11 things you need to know before moving to Oklahoma.
What to Know Before your Move to Oklahoma
1. Before you Arrive in Oklahoma
Find a reliable moving company, truck rental or moving container
For your move to Oklahoma, you will need to hire a reliable moving company or take on the move yourself. To find the best moving company in Oklahoma, look for good reviews, a professional-looking website, and years of experience.
Planning a move to Oklahoma? Have a look at our selection of:
Forward your mail
If you are moving to Oklahoma permanently and you receive a lot of mail (excluding packages), you may want to sign up with USPS’s mail forwarding service. Mail forwarding will allow your mail to be redirected to the right address for a given period of time. The fee for regular mail forwarding is only a little over a dollar for 6 months. If you want to extend the service, you will have to pay around $20 for 6 months more. You can begin your mail forwarding process by signing up on USPS’s website or directly at your local Post Office.
Sell or donate the items you won’t need in Oklahoma
Moving to a new place is an opportunity to start afresh. If you’re moving to Oklahoma, selling or donating the items you won’t need will go a long way in making your move easier. You can sell your old household items and personal possessions, and anything that will not be useful. Pick out the items that will not be useful for you in Oklahoma, then decide if you want to sell them on websites like Craigslist or Facebook MarketPlace or donate them to a non-profit organization.
2. What are the First Steps to Take When Arriving in Oklahoma?
Change your address
Along with mail forwarding, you will also have to update your new address with the concerned authorities in Oklahoma like the DMV. To exercise your right to vote in Oklahoma, you can register to vote online, by mail and in person. To register by mail or in person, you’ll need to fill out a Oklahoma Voter Registration Application. You may mail your application to the address on the form. If you submit your voter registration application at your local tag agent’s office, it will be mailed to the State Election Board for you. You should also change your address with your employer, bank, doctor, insurer, and service providers so that you can avoid any complications further down the road.
Exchange your driver’s license
Once you move to Oklahoma and establish residency, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license with DPS within 30 days. In order to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, you’ll need to visit your DPS office in person provide various documents to include proof of identification and Social Security number, pass the required exams. If your out-of-state driving license has been expired for more than 6 months, you’ll be required to pass the written test and driving test.
Register your vehicle
If you have just moved to Oklahoma, you’ll have to register your out-of-state vehicle with the DPS within 30 days of establishing residency. Failure to do so might result in penalties and additional charges. BEFORE you apply for a title certificate and registration, you’ll need to get Oklahoma car insurance. To get your car registered in Oklahoma, you will need: A completed Application for Oklahoma Certificate of Title for a Vehicle (Form 701-6) and some other documents. The tag agent will perform a vehicle identification number (VIN) and/or odometer inspection before the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) issues your title certificate.
Consider getting health insurance
Getting health insurance is an excellent way to get peace of mind when it comes to your health. With health insurance, you will not have to worry about spending a ton of money in case of a health-related emergency. The state of Oklahoma proposes a website to help you with your health insurance search. Simply choose Oklahoma as your state and create an account.
Consider getting home insurance
Getting home insurance is essential, whichever state you are residing in. It is a kind of financial protection that will cover for your expenses if a natural disaster damages your home. Residents in Oklahoma are at a high risk of severe storms, floods, tornadoes, winter storms and hailstorms. Therefore, getting home insurance will prove to be valuable.
3. Best Places to Live in Oklahoma
If you are a couple, you might want to consider living in Jenks. It offers a rural feel, a thriving nightlife, a diverse culture, and a lot of amenities.
If you are a family, you might want to consider Edmond. Edmond offers good public schools, great job opportunities, a lot of parks for kids, and it’s a great place to raise a family.
If you are single, you should consider moving to Norman. Norman is home to the ‘University of Oklahoma’. That’s why a lot of young professionals live here. In addition to this, it has some high-rated public schools, a lot of coffee shops and other amenities.
4. Housing and Renting in Oklahoma
How to find an apartment in Oklahoma?
If you are looking for an apartment for rent in Oklahoma, these websites will help you out.
How to find a house in Oklahoma?
5. How to Set Up Utilities in Oklahoma?
Electricity, water, and gas in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is responsible for regulating electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication services in Oklahoma. They ensure that consumers are provided with accessible, safe and reliable energy services at reasonable rates.
You can visit their website and search for electricity, water and gas providers and even reach out to them if you have any inquiry. The main purpose of OCC is to keep the customers well informed regarding the services they are getting from the utility providers.
Internet and cell phone in Oklahoma
Getting a reliable internet service provider is what everyone desires. The state of Oklahoma has some of the best internet providers and is the 26th most connected state in the USA and 90% residents have access to 10 Mbps internet service. Internet providers in Oklahoma offer a wide range of prices, speed and connection types. When it comes to a high-speed internet connection, there is a wide variety of options to choose from in Oklahoma, including cable, DSL, Fiber and Satellite. The best internet providers in Oklahoma will have bundling options, various speeds, and multiple package options at reasonable prices.
6. Cost of Living in Oklahoma
The average cost of living in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma per month is $2150 for a couple.
Cost of living per month for a couple in Oklahoma City
Expense | USD $ |
Rent – Mortgage | $750 |
Utilities (gas, water, electricity, phone, internet) | $250 |
Groceries | $350 |
Entertainment | $150 |
Insurance (home, car, health) | $500 |
Other (transportation, material goods) | $150 |
Source: Numbeo, worldpopulationreview, TheZebra