GardnerGardener Tanenbaum Tanenbaum Holdings Holdings provideprovide OklahomansOklahomans with with a varietya variety of of comfortable Your lifestyle, apartmentcomfortable lifestyle apartment options lifestyle for every options need. for everyFrom need.urban From downtown urban living and exquisite penthousedowntown suites living to and our exquisite affordable penthouse luxury communities, suites to our you’ll affordable find a luxuryroom to call your own your space. in oneapartments, of our many you’ll properties. find a room to call your own in one of our many properties.

Oklahoma City’s first affordable high-rise community represents a unique way Oklahomaof living. TheCity’s Park first Harvey affordable features high-rise seventeen community stories represents of spectacular a unique way of living. The views,Park stunning Harvey architecture,features seventeen and the stories sights of spectacularand sounds views, of a vibrant stunning architecture, and the downtownsights and population. sounds of a vibrant downtown theparkharvey.com population. theparkharvey.com• 405.232.3700 • 405.232.3700 Gardener Tanenbaum Holdings provide Oklahomans with a variety of Your lifestyle, comfortable apartment lifestyle options move for everyup to need.downtown From urban downtown living and exquisite penthouse move 200 N. suites Harveyup to . downtowntoOklahoma our affordable City, OK luxury your space. apartments, you’ll find a room to call 200your N. ownHarvey in . Oklahomaone of our City, many OK properties.

Oklahoma City’s first affordable high-rise community represents a unique Built in the 1960’s, The Classen offers luxurious high-rise apartments in a Built in the 1960’s, The Classen offers luxurious high-rise apartmentsway of inliving. a unique The Park Harvey features seventeen stories of spectacular unique historical space. Located in the heart of the City, the floor-to-ceiling historical space. Located in the heart of the City, the floor-to-ceilingviews, stunning windows architecture, and the sights and sounds of a vibrant windows provide breathtaking views of the downtown skyline, the state provide breathtaking views of the downtown skyline, the statedowntown capitol, population. and theparkharvey.com • 405.232.3700 capitol,Oklahoma and sunsets. Oklahoma sunsets. theclassenokc.com theclassenokc.com • 405.601.3333 • 405.601.3333

2200 North Classen Oklahoma City, OK 73106 move up to downtown 2200 North Classen 200 N. Harvey . Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City, OK405.601.3333 73106 405.601.3333

Built in the 1960’s, The Classen offers luxuriousOriginally high-rise opened apartments in 1929 inas a OKC’s Montgomery Ward Department Store, The unique historical space. Located in the heart Montgomeryof the City,Originally theis an floor-to-ceiling exclusive opened in mixed 1929 residentialas OKC’s Montgomery and retail use Ward building Department featuring Store, 56 The Montgomery is an exclusive mixed residential and retail use building featuring 56 upscale apartments and windows provide breathtaking views of the downtownupscale apartments skyline, the and state three floors of specialty shops and offices. 405.236.2420 capitol, and Oklahoma sunsets. theclassenokc.comthree • floors405.601.3333 of specialty shops and offices. themontgomeryokc.com • 405.236.2420

2200 North Classen Oklahoma City, OK 73106 405.601.3333 500 WEST MAIN OKLAHOMA500 West Main CITY Oklahoma City, OK

This brand new luxury apartment community is currently pre-leasing! ConvenientlyYou’ll love living located BIG. J Marshalloff of I-240Square andapartments Air Deport, in north theseOKC offer beautiful a uniqueOriginally apartment uptown living opened experience in 1929with as OKC’s Montgomery Ward Department Store, The ® homes280 exquisite provide townhomes easy access based onto theDowntown Big House OKC,concept. Norman, Designed toand incorporate TinkerMontgomery Airall the convenience is an exclusive of an mixed residential and retail use building featuring 56 ForceOKC Base. luxury apartment, without libertypointeokc.comlosing the amenities of a house. 888.233.3455 J Marshall Square offers residents spacious, luxury townhome apartments, without the hassle of a mortgage or maintenance. jmarshallsquare.comupscale apartments • 405.702.0060 and three floors of specialty shops and offices. 405.236.2420

6600 SE 74th Street Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73135 9017 N. University Ave. Phone: 888.233.3455 Oklahoma City, OK 500 WEST MAIN OKLAHOMA CITY

Gardner Tanenbaum Holdings 211 N Robinson Ave Ste. N1950 This brand new luxury apartment community is currently pre-leasing!Gardner TanenbaumOklahoma Holdings City •(GTH) 405. 524.8484is raising the bar for multi-family housing in Oklahoma City with the development of Liberty Creek Village.ggdevco.com Situated just north of I-240 and Sooner Road, this premiere residence will Conveniently located off of I-240 and Air Deport, these beautifulprovide an apartmentunmatched living experience tucked away behind the tree lines facing Sooner Road. Once inside the homes provide easy access to Downtown OKC, Norman,community, and Tinker residents Air will enjoy a private sanctuary with luxury features and community amenities that Gardner Tanenbaum Holdings is known for providing. Opening 2020. Force Base. libertypointeokc.com 888.233.3455

6600 SE 74th Street North of I-240 and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73135 Sooner Road Phone: 888.233.3455

GardnerGardner Tanenbaum Tanenbaum Holdings Holdings 211 211N Robinson N. Robinson Ave Ave., Ste. Ste. N1950N1950 OklahomaOklahoma City City• 405. • 405.524.8484 524.8484 ggdevco.comgthokc.com Welcome home. No matter what brings you here, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about your new hometown. With its momentum and growth, Oklahoma City is a place where you can create the kind of life you want. And Oklahoma City’s job opportunities, low cost of living and high quality of life give you the resources to make that life possible. Inside this guide, you will find a glimpse of what it is like to live here. From housing and culture to education and employment, Oklahoma City has an energy all its own and there is room for you at the table. We’re glad you’re here. Oklahoma City is just getting started, and we want you to be a part of it.

TABLE OF CONTENTS About OKC...... 6 Transportation...... 9 Housing...... 13 Economy...... 21 Education...... 25 Out and About...... 31 Health & Wellness...... 39 Climate...... 43 Streetcar Map...... 45

123 Park Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73102 www.okcchamber.com | 405.297.8900

This guide is brought to you by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the visionary A family rows to the Lake Hefner lighthouse. organization of the region since 1889.

3

MORE RESOURCES FOR NEW RESIDENTS This guide is your best starting point for moving to Oklahoma City, but this community has so much going on that it is impossible to fit it all into one book. That’s where the Greater Oklahoma City project, ABetterLifeOKC. com is helpful. Recently relaunched with a new look and more features, ABetterLifeOKC.com has new jobs listings, as well as updated information on housing, education, industries, utilities, and more. Looking for something to do on the weekends? A Better Life can help you out there, too. The Better Life blog and weekly newsletter gives you inside information about Oklahoma City’s best attractions, events, volunteer opportunities and more. Visit ABetterLifeOKC.com/blog to sign up for weekly email alerts about the latest and greatest ways to get connected to your new community. Looking for more? View these other Chamber websites for more information on the community. VeloCityOKC.com With news about Oklahoma City’s growth, this website provides an overview and current features on Oklahoma City’s economy, culture, attractions, events and more. VisitOKC.com The Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau is the best place to learn where to dine, shop, and have fun in Oklahoma City for residents and visitors alike. GreaterOklahomaCity.com Geared toward business leaders and entrepreneurs, GreaterOklahomaCity.com is an important economic development resource for businesses looking to grow or locate in our region. The site features useful tools including a web-based property locator and access to the latest market data. OKCChamber.com Learn more about Oklahoma City’s vibrant business community and the vision that is moving Oklahoma City forward. On the go Read the digital edition of this guide on your tablet or smartphone and be a click away from Oklahoma City resources. The digital edition is even easier to share with friends, family and colleagues. Access the guide online at ABetterLifeOKC.com/welcome.

5 Myriad Gardens hosts an outdoor movie.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA CITY Home to more than 1.4 million people, the Oklahoma City metro is in the middle of a true modern-day renaissance. You can see excitement and progress everywhere, from the urban fabric of our growing downtown to the unique flavor of our historic neighborhoods and districts.

When you combine our momentum to stake a claim on their land and a a place where anything is possible. with the faces of our famously friendly new future. The spirit that took our city To learn more about the experiences residents, the entrepreneurial spirit of from a population of zero to 10,000 Oklahoma has to offer, visit www. our leaders and a diverse and strong overnight lives on today and can be TravelOK.com. economy, you have a community that seen in our growing companies and in is beloved by its residents and the our community attitude. envy of other cities across the country. The MAPS impact And Oklahoma City shows no signs of You may wonder how Oklahoma slowing down. About the region City was able to become a modern Our community has used public Oklahoma is land of diversity, beauty Cinderella story, and the answer is improvements and large-scale and hospitality, which is also seen simple: Oklahoma City is not afraid projects to propel our renaissance and in the state’s landscape. Mile for to bet on itself. After a decade of make Oklahoma City a big-league mile, Oklahoma has the nation’s economic depression in the 1980s, city, not to mention a great place to most diverse terrain. With 11 distinct Oklahoma City leaders knew that if live, work and play. This enterprise ecoregions, four mountain ranges, they didn’t invest in themselves, no one and energy is evident everywhere. and more man-made lakes than any else would. other state, the opportunity to enjoy From urban hustle to suburban living, A bold plan to reshape Oklahoma Oklahoma City not only makes it all Oklahoma is as unlimited as your imagination. City’s future began to take shape possible, but it makes it easy. and the Metropolitan Area Projects This is a place where innovation and The Greater Oklahoma City region (MAPS) program was born. On Dec. invention are embedded in our DNA. is located in the center of the state, 14, 1993, residents of Oklahoma Founded in the Land Run of 1889 making it easy to explore all that City went to the polls and voted to at the sound of a gunshot, 50,000 Oklahoma has to offer. When advance Oklahoma City’s future by homesteaders from everywhere raced combined with its unique history and approving a temporary penny sales the spirit of its people, Oklahoma is tax. As a result, nine projects were

6 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com funded and drew attention from around the country. That community-backed investment was spent on renovations to the city’s convention center, performing arts center and fairgrounds; construction of a 15,000-seat ballpark, a mile-long canal, a 20,000-seat arena and a downtown library. MAPS also funded the complete renovation of an often dry riverbed into the Oklahoma River. The return on investment is tangible: To date, $5 billion in economic impact can be directly attributed to the original MAPS program. However, it’s the things you can’t quantify that have contributed the most to Oklahoma City’s story. Because of the original MAPS programs, Oklahoma City is now home to the Oklahoma City Thunder, an NBA team that plays in a MAPS-funded arena. There is an Olympic and Paralympic training site at the Oklahoma River. The area had to be mowed before MAPS reinvented it. MAPS also had a significant impact on downtown Oklahoma City, which has grown to more than 77,000 employees and 9,000 residents. The first iteration of this program was so successful that Oklahoma City residents have approved two additional versions of it: the MAPS for Kids programs that invested $700 million into construction, transportation and technology projects benefiting Oklahoma City’s public school students; and MAPS 3, the ongoing $777 million capital investment program that is scheduled to be complete in 2021. Many MAPS 3 projects are changing the landscape of downtown Oklahoma City, including a downtown convention center, Scissortail Park, the OKC Streetcar and an Olympic-caliber whitewater facility called RIVERSPORT Rapids. Other projects include four senior health and wellness centers, a new expo hall and other improvements at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, A cyclist on the South River Trail passes the Wheeler District Ferris and new sidewalks and multi-use trails Wheel, which sits near the Oklahoma River. throughout the city.

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 7 HISTORICALLY INSPIRED MCCALEB HOMES

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For more information, contact us at 405.315.1383 or [email protected] Two friends use the city’s ride-share MOVING TO bicycles, Spokies, to explore Midtown. OKLAHOMA CITY Getting here and getting around Being equidistant from both coasts at the junction of three of the nation’s major interstate arteries, Oklahoma City’s location ensures easy travel and transportation to anywhere in the United States. Oklahoma City is the capital of the state where the Southwest, South and Midwest collide. All of those cultural influences combine to make Greater Oklahoma City a unique place. Read more at ABetterLifeOKC.com/getting- around/getting-around.

Traveling by car to another. And Oklahoma City’s drainage, the bond and sales tax Two of the nation’s most important streets are made up of a grid system, packages also include funds for highways – Interstate 40, which runs making navigation a breeze. adding more bike lanes, building new from Los Angeles to Raleigh, N.C.; sidewalks and investing more money State and local transportation in public transit. and Interstate 35, which runs all the officials are continuously working way from Mexico to Canada – meet to improve the transportation system in downtown Oklahoma City. The and ensure that Oklahoma City’s Traveling by air intersection of these major highways, commute stays congestion-free as The key aviation hub of Greater along with the nearly 13,000 miles of the region continues to attract new Oklahoma City and its connection to streets in the city, secures Oklahoma residents. The Oklahoma Department cities across the nation and world is City’s status as the crossroads of of Transportation’s current eight-year Will Rogers World Airport. WRWA America. construction work plan includes a offers nonstop air service to 28 major significant number of key metro-area airports in 22 major cities in the United It also makes Oklahoma City States, including West and East Coast incredibly easy to navigate. One of projects, and the City of Oklahoma City began its largest investment in cities. The airport is served by seven the many perks of life in Oklahoma air carriers: City is that residents don’t spend streets in its history in 2018. their free time trapped in traffic In September 2017, Oklahoma City American Airlines | Alaska Airlines going to and from work. In fact, the residents approved $1.2 billion in Allegiant Air | Delta Airlines average person spends only 21 general obligation bond and sales Frontier Airlines | Southwest Airlines minutes commuting one way to work, tax funds to make sure that Oklahoma United Airlines compared to the national average of City’s transportation infrastructure is WRWA continues to be a busy 25.9 minutes. growing alongside its population. In hub, serving more than four million A generous network of interstates and addition to the $847 million that will passengers in 2018. The airport plans free-flowing arteries make it easy to be invested in repairing Oklahoma to continue that growth through an commute from one corner of the metro City’s streets, bridges and improving $89 million renovation, which is

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 9 already underway. The renovation will expand the terminal Outstanding Public Transit System by the American Public to include up to seven new gates, new streamlined security, Transportation Association in 2016, the highest recognition a public observation gallery, increased shopping and in the United States. dining, and space for future international screening/air service. The project is scheduled to be complete in 2020. In 2018, Oklahoma City started offering transportation via streetcar in downtown. (Map on page 45.) The 6.8- mile route is two loops, one Public transit that travels north and south The primary provider of Will Rogers World Airport is getting additional direct flights each year. in downtown and another public transit in Oklahoma loop through Bricktown. City is EMBARK, which is The Bricktown loop only operated by the Central operates on Friday, Saturday Oklahoma Transportation and Sunday. One streetcar and Parking Authority ride costs $1 and monthly (COTPA). EMBARK provides passes are available for fixed-route and paratransit $32. For more information services in Oklahoma City, about the streetcar, including including ferry river transit and a route map and stops, visit downtown bike share service. okcstreetcar.com. Buses operate every 30 to 60 minutes in a hub-and-spoke The streetcar is just one system from the downtown way the city’s leaders have transit center, located at NW been looking to expand Fifth Street and N Harvey the transportation options. Avenue. EMBARK has made With Greater Oklahoma significant upgrades to its system in recent years, including City’s population forecasted to grow by almost 500,000 increased frequency, additional stops and later service. people in the next 20 years, the group acknowledges that EMBARK’s technology improvements include a mobile trip passenger rail will be a critical component of that growth. planner, SMS real-time bus arrival info and on-board Wi- Fi. Because of their commitment to providing the best public A number of Greater Oklahoma City communities have transit to residents, EMBARK was named North America’s financially committed to forming an Regional Transit

OKC’s modern streetcar transit system connects Midtown, Automobile Alley, Bricktown and the Central Business District.

10 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com Authority, including Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, between downtown and northwest Oklahoma City. The Moore, Midwest City and Del City. Using a commuter line will follow North Classen Boulevard to Northwest corridor study, the RTA task force is proposing three transit Expressway, stopping at Meridian Avenue. The city is routes to areas experiencing significant growth: providing about $13 million in matching funds. Construction is expected to start in 2021 with operations starting in Edmond to Downtown 2023. Oklahoma City In addition to adding more commuter lines from west and Downtown Oklahoma City northwest Oklahoma City, there are plans to add a BRT to Norman line to connect Will Oklahoma City to Rogers World Airport Midwest City The Amtrak train travels to Fort to the commuter rail Worth every morning and returns line and to downtown The three proposed each night. Oklahoma City. routes include commuter rail, or in the case of Amtrak Service the Midwest City route, Amtrak’s service via the an extension of the Heartland Flyer runs Oklahoma City streetcar a 418-mile round trip system. The routes would between Oklahoma all meet at the Santa City and Fort Worth, Fe Station Intermodal Texas, daily. From there, Hub, which will serve connections can be as a connection for the made to Dallas, Chicago Oklahoma City Streetcar and San Antonio. The and Oklahoma City’s train arrives and leaves passenger rail service from the Santa Fe Station Intermodal Hub and also through Amtrak. includes a stop in Norman. There are plans to expand Another key component of the RTA task force’s proposed this service north to Wichita, Kansas, which would allow plan is bus rapid transit (BRT). In 2018, Oklahoma City service to Chicago and Los Angeles through Amtrak’s was awarded a $14.3 million federal grant to build a BRT Southwest Chief line.

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 11 START YOUR HOME SEARCH AT IdealHomes.com view hundreds of move-in ready homes & thousands of images to inspire your custom home

12 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com Apartments, like the property on the left, offer residents a home next to downtown and Bricktown.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME Oklahoma City is the kind of place where you can live large and for less. Oklahoma City residents spend 28.1 percent less than the national average on housing costs, and Oklahoma City’s growing economy offers you plenty of ways to enjoy your extra savings. Learn more about where to live at abetterlifeokc.com/ neighborhoods/.

From modern, urban lofts in the heart costs $828 per month, compared life, while its low commute times and of downtown to historic homes on to $1,439 in Denver, $2,051 in excellent traffic grid management tree-lined streets and spacious homes Chicago, $2,508 in Seattle and make it easy to get where you need on even more spacious lots, Greater $2,730 in Los Angeles. to be. Oklahoma City’s suburban and Oklahoma City offers an expansive pastoral neighborhoods allow you choice of desirable neighborhoods In downtown Oklahoma City, the to enjoy a quieter atmosphere just and a wide range of prices for housing market has significantly minutes away from the city center. housing. Compared to other housing expanded in the past decade, with markets, you will be pleasantly 4,423 housing units on the market Oklahoma City’s affordability and surprised at how far your money will and 837 additional units under housing options have garnered go in Oklahoma City’s housing market. construction or in the planning stages. national attention, with Oklahoma City The average cost of a single-family Districts like Deep Deuce, located racking up the rankings as one of the home is $144,150 with single-family east of the Central Business District, best cities for first-time homebuyers home prices starting at $70,000 are a key urban housing center (SmartAsset), one of the top 10 cities and condominiums and townhomes and provide restaurants and retail where Millennials are buying homes averaging a price tag of $80,125. including a locally owned grocery (Smart Asset), one of the best places store in addition to multiple downtown to live if you are trying to save money Also available are thousands of rental housing options. (GOBankingRates.com), one of apartments ranging from brand-new the most affordable major housing luxury complexes to modest, garden- In Oklahoma City, living in a more markets (Demographia), and one of style apartments with the average suburban or rural atmosphere without the most affordable U.S. cities to rent rental price ranging from $550 sacrificing proximity is attainable. (Forbes). to $2,000. In Oklahoma City, the The city’s large land area lends itself average 950-square-foot apartment to all the best aspects of suburban

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 13 Get Acquainted with Your New Hometown There’s no better way to get to know your new hometown than by exploring the communities that give it a special flair. Read on for more about the districts and neighborhoods that you will soon call home, sweet home. Within the city limits there are many distinctive districts that showcase Oklahoma City’s creativity and charm. From museums to murals, each district is part of the unique tapestry of Oklahoma City’s culture. Historic Neighborhoods Tree-lined streets, charm and character abound in Oklahoma City’s beautiful historic neighborhoods.

Crown Heights Crown Heights is an attractive Historic Preservation District consisting of homes dating from the 1930s. Today, the mix of Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, Mission-Spanish, Monterey, French Eclectic, Minimal Traditional and Art Deco styles combine with characteristic landscaping and a trendy location (bordering Western Avenue shopping and dining, near the Asian District , Midtown and downtown) to create one of Oklahoma City’s premier historic neighborhoods. • Distance from downtown: 4 miles, 9 minutes • Distance from Tinker AFB: 11.5 miles, 16 minutes • School district: Oklahoma City Public Schools Edgemere Park One of the first “planned unit developments” west of the Mississippi, Edgemere Park was developed starting in 1926 and consists of Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival and Spanish Eclectic-style homes surrounding a park and creek bed. Nestled in gently rolling hills, the streets of the neighborhood follow the natural contours of the local topography, reflecting the philosophy of the landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead.

• Distance from downtown: 3.9 miles, 9 minutes • Distance from Tinker AFB: 11.4 miles, 16 minutes • School district: Oklahoma City Public Schools Jefferson Park Jefferson Park, a bungalow neighborhood, is located Some neighborhoods have basketball courts for an after- two miles north of downtown and a mile west of the State school game with the family. Capitol. Neighbored by some of Oklahoma City’s other

14 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com The Oklahoma City metro offers many traditional-style homes with large front yards. historic neighborhoods, Jefferson Park is filled with smaller encircles the Paseo Arts District. The arts’ community’s bungalows that are big on historic charm. vibrant spirit adds even more charm to the area.

• Distance from downtown: 2.7 miles, 10 minutes • Distance from downtown: 3.9 miles, 11 minutes • Distance from Tinker AFB: 12.2 miles, 18 minutes • Distance from Tinker AFB: 12.7 miles, 19 minutes • School district: Oklahoma City Public Schools • School district: Oklahoma City Public Schools Mesta Park/Heritage Hills Putnam Heights Home to many of Oklahoma City’s founding elite, the Located west of Classen Boulevard, Putnam Heights was neighborhoods just north of downtown, Mesta Park and once considered the suburbs. Today, with a close proximity Heritage Hills, are among the first Historic Preservation to the Asian District, Uptown and other urban hot spots, its Districts in the state. With development starting just after historic homes are in the center of it all. the turn of the century, these neighborhoods feature former Georgian “Oil Mansions,” Prairie School / Foursquare, • Distance from downtown: 4.2 miles, 12 minutes and Craftsman-style homes typical of the area. • Distance from Tinker AFB: 13.9 miles, 21 minutes • School district: Oklahoma City Public Schools • Avg. distance from downtown: 1.8 miles, 7 minutes Shepherd • Avg. distance from Tinker AFB: 11.8 miles, Located a few miles northwest of downtown, the Shepherd 18 minutes Neighborhood is the perfect place to find historic charm • School district: Oklahoma City Public Schools on a smaller scale, both in terms of square footage and budget. Paseo The Paseo Historic Neighborhood has been ranked • Distance from downtown: 4.4 miles, 13 minutes one of the top 10 great neighborhoods in America by • Distance from Tinker AFB: 15.1 miles, 24 minutes the American Planning Association. The neighborhood • School district: Oklahoma City Public Schools

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 15 Downtown/Bricktown No place better captures the renaissance of Oklahoma City than downtown and Bricktown and living there means you get to be at the heart of it all. Whether you want to live in a high-rise or a traditional apartment complex, you will be steps away from the action. • Distance from downtown: 0 miles, 0 minutes • Distance from Tinker AFB: 10.1 miles, 16 minutes • School district: Oklahoma City Public Schools Deep Deuce The Deep Deuce District is one of the most historically significant areas of Oklahoma City and now a key urban center for the metro. Deep Deuce was the home for African-American culture in Oklahoma City for decades and was a regional hub for jazz music in the ‘40s. Today you can find much of the city’s urban housing developments, with options for those who want to rent or can be found, ranging from ‘30s-platted mansions and buy. ‘50s-built ranch-style to ‘70s-developed subdivisions with larger footage. Close to shopping and recreation and • Distance from downtown: 0 miles, 0 minutes sporting easy interstate access, this area is an enclave for • Distance from Tinker AFB: 10.1 miles, 16 minutes those desiring suburban living without the commute. • School district: Oklahoma City Public Schools Subdivisions/Cities: Nichols Hills, Lakeshore, Lansbrook, Midtown The Village, more Midtown is truly making a splash as a revitalization effort has taken hold and created multiple success stories. Full • Avg. distance from downtown: 8.3 miles, of fantastic housing options – from revitalized historic 14 minutes buildings to new developments – plus local restaurants and • Avg. distance from Tinker AFB: 15.8 miles, bars, Midtown is a great place to discover what’s new and 21 minutes hip on the OKC scene. • School districts: Oklahoma City Public Schools, Putnam City Public Schools • Distance from downtown: 1.3 miles, 7 minutes • Distance from Tinker AFB: 9.5 miles, 15 minutes Northwest Oklahoma City/Edmond Recent construction and an upscale feel abound in this • School district: Oklahoma City Public Schools area, with typically larger square footage and well- manicured landscaping the norm. Some communities are gated and all offer outstanding neighborhood/community Urban Neighborhoods involvement. Good highway and turnpike access comes In Oklahoma City, living in the suburbs doesn’t necessarily standard, as do excellent public schools. mean living out of the city. The city’s large land area lends • Avg. distance from downtown: 15.2 miles, itself to all the best aspects of suburbia, while our low 21 minutes commute times and excellent traffic grid management • Avg. distance from Tinker AFB: 22.6 miles, make getting where you need to go easy. OKC makes it 27 minutes possible to get that suburban feel without being far from the • School districts: Putnam City Public Schools, action. Edmond Public Schools, Deer Creek Public Schools

Nichols Hills/The Village/Lakeshore Situated in the northwest quadrant of Oklahoma City South Oklahoma City/Moore/Norman South Oklahoma City boasts more room, more new near scenic Lake Hefner, the enduring popularity of these subdivisions, more new retail, more diversity, more value neighborhoods surprises no one. A variety of residences and more excitement than ever before. Similar to its

16 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com counterparts in the northwest, newer construction and norm, as are sought-after public schools. Easy highway larger floorplans come standard, as do excellent public access gives you a great way to live the lifestyle you want schools and interstate access. in the western OKC metro. • Avg. distance from downtown: 15 miles, • Avg. distance from downtown: 15 miles, 24 minutes 20 minutes • Avg. distance from Tinker AFB: 14.7 miles, • Avg. distance from Tinker AFB: 25 miles, 24 minutes 32 minutes • School districts: Western Heights Public • School districts: Yukon Public Schools, Schools, Oklahoma City Public Schools, Mustang Public Schools, Putnam City Mustang Public Schools, Moore Public Schools, Public Schools Norman Public Schools East Oklahoma City (Midwest City/ Warr Acres/Bethany Situated west of Oklahoma City, these two suburbs Choctaw/Jones/Nicoma Park/Lake saw growth after World War II as they developed into Aluma Area) bedroom communities for Oklahoma City. Near Lake The combination of small-town goodness and the close Overholser to the south and west and Lake Hefner to the comforts of a metropolitan area can’t be beat! Near north and east means that these two suburbs have quick Tinker AFB and great outdoor activities, eastern Oklahoma access to the great outdoors. County has lots of room and lots to offer. • Avg. distance from downtown: 11.5 miles, • Avg. distance from downtown: 10 miles, 20 minutes 15 minutes • Avg. distance from Tinker AFB: 21.5 miles, • Avg. distance from Tinker AFB: 4.5 miles, 33 minutes 5 minutes • School districts: Putnam City Public Schools, • School districts: Mid-Del, Jones, Harrah, Bethany Public Schools Luther, Choctaw / Nicoma Park, McLoud Pastoral Neighborhoods If wide open spaces are more your style, Oklahoma City has them. Here, you can still enjoy a quieter atmosphere Oklahoma City Public Safety without sacrificing amenities or distance to the heart of Oklahoma City has similar crime rates to other large Oklahoma City. cities its size. In looking at primary cities within metros with more than 1 million population, Oklahoma Far Northwest OKC/Surrey Hills/ City ranks in the lowest third in terms of violent crime and the lowest half in terms of property crimes. Piedmont/Deer Creek Comparatively, Oklahoma City has a lower violent Looking for bigger lots, more room to roam and less urban crime rate per capita than Pittsburgh, Houston, atmosphere? Then far Northwest Oklahoma City is for you. Dallas and Indianapolis. In terms of property Just outside of the hustle and bustle, the far northwest side crime, Oklahoma City has a lower crime rate per offers a definite change of pace at lower commute times capita than San Antonio, Dallas, Indianapolis and than you’d expect. Minneapolis. • Avg. distance from downtown: 25 miles, Oklahoma City is continuing its investment in public 32 minutes safety by providing more funding for its police and • Avg. distance from Tinker AFB: 33.6 miles, fire departments. In 2017, Oklahoma City residents 39 minutes approved a quarter-cent sales tax increase to hire • School districts: Edmond Public Schools, more police officers and firefighters, and the most Deer Creek Public Schools, Piedmont Public recent general obligation bond package included Schools, Yukon Public Schools a new training facility for both departments. As Oklahoma City’s population continues to increase, its West Bethany/Mustang/Yukon public safety departments are prepared to meet the Large, unplatted residences on lots of land near traditional needs of a growing city. subdivisions offering all the traditional amenities are the

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 17 Central Business District Oklahoma City Equal parts urban and artistic, this area of Oklahoma City provides plenty of options for both work and play. Nearly 80,000 people work here daily. Districts When the work day is over, people have fun at the Chesapeake Adventure District Energy Arena, the Cox Convention Horses, monkeys and an old west Center, Civic Center Music Hall or town can all be found in this district. Myriad Botanical Gardens. Visitors can watch live horse racing at Remington Park or visit the city’s wildest residents at the Oklahoma Deep Deuce City Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Located just north of Bricktown, At the National Cowboy Hall the Deep Deuce district was of Fame and Western Heritage the heart of Oklahoma City’s Museum, visitors can see western African American community in art, learn about the western film the 1920s and 30s and is known genre and walk through an old for its contributions to jazz music. west town. Today, Deep Deuce is home to neighborhood hangouts and Asian District downtown housing options. An influx of Vietnamese immigrants in the 1970s created a haven Film Row for Asian fusion cuisine that Film Row was once home to the film boasts some of the most inventive distribution offices for Hollywood’s restaurants in the city. studios. Its buildings have plaques boasting names such as Warner Bros. and Paramount. The district Automobile Alley offers places to hang out with The past and the present have friends, or hang your hat for work, combined to make this district for a night or a few years at new effortlessly cool with lots to offer, apartments. including some of Oklahoma City’s best shopping, dining and nightlife. Midtown On the northern edge of Boathouse District downtown and just west of A testament to Oklahoma City’s Automobile Alley, the Midtown Cinderella story, the Boathouse district is a connecting hub for the District is an official U.S. Olympic hustle and bustle of downtown with and Paralympic Training Site for the stately historic neighborhood rowing and canoe/kayak sports, districts to the north. With home to the RIVERSPORT Rapids restaurants, bars and shopping Whitewater Center and a must-visit all steps away from the streetcar destination for sports enthusiasts of line, this district is one that can’t be all kinds. missed. Bricktown Paseo Arts District Entertainment District Once Oklahoma City’s first A favorite of visitors and locals shopping center in the 1920s, alike, this former warehouse Paseo is now home to more than 70 artists, plus shops, bars and district is just steps away from Automobile Alley, top, the Boathouse District, the downtown hotels, event venues OKSEA, and the Paseo Arts District offer great food restaurants. It is close in proximity and attractions. and adventure. to several of Oklahoma City’s historic neighborhoods. The district

18 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com also hosts an annual arts festival on Memorial Day weekend. Plaza District Staying true to its roots as a commercial district in the 1920s, the Plaza District has risen out of a state of neglect to become a hub of creativity and a magnet for local businesses. The district’s annual arts and music festival is the last weekend of September. Stockyards City Interested in Oklahoma City’s western roots? Stockyards City is the heart of OKC’s rough-and- tumble past, where people who work on a ranch or just fans of the west can find an authentic slice of Oklahoma City’s agricultural connections. Uptown 23rd The Uptown 23rd district is experiencing dynamic growth, meaning that options abound when it comes to dining and nightlife. Western Avenue From the local dives on Western Avenue to the chic shops along Classen Curve, this district has you A woman browses the boot selection at a store in Stockyards City. covered from shopping to eating.

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Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 19 Residence Inn Marriott Residence Inn Marriott Oklahoma City Northwest OKC North/Quail Springs 3151 NW Expressway 13900 McAuley Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City, OK 73134 405.605.6666 405.286.1020 marriott.com/OKCRW marriott.com/OKCXW

Residence Inn Marriott TownePlace Suites Marriott Oklahoma City Airport Oklahoma City Airport 804 S Meridian Ave. 4601 SW 15th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73108 Oklahoma City, OK 405.546.7665 405.600.9988 marriott.com/OKCRA marriott.com/OKCTS

Only the Marriott family of hotel lodging solutions offers the versatility and reliability to meet your unique business travel needs. From smart spaces to practical amenities to world-class service, each of our flagship hotel brands delivers the quality experience you expect, backed by the Marriott name you trust. Extended Stay Brands, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites cater to the specific needs of guests on long term projects or relocating to Oklahoma City.

Rates are per room based on suite-type, length of stay, per night, and based on availability, not available for groups of 10 or more rooms.

20 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com A crew at Tinker Air Force Base works on a C-130.

Residence Inn Marriott Residence Inn Marriott Oklahoma City Northwest OKC North/Quail Springs 3151 NW Expressway 13900 McAuley Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City, OK 73134 THE REGIONAL 405.605.6666 405.286.1020 marriott.com/OKCRW marriott.com/OKCXW ECONOMY The Greater Oklahoma City region is a well-known hub of entrepreneurship and a land of opportunity for TownePlace Suites Marriott job seekers – after all, the city was built by strong, pioneering individuals and companies. Many of those Residence Inn Marriott original citizens came here with little except the determination to make a new start and they came together Oklahoma City Airport Oklahoma City Airport as a community overnight. Risk-taking, a sense of optimism and community cooperation remain hallmarks of 4601 SW 15th Street Oklahoma’s business climate and community spirit. Read more about the region’s industries at abetterlifeokc.com/ 804 S Meridian Ave. industries. Oklahoma City, OK 73108 Oklahoma City, OK 405.546.7665 405.600.9988 marriott.com/OKCTS For generations, many of the nation’s MSA, a testament to the ongoing potential for even more aerospace marriott.com/OKCRA most renowned energy entrepreneurs diversification of Greater Oklahoma growth. have operated out of Oklahoma City, City’s economy. Building upon the Only the Marriott family of hotel lodging solutions offers the versatility and reliability to meet your unique business travel needs. From smart making Oklahoma a primary energy strength of the oil and gas sector, Bioscience/Healthcare state and Oklahoma City an energy other significant sectors include Ground-breaking discoveries made spaces to practical amenities to world-class service, each of our flagship hotel brands delivers the quality experience you expect, backed by the capital. Oklahoma not only is home aerospace, professional services, Marriott name you trust. Extended Stay Brands, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites cater to the specific needs of guests on long term projects by Oklahoma City-based researchers to many of the world’s most renowned bioscience/healthcare, government, have helped put Oklahoma City or relocating to Oklahoma City. innovators in energy exploration and manufacturing, hospitality and retail on the map as a contender in some of the world’s most promising trade. The major industry clusters the bioscience and technology Rates are per room based on suite-type, length of stay, per night, and based on availability, not available for groups of 10 or more rooms. new oil and gas plays, but the state include: marketplace. Oklahoma’s bioscience also has one of the nation’s highest companies boast annual revenues levels of wind generation capacity at Aviation and Aerospace of more than $6.7 billion and 8,072 megawatts in 2018, with more In Greater Oklahoma City, there are support 51,000 workers with total than 1,000 megawatts expected to more than 236 public- and private- compensation of $2.2 billion. be added this year. sector aviation and aerospace firms, While the energy sector touches 36,600 employees and $4.9 billion Energy multiple industries, it directly accounts produced in goods and services. Oklahoma City’s energy industry for only about 3 percent of total Recent relocations and significant has developed significantly from its employment in the Oklahoma City capital investments by The Boeing oil-intense beginnings. Oklahoma Company highlight Oklahoma City’s

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 21 City is leading the new energy landscape with innovative energy companies and internationally known GE Global Research chose Oklahoma City as the home of its latest $110 million oil and gas technology center (now part of Baker Hughes, a GE company). Hospitality Oklahoma City’s increasing status as a visitor destination contributes strongly to this sector’s growing employment and impact on the region. This is the fastest-growing segment of employment with a 15 percent increase since 2012, bringing the current total employment in the region to 72,076. Total travel spending in Oklahoma County alone is $2.2 billion and non-transportation spending in this sector has risen 23.7 percent since 2010. Logistics There’s a reason the Greater Oklahoma City region is such a great place for logistics: Location. All major trade hubs and more than 411 million residents are within 1,800 miles of Oklahoma City. That means not only can you easily source materials and other inputs, you can get outputs to your customers profitably as well. Retail Trade A growing economy and a diverse population with disposable income combine in Oklahoma City to create an environment that attracts major retail investment. With a strong corporate presence and residents with strong buying power, Oklahoma City generates 18 percent of the state’s total sales tax revenue. The metro has also spawned significant retail businesses and is the headquarters of national retailers Hobby Lobby, the largest privately owned arts- and-crafts retailer in the world operating in 47 states; Orange Leaf, one of the fastest- growing private companies in America; and Sonic Drive-In, the largest chain of drive-in restaurants in the United States. The increasingly diversified economy is due largely to the city’s entrepreneurial streak and a business environment that enables company success. There is a strong partnership among business, government, There are hundreds of retailers in the city, from local shops to national chains. civic leaders and economic development partners that has led to significant growth

22 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com and a quality-of-life renaissance unlike any other location throughout its history. That spirit is alive and well today, with in the United States. Oklahoma City being ranked as the best city in the nation to start a business by many national groups. If you’ve got Resources for a great idea and you’re ready to dive job seekers into the world of Has all this talk about entrepreneurship, then OKC’s strengths Oklahoma City is for inspired you to you. look at your career options here? We Today, Greater don’t blame you. Oklahoma City is With Oklahoma City home to 36,313 consistently boasting small businesses and one of the lowest also boasts business unemployment rates costs that are 17 in the nation, you may percent lower than learn that finding a the national average, job here is relatively a quality that creates easy compared to a healthy environment other cities. for new businesses. Combined with the For full-time area’s incentive employment, the state programs, these offers OKJobMatch. factors allow startup com, a website where businesses not only you can create or to survive, but also to upload a resume thrive. and search for jobs. The website also While the process of allows for Oklahoma starting a business employers to search can be daunting, for candidates just like Oklahoma City has you. For internships, ample support and visit GreaterGrads. resources. Over the com, which provides last decade, our internship listings and region has invested more information millions of dollars about area job fairs. in the areas that entrepreneurs need A Better it the most, which Life’s employment are infrastructure, resources can access to capital and help you find your support. fit in Oklahoma City’s job market. Oklahoma City is home to Baker Hughes’ oil and gas global research center. Greater Oklahoma Resources include Above, two men at the center double check their work. Below, the city boasts many City has several hotel rooms, with employees ready to greet travelers who arrive for business or organizations links to job boards, pleasure. internship listings, dedicated specifically staffing agencies to supporting high- and industry-specific tools. View those and more at tech entrepreneurs abetterlifeokc.com/employment. and are walking alongside entrepreneurs through the startup process. Resources for entrepreneurs • i2E is an Oklahoma City-based non-profit A common theme in the story of Oklahoma City is dedicated specifically to growing innovative small its entrepreneurial spirit that has carried it to success businesses by helping entrepreneurs, researchers

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 23 and companies commercialize their technologies and access capital. • Office of Entrepreneurial Development, which provides resources and assistance to entrepreneurs in high-growth sectors. • OCAST (the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology), an agency dedicated to investing in technology transfer and commercialization. • In 2018, the Oklahoma City Thunder partnered with an entrepreneurial startup program, StitchCrew, to begin the Thunder Launchpad. The application process seeks technology-driven entrepreneurs, then the programs help them get their ideas off the ground and ready to be venture-backed. More information can be found at ThunderLaunchpad.com. For more resources, visit GreaterOklahomaCity. com.

DY SCH A O S O A CASADY L C •

• est. SCHOOL 1947 •

P F • R I EXCELLENCE E R D D T E I E CONFIDENCEL T E I T R P E R F O E AINTEGRITY E T C R C CallE TodayT O S toU Schedule a Tour 9500 North Pennsylvania Ave. | Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405.749.3185 | www.casady.org Casady School is a PreK-12, independent, college preparatory Episcopal day school committed to deeper-level learning. Casady School seeks a student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore welcomes students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnic origin.

24 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com The city boasts many premier early-learning centers.

EDUCATION Oklahoma City is always looking to the future and how it can make improvements on the quality of life for its residents. One key aspect of this is education. Quality, commitment, accountability and choice are a few of the words that reflect Oklahoma City’s dedication to its education systems.

There are approximately 277,000 top credential. Oklahoma City has the Oklahoma City metro, visit www. students currently enrolled in public also invested $700 million into school abetterlifeokc.com/education. and private Pre-K-12 schools construction, transportation and throughout Greater Oklahoma City. technology projects through the MAPS Enrollments include approximately for Kids program. Public Education 271,000 public school students and th an estimated 16,000 students enrolled Oklahoma’s teachers are the 34 - The Oklahoma City metro area is in private education or homeschooled. highest paid in the nation, following home to public school districts that More than 50 schools in the region back-to-back pay increases by the differ in size and scope, but all are have been recognized as National state legislature. In 2018, Oklahoma’s committed to seeing their students Blue Ribbon Schools, a program that elected state officials approved a succeed after graduation. View a recognizes schools with academic $6,100 increase to teacher pay. The complete list of the 24 public school excellence and a safe, welcoming following year, most teachers received districts at abetterlifeokc.com/ learning environment. another $1,200 pay hike. This puts education/public-schools/. Oklahoma’s teachers among the Oklahoma schools have received highest paid in the region. Oklahoma City Public national recognition for alternative education, early childhood Through the dedication of the Schools accessibility and the increasing community, excellent schools can be Innovation and improvement are the number of teachers earning National found in both the city’s urban center watchwords of the Oklahoma City Board Certification – the profession’s and in the surrounding suburban Public Schools. The district covers 135 areas. For a full list of schools serving

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 25 square miles and includes 33 neighborhood elementary its International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and its schools, 13 middle schools, nine high schools, two visual and performing arts program. alternative schools and two charter schools. With a student population of approximately 45,000, it is the largest school Oklahoma School of Science and district in the state. Mathematics Oklahoma City Public Schools also (OSSM) offers specialized One of America’s learning for students premier math and through its career science high schools, academy program. Oklahoma School Areas of focus include of Science and entrepreneurship, Mathematics (OSSM) engineering, law has been operating and public safety, for 24 years, during finance, health which the school science, information has produced more technology, hospitality than 400 National and tourism, health Merit Finalists and sciences, fine arts and over 200 National teacher preparation. Oklahoma City Public Schools has 33 elementary schools. Merit Commended Classen School of Scholars. A tuition-free Advanced Studies, residential high school part of the Oklahoma for juniors and seniors City Public School District, also offers OKCPS students in with exceptional ability in math and science, OSSM has grades 6 through 12 two distinct areas of study, which are been cited as one of “America’s Best Schools” (Redbook)

excellence in education of the whole person 801 NORTHWEST 50TH STREET OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73118 405.842.6638 WWW.BMCHS.ORG

26 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com and deemed “the most rigorous academic program of its Mid-Del Public Schools kind in the nation” by Dr. Julian Stanley of Johns Hopkins The Midwest City-Del City School District is located University. immediately east of Oklahoma City and serves more than Students at OSSM study at least seven academic 14,500 students. The district covers 70 square miles and courses plus fine arts and physical education courses includes 15 elementary schools, five middle schools and each semester. Students also participate in campus and three high schools. community service as part of their graduation Moore Public requirements. Schools OSSM is located on The city of Moore is a 32-acre site to the located directly south northeast of downtown of Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City, Moore Public Schools adjacent to the libraries offers pre-K through and research resources 12th grade and has a of the Oklahoma Health student population of Center. OSSM currently nearly 24,000, making has nearly 200 students it the third-largest system enrolled. Students from in the state. The district all 77 of Oklahoma’s includes 25 elementary counties have been schools, six junior high selected to attend schools and three high OSSM. schools. Leslie R. Fisher Elementary School Edmond Public and Moore West Junior High School are Schools National Blue Ribbon Edmond is a suburb Schools. located directly north of Oklahoma City. Mustang Public The district covers 130 square miles, including Schools parts of Oklahoma While the city is only City and south Logan 12 square miles, the County. The district has district encompasses 27 schools total. More 69 square miles in than 24,400 students the southwest part of are learning at 17 the metro. The district elementary schools, has eight elementary six middle schools and schools, three three high schools, intermediate schools, as well as one early three middle schools childhood center. The district’s National Blue Ribbon and one high school. It Schools are Central Middle School, Cheyenne Middle is the 13th largest district in the state, with 11,902 students. School, Cimarron Middle School, Edmond Memorial The Niche research firm ranked Mustang as the second- High School, Edmond North High School, Edmond Santa best school district in the state for student athletes. Fe High School, Northern Hills Elementary School, Russell Dougherty Elementary School, Sequoyah Middle School Norman Public Schools and Summit Middle School. EPS offers a robust advanced Located south of Oklahoma City, Norman is the third placement program. In the past three years, nearly 100 largest city in Oklahoma and is home to the University of Edmond Public school Students have been named a Oklahoma. NPS serves nearly 16,000 students, spread National Merit Finalist or Commended Scholar. across 17 elementary schools, four middle schools, two

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 27 high schools and two alternative schools. The district is first start-up charter school. Today, the combined enrollment home to six National Blue Ribbon Schools, which are of the middle school and high school total 750 students. Lakeview Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Norman High The school educates students in sixth-12th grades. School, Roosevelt Elementary, Truman Elementary and West Mid-High. Dove Public Charter Schools Dove Science Academy Schools are high-performing Putnam City Public Schools K-12 public charter schools focusing on math, science, The Putnam City Public School district is located in engineering and computer technologies to provide Oklahoma City. opportunities Covering 43 square for underserved miles, the district communities. With a serves more than college acceptance 19,400 students at 18 rate of 100 percent, elementary schools, Dove Science Academy five middle schools Schools have earned the and three high schools reputation of providing and has an overall a distinct, high-quality population of more than education. 119,000. The district has five National Blue Harding Ribbon Schools. The schools with that high Charter Prep honor are Coronado High School Heights Elementary, Harding Charter Prep James L. Dennis works to provide Elementary, Putnam City its students with North High School, an academically Wiley Post Elementary challenging educational and Will Rogers experience through an Elementary. advanced placement curriculum. The school has been named one of Charter the Best High Schools by U.S. News & World schools Report. The number of Charter Schools is growing in Harding Fine Greater Oklahoma The metro has schools of all sizes, with a range of extra-curricular City. Charter schools activities. Arts Charter are public schools School established by contract Harding Fine Arts with sponsors and often Academy is a college preparatory high school focused on promote a specific curriculum and learning style. Several the integration of arts and academics. In addition to math, Greater Oklahoma City school districts are authorized English, science and social studies, students also choose by state law to have charter schools -- Choctaw-Nicoma from electives including dance, music, theatre or visual arts. Park, Edmond, Mid-Del, Moore, Mustang, Norman, Oklahoma City and Putnam City. John Rex Charter School As the first downtown charter school, John Rex offers a Advanced Science and Technology divers educational experience with a unique urban flair. Education Charter (ASTEC) Schools The school opened in 2014 with only elementary grades. In 2000, the Advanced Science and Technology In 2018, it expanded into fifth and sixth grade. The middle Education Charter (ASTEC) Schools became Oklahoma’s school students attend class at Myriad Botanical Gardens.

28 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com Top admission priority is given to students who live within the boundary, then parents who work within the school’s boundary.

Virtual or blended options If the in-class experience is not right for your family, Oklahoma offers several accredited virtual or blended education options. The Epic One-on- One Virtual Charter School is state-accredited and is open to all students residing in the state of Oklahoma. The education program is based on the individual needs and interests of each student. The Oklahoma Virtual Preparatory Academy, a program of Epic Charter Schools, offers a blended education approach that provides a licensed teacher for every student and opportunities throughout the school year to meet with other students of the program. The Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy also offers a full-time program that includes support from Oklahoma-certified teachers and provides opportunities for concurrent college credit.

Private education Oklahoma County is home to 57 private schools educating nearly 13,000 students. About 73 percent of all private schools are religiously affiliated. To view a list of area schools, visit abetterlifeokc.com/education/private-schools/

Childcare In the Oklahoma City 10-county region, there are more than 1,500 daycare providers with an average weekly cost of $134 for centers and $120 for in-home care. For a list of childcare resources, visit RainbowFleet.org.

Career and Technology Schools When it comes to career and technology schools, Oklahoma’s system is nationally acclaimed. Robotics is becoming a popular topic in the city’s schools as we help Greater Oklahoma City’s nine technology systems educate the next workforce. and 18 campuses not only provide training to high

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 29 school and post-secondary students, but they also provide by the Thomas M. Cooley Guide. The OU Health Sciences invaluable education services to a variety of businesses in Center in downtown Oklahoma City is Oklahoma’s largest a number of different skill areas. and most comprehensive hospital and home to seven health-related professional colleges.

Oklahoma State University, located 66 miles north of Higher Education Oklahoma City, has been named a Truman Honor Institute as a result of having 15 Truman Scholars. The Carnegie Greater Oklahoma City is home to 18 colleges and Foundation classifies OSU as a “High Research Activity” universities. Through these institutions, more than 125,000 campus. The Princeton Review also named OSU one of its students are furthering their education and pursuing “Best Value” colleges. thousands of graduate and undergraduate opportunities. OSU’s Donald W. Reynolds School of Architecture ranks Two Division 1 universities are located in the Oklahoma among the top 20 in the nation. The university also features City region, both providing their students with a world- nationally renowned veterinary, mechanical engineering renowned education. The University of Oklahoma, located and other agricultural science programs. 20 miles from downtown Oklahoma City, is a public research university. OU is in the top five public universities Other higher education programs located in the Oklahoma in the nation in the graduation of Rhodes Scholars. The City metro include Oklahoma City University, University Princeton Review ranked OU among the top 10 public of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma Christian University, universities in the nation in terms of academic excellence Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, Rose State and cost for students. College, Oklahoma City Community College, and Southern Nazarene University. The school offers 152 baccalaureate programs, 160 master’s programs, 75 doctorate programs and 20 majors at the first professional level. OU’s College of Law has been named one of the 15 best law schools in the country

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30 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com The Civic Center Music Hall hosts a wide variety of performances, including Broadway musicals, ballet, opera and symphony orchestra concerts.

OUT & ABOUT IN OKC With a spirited environment, unique history and creative drive, Oklahoma City is a place where culture and commerce thrive. From sporting events to opera performances, Oklahoma City’s diversity, creativity and its can-do attitude can be seen all around town. Learn more about what to see and do at abetterlifeokc.com/things-to-do.

provides the perfect mix of mainstream gospel and country music. ACM@ Arts & and off-beat art encounters. UCO is located in Bricktown, where the streets bear the names of the city’s Art can be seen just driving down the rock-music legends. Culture road or browsing a neighborhood. The city has become a hub for murals, No matter what you’re looking for, with some even changing every few Armstrong Auditorium Oklahoma City is sure to dazzle months. Equal parts architectural marvel and you. You can gaze in awe at the performance venue, the Armstrong world’s largest Chihuly glass tower. Auditorium in Edmond is a luxury Be sure to catch an outdoor concert ACM@UCO venue that hosts premier concerts at a 17-acre park in the middle of The University of Central Oklahoma and performing arts, ranging from the downtown. Don’t forget to explore teamed up with the Academy of Russian National Ballet to classical, the treasures of our major treasures. Contemporary Music of London to jazz or even bluegrass music, And take time to browse the organic offer a music education unlike any depending on the season. creativity flowing from dozens of art other in the United States. Students are galleries and performance venues. taught by accomplished musicians, production experts and music business Civic Center Music Hall With three major arts festivals each professionals and they receive master This renovated Art Deco concert hall year and more than 50 independent class instruction from some of today’s in downtown Oklahoma City has galleries showcasing local artists, stars from the world of rock, pop, been entertaining residents since Oklahoma City’s exuberant arts scene 1937, but a major renovation as part

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 31 of the original MAPS program gave this venue new life. Called one of the “10 great places to see the lights way off Broadway” by USA Today, now it is home to productions by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra, Oklahoma City Ballet, touring Broadway musicals and an annual series of nationally acclaimed artists. For a taste of local talent, the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Jewel Box Theatre and the Carpenter Square Theatre all produce a full roster of live performances, ranging from classic musicals to national-debuting scripted dramas. Oklahoma City University’s nationally known Bass School of Music, which has produced Grammy-, Emmy- and Tony-award winning musicians, and the internationally renowned Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, produce more than 250 events throughout the year. Oklahoma City Museum of Art Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art serves more than 135,000 visitors annually and hosts special exhibitions drawn from throughout the world. Recently, OKCMOA was the exclusive North American venue for Matisse in His Time: Masterworks of Modernism from the Centre Pompidou, Paris, which presented, for the first time outside Europe, highlights from one of the world’s preeminent collections of Modern Art. OKCMOA’s collection covers a period of five centuries, with strengths in American and European art of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The museum also includes a comprehensive collection of glass sculpture by Washington-native Dale Chihuly. Red Earth Gallery and Museum Red Earth, a museum and gallery dedicated to showcasing Native There’s no bones about it. The Museum of Osteology will American Arts, is home to a permanent leave you in awe with its expansive collection. collection of more than 1,000 items of

32 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com traditional and contemporary fine art, pottery, basketry, On Memorial Day weekend, you can experience textiles and beadwork. The Red Earth Festival, held every Oklahoma City’s local arts community in the Paseo Arts June, includes a juried art competition and a powwow District, located 2.3 miles north of downtown. The district’s celebrating Oklahoma’s Native American cultural roots. In winding streets and original Spanish-style stucco buildings 2021, Oklahoma City will welcome are home to 20 galleries and another world-class museum more than 80 artists, in addition to honoring Oklahoma’s 39 federally restaurants, art schools, boutiques recognized tribes. The American and other businesses. Indian Cultural Center and Museum, located along the Oklahoma Save some time on the last weekend River, will promote awareness and of September to visit the Plaza understanding through Smithsonian- District’s annual arts and music caliber exhibits and galleries. festival. The district is on NW 16th Street, between Classen Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue. Live music Oklahoma City rings through the streets as people National Memorial and browse local arts booths, check out the latest addition on the Plaza Museum Walls mural gallery, and dine on This peaceful monument and food truck cuisine. museum honors the 168 people who were killed by the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. With interactive History & exhibits, a reflecting pool, chairs representing each of the victims and Heritage the Survivor Tree that withstood the Oklahoma City’s history, spanning blast, the Oklahoma City National more than 125 years, is packed full Memorial and Museum remembers of tragedy and triumph. There’s no the events of that day and displays better way to understand your new the Oklahoma Standard, the hometown than by getting to know community’s spirit of generosity that its past. carried Oklahoma City through the healing process afterward. Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Oklahoma Museum Through high-tech, interactive City Arts exhibits, meet the famous and everyday Oklahomans who have shaped the history of our state, Festivals country and world. Mark your calendars for three can’t-miss arts festivals. For the past 50 years, the Festival of the Arts has National Cowboy & brought imagination to downtown Western Heritage Oklahoma City, as one of the largest and most successful arts festivals Museum More than 10 million visitors from in the country. With hundreds of Red Earth Gallery, top, the Oklahoma City world-renowned artists from across National Memorial, the Festival of the Arts, and around the world have sought the country, the Festival of the Arts is the Boathouse District have lots to do. out this museum to gain a better Oklahoma City’s rite of spring. It’s understanding of the West. Featuring also a foodie destination. The metro’s stop restaurants vie one of the most comprehensive collections of Western art for a spot at the festival, so people come each year to see in the world, this is a can’t-miss attraction in Oklahoma City. the new food items.

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 33 Oklahoma History Center American Banjo Museum Located across from the State Capitol, this affiliate of In Bricktown, all things relating to “America’s Instrument” the Smithsonian offers a chance to explore Oklahoma’s are on display at the world-class treasure that is the story through interactive American Banjo Museum. exhibits covering geology, The ABM features the largest transportation, commerce, publicly displayed collection culture, aviation, heritage and in the world, with more than more. 400 instruments, recordings, film, video, printed music and Stockyards City memorabilia related to the The largest stocker and feeder banjo. cattle market in the world is located in Oklahoma City, Frontier City and it’s a living reminder of Open mostly year-round, Oklahoma City’s beginnings Frontier City is the region’s as an agricultural powerhouse. Ranchers and owners gather for the weekly cattle auction in premier theme park and has Stroll along the streets of Stockyards City. sister water park, Hurricane Stockyards City and explore more than 70 businesses Harbor. Frontier City, along Interstate 35, has more than 50 featuring Western wear, ranch needs, entertainment and rides, shows and other attractions, spread across 40 acres. fine dining. White Water Bay is along Interstate 40 West. Both parks are owned and operated by Six Flags, so season passes Family & Fun for Six Flags are honored at both OKC parks Oklahoma City has plenty of entertainment for both the Museum of Osteology young and the young at heart. One of the most unique attractions in Oklahoma, the

34 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 7,000-square-foot Museum of Osteology showcases numerous galleries all under one roof. It also features hundreds of skulls and skeletons, from tiny bats to a live science and planetarium shows, one of the nation’s humpbacked whale hovering overhead. tallest spiral slides and CurioCity, a 20,000 square-foot children’s museum. Adults should keep an eye out for the Oklahoma City Zoo SMO 21 events, which are offered several times a year. Go wild at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical The after-hours events allow people age 21 and over to Garden! Home to more than 1,100 animals, including celebrate science with cocktails, special guests and other 128 endangered species, the OKC Zoo is a conservation attractions to fit the theme. organization dedicated to preserving wildlife and wild places. Restaurants, Metropolitan Library System With 19 locations across the county and an online virtual Shopping & library accessible 24/7, users can check out books, Nightlife download eBooks and Oklahoma City’s low magazines, research cost of living means that genealogy and even its residents have more learn computer skills from disposable income in almost anywhere. With a their pockets. The city’s library account users have restaurants, retail and access to subscription nightlife options give online resources and residents plenty of can also stream movies opportunities to enjoy the and television shows savings. as well as download eBooks, eAudiobooks and magazines. All libraries Automobile Alley have story times and book Located north of downtown clubs, but now they have along Broadway Avenue, classes and events that the Automobile Alley district engage and entertain both was originally home to the the young and the old. city’s car dealerships, a fact that is immortalized in the With blue skies like these, you’ll want to get out and explore neon signs that still hang Orr Family Farms downtown. from its original buildings. Whether you’re looking for The past and the present a weekend staycation or combine to make this the perfect pumpkin, Orr Family Farm has plenty to offer. district effortlessly cool with lots to offer, including some of The farm offers covered Conestoga wagons for overnight Oklahoma City’s best shopping, dining and nightlife. stays, outdoor games, a train, a fishing pond, an animal barn, as well as plenty of room to run around outside. Bricktown Entertainment District Just a short walk from downtown’s central business district, Sam Noble Museum of Natural this former warehouse area is filled with restaurants, History nightlife and entertainment options. From taking a cruise The Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, located on along the Bricktown Canal to catching an Oklahoma City the campus of the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Dodgers game at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, boasts thousands of artifacts tracing Oklahoma’s natural Bricktown is a favorite destination for visitors and locals history, including dinosaur fossils and Native American alike. cultural exhibits. Classen Curve and Western Avenue Science Museum Oklahoma North of downtown in central Oklahoma City, Western Located next door to the zoo, this museum houses Avenue is the perfect stretch of street to explore if you like curated antiques, atmospheric dive bars and established

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 35 A young girl walks out of the DC on Film Row, an event space owned and managed by Dunlap Codding law firm.

local restaurants. Alongside anchors like Whole Foods and Northwest Expressway is a major hub of retail and dining Trader Joe’s, Classen Curve has all the upscale shopping in northwest Oklahoma City. A wide variety of restaurants that you might need, including luxury clothing, athleisure and pubs abound, as does upper-end mall shopping brands, jewelry and homewares. and dining at Penn Square Mall and family entertainment options like Chuck E. Cheese. While you’re in the area, Film Row don’t miss the opportunity to have dinner and play some Equal parts historic and revitalized, Film Row was once games at Dave & Buster’s. home to the film distribution offices for Hollywood’s major studios. It’s now home to a mix of artistic businesses, locally owned restaurants and Oklahoma City’s 21C Museum Sports & Outdoors Hotel, a unique art gallery/hotel concept housed in a In downtown Oklahoma City and its surrounding districts, former Ford Model T manufacturing facility. The art gallery you will find Olympic-training venues for rowing, canoeing, is open to the public and free to tour. kayaking and whitewater rafting. There’s a baseball stadium packed with cheering fans for the Oklahoma City Memorial Road Corridor Dodgers, the Triple-A affiliate for the LA Dodgers. And, The Memorial Road corridor, located in north Oklahoma of course, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, one can City, is one of Oklahoma City’s most dynamic retail areas. find a raucous crowd cheering for the Oklahoma City In addition to established restaurants and the Quail Springs Thunder. If you would rather be on the field than in the Mall, the corridor is also home to Main Event entertainment stands, Oklahoma City’s more than 250 days of sunshine center, TopGolf, and iFly indoor skydiving, for those who each year make it the perfect place to maintain an active want their night out to be a bit more adventurous. lifestyle. The city offers a growing number of ways to enjoy sports and being outdoors. Midtown On the northern edge of downtown and just west of The Oklahoma City Dodgers Automobile Alley, the Midtown district connects the The Oklahoma City Dodgers have won 10 division titles in hustle and bustle of downtown with the stately historic its 21 Pacific Coast League seasons. The team plays in the neighborhoods to its north. With a mix of local restaurants, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, a venue that USA Today neighborhood pubs and distinctive shops, it’s a great place calls one of the country’s top 10 minor league stadiums. to experience the best of OKC’s urban renaissance. The Oklahoma City Energy Northwest Expressway Corridor Oklahoma City Energy FC, a professional men’s soccer Similar to Memorial Road but offering some local fare, club, completed its inaugural season in USL Pro in 2014.

36 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com The Energy FC plays in Oklahoma City’s recently renovated Taft Stadium. The Oklahoma City Thunder The NBA’s presence in Oklahoma City has transformed the downtown Chesapeake Energy Arena into one of the toughest places to play – and one of the best places to watch – professional sports. The Thunder’s minor league affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, is also based here. ASA Hall of Fame Stadium The National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum, the headquarters of the governing body of U.S.A. Softball, is located in Oklahoma City. The adjoining USA Hall of Fame Stadium Complex, home to the OGE Energy Field, is the site of the NCAA Division I Women’s College World Series. The complex also hosts other collegiate-level softball championships, as well as national and international men’s softball tournaments. Collegiate sporting events OKC’s region is home to two Big-12 Conference universities with powerhouse sports teams. The University of Oklahoma Sooners play 20 miles south of Oklahoma City in Norman. The Oklahoma State University Cowboys call Stillwater home, which is an hour’s drive north of OKC. Closer to home, collegiate teams to cheer for include Oklahoma City University, Southern Nazarene University (in Bethany), Oklahoma Christian University and University of Central Oklahoma (both in Edmond). Myriad Botanical Gardens The 17-acre Myriad Botanical Gardens is a calm and peaceful urban retreat in the heart of Oklahoma City. The park offers a grand performance lawn, a children’s discovery garden, a dog park and many community and seasonal activities that take place throughout the year. In 2015, the Urban Land Institute awarded the Myriad Botanical Gardens its prestigious Urban Open Space Award. This September, Downtown Oklahoma City’s greenspace will increase dramatically when the north section of Scissortail Park opens. The south section opens in 2021. The programming of both Myriad Gardens and Scissortail Park will complement The annual tulips at Myriad Gardens bring color to downtown each other, with both parks offering many more Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 37 opportunities for Oklahoma City residents to enjoy the outdoors. Oklahoma City The Oklahoma City Boathouse Parks & Recreation District The city’s parks department offers recreational sports Oklahoma City transformed its leagues for adults and children abandoned riverbed into its crown throughout the year. For adults, the jewel of outdoor recreation. Today, department has competitive and the Oklahoma River is home to an recreational basketball leagues for Olympic training venue for rowing men and women. There are also and canoe/kayak and the only men’s, women’s, and co-ed softball permanently lit paddle sport racing leagues. Soccer stars can take the course in the world. Even beginners field in the OKC United FC soccer and casual athletes can enjoy the league. For those not into competitive facility through corporate rowing sports, but still enjoy being outside, leagues and rowing classes. The there are department-managed Oklahoma City Boathouse District is parks and splash pads throughout also home to RIVERSPORT Rapids. the city. Nearly 60 percent of ct also includes 14 miles of trails OKC residents live within a half- that connect to Lake Overholser, the People wait to watch and cheer the boat races mile of a park or trail. There is one Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge and Lake at the Boathouse District. park for every 3,995 residents. Hefner, which are all northwest of More information about all the downtown Oklahoma City. Oklahoma River is also home department’s programs and services can be found at www. to the Oklahoma River Cruises, which offers connections to okc.gov/departments/parks-recreation. Bricktown and OKC’s historic Stockyards City.

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38 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com Runners celebrate crossing the finish line at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, held annually in April. HEALTH & WELLNESS With miles of bicycle trails, Oklahoma City is a great place to train for your next event, whether it’s on two wheels or your own two legs. If you prefer a more laid-back activity, there are many public golf courses in the metro. When an emergency arises, you’re never too far from world-class medical care. Learn more about where to stay active and healthy at abetterlifeokc.com/health/health/.

bicycle commuters to travel all the popularity and growth of the first two Active way from northwest Oklahoma City to centers, the city is considering building downtown on designated bike paths. a fifth center. Lifestyles Bluff Creek and Lake Stanley Draper, The Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge at both located in Oklahoma City, have the north end of Lake Overholser is With nearly 250 days of sunshine more than 15 miles of mountain biking a pristine expanse of 1,000 acres. a year and a growing number of and hiking trails. Hiking the area will put you in close parks, trails and sporting activities, contact to wildlife, not to mention Oklahoma City is the perfect place Three large lakes – Hefner, Draper beautiful views of lakes, bottomland to maintain an active lifestyle. Thanks and Overholser – provide outdoor forest and marshlands. The refuge’s to Oklahoma City’s emphasis on recreational activities in and around trails can accommodate bicyclists improving infrastructure and the each lake, including boating, fishing, or hikers. You can also rent kayaks community funding new wellness biking and jogging trails and golf. Visit or canoes and explore the North centers, sidewalks, trails and facilities, OKC.gov/lakes for more. Canadian River/Oklahoma River Oklahoma City has the quality of life through the refuge. that produces healthy, happy citizens. MAPS-3-funded senior health and There are a myriad of ways you can wellness centers will soon occupy The Oklahoma River, a seven-mile enjoy outdoor activity in Oklahoma every quadrant of the city. Open to stretch of the North Canadian City. people ages 50 and up, the wellness River that runs through the heart of centers include amenities to support Oklahoma City, offers world-class Oklahoma City has 107 miles of and promote a healthy, active lifestyle, canoeing, kayaking and standup cycling and running trails, though more social interaction and overall quality paddle boarding. Nearby, an are being planned. These trails and of life for Oklahoma City adults. Two Olympic-level whitewater kayaking designated bike lanes total nearly centers are already open and two facility at the Boathouse District 150 miles, which make it possible for more are on the way. Because of the provides whitewater training and

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 39 fun for both athletes and amateurs. An Olympic-level whitewater kayaking facility at the Boathouse District Medical Care provides whitewater training and fun for both athletes and amateurs. With one of the nation’s leading heart transplant teams, one of the country’s most It’s easy and cheap to be a complete medical research golfer in the Oklahoma City Patients of all ages can get medical centers and one of the medical metro. The city has five public care in the metro. profession’s most respected eye golf courses, with fees starting institutes, area residents’ access as low as $26, though there are to health care is among the best. lower prices later in the day. The Oklahoma City is also home to cities of Edmond, Midwest City one of the first proton therapy and Norman also have public centers in America. These golf courses. facilities are on the cutting edge of battling cancer. Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park is 26,000 square feet of terrain Oklahoma City residents for skateboarding, in-line skating can find quality health care and BMX freestyle biking. The at 35 hospitals, with most city opened a new skate park in providing specialty services in 2019 at Stars and Stripes Park areas such as: oncology and near Lake Hefner. hematology; orthopedics; burn treatment; hearing and vision Paw Park, a two-acre, off-the-leash park recognized care; neonatal care; infertility; spinal disorder care; sports as one of the top 10 dog parks in the U.S., features a medicine; and after-hours urgent care. swimming pond and enclosures for both large and small dogs. The park will start charging a monthly use fee. Dogs The state’s only Level 1 Trauma Center with MediFlight are required to have proof of vaccinations when visiting. service is based in Oklahoma City, the perfect location for regional service. And the Oklahoma City area’s thriving Oklahoma City is home to the annual Oklahoma City biosciences industry adds to the quality of health care, with Memorial Marathon, held each April, which attracts more organizations and businesses dedicated to the discovery, than 25,000 runners and walkers from all 50 states and development and distribution of advanced technology to several foreign countries. improve treatments and health.

I’m your neighborhood real estate expert. OU Medical Center You’ll find there’s nobody more qualified to OU Medical Center, including The Children’s Hospital help you buy or sell your home. at OU Medical Center, is Oklahoma’s largest and most comprehensive hospital. It is located in the heart of Oklahoma City, just minutes from Bricktown and the As a bilingual realtor State Capitol. The hospital’s distinctive services include in the OKC metro The Children’s Hospital with Oklahoma’s highest level area, I am blessed to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), comprehensive have the opportunity cancer care including a Gamma Knife Center for treating to impact the diverse brain tumors that can’t be treated by conventional methods, and inclusive city, a Bone Marrow Transplant Center and Oklahoma’s OKC is rapidly largest Radiation Therapy Center, OU’s Stephenson becoming. Cancer Center. Deanna Cardenas Other exceptional services include Oklahoma’s only 405-209-5335 Level One Trauma Center and three new Medi Flight [email protected] air ambulances, including one dedicated to babies. Additional special services include high-risk and alternative BERKSHIRE Anderson pregnancy care in the Women’s & Newborn Pavilion, HATHAWAY Properties and a full range of heart care services including an internationally renowned electrophysiology laboratory for HomeServices treating heart arrhythmias.

40 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com Bright art makes the The Children’s Hospital a welcoming place for its young patients.

SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital the new, state-of-the-art INTEGRIS Cancer Institute of Opened in 1898 by two sisters from the order of the Oklahoma, which is adjacent to the center and can Sisters of St. Francis, St. Anthony was Oklahoma City’s first provide any additional medical services one might need hospital. St. Anthony has a long-standing and ongoing while undergoing proton therapy. commitment to excellence and quality. As the recipient of two very prestigious awards, St. Anthony’s excellence in Mercy Hospital quality shines. Mercy Hospital implements and advocates for innovative health and social services to improve the health and quality In 1998 and again in 2004, St. Anthony was awarded of life of communities served, with particular concern for the Oklahoma Quality Award. In 2002, SSM Health St. people who are economically disadvantaged. Anthony was honored as the first health care system in the nation to receive the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige Award. Mercy is a full-service tertiary hospital. It provides the following services: BirthPlace, Breast Care, Cancer INTEGRIS Health Resource Center, Day Surgery, Emergency Care, Gamma INTEGRIS Health is the state’s largest Oklahoma-owned Knife, Home Care, Heart Care, Hospice, Multiple Sclerosis health care corporation and one of the state’s largest Center, NeuroScience Institute, Neonatal Intensive Care, private employers, with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, Physical Medicine / Rehab Center, Robotic Surgery, physician clinics, mental health facilities, fitness centers, Urgent Care and a Women’s Center. independent living centers and home health agencies throughout much of the state. Corporate headquarters Deaconess Hospital are located on the campus of INTEGRIS Baptist Medical For more than 100 years, Deaconess’ team has worked Center in Oklahoma City. It is a not-for-profit corporation to make Oklahomans healthier, happier and hopeful. As governed by a 19-member board of directors made up of a part of the Integris medical family, the hospital’s staff business, medical and community leaders from across the continues that mission today with new, expanded hospital state. Integris offers top-notch care at facilities throughout facilities, a strong network of family practice physicians Oklahoma City throughout the region, and the best technology available in healthcare. ProCure Proton Therapy Center Deaconess is accredited by the Joint Commission and The ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Oklahoma City Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities. provides patients with advanced radiation therapy in a supportive environment. The center is equipped with the most advanced proton therapy technology available. A Lakeside Women’s Hospital team of experienced radiation oncologists and highly Lakeside Women’s Hospital is Oklahoma City’s first full skilled medical professionals is dedicated to providing service women’s health care facility featuring many options exceptional and personalized patient care. In addition, not offered before in the same setting. As a part of the ProCure is focused on ensuring patients’ seamless care Integris family, Lakeside offers a wide variety of care beyond proton therapy. The center is integrated with specifically for women.

Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 41 EVERYWHERE YOU TURN, INTEGRIS IS THERE.

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Whether it’s the Family Care doctors you love, advanced technology and specialists that save lives and lead the way in medicine or urgent care at convenient Access Medical Centers, wherever you live, work or play in the OKC metro, INTEGRIS is always nearby. And even when you can’t make it out of your house or office, INTEGRIS Virtual Visit is always a click away.

integrisok.com integrisvirtualvisit.com 405.951.2277 42 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com

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Lake 35 Overholser 44 OKLAHOMA CITY The peaked tents are one of the most celebrated signs of spring in Oklahoma City. The tents house the artists and other attractions at the annual Festival of the Arts. 40 INTEGRIS 40 CLIMATE 240 The Oklahoma City metro gets lots of sunshine during the year, so there’s plenty of days to get out and explore. INTEGRIS Community Hospitals Stanley Draper When the wind comes sweeping across the plains, the city has a great warning system to help keep you safe. The Lake winter days can get harsh, but Old Man Winter doesn’t stick around too long. Affiliates MOORE Family Care 44 Access Medical Centers weather. Cold, dry air from the Rocky weather happens. Just 20 miles south Mountains and Canada have the of Oklahoma City in Norman is the 35 Sunny Days Lake Thunderbird State potential to combine with the warm, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Park moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, Administration’s (NOAA) National Ahead sometimes resulting in thunderstorms or Weather Service and the Storm Oklahoma City’s solid four seasons even more severe weather, including Prediction Center. Oklahoma City has NORMAN and its sunny days give residents tornados. access to the best and most advanced plenty of opportunities to get outdoors equipment to predict and detect Like other states that have a potential and explore. Oklahoma City’s climate potential severe weather. for severe weather, Oklahoma is is enjoyably average (weather-wise), Whether it’s the Family Care doctors you love, advanced technology and specialists that save lives and lead the way in well-prepared for what Mother with sunny and warm summers, bright medicine or urgent care at convenient Access Medical Centers, wherever you live, work or play in the OKC metro, INTEGRIS Nature might throw its way. The Severe Weather and cold winters and crisp autumns. Greater Oklahoma City metro area is always nearby. And even when you can’t make it out of your house or office, INTEGRIS Virtual Visit is always a click away. The spring season is often wet, but Preparedness has hundreds of outdoor warning filled with plenty of clear days to get Much like states along the east and sirens that inform residents when their out and watch Oklahoma’s landscape gulf coasts are prepared for potential area is under a tornado warning. bloom. In addition to its temperate hurricanes, residents in Oklahoma In Oklahoma City, these tornado climate, Oklahoma City also boasts City do their best to be prepared for sirens are tested every Saturday at clean air so you can breathe easy. severe weather and tornadoes. At noon unless there is severe weather home, have a family tornado plan in Oklahoma’s location east of the Rocky in the area. Oklahoma City is also place by identifying where you will Mountains and north of the Gulf of home to some of the nation’s best take shelter. Flying debris is often the Mexico means that we are sometimes meteorologists who help residents stay greatest danger in tornadoes, so store a hot spot for some interesting aware and informed when severe protective coverings in or next to your integrisok.com integrisvirtualvisit.com 405.951.2277 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com 43

UNI_18-IN-120-Metro Locations_OKC Chamber 8-5x11.indd 1 5/9/19 9:45 AM shelter space. Many homes in Greater Oklahoma City have tornado shelters or safe rooms. While not all builders include a shelter in the house, they often take the steps to make it very easy for one to be added by the homeowner. The region’s hard clay soil and water table mean that most newer homes do not have a basement, but many homes in historic neighborhoods do. No matter the age of your home, adding a tornado shelter inside your house or on your property is a good way to be prepared for potential severe weather. For more information about tornado safety and preparation, visit the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management’s site, ok.gov/oem. A Guide to Weather Watches and Warnings If you aren’t familiar with the categories for severe weather, watching a meteorology report can be a little confusing. Here is a no-frills guide to severe weather reporting. Severe thunderstorm watch What it means: The potential exists for the development of thunderstorms that might produce large hail and/or damaging winds. What to do: Go about your normal activities, but be aware of the weather. Listen to the National Weather Service’s weather radio or local stations for further weather updates.

Severe thunderstorm warning An annual holiday tradition, the Devon Ice Rink, gives people the What it means: A severe thunderstorm – meaning a storm chance to ice skate in downtown. with large hail and/or damaging winds – is occurring or is imminent. be a “particularly dangerous situation” with the potential What to do: Move indoors or to a place of safety. for multiple strong or violent tornadoes. Of the tornado watches issued across the U.S. from 1996-2005, only 7 Tornado watch percent were classified as PDS tornado watches. What it means: Conditions are favorable for severe What to do: Go about your normal activities, but be aware thunderstorms to form, and these storms may be capable of of the weather. Listen to the National Weather Service’s producing a tornado. weather radio or local stations for further weather updates. What to do: Go about your normal activities, but be aware of the weather. Listen to the National Weather Service’s Tornado warning weather radio or local stations for further weather updates. What it means: A tornado has been spotted or intense low- level rotation has been indicated on weather radar. PDS tornado watch What to do: According to the NOAA, you should take What it means: This type of tornado watch is issued cover immediately in an enclosed, windowless area on the when the National Weather Service deems a storm to lowest level of your home or office.

44 Oklahoma City Welcome Guide | ABetterLifeOKC.com STREETCAR MAP How can you get from north downtown to Bricktown? Do you have to ride the streetcar through downtown to get to Bricktown? Use this map to plan your route as you explore downtown or find another map at http:// okcstreetcar.com/ride-guide/route-map/. Read more the streetcar on page 10.

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S Shields Blvd Shields S SE th St

S Lincoln Blvd Lincoln S iversport r S th St S Lee Ave S th St

S oinson Ave SE th St S Santa Fe Ave L S th St S alker Ave S th St r a Rive ahom Okl Downtown Loop

S Shartel Ave SE th St S th St Bricktown Loop S th St Blvd Lincoln S S urland Ave

S th St SE th St S th St SE th St S hillips Ave

S Laird Ave S th St S igh Ave S th St SE th St

S th St

SE th St Ave urland S

S Santa Fe Ave Fe Santa S

S Central AveCentral S S Byers S Ave

S estern Ave S th St SE th St

S th St SE th St SE th St SE th St

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