Guys our house just went under contract today. We're looking in the owasso area. We have a good income and qualified for a rather ridiculous loan. However, we want to finance on a 15 or 20 year mortgage and want to be able to pay the bills on MY salary so when we have children in a few years we'll be in good financial shape.
Right now we're looking at Bailey Ranch editions in Owasso, Barrington Estates, Preston Lakes and Garrett Creek. Any thoughts or suggestions?
We found a house we really like in Garrett Creek, however, I have some reservations about that neighborhood. It seems fairly small with no expansion planned for the residential areas. I also worry that the Garrett Creek development with restaraunts (so far just fast food) a movie theater and the Reasors which already exists may cause some property values to decline. Also it appears this particular neighborhood lacks a home owners association? Any thoughts? We want to stay in the 155 to 170k range, preferrably 165k or less.
Owasso? Why not around Brookside for instance?
Just curious.
quote:
Originally posted by TheArtist
Owasso? Why not around Brookside for instance?
Just curious.
Well because we dont really want to buy in Tulsa proper. I dont like the way the city is irresponsibly spending tax payer dollars (and its been this way for almost two decades now) and I really dont like the high crime rates associated with Tulsa. Owasso reminds me a lot of edmond 20 years ago and edmond is a fantastic community.
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
quote:
Originally posted by TheArtist
Owasso? Why not around Brookside for instance?
Just curious.
Well because we dont really want to buy in Tulsa proper. I dont like the way the city is irresponsibly spending tax payer dollars (and its been this way for almost two decades now) and I really dont like the high crime rates associated with Tulsa. Owasso reminds me a lot of edmond 20 years ago and edmond is a fantastic community.
hahahaha...PWN3D!
Well hope you enjoy it there. Different strokes for different folks I guess lol. I lived in Owasso for 5 years and Brookside for 6. If I move again.... it will be back to Brookside.
I never experienced any crime in either place. The people and neighbors seemed more friendly and sociable on Brookside, however thats often just what you make of it regardless of where you live. But imo you cant beat the amenities of Brookside. Everything is nearby. Loved being able to step out my door, look a block down the street and see the River Parks, the trails, rollerblading, Rivers Edge, go biking/walking with family or friends then stop and sit at an outdoor cafe or coffee shop and chat, etc. Its right around the corner from; Utica Square, Philbrook, Rosegarden, Woodward Park, Cherry Street, Downtown. Cant speak to the cities irresponsible spending, but I do know it offered me a great way of life.
If crime and how the city spends its tax dollars are your major concerns, It shouldnt matter what neighborhood you buy into in Owasso. They are all pretty much the same, in the middle of...more neighborhoods and... perhaps by suburban shopping which you will not enjoy walking or biking to, and offer.... well, row after row of houses. Whats to really "choose" from?
quote:
Originally posted by TheArtist
Well hope you enjoy it there. Different strokes for different folks I guess lol. I lived in Owasso for 5 years and Brookside for 6. If I move again.... it will be back to Brookside.
I never experienced any crime in either place. The people and neighbors seemed more friendly and sociable on Brookside, however thats often just what you make of it regardless of where you live. But imo you cant beat the amenities of Brookside. Everything is nearby. Loved being able to step out my door, look a block down the street and see the River Parks, the trails, rollerblading, Rivers Edge, go biking/walking with family or friends then stop and sit at an outdoor cafe or coffee shop and chat, etc. Its right around the corner from; Utica Square, Philbrook, Rosegarden, Woodward Park, Cherry Street, Downtown. Cant speak to the cities irresponsible spending, but I do know it offered me a great way of life.
If crime and how the city spends its tax dollars are your major concerns, It shouldnt matter what neighborhood you buy into in Owasso. They are all pretty much the same, in the middle of...more neighborhoods and... perhaps by suburban shopping which you will not enjoy walking or biking to, and offer.... well, row after row of houses. Whats to really "choose" from?
I like brookside a friend of mine lives off 23rd and peoria and another off 16th or 17th...pretty nice with lots of cool places to eat/drink. But its too expensive. He paid 110k for his 1100 sq ft home.
Enjoy the ill-thought-out-city-planning that you'll get with Owasso.
I have nothing against the city itself, but they're 'too good for their own britches'. They grew too fast for their infrastructure to keep up with. I have two friends of mine who moved back to Tulsa after living in Owasso for two years. They liked the city, but didn't like having to travel into Tulsa to do basic things. Hence they moved back. I'm sure at some point they'll get their act together.
quote:
Originally posted by Hoss
Enjoy the ill-thought-out-city-planning that you'll get with Owasso.
I have nothing against the city itself, but they're 'too good for their own britches'. They grew too fast for their infrastructure to keep up with. I have two friends of mine who moved back to Tulsa after living in Owasso for two years. They liked the city, but didn't like having to travel into Tulsa to do basic things. Hence they moved back. I'm sure at some point they'll get their act together.
What kind of "basic" things? Owasso has a wal mart, super target, reasors and a host of eateries :dunno:
You may consider Country Estates off of Garnett & 116th St N. The neighborhood has exploded in recent years, and the property values have increased tremendously.
Let us know what you decide.
quote:
Originally posted by naenae42day
You may consider Country Estates off of Garnett & 116th St N. The neighborhood has exploded in recent years, and the property values have increased tremendously.
Let us know what you decide.
I'll look into it, thank you!
Also, I think you guys should know we're not 100% against living in Tulsa proper, just in our looking it seems you overpay for higher crime and crumbling infrastructure. But if anyone has suggestions for our budget and a minimum of 1800 sq feet I'd be happy to look into it.
If you work in Tulsa, be sure to budget $5/gal gas for your daily commute.
Owasso is too bland. Nothing makes it special in any way. At least Jenks, Sand Springs, or Broken Arrow have areas with a little small town charm. Owasso has strip centers and big box stores.
And the crime thing is blown out of proportion. I've lived around 11th and Lewis for 9 years without any incident of property or violent crime the whole time, with the exception of my car window being shot out by a bb gun. That can happen in the 'burbs also.
I think Owasso is a nice community but there are so many things the city should be doing to make the community more than just a big shopping center. I like the Preston Lakes area.
quote:
Originally posted by tulsascoot
If you work in Tulsa, be sure to budget $5/gal gas for your daily commute.
Owasso is too bland. Nothing makes it special in any way. At least Jenks, Sand Springs, or Broken Arrow have areas with a little small town charm. Owasso has strip centers and big box stores.
And the crime thing is blown out of proportion. I've lived around 11th and Lewis for 9 years without any incident of property or violent crime the whole time, with the exception of my car window being shot out by a bb gun. That can happen in the 'burbs also.
BA and Jenks are all possibilities but that puts us about twice as far from my wife's parents.
As for gasoline, I'm driving 44 miles each way right now and my wife is driving 52. Moving to Owasso cuts our drives more than in half...yes I work in tulsa, downtown actually.
quote:
Originally posted by Composer
I think Owasso is a nice community but there are so many things the city should be doing to make the community more than just a big shopping center. I like the Preston Lakes area.
Yeah we like Preston Lakes, Garrett Creek and the Bailey Ranch stuff. Coffee Creek is our favorite but thats out of our price range :(
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
quote:
Originally posted by naenae42day
You may consider Country Estates off of Garnett & 116th St N. The neighborhood has exploded in recent years, and the property values have increased tremendously.
Let us know what you decide.
I'll look into it, thank you!
Also, I think you guys should know we're not 100% against living in Tulsa proper, just in our looking it seems you overpay for higher crime and crumbling infrastructure. But if anyone has suggestions for our budget and a minimum of 1800 sq feet I'd be happy to look into it.
Just keep in mind that if you work and do most of your going out in Tulsa you won't really be saving money moving to the burbs with the high price of energy which will only keep getting more expensive.
Plus, the hardest hit areas in the current housing slump appear to be the suburbs. Numerous articles have been written recently showing house prices falling, number of foreclosures/abandoned properties rising, and gangs & crime proliferating the suburban neighborhoods around the country, as 'hoods closer to the central city core are faring much better. Eventually it will be the suburbs with the crumbling infrastructure as more and more people flee.
Finally, consider what your time is worth. Is it worth it to you to spend (at least) twice as much time in your car getting places, or would you rather be close to everything in the first place?
I'm sure at first glance a newer home in the burbs sounds great, but there's many factors to consider.
I'm looking into making the move back to Tulsa in a couple years and have been researching different areas. I've been looking exclusively in midtown and east of downtown. I have a feeling the area north of Cherry Street (the 'Pearl District') will be valuable in the next 5 years or so and that is a neighborhood I like. I wouldn't want to live outside Tulsa but that's just me. I also plan on commuting to work on bike so the suburbs wouldn't really work.
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
quote:
Originally posted by naenae42day
You may consider Country Estates off of Garnett & 116th St N. The neighborhood has exploded in recent years, and the property values have increased tremendously.
Let us know what you decide.
I'll look into it, thank you!
Also, I think you guys should know we're not 100% against living in Tulsa proper, just in our looking it seems you overpay for higher crime and crumbling infrastructure. But if anyone has suggestions for our budget and a minimum of 1800 sq feet I'd be happy to look into it.
Just keep in mind that if you work and do most of your going out in Tulsa you won't really be saving money moving to the burbs with the high price of energy which will only keep getting more expensive.
Plus, the hardest hit areas in the current housing slump appear to be the suburbs. Numerous articles have been written recently showing house prices falling, number of foreclosures/abandoned properties rising, and gangs & crime proliferating the suburban neighborhoods around the country, as 'hoods closer to the central city core are faring much better. Eventually it will be the suburbs with the crumbling infrastructure as more and more people flee.
Finally, consider what your time is worth. Is it worth it to you to spend (at least) twice as much time in your car getting places, or would you rather be close to everything in the first place?
I'm sure at first glance a newer home in the burbs sounds great, but there's many factors to consider.
Yeah I agree we have considered all of those. I talked to the wife this afternoon she's not totally opposed to Tulsa, Jenks or Broken Arrow. But she grew up in Bville, her best friend and her family is still there. So effectively doubling the drive by moving to the south metro isn't overly appealing to her. She works in BA I work in downtown Tulsa so living anywhere in the metro would be ok from a drive perspective. If I were a single guy I'd make a different decision, but I"m not and we plan to start having kids in the next few years as well.
Do you know of any place in Tulsa that meets our criteria?
We like this house but we dont know where that is...south hampton II housing edition???
http://www.laurieannkirkland.com/listing/66844026
I can tell you that Broken Arrow is a nice community and one that you would be proud to live in. There are several options for places in your price range around Broken Arrow. Plus, there are some retail developments going up that would further prevent you from having to drive all over tulsa to shop.
I can sympathize with your wanting to be closer. I live in Bartlesville right now and the commute and gas prices are keeping me from getting a job in Tulsa atm. I'll be moving down there soon and thinking about Owasso, too. One of my friends lived in Baily Ranch and liked it.
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
quote:
Originally posted by naenae42day
You may consider Country Estates off of Garnett & 116th St N. The neighborhood has exploded in recent years, and the property values have increased tremendously.
Let us know what you decide.
I'll look into it, thank you!
Also, I think you guys should know we're not 100% against living in Tulsa proper, just in our looking it seems you overpay for higher crime and crumbling infrastructure. But if anyone has suggestions for our budget and a minimum of 1800 sq feet I'd be happy to look into it.
Just keep in mind that if you work and do most of your going out in Tulsa you won't really be saving money moving to the burbs with the high price of energy which will only keep getting more expensive.
Plus, the hardest hit areas in the current housing slump appear to be the suburbs. Numerous articles have been written recently showing house prices falling, number of foreclosures/abandoned properties rising, and gangs & crime proliferating the suburban neighborhoods around the country, as 'hoods closer to the central city core are faring much better. Eventually it will be the suburbs with the crumbling infrastructure as more and more people flee.
Finally, consider what your time is worth. Is it worth it to you to spend (at least) twice as much time in your car getting places, or would you rather be close to everything in the first place?
I'm sure at first glance a newer home in the burbs sounds great, but there's many factors to consider.
Yeah I agree we have considered all of those. I talked to the wife this afternoon she's not totally opposed to Tulsa, Jenks or Broken Arrow. But she grew up in Bville, her best friend and her family is still there. So effectively doubling the drive by moving to the south metro isn't overly appealing to her. She works in BA I work in downtown Tulsa so living anywhere in the metro would be ok from a drive perspective. If I were a single guy I'd make a different decision, but I"m not and we plan to start having kids in the next few years as well.
Do you know of any place in Tulsa that meets our criteria?
Not new construction, but you might want to check out the Park Plaza neighborhood around 51st/Sheridan. Nice & established hood, houses around 2000-2400 ft, some in your price range.
Also, Darlington Hills (south of 21st btwn Yale/Sheridan)is nice, as is the Patrick Henry neighborhood (41st-51st, btwn Harvard/Yale) all in your sq. foot/price requirements.
quote:
Originally posted by Composer
I can tell you that Broken Arrow is a nice community and one that you would be proud to live in. There are several options for places in your price range around Broken Arrow. Plus, there are some retail developments going up that would further prevent you from having to drive all over tulsa to shop.
Yeah two of the editions we're looking at in Owasso are close to food/shopping etc.
I like Broken Arrow a lot and there's plenty of selection in our price range and home prices in BA have actually been falling in recent months wehre in Owasso they're up or at best, flat. The wife said she prefers Owasso but again isn't totally opposed to something else, but we'd have to save enough on the house to justify it. Which actually seems likely in BA.
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
quote:
Originally posted by naenae42day
You may consider Country Estates off of Garnett & 116th St N. The neighborhood has exploded in recent years, and the property values have increased tremendously.
Let us know what you decide.
I'll look into it, thank you!
Also, I think you guys should know we're not 100% against living in Tulsa proper, just in our looking it seems you overpay for higher crime and crumbling infrastructure. But if anyone has suggestions for our budget and a minimum of 1800 sq feet I'd be happy to look into it.
Just keep in mind that if you work and do most of your going out in Tulsa you won't really be saving money moving to the burbs with the high price of energy which will only keep getting more expensive.
Plus, the hardest hit areas in the current housing slump appear to be the suburbs. Numerous articles have been written recently showing house prices falling, number of foreclosures/abandoned properties rising, and gangs & crime proliferating the suburban neighborhoods around the country, as 'hoods closer to the central city core are faring much better. Eventually it will be the suburbs with the crumbling infrastructure as more and more people flee.
Finally, consider what your time is worth. Is it worth it to you to spend (at least) twice as much time in your car getting places, or would you rather be close to everything in the first place?
I'm sure at first glance a newer home in the burbs sounds great, but there's many factors to consider.
Yeah I agree we have considered all of those. I talked to the wife this afternoon she's not totally opposed to Tulsa, Jenks or Broken Arrow. But she grew up in Bville, her best friend and her family is still there. So effectively doubling the drive by moving to the south metro isn't overly appealing to her. She works in BA I work in downtown Tulsa so living anywhere in the metro would be ok from a drive perspective. If I were a single guy I'd make a different decision, but I"m not and we plan to start having kids in the next few years as well.
Do you know of any place in Tulsa that meets our criteria?
Not new construction, but you might want to check out the Park Plaza neighborhood around 51st/Sheridan. Nice & established hood, houses around 2000-2400 ft, some in your price range.
Also, Darlington Hills (south of 21st btwn Yale/Sheridan)is nice, as is the Patrick Henry neighborhood (41st-51st, btwn Harvard/Yale) all in your sq. foot/price requirements.
THanks for the tip.
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
We like this house but we dont know where that is...south hampton II housing edition???
http://www.laurieannkirkland.com/listing/66844026
That's out at E 71st & Garnett. Union schools, a bit south and east, but not a bad location for you guys since the freeway is right there.
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
We like this house but we dont know where that is...south hampton II housing edition???
http://www.laurieannkirkland.com/listing/66844026
That's out at E 71st & Garnett. Union schools, a bit south and east, but not a bad location for you guys since the freeway is right there.
How is the rest of the area? 71st is a traffic nightmare on weekends but other than that? Is it pretty nice? Do I have to worry about a bunch of lowlifes taking over the neighborhood?
Also someone mentioned new construction...new construction is NOT a priorty just a nice bonus. If the house is well maintained in a good area surrounded by good homes I dont care if its 1 day old or 2 decades old or even more.
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
We like this house but we dont know where that is...south hampton II housing edition???
http://www.laurieannkirkland.com/listing/66844026
That's out at E 71st & Garnett. Union schools, a bit south and east, but not a bad location for you guys since the freeway is right there.
How is the rest of the area? 71st is a traffic nightmare on weekends but other than that? Is it pretty nice? Do I have to worry about a bunch of lowlifes taking over the neighborhood?
Also someone mentioned new construction...new construction is NOT a priorty just a nice bonus. If the house is well maintained in a good area surrounded by good homes I dont care if its 1 day old or 2 decades old or even more.
Well, its convenient for shopping obviously, and the freeway will get you around easily. Its Union schools which is considered to be good. I don't know that specific subdivision personally but it looks nice.
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
We like this house but we dont know where that is...south hampton II housing edition???
http://www.laurieannkirkland.com/listing/66844026
http://www.hamptonsouth.com/
The Hampton South Homeowners Association for Hampton South & II
quote:
Originally posted by godboko71
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
We like this house but we dont know where that is...south hampton II housing edition???
http://www.laurieannkirkland.com/listing/66844026
http://www.hamptonsouth.com/
The Hampton South Homeowners Association for Hampton South & II
Thanks for the link.
Is a HOA something to worry about? Seems like they either do a really good job or simply take your money with no real benefit. There's been homes we've looked with and without an HOA...should that be even a minor consideration? or a major consideration?
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
quote:
Originally posted by godboko71
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
We like this house but we dont know where that is...south hampton II housing edition???
http://www.laurieannkirkland.com/listing/66844026
http://www.hamptonsouth.com/
The Hampton South Homeowners Association for Hampton South & II
Thanks for the link.
Is a HOA something to worry about? Seems like they either do a really good job or simply take your money with no real benefit. There's been homes we've looked with and without an HOA...should that be even a minor consideration? or a major consideration?
It depends on what you want. Do you want to be told what color to paint your shutters- your neighbor's shutters? What kind of control freak are you?
Honestly it only matters on how much your neighbor's properties matter to you. How cookie cutter do you want it? How much control? Will it bother you if your neighbor's house is slightly off from your own idea of perfection? That is what these neighborhoods are all about.
K, clearly your idea of living is different from mine. Not that I have anything against Owasso, but my time is far more valuable to me to consider your current commute. Even the Owasso commute you are contemplating has significant costs.
Consider, from Owasso it is about a 30 minute drive to Downtown Tulsa covering 40 some miles each day. In a month that is 20 hours and nearly 1200 miles of driving. Lets pretend your free/work time is worth $35 an hour and your drive costs are in line with the IRS (50.5 cents per mile cost guideline, generally considered low at the moment) - that's over $1000 a month in commuting expense.
If you lived in the Brookeside area, which you indicated you liked but thought was too expensive, your commute would be 3 miles and 10 minutes. Saving you over 1000 miles of driving and 14 hours of time per month. Certainly the extra $1000 a month could displace any added cost associated with living in the area.
Have you ever considered how much it is costing you in both finances and TIME to commute that far?
- - -
Per crime, the only crime I have experienced in my 5 years in Tulsa has been on my commute home. So you wouldn't be exempt from that anyway. Nothing against Owasso, but take into consideration the rising expense of living far apart from where you work - even if relative to your current situation it is an improvement.
/not a hippy either.
I used to live in Edmond and don't see too many similiarties between Edmond and Owasso. Also, a lot of the restaurants in Owasso have closed down, probably a case of the growth not being what they anticipated or adding too much stuff too fast.
Owasso's "City of Character" mottos give me the creeps. I couldn't find a list of some of the weirdest ones from a few years ago, but this gives you an idea...
http://www.cityofowasso.com/character_trait/character_qualities.html
I'm surprised there isn't something like: "Righteous Sense of Superiority: Knowing that Being White and Christian Makes Us Right."
"Righteous Sense of Superiority: Knowing that Being White and Christian Makes Us Right."
Isn't that the state of OK motto?
=)
The Parade of Homes started this weekend and continues through next Sunday. Here is a link to the website for information. Looks like there are about 9 Owasso homes on the tour.
Tulsa Parade of Homes (//%22http://www.tulsahba.com/?t=menu&page=parade+of+homes%22)
I think Mid-town is great, but if I were looking at having kids in the next few years, I wouldn't consider living there. I wouldn't want my kids to go to Tulsa Public Schools, so Mid-town wouldn't be on my short list for that reason alone.
I wonder if the best thing that Tulsa can do to revitalize their core is to improve their schools. They used to be the best in the state. Not so any more.
quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder
K, clearly your idea of living is different from mine. Not that I have anything against Owasso, but my time is far more valuable to me to consider your current commute. Even the Owasso commute you are contemplating has significant costs.
Consider, from Owasso it is about a 30 minute drive to Downtown Tulsa covering 40 some miles each day. In a month that is 20 hours and nearly 1200 miles of driving. Lets pretend your free/work time is worth $35 an hour and your drive costs are in line with the IRS (50.5 cents per mile cost guideline, generally considered low at the moment) - that's over $1000 a month in commuting expense.
If you lived in the Brookeside area, which you indicated you liked but thought was too expensive, your commute would be 3 miles and 10 minutes. Saving you over 1000 miles of driving and 14 hours of time per month. Certainly the extra $1000 a month could displace any added cost associated with living in the area.
Have you ever considered how much it is costing you in both finances and TIME to commute that far?
- - -
Per crime, the only crime I have experienced in my 5 years in Tulsa has been on my commute home. So you wouldn't be exempt from that anyway. Nothing against Owasso, but take into consideration the rising expense of living far apart from where you work - even if relative to your current situation it is an improvement.
/not a hippy either.
I like brookside but I dont see it as being conducive to family life. I see some areas of South Tulsa, BA and Owasso very friendly to family life.
Yea we've considered the time factor. It is weighing heavy on our minds but its about 20 minutes from Owasso to my work downtown and even if we moved to south Tulsa in the Union school district we'd still be 15 to 18 minutes from work, my wife's would be about 15 mins instead of the 20 or so it would be from Owasso.
I agree the drive kinda sucks, but it sucks unless we move to midtown or brookside, which again doesnt' seem family friendly. Tulsa schools are atrocious.
Also, my job compensates for rising energy costs :) I guess thats a benefit of working in the industry.
I heard on the radio this AM that the next Tulsa Transit express bus might be between Owasso and downtown.
quote:
Originally posted by MsProudSooner
I heard on the radio this AM that the next Tulsa Transit express bus might be between Owasso and downtown.
Yea and they're also talking about light rail. Which would be sweet, but I'd prefer it only if its profitable or break even.
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
Yea and they're also talking about light rail. Which would be sweet, but I'd prefer it only if its profitable or break even.
Like the roads?
quote:
Originally posted by nathanm
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
Yea and they're also talking about light rail. Which would be sweet, but I'd prefer it only if its profitable or break even.
Like the roads?
Roads is completely different its part of vital infrastructure necessary for an economy to function, light rail is not, its a nice feature but not a necessity.
Guess that's all a matter of preference and perspective. Roads are vital because we made them that way...we don't have much in the way of alternatives...we are effectively slaves to our machines.
In hind sight (in light of rising fuel costs, environment, public safety) building Tulsa around a diverse modal network including roads but also an efficient mass transit system, regional rail and at least a consideration to a decent walking and biking environment might have made for a stronger economy, better social and physical environment...and gosh darn it a nicer place to live.
But, hey, want some good wide roads? Utopia in Owasso. They gots lots and lots of parking up there too...probably somewhere in the range of 13 to 17 parking spaces for every citizen. Be careful of resale though...I've heard todays suburbs are tomorrow's slums.
Yea, I lived in Owassos "3 lakes II" when it was new. An uncle who was a doctor had a home in "3 lakes 1". They were both the "nice" neighborhoods, when I would tell the kids in my high school class where we lived, they would go "oooh where all the rich people live". They were the new neighborhoods, out on the edge of the city by fields and trees.
Have you checked out either of those neighborhoods? Not so nice anymore hu?
Brookside is very family friendly imo, and the property values are only going to improve.
OUGrad,
I believe you are buying into the sub-exurban story line about living in "the city." Sorry if I sound like I'm trying to "sell" midtown, but my wife and I are just so happy we received good advice when moving here and landed in midtown.
I am from Iowa. My wife was a teacher in Iowa. Between us we have 13 years of college, a few undergrad and a graduate degree. Education is important to us... and my son goes to TPS. I can say with confidence that your statement "Tulsa schools are atrocious" is an ignorant statement (no offense, I mean ignorant int he definitional sense, as in you are merely not informed).
I could not be more pleased with the facilities, administration, or his teacher. Of course he has teachers he/I don't like as much, but in generally they do an amazing job. We have budgeted for private schools for our son (I went to private schools), but saw/see no real incentive to switch schools.
If you are not inclined to throw your lot in with the "general population" then get your to-be child in to a magnet school. I've never heard a complaint about the magnet program at Tulsa. Generally they are recognized as among the best schools in the State. If TPS magnets are not your lot, there are a ton of private schools in the area to chose from.
A school is worth what the community puts in to it. MOST private schools have high levels of involvement, unfortunately that is not always the case at public schools - but it is sometimes. But don't write off TPS, feel free to PM me if you want to know what school he goes to, I don't want my stalkers/detractors to go after the boy-child. [;)]
- - -
For crime, I have been a victim of one crime in 5 years since living in Tulsa. Granted, that one crime was a drive-by shooting (!) - but it was a random event by all accounts. Some punk kids driving down the BA exited, fired, and got back on. No correlation to where one lives and when caught - the kids were from Sapulpa (they shot up a car on 169 and hit an empty car seat... so the cops tracked them down).
Now, using common sense I did not let my son play alone in the front yard until he was older. I don't leave his bike out over night. I lock my doors and close my garage. I've never had a problem with theft, but by virtue of being in a more densely populated area there are simply more eyes to be tempted.
Now, there have been things stolen from my neighborhood. A car was broken in to last year and a house on the market had some kids break in and party. But I doubt those are unique to Tulsa and are not of grave concern to me (no rapes, murders, robbery, assaults... these things concern me).
- - -
I understand your "family feel" concern. There is a lot more diversity in mid-town Tulsa than Owasso. As far as income disparity, race, and living conditions. In Owasso you will be surrounded by mostly white, middle class, families (race/income differences raise natural concerns, valid or not - just being honest. Also older people, young singles, and the odd ducks), and that has benefits to it for sure. The ability to kick your kid off to the park to play with the Joneses.
But in my midtown neighborhood there are kids for my son to play with. There is a park just down the street. We are 5 minutes from Woodward, 10 minutes from the River Parks, 15 minutes from the zoo, 20 minutes from the aquarium. [for parents: 5 blocks to a liqueur store, 4 blocks from a bar and an all night restaurant...]
We also have a candy store, a Tae Kwon Do studio, a library, a bookstore, our dentist, MD, blockbuster, and about 200 other shops, grocery stores, and restaurants within walking distance. Expo square nearly always has animals we can bike over and look at. I consider it family friendly to be able to bike to many destinations with my boy on weekends. When he is a little older, he can bike to these places himself (oh the day!).
- - -
Again, sorry if I am "selling" where I live as the best. But in my opinion, we are dang lucky to have landed where we did. Our main problem is going to be "upgrading" our house to something larger when my boy is a teenager and I have a need to get away from him.
Feel free to ask questions here or PM me. I just don't want you to assume the suburbs are the only place to raise a family.
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
Roads is completely different its part of vital infrastructure necessary for an economy to function, light rail is not, its a nice feature but not a necessity.
Tell that to the parts of the country that grew up with the railroad. Like Broken Arrow, that exists in that particular location because that's where some railroad guy decided there would be a town.
Note I didn't say light rail.
Besides, it's not "roads," or "rail," or "canals," or whatever else that is vital to a functioning economy. What is vital is "transportation." Favoring one form over all others is folly.
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
quote:
Originally posted by MsProudSooner
I heard on the radio this AM that the next Tulsa Transit express bus might be between Owasso and downtown.
Yea and they're also talking about light rail. Which would be sweet, but I'd prefer it only if its profitable or break even.
The way I read your comment is that you would be willing to subsidize an unprofitable bus but a rail system must be self supporting. Is this correct?
If it is correct please consider:
Rail systems typically attract more riders than bus or BRT systems. This would make it more likely to be self supporting at some time in the future than a bus.
A rail system can be less expensive than rubber tired options when the life and the operating and maintenance costs of the system are considered.
New development is more likely to happen near the rail than some remote acreage that would require an automobile to live there.
quote:
Originally posted by TheArtist
Yea, I lived in Owassos "3 lakes II" when it was new. An uncle who was a doctor had a home in "3 lakes 1". They were both the "nice" neighborhoods, when I would tell the kids in my high school class where we lived, they would go "oooh where all the rich people live". They were the new neighborhoods, out on the edge of the city by fields and trees.
Have you checked out either of those neighborhoods? Not so nice anymore hu?
Brookside is very family friendly imo, and the property values are only going to improve.
I'm looking at basically everything in Owasso thats relatively modern in our price range regardless of neighborhood. We find them narrow it down and go from there. We have 6 or 7 we're going to view on thursday.
quote:
Originally posted by Red Arrow
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
quote:
Originally posted by MsProudSooner
I heard on the radio this AM that the next Tulsa Transit express bus might be between Owasso and downtown.
Yea and they're also talking about light rail. Which would be sweet, but I'd prefer it only if its profitable or break even.
The way I read your comment is that you would be willing to subsidize an unprofitable bus but a rail system must be self supporting. Is this correct?
If it is correct please consider:
Rail systems typically attract more riders than bus or BRT systems. This would make it more likely to be self supporting at some time in the future than a bus.
A rail system can be less expensive than rubber tired options when the life and the operating and maintenance costs of the system are considered.
New development is more likely to happen near the rail than some remote acreage that would require an automobile to live there.
I'd much rather have a rail system than a bus system if it weren't profitible but to answer your question I dont like our bus systems...I never even mentioned buses so I dont know how you drew that conclusion.
If we're going to do public transit then we need to do moderate speed light rail (under 70mph) for the tulsa metro. Run trains during peak times every 20 minutes and off times every 2 hours or 4 hours.
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
quote:
Originally posted by Red Arrow
quote:
Originally posted by OUGrad05
quote:
Originally posted by MsProudSooner
I heard on the radio this AM that the next Tulsa Transit express bus might be between Owasso and downtown.
Yea and they're also talking about light rail. Which would be sweet, but I'd prefer it only if its profitable or break even.
The way I read your comment is that you would be willing to subsidize an unprofitable bus but a rail system must be self supporting. Is this correct?
If it is correct please consider:
Rail systems typically attract more riders than bus or BRT systems. This would make it more likely to be self supporting at some time in the future than a bus.
A rail system can be less expensive than rubber tired options when the life and the operating and maintenance costs of the system are considered.
New development is more likely to happen near the rail than some remote acreage that would require an automobile to live there.
I'd much rather have a rail system than a bus system if it weren't profitible but to answer your question I dont like our bus systems...I never even mentioned buses so I dont know how you drew that conclusion.
If we're going to do public transit then we need to do moderate speed light rail (under 70mph) for the tulsa metro. Run trains during peak times every 20 minutes and off times every 2 hours or 4 hours.
If this works, see text in purple from earlier post quote. You were responding to the possibility of a bus to Owasso. You said you would prefer..... I believed the choice for preference was between bus and rail.
I agree with moderate speed light rail for the area. It would possibly be similar to the SEPTA route 101 near Philadelphia, PA. That's where I lived before Tulsa/Bixby. Real electric powered trolleys on steel rails.
Guys we may have something cooking, we've narrowed it down to just a few homes in Owasso and will probably make an offer next week on one of them. Thank you all for your help on this! I'll let you know what happens.
quote:
Originally posted by PonderInc
Owasso's "City of Character" mottos give me the creeps. I couldn't find a list of some of the weirdest ones from a few years ago, but this gives you an idea...
http://www.cityofowasso.com/character_trait/character_qualities.html
I'm surprised there isn't something like: "Righteous Sense of Superiority: Knowing that Being White and Christian Makes Us Right."
oh yes, because you know....ONLY white christian people live in Owasso.
Quit being such a ****ing fruit.
The city of caracter program has critics...
http://www.texasobserver.org/article.php?aid=2258
http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/2450/
http://www.rickross.com/reference/gothard/gothard16.html
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
Quit being such a ****ing fruit.
Ahh, more constructive contributions from Inteller.
How does mocking the city motto of Owasso make one "a fruit" anyway?
I recently learned that the difference between a fruit and a vegetable is that fruit continues to ripen after you pick it, while vegetables don't. This finally helped me accept the concept that tomatoes are, indeed, a fruit.
Here's a fun and informative listing of churches in Owasso. I especially like the scary quote at the top of the page! ("Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you." Yikes! That sounds welcoming!) http://www.owasso.com/hometown/churches.html Since I didn't see any Jewish synagogues or Muslim mosques listed (and the Unitarians meet in a living room in Turley...I think my previous statement stands.
quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
Quit being such a ****ing fruit.
Ahh, more constructive contributions from Inteller.
How does mocking the city motto of Owasso make one "a fruit" anyway?
Actually the motto for the City of Owasso is "The City Without Limits"
I don't know if Inteller lives in Owasso or not. If so, the town motto could be:
"Owasso: Where adults think the word 'fruit' is a pejorative."
quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder
OUGrad,
I believe you are buying into the sub-exurban story line about living in "the city." Sorry if I sound like I'm trying to "sell" midtown, but my wife and I are just so happy we received good advice when moving here and landed in midtown.
I am from Iowa. My wife was a teacher in Iowa. Between us we have 13 years of college, a few undergrad and a graduate degree. Education is important to us... and my son goes to TPS. I can say with confidence that your statement "Tulsa schools are atrocious" is an ignorant statement (no offense, I mean ignorant int he definitional sense, as in you are merely not informed).
I could not be more pleased with the facilities, administration, or his teacher. Of course he has teachers he/I don't like as much, but in generally they do an amazing job. We have budgeted for private schools for our son (I went to private schools), but saw/see no real incentive to switch schools.
If you are not inclined to throw your lot in with the "general population" then get your to-be child in to a magnet school. I've never heard a complaint about the magnet program at Tulsa. Generally they are recognized as among the best schools in the State. If TPS magnets are not your lot, there are a ton of private schools in the area to chose from.
A school is worth what the community puts in to it. MOST private schools have high levels of involvement, unfortunately that is not always the case at public schools - but it is sometimes. But don't write off TPS, feel free to PM me if you want to know what school he goes to, I don't want my stalkers/detractors to go after the boy-child. [;)]
- - -
For crime, I have been a victim of one crime in 5 years since living in Tulsa. Granted, that one crime was a drive-by shooting (!) - but it was a random event by all accounts. Some punk kids driving down the BA exited, fired, and got back on. No correlation to where one lives and when caught - the kids were from Sapulpa (they shot up a car on 169 and hit an empty car seat... so the cops tracked them down).
Now, using common sense I did not let my son play alone in the front yard until he was older. I don't leave his bike out over night. I lock my doors and close my garage. I've never had a problem with theft, but by virtue of being in a more densely populated area there are simply more eyes to be tempted.
Now, there have been things stolen from my neighborhood. A car was broken in to last year and a house on the market had some kids break in and party. But I doubt those are unique to Tulsa and are not of grave concern to me (no rapes, murders, robbery, assaults... these things concern me).
- - -
I understand your "family feel" concern. There is a lot more diversity in mid-town Tulsa than Owasso. As far as income disparity, race, and living conditions. In Owasso you will be surrounded by mostly white, middle class, families (race/income differences raise natural concerns, valid or not - just being honest. Also older people, young singles, and the odd ducks), and that has benefits to it for sure. The ability to kick your kid off to the park to play with the Joneses.
But in my midtown neighborhood there are kids for my son to play with. There is a park just down the street. We are 5 minutes from Woodward, 10 minutes from the River Parks, 15 minutes from the zoo, 20 minutes from the aquarium. [for parents: 5 blocks to a liqueur store, 4 blocks from a bar and an all night restaurant...]
We also have a candy store, a Tae Kwon Do studio, a library, a bookstore, our dentist, MD, blockbuster, and about 200 other shops, grocery stores, and restaurants within walking distance. Expo square nearly always has animals we can bike over and look at. I consider it family friendly to be able to bike to many destinations with my boy on weekends. When he is a little older, he can bike to these places himself (oh the day!).
- - -
Again, sorry if I am "selling" where I live as the best. But in my opinion, we are dang lucky to have landed where we did. Our main problem is going to be "upgrading" our house to something larger when my boy is a teenager and I have a need to get away from him.
Feel free to ask questions here or PM me. I just don't want you to assume the suburbs are the only place to raise a family.
Not sure why I'm just seeing this but thank you for the thought out reply it is appreciated. If something falls through for some reason in Owasso then we'll be back on the market and I will discuss this with my wife.
quote:
Originally posted by PonderInc
I don't know if Inteller lives in Owasso or not. If so, the town motto could be:
"Owasso: Where adults think the word 'fruit' is a pejorative."
No, Inteller lives behind the new Super Target at 101st and Memorial. Remember he thinks that Target is going to ruin that garden spot that is Memorial between 91st and 101st. You know, because Target's going to look shabby next to all those car lots and the permanent fireworks stand.