Oklahoma Real Estate – Don’t Get Blown Away
Oklahoma real estate is attracting interest for two reasons: first, the state has been experiencing a healthy and vibrantly growing economy (with increasing family incomes to match); and second, it still boasts a lower cost of living than the national average. The state capital, Oklahoma City, with a population nearing 4 million, is the largest city in the state and along with Tulsa is home to over half of the residents of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma is in the South Central region of the U.S, with most of the state lying in the Great Plains. The region experiences severe weather due to its location in Tornado Alley (a stretch of flat land that runs between the Rocky and Appalachian mountain ranges). In fact, Oklahoma has the dubious distinction of being the state with the highest occurrence of tornadoes known as super cells.
When you’re considering Oklahoma real estate, ask your real estate agent about the building codes in place in your area. You’ll often find that there are stricter codes regarding the strength of roofs and foundation connections when you’re in an area known to get a lot of twisters. If the codes exist, ask your real estate agent to obtain copies of the building permits to ensure your home is able to withstand the vagaries of Mother Nature. You might also check on whether or not a storm cellar exists in the home you’re looking at and if tornado sirens are in the vicinity.