Yesterday Jeremy and I bought a house. It's pretty much the cutest house in the world. And before I even closed on it I listed it to Instagram and Facebook to rent for $775 a month (and I'm pretty sure it will be rented before the week is over).
I immediately got the responses I always get when I list a house for rent. Which is: "OMG. Brooklyn / Chicago / Manhattan / Minneapolis / San Francisco / Portland / Seattle / San Diego is SO EXPENSIVE. You couldn't rent a shitty little closet for $775 a month where I live."
So here is my invitation to you guys who live in super rad (but expensive) cities, especially creative entrepreneurs, to move to Oklahoma City. If together we can create a creative revolution in the heartland we'll have a rad place to live, a booming art scene and at the cost of pennies to the dollar of what you're used to. There's no beach and there are no mountains and the politics can be a little backwards. But the sunsets will leave you breathless. And the cost of living will afford you to chase your dream – whether that's a creatively curious career or travel to the other side of the world.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you're interested in renting this house here are the specs:
• 2 bedroom, 1 bath - 765 sq. ft.
• Completely updated
• Wood and slate tile floors
• Large back yard (pets allowed with $500 pet deposit, per pet)
• W/D hookups
• Central heat & air
• $775 month / utility bills not included
If you're interested in learning more about our adventures as landlords read more here:
• Landlord | Matters
• Becoming Landlords
Haha I love that solution! If I were american and single you'd probably have me convinced. Unfortunately the whole being Canadian and married to a guy who wants to build big houses here could be considered major complications :D. So I wont complain about prices anymore and simply congratulate you on your adorable new property!
ReplyDeleteI'm not great on exchange rates but I think that's even cheaper than our village of nothingness. Throw in four plane tickets and an extra bedroom and we are there!
ReplyDeleteOh man, I remember when we first moved from Oklahoma to Seattle and looking for apartments. Kyle found one and asked how much - they said "375"...he thought that was per month, but of course it was $375,000 to buy. We had our own culture shock of sorts.
ReplyDeleteWe've definitely had this same debate...being closer to family and a lower cost of living is very tempting, but Seattle is so incredible and we feel like we belong here more. Our (unrealistic) solution: summer and winter homes. =)
I feel the same way about Kansas City. After growing up near Chicago, I found things here a bit bland but after 10 years in the KC area I now love it.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new property!
I have to say, while I may pay $1,100 for a one bedroom condo in downtown Seattle, I wouldn't trade the culture, political stance, or opportunity (both corporate and social) for cheaper rent in a million years. I love living in the center of everything, the ability to live without a car and walk everywhere I need to go, access to hundreds of interesting restaurants and bars, and outdoor activities just a short drive away. I'm willing to pay more to live in a state that legalizes same sex marriage and supports medical marijuana, a community that embraces everyone, regardless of who they are, what they look like, or what they believe. I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, where the cost of living is dirt cheap, yes – but the social, political, cultural, industrial, and artistic channels are much more stagnant. I'm willing to pay more money to live in a city with a current rather than a tide pool. When I think about my 5 year plan, and how I'd like to own a house one day, I picture myself moving to a small, affordable town in middle America, and maybe in 5 years I'll be ready.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I do completely envy the ability to purchase property and invest in real estate at a young age. Congratulations on your new home! I've been following your blog for years, as a young female designer I find your drive, instincts, and independence admirable and inspiring.
Cleveland is the same way. I love it.
ReplyDeleteIf only this was Canada!!! Great post by the way and conrats on your new property!.
ReplyDeleteOff topic, Do you have a post about your locs? Its always interesting when someone with different hair texture begin their dreadlocs journey.
I agree, the Midwest is where it's at. Especially for people who have the enthusiasm for making cool shit happen. I live in Ann Arbor, a hyper-liberal high rent bubble (because of U of M), which means that I don't get the benefit of cheap midwest rent prices, but I do get to witness and participate in the creative revitalization of cities like Detroit, Flint and Toledo. It's not corporations and big businesses who are transforming the post-industrial Midwest, it's people like you who are reading this blog and people like me - designers, creators, writers, musicians, artitsts and entrepreneurs.
ReplyDeleteThat house is effing adorable, by the way.
Long time reader, first time commenter here. Though I don't live in OKC, the creative movement in my home of Tulsa is pretty similar. My husband and I (along with our cat) live downtown in a loft in the Brady District where it seems like there's a new bar or restaurant or shop opening every weekend. We rarely have to drive anywhere on the weekends, and it's so nice to live in an urban setting and not have to worry about breaking the bank! My husband works in film and it has been pretty interesting to see the growth in that and other creative industries in Tulsa, and Oklahoma in general, over the years. We've got a ton of friends and family in the OKC area and visit the City frequently - and I can't help but be so proud of my special state and the cultural renaissance we've got going on in our two largest cities! And if you haven't made a trip to Tulsa in a while, there's plenty to see and do here! It makes for a great weekend trip :)
ReplyDeleteI was one of the house admirers on Instagram, so I'm happy to read this post! It really is a cutie house.
ReplyDeleteI wonder though if the lower cost of living in OKC is offset by lower earning potential? That's the pattern I see here in Australia. I'd love to move to one of our equivalent liberal but small city/town, but I worry about finding a job.
Maybe it's a sign that I need to finally make the leap as a creative entrepreneur! Hah.
Thanks everyone for your feedback and sorry it's taken me so long to respond!
ReplyDeleteτreciä - I have posted a little bit about my hair. It is coarse and curly and tends to loc up on its own. Do you have any specific questions about them? I'd be happy to answer!
Design By Anger - I have to admit... I have mixed feelings about your comment. This last summer when politics were really starting to gross me out I considered moving to a state that supports my values (which are in line with yours too). But at the same time I'm probably in a similar life phase where "settling down" in about 5 years sounds about right. So I suppose I need to stay put to make the most of my time and money. In the meantime, I plan to travel, travel, travel.
Sarah - Thanks for finally commenting! It's good to hear from you. I think there is some serious magic happening in OKC (& Tulsa!) right now. Feel free to holler if you ever want to grab a coffee while you're down in "The City".
Lindsey Clare - Totally. The earning is considerably less (unless you work in oil & gas). BUT if you're a creative entrepreneur whose clients come from all over the world, you have no limit to how much you can earn!
I live right outside of Chicago and often think about moving to a smaller city. The cost of living, not to mention gas, is enough to send anyone for the hills.Or lowlands.
ReplyDeleteHey... I stumbled upon your blog when I googled about landlord, and after reading your post, I immediately wanted to respond
ReplyDelete'OMG, you can't rent a house with that amount of money in Singapore!"
Yes, not only in the US, some cities in South East Asia has also been getting expensive now.
A 2 bedroom apartment in the off-city area will easily costs SGD 2,100/mth (approx. USD 1,700).
On an unrelated note, nice blog, I can see myself hang around here often