Oklahoma is bordered by Colorado and Kansas on the north, by Missouri and Arkansas on the east, by Texas on the south, and by Texas and New Mexico on the east. Oklahoma is the 20th largest state by area, and with a population of approx. 3.5 million, is the 27th most populous. The major industries of Oklahoma include farming (wheat, cattle), oil, and natural gas. Oklahoma was admitted to the Union as the 46th state on November 16, 1907.
The name Oklahoma is from the Choctaw Indian words "okla" meaning people and "humma" meaning red. The nickname for the state of Oklahoma is "The Sooner State". After most of the surrounding territories became states and the "wild west" had become "tamed", settlers started homesteading the area in larger numbers, especially after the US government sponsored several "land rushes", the most famous in 1889. Settlers that had placed their claims on plots before the official land runs were called "Sooners", Oklahoma is also home to a large number of native Indians,approx. 8% of the population, descendants of approx. 67 tribes that relocated to this area from the eastern United States from 1828-1848. Oklahoma became known as "Indian Territory".
Oklahoma has several state taxes, including a state income tax, a state sales tax, and property taxes.
State Capital: Oklahoma City State Motto: "Labor omnia vincit" - Labor Conquers All Things State Bird: Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher State Flower: Oklahoma Rose State Song: "Oklahoma!" by Rodgers and Hammerstein State Tree: Redbud State Fish: White or Sand Bass
In 2008, Coldwell Banker looked at the cost of a typical 2,200-square-foot house with 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, a family room and a two-car garage. The neighborhood - a more subjective measure - is one "typical for corporate middle-management transferees." The following is a sample of cities in the state:
OK
Tulsa
$154,200
OK
Oklahoma City
$165,000
Cities in the state that ranked in the top 100 "Best Places to Live" by CNNMoney.com include:
