Tulsa, Oklahoma, might seem like a world away from New York City, but to Joan DiMatteo-Hunt, who grew up in Brooklyn and lived in New Jersey until three years ago, there are more similarities than differences.
“It reminds me of New York City on a smaller scale,” she said. “Here, there’s a lot of up-and-coming activities and opportunities that I didn’t really realize [until I got here].”
DiMatteo-Hunt, the senior manager of wholesale billing at Verizon, recently relocated to Oklahoma for work, bringing her husband, two daughters and father in law along with her. She now lives in a Tulsa suburb, where her daughters participate in dance and varsity tennis. The Sooner State has received rave reviews all around.
“We really adapted well,” she said. “It’s wonderful because everything is available and convenient.”
She’s also a big fan of Oklahoma’s lower cost of living, more affordable real estate, excellent public schools and, of course, the people.
“I think the people here are very friendly,” she said. “The people here go the extra mile. That’s what makes Oklahoma special.”
She said she was a little unsure of what to expect when she first arrived, but soon realized the state has a lot to offer, from the mild winters to the laid-back lifestyle of middle America. Now, she’s experiencing a renewed lifestyle and loving every minute of it.
“If you want to live easier, just enjoy things a little bit more and experience things a little more, [come to Oklahoma],” she said.
