Moving to Oklahoma city

Things to Know When Moving to Oklahoma City, OK

 

Oklahoma City is the largest city in the state of Oklahoma. It is situated nearly in the middle of the state and offers great amenities to its residents. As of July 2015, over 631,000 people called the city home. The metropolitan area was home to nearly 1.4 million people at this same point in time. If you are considering moving to Oklahoma City , OK, here are some of the things that can help make your time in this city more enjoyable and productive.

Economy

The economy in Oklahoma City, OK, is a strong one. The unemployment rate comes in just under 4%, which is significantly lower than the rest of the nation. Job growth is also a bit higher in Oklahoma City than it is in the rest of the United States, and it is expected to stay that way. The cost of living in Oklahoma City is also fairly reasonable, especially when you compare the city to other major metropolitan areas in the United States.

Housing Market

Over the past year, home values in Oklahoma City have risen nearly 6% and they are expected to rise another 2.5% over the next year. The median home value in the city is $129,400, and the median sales price comes in just under $159,000. While foreclosures are still an issue for the city, the overall foreclosure rate is still lower in Oklahoma City than in the rest of the country.

School Districts

The Oklahoma City Public School District is the largest educational district in the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area. It is also the largest school district in Oklahoma and has over 46,000 students enrolled in 88 different schools. Currently, there are 55 elementary schools, 17 secondary schools, 4 special centers and 12 charter schools.

The great thing about Oklahoma City Schools is that they have many programs that help students prepare for the next level. For example, the schools offer career and technology services as well as career academies that help students prepare for their adult life. There are also programs that help special needs and gifted students get to the next level academically.

Outdoor Living and Sports

One of the best things about living in Oklahoma City is the access to great outdoor living options as well as sports. One of the favorite sports teams in the city is the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Professional Basketball team. Since the team came to Oklahoma City, they have been a huge contender for the NBA championship and are a favorite team for those living in this area.

This area of the state is also in a great location to experience some of the fabulous outdoor activities the state has to offer. For example, locals love swimming, camping and hunting at one of the many campgrounds and locations throughout central Oklahoma. There are many businesses in Oklahoma City that can outfit you to enjoy these types of activities, which are favorites of those in the area.

Suburbs and Neighborhoods

Oklahoma City has about 35 different suburbs and neighborhoods to choose from. All are located near enough to the city to enjoy city living, but far enough away to enjoy a slower pace from time to time. Each of these suburbs has their own school districts and amenities. Some of the most popular are Norman, Midwest City, Edmond, and Moore.

Oklahoma City is a beautiful city to move to and it has many amenities. When you are looking for a beautiful afternoon adventure or a night out on the town, don’t forget to check out Bricktown. This is one of the most popular areas in the city for shopping and fine dining as well as other activities.

If you are looking for help making the move to Oklahoma City as smooth as possible, contact us today. We will help get your belongings moved to your new home as efficiently as possible.

 

Moving to Newark, NJ

Moving to Newark, NJ: What You Should Know

Newark, New Jersey is the most-populous city in New Jersey. Whether a job offer has brought you there or you have wanted to move there for years, if you are planning on moving to Newark, NJ, you probably want to know more about this place.

Newark Liberty International Airport

Newark Liberty International Airport opened on October 1, 1928. It is the nation’s oldest airfield and has the nation’s first commercial airline terminal. When the commercial airline terminal opened in 1935, Amelia Earhart led the dedication of the terminal building. The airport is the overnight small package shipping center for the New York/New Jersey region. Not only does Newark Liberty International Airport ship packages, but it is one of the busiest airports in the nation when it comes to passengers as well. In both 2013 and 2014, the airport had over 35 million passengers annually.

Even if you are just considering a move to Newark, with the airport so conveniently located, you can easily visit your new potential homeprior to moving there. AirTrain Newark connects customers not only between airport terminals but to the NJ Transit and Amtrak rails as well as New York City, Philadelphia, and areas across New Jersey.

Branch Brook Park

Fredrick Law Olmstead Sr. came up with the idea for the park in 1867, but work on Branch Brook Park did not begin until 1896. It was the first county park opened for public use in the nation, and has been placed on both New Jersey’s Register of Historic Places as well as the National Register of Historic Places. With more than 4,000 cherry trees, Branch Brook Park boasts the largest collection of flowering cherry trees in the United States.

The many cherry trees are not the only thing the park has to offer, though. There are sports fields for soccer, baseball, cricket, football, and other sports as well as courts for playing basketball, bocce, tennis, and other sports. The park also offers wonderful natural vegetation as well as beautifully designed bridges and other structures. Events such as the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and SummerMusic series make Branch Brook Park a great place to visit for entertainment throughout the year.

New Jersey Devils

Although other professional sports teams have made Newark their home for short periods of time, currently Newark’s only professional sports teams is the New Jersey Devils, an NHL team. They play their home games at the Prudential Center, which also hosts concerts and other events.

Even though Newark itself only has the one professional sports team, with New York City and other areas with professional teams so close, you can likely watch your favorite professional sport within an easy drive of Newark. Here are some of the nearby professional sports teams:

Of course, there are other professional sports teams in the area. Several leagues, including the NBA, NHL, and NFL, have two or more teams in the area.

Newark’s Sister Cities

As a participant in Sister Cities International, Newark currently has 15 sister cities. That includes five cities from Brazil, including this year’s Olympics host city, Rio de Janeiro.

Of course, there are many other interesting and unique things about Newark, but you will have to move there to really appreciate what the city has to offer. Whether you are moving across the country or simply moving a half hour down the road from where you currently live,contact us before your move to Newark. We will help you find the best moving company for your needs.

Image of the Kansas City your new home skyline at twilight

Making Kansas City your New Home

Kansas City is the largest city in the state of Missouri. It is also the 6th largest city in the Midwest. As of 2015, the city had around 475,000 residents and was the 36th largest city in the nation. Kansas City straddles the Kansas-Missouri border and a portion of the city lies in the state of Kansas as well.

Kansas City is a beautiful city with many amenities to offer residents. Here are some of the things you should consider when you are moving to Kansas City.

Economy

The economy in Kansas City, is one of the fastest growing in the area. One thing that keeps the economy of Kansas City so strong is its access to large national and international companies. For example, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Crayola, Barts Electric and American Century Investments are all companies that are found in the city. These companies help provide jobs and improve the economy of Kansas City significantly.

Housing Market

Currently, the housing market in Kansas City is starting to see its first growth since the financial crash of 2008. However, the growth is still slightly lower than where the rest of the country is at. But, the growth in the market is rather promising, and now is a great time to begin shopping for a home in the city. In fact, experts believe that 4,000 more homes will sell in 2016 than they did in 2015.

School Districts

The Kansas City Kansas Public Schools and the Kansas City Missouri Public School Districts provide education to the majority of students in Kansas City. Since the city is located in both Kansas and Missouri, two separate school districts are required to accommodate the unique situation.

One of the great things about these school districts is that they strive to provide an environment that is perfect for every student’s learning style. They also offer additional classes during the summer months to help prepare kids for the next year. This can help make the transitionfrom one grade to another much smoother. In the end, this helps students get into the groove of learning after starting a new school yearmuch faster than before.

Outdoor Living and Sports

One of the most exciting portions of Kansas City is the different sports teams that call the city home. For example, NFL team Kansas City Chiefs are a popular addition to the city. Baseball fans, however, prefer to take in a Kansas City Royals game. For those who prefer college games, both the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri offer exciting sporting events.

There are also many activities residents of Kansas City can enjoy outdoors on their own. For example, the city is a popular place to take a leisurely stroll to take in the sights. However, for those who are looking for something a bit more exciting, league sports and activities like paintball are also popular options.

Suburbs and Neighborhoods

For those interested in living in a suburb of this great city, there are many to choose from. Each neighborhood has its own amenities and benefits to offer residents. Some of the best ones to consider are Greenway Fields, Stanford Gardens, Sunset Hill and Arnour Fields. Residents of these areas are treated to a high quality of life and an enjoyable atmosphere.

Kansas City is a beautiful city to call home. It is a great place to raise a family and has many enjoyable aspects. All in all, this is a fantastic city to move to. If you are considering moving to Kansas City, be sure to contact us. We will be able to help make your move enjoyable and stress-free.

Landscape of Oklahoma, borken bow Ohlahoma

Broken What? Everything You Need to Know about Moving to Broken Bow, Oklahoma

So you’re moving to Oklahoma, land of musicals, oil and wheat. While the northwestern part of the state deals with manufacturing and services, you’ll be in the southeastern corner of the state. You’ll be amidst some of the most breathtaking country you’ve ever seen. Rushing rivers and reflective lakes run through forests of majestic proportions. But that’s not all. You get mountains! Broken Bow rests at the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains which in turn is part of the Ouachita Mountains. If you’re into wildlife, then bring along your binoculars, your cameras and your canvases and paints while you see the bald eagles, mink, bears, bats, bobcats and many more furred and feathered critters.

What about Work?

You’ll have plenty of that. According to livability.com, there are over 2,000 businesses in town, which speaks well of entrepreneurship in the area. Otherwise, all those trees mean paper, lumber, fiberboard, oriented strand board and much more. Huber Engineered Woods, Pan Pacific,Weyerhauser and International Paper are the largest employers in the area. Moving to guides will give you a blurb about employers, but we know you depend on us for a better picture:

  • Tyson foods deals with chickens on farms, feed mills and in processing plants
  • Drive a truck? Talk to Daryl Thomason or Jimmie Tucker
  • Setco makes tires for large machines
  • River Mountain Manufacturing makes log furniture

Of course, UPS and FedEx have a presence in town, speaking well of its entrepreneurial sector.

Is the Food and Shopping Good?

Aside from the usual pizza places and sub shops, wine and beer are the order of the day in Broken Bow. Taste them, buy some and learn more about your new town at Girls Gone Wine or Fish Tails Winery and Vineyards or at Beaver’s Bend Brewery. Home cooking is available from Bunch’s and from Beaver’s Bend Restaurant and Country Store. Feel more like Mexican? Go to Papa Poblano’s. The Oaks Steakhouse and Gifts speaks for itself. Shady Oak Restaurant makes hamburgers like your grandma used to make. Awesome!

Youngblood’s is a boutique shop in Broken Bow with something for everyone:

  • Children’s clothing
  • Vera Bradley jewelry
  • Home décor
  • Fiesta dishes

Anything Else I Should Know?

Most towns offer welcome packages upon arrival. They contain information on schools, churches, change of address forms, doctors, hospitals, and coupons for food, household items and dozens of other things. What you want to know is if anything is happening around town. Oh, yes! You’ll be busy from February clean up to Christmas, to-wit:

  • In June is the Owa-Chita Festival of the Forest
  • The Owa-Chita Art Festival
  • The Owa-Chita Golf Tournament, all at Beaver’s Bend State Park
  • In July is the Idabel Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament
  • Fireworks at Warrior Stadium
  • Watermelon Festival in Valliant
  • Wright City Rodeo
  • September is the county fair most everywhere. In McCurtain County, it’s at the Idabel Fairgrounds
  • Masters of Wood Art Exhibit in Broken Bow
  • The Gem and Mineral Show in Idabel
  • October is all about Halloween. Do it safely on Main Street
  • In November it will be the Beaver’s Bend Folk Festival and Craft Show
  • December of course is all about Christmas. Do it up right at Idabel’s Christmas Parade
  • Or the Christmas Parade in Broken Bow
  • Be sure to catch the parade in Valliant
  • As well as the tree lighting ceremony in Broken Bow

Own a rifle and want to get some hunting in? Are you a fisherman par excellence? Are you the type that walks about communing with nature? Broken Bow’s gotcha covered. Lake Broken Bow has all the bass you can catch: spotted bass, large and small mouth bass and sand bass in addition to crappie and walleye. Rabbit, deer, bears, quail, turkeys, doves and ducks are just a few critters that make hunting fun. You’ll need a guide and a license, though, to do it right, and they are all listed.

So grab your outdoors gear, pack a lunch and get into those mountains! You’ll have plenty of time, because when we move you, all you’ll have to think about is where to go do all these wonderful things! Please do contact us to learn more.

Reason why you should consider moving to Plano, Texas

9 Things to Know About Moving to Plano, Texas

As one of the larger cities in Texas, Plano is increasingly popular as a destination for those moving to the state. With a population of nearly 270,000 people, Plano is not situated far from Dallas. This makes it a desirable location not only for residents, but also for corporations to set up headquarters. Are you moving to Plano? This moving guide will help you prepare.

1. The weather is not abnormal.

The climate in Plano is considered humid subtropical. This means that you can expect cold winters and hot summers, extended into the negative temperatures in January. Still, most precipitation falls in the spring month of May.

2. Plano receives a lot of visitors.

The majority of visitors to Plano are there on business, thanks to the high number of corporate headquarters situated in the city. Additionally, Plano has its own conventions center that hosts events.

3. Some of your favorite companies are based out of Plano.

Planning to work in Plano? You could end up working for one of your favorite Texas-based companies. Headquarters and large offices in Plano include those for Capital One, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Dell Services, FedEx, Cinemark Theatres, JCPenney, Frito-Lay, and Toyota.

4. Plano is home to plenty of parks.

If you love outdoor recreation, Plano is a fantastic place to live. Bob Woodruff Park offers 321 acres of space, and Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve offers 801 acres. The spaces are accessible via bike trails. Plano even offers its very own dog park.

5. Plano Independent School District serves the majority of Plano, Texas.

Recent growth has expanded the school system, and enrollment has increased significantly in the last 20 years. In Plano, high school is divided into two separate institutions where 9th and 10th grade students attend one school and 11th and 12th grade students attend another. Plano West has an especially good reputation for overall quality, but Plano Senior and Plano East rankly well too.

6. Four college campuses are located in Plano.

Collin College offers two campuses in the city. Additionally, Southern Methodist University also has a graduate university campus that focuses on computer science, engineering, and business. West Plano also hosts a Dallas Baptist University satellite campus for undergraduate and graduate students.

7. Public transportation is widely available.

Plano is part of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system, which offers bus lines and a light rail line. This makes commuting easier for those who use Plano as a suburb and work in Dallas. The Red Line and Orange Line both travel to Dallas, and the Cotton Belt Rail Line extends to Southern Plano specifically. Whether you commute outside the city or just want to forego the car every once in a while, the DART system is quite helpful.

8. Plano has easy access to the airport.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is actually just 30 miles from the city. This reinforces Plano as the perfect destination for companies to set up shop. This also makes Plano a good city if you are a frequent traveler and want to have easy access to a major airport.

9. There are quite a few famous people from Plano.

If you move to Plano, you may be in good company. NFL players like Justin Blalock, have lived in the city. NASCAR driver James Buescher and Dallas Cowboy Michael Irvin have also lived there. Other Plano alumni include actor Chace Crawford, actor Hunter Parrish, and Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin. Of course, many successful businesspeople also call Plano home.

Does Plano sound more appealing now? With so much to experience in the city, it only makes sense. Do you have questions about making your move to Texas happen? Contact us to learn about your options.

Henderson, Nevada is a Great Place No Matter Your Interests

Moving To Guide: Why Henderson, Nevada is a Great Place No Matter Your Interests

Moving can be a stressful and yet exciting experience. You get to see a new place, experience new adventures, and meet new people. Unfortunately, moving also means leaving behind your old home, and sometimes it means wondering if there is anything enjoyable to do near your new home. Fortunately, Henderson, NV is a great place to live for people with a variety of interests. If you are planning on moving to Henderson, Nevada, finding your next adventure is about deciding what kind of person you are or what kind of person you want to become.

Outdoor Enthusiast

Henderson is home to over 60 public parks. Whether you are looking for a playground for your kids, a basketball court for a pick-up game with friends, a place for your dog to socialize, or something else, you are sure to find a park to fit your needs.

There are also an assortment of hiking trails in Henderson and the surrounding area. Some of these are also great for biking, running, or horseback riding. Nearby Lake Mead is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to visit. It provides opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and other great outdoor activities. Of course, there are many other opportunities for outdoor fun in and around Henderson. With the mild winters in the area, many of these outdoor activities can even be enjoyed year-round.

History Buff

If you are interested in learning about the history of your new home, you are in luck. There are many local places that help to tell the story of the community. For example, Henderson’s Water Street District has an assortment of murals that give a glimpse into the area’s history through pictures. For a more interactive look at the history of the area, the Clark County Heritage Museum has exhibits that allow visitors to see a timeline of Southern Nevada from pre-historic times to the present. Restored buildings give visitors a glimpse of what it was like to live in the area in the past.

If you are looking for something providing a little darker piece of local history, The Mob Museum might be for you. While it is actually located in Las Vegas, The Mob Museum is only about a half hour drive from Henderson. The museum allows you to learn about the mob’s influence in Las Vegas history as well as the mob’s impact on other parts of the world. You can learn about notorious mob members such as, Al Capone and Bugsy Siegel. There are also many exhibits, which help to tell the story of the history of the mob. The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Wall is even constructed of bricks from the wall where the 1929 killings took place.

Family Focused

If you are a parent of young children, keeping them entertained is likely a high priority. While some kids may enjoy outdoor adventures or museums that give them a look at the history of the local area, others may enjoy something more like a free self-guided tour of Henderson’s Ethel M Chocolate factory. They can see how their favorite chocolates are made. Then, the whole family can enjoy some of their favorite chocolates.

If your children like animals, The Lion Habitat Ranch in Henderson may also be a good choice. There are even opportunities to have your picture taken with an adult lion, with safety glass separating you from the lion, or you can feed a giraffe or lion.

Gambling Fan

While gambling is most often associated with Las Vegas and Reno, Henderson has its fair share of casinos as well. This includes M Resort Casino, which has over 92,000 square feet of gaming, live entertainment, a spa, and other great entertainment. Both M Resort Casino and Jokers Wild Casino, both in Henderson, were given a Certificate of Excellence through TripAdvisor.

Of course, there are plenty of other things to do in Henderson, even if these suggested activities do not interest you. If you need help finding the best moving company for your move to Henderson, contact us.