10 Small Things About Oklahoma You Never Thought Would Make You Homesick

Here are 10 small, everyday things about Oklahoma that might unexpectedly make you feel homesick if you’ve moved away:

1. The Mosquito Swarms – Oklahoma summers bring relentless mosquitoes, so much that locals joke they’re the state bird. That buzzing and biting is a uniquely Oklahoman experience.
2. Landlocked but Lake-Filled – While Oklahoma is far from the ocean, its many lakes like Eufaula, Broken Bow, and Lake Thunderbird offer a distinct kind of water escape that you might miss.
3. Long Drives Through Open Land – The vast, sparsely populated stretches between towns mean you get used to driving long distances with little traffic but lots of open sky and flat land.
4. Car-Centric Lifestyle – Public transportation is limited, so driving is essential. The lack of walkable urban spaces outside downtowns is a defining feature of life here.
5. Young, Simple Home Styles – Oklahoma’s housing tends to be newer and less historic compared to older states, reflecting its relatively recent statehood (since 1907).
6. Small Town Boredom and Late-Night Walmart Runs – In smaller towns, nightlife options are scarce, so late-night trips to Walmart become a quirky, nostalgic pastime.
7. The Landscape’s Unique Beauty – While not mountainous like Colorado, Oklahoma’s flat plains, hills in the northeast, and old mountain ranges create a landscape that feels like home once you know it.
8. Limited Urban Diversity and Activities – Oklahoma City and Tulsa are the main urban centers, but the overall lack of diverse restaurants, shopping, and cultural activities can make you long for home.
9. Community and Familiarity – Missing the close-knit feel of Oklahoma’s towns and the warmth of local connections can hit hard, especially when away at college or work.
10. The Weather and Seasons – The hot summers, occasional storms, and the changing seasons create a rhythm of life that becomes comforting and missed when gone.

These small, everyday details-from the buzz of mosquitoes to the quiet of small towns-shape the feeling of Oklahoma and can unexpectedly stir homesickness when you’re away. Would you like tips on how to cope with homesickness or ways to stay connected to Oklahoma while away?

Sources:

1. https://studentaffairs.okstate.edu/blog/feeling-homesick.html
2. https://studentaffairs.okstate.edu/blog/for-when-you-miss-home.html
3. https://www.reddit.com/r/okc/comments/1fu04yl/feeling_homesick/
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKqZgzPOt_A
5. https://kathleenolivieri.com/blog/homesickness