Is Downtown OKC safe for families to live in?

[Midtowner]

I would definately move from Edmond to the C2S area IF it is developed as planned (and once the kids are out of school.) The main issue I see is that huge "IF" - I hope our elected officials carry on the vision Mayor Cornett and company has put out that has so many people excited about the future of downtown OKC.

Capt -- OKC schools are great right now. You just have to take advantage of OKC's schools of choice. There are quite a few excellent charter, magnet and enterprise schools which easily match or beat anything you'll find in the 'burbs or any of the local private schools.

As far as parks and recreation go, I think downtown parks (and those nearby) are as good as or can beat just about anything you can find in the suburbs.

[Architect2010]

Finally, someone who is not ignorant enough to think that every school in Oklahoma City is like Capitol Hill.

[mcgrawsdad]

Midtowner - "If core-to-shore takes off as proposed, I think downtown OKC will be a magnificent place to raise a family. With parks everywhere and what I hope to be a culturally diverse set of folks, it could be a great place."

I would definately move from Edmond to the C2S area IF it is developed as planned (and once the kids are out of school.) The main issue I see is that huge "IF" - I hope our elected officials carry on the vision Mayor Cornett and company has put out that has so many people excited about the future of downtown OKC.

One thing is certain with C2S, it cannot be done with public funds. Sure public funds will help spur the activity that needs to take place, but a great deal of private investment needs to occur, so much so, that we need to look outside of our borders for this type of investment and investors.

[soonerguru]

I'm a glass half full kind of guy, but why am I so skeptical of Core to Shore? We have blocks upon blocks of open space, empty lots, etc. in our inner core. It has been empty and decaying for most of my life. I'm 40. Can someone talk me down? For some reason when i think of Core to Shore, it seems like Urban Renewal -- The Sequel.

[mecarr]

Not to get too far away from the main topic, but one thing we have to remember about Core 2 shore is that the thing won't be completed for another 25 years, and it'll probably be more than that since these things are always delayed a while. I'm 27 right now and that'll make me 52 when all this is done.

[fourthworldtraffic]

we are so different.

[fourthworldtraffic]

...but the same in our obsessive lives. one love

[OUJAG]

It would be difficult to find a home in heritage hills for 200K that doesn't need significant work. Most of the homes that have been renovated go in the neighborhood of 150 to 165 per sq. ft. (under 3500 sq. ft), homes larger than 3500 sq. ft, it is not uncommon to see them go for 165-180. We have actually had homes go higher in the past few months, as high as 213. To the poster who posted that home prices have declined, that is simply not true. Homes are taking longer to sell, but they are still appreciating. As far as downtown being safe, I feel that it is safer in downtown than in the suburbs. Midtown area is safe, depending upon the neighborhood. Here in hh and also in MP, we have private off-duty police officers who patrol the neighborhoods nearly full time. The cost is $40 per month, but it is well worth it. They will pick up your mail and newspaper when out of town, check your house to ensure it is secure, etc. It's fantastic and they respond much quicker to emergency's than 911. The crime rate (which was in line with other neighborhoods) is significantly less than what it was prior to the new security patrols. Also, I would say that at least 50% of the homes in heritage hills have been renovated within the last decade. 25% of the remaining homes are in very liveable condition with a little modern updating, and about 25% of the homes need renovation. Typically the closer you get to 23rd the smaller the homes and the more homes that need renovation. As far as the education system. I know that heritage hills neighborhood assoc. has made a committment to build 4 new classes at wilson at a cost of nearly 400K. Wilson is one of the top elementary schools in the U.S., and is an arts integration school. It is also unique because you have a very diverse group of children from all socio-economic backgrounds and ethnicities. A great melting pot of culture and learning experiences. Of course I am biased because I have lived in both Mesta Park and now HH since 2003, and also make a significant portion of my living investing in historic properties. I have also lived in Norman (both east and west), and can tell you hands down HH beats any neighborhood in Norman. The neighborhood is fantastic, not only are there old homes, but the neighbors actually act like neighbors. Our porches, not our garages are the focal points of our homes and due to this the neighborhood is extremely extroverted. (with the occasional exception).

Very good post - agree with everything you said. Moved to HH with my family (including two small children) last year, and we are extremely happy with the neighborhood. Toured Wilson School a few months back, and it is a really great place - a number of the other parents touring are not able to send their kids there because they are outside the boundary, but are trying in earnest to get one of the other "slots" that may come open if there are any available.

As for security issues, we've not had any problems to date (knock on wood). We added a security system when we renovated, just for peace of mind. The neighborhood security is great too, as mentioned. We did have to sink a bunch of money into our house before moving in to make it livable - it's a hundred year old house, though, so we expected it (especially after the inspection). I've lived in a number of places, both within the US and overseas, and this place has the best "neighborhood" fell around - always people outside walking their dogs, exercising, etc. And it's close to my work and everything else downtown.