Located about 20 miles from Oklahoma City, Norman is considered to be a suburb. It has a population of about 110,000. The summer can get quite hot in Norman, although the average is 85 degrees. The winters are mild with temps averaging in the 60s. Norman lies right in the area called Tornado Alley and is considered one of the most tornado-prone places in the country. Home to the University of Oklahoma, Norman is a mix of historic and modern, with a neighborhood for just about any taste. Norman enjoys a low crime rate. If you are considering a move to Norman, you will find a city that has a lot to offer in the way of activities, pride and friendliness.
Economy:
Norman has a higher average household income than the rest of the state, while the cost of living is quite a bit lower than the national average. Unemployment in Norman is only 4.8%. The over-all employment outlook for Norman is very good. The city has an excellent mix of business, manufacturing, educational and tech job opportunities. The top employer in Norman is the University of Oklahoma, but top business employers include Johnson Controls, SITEL, Hitachi Computers, SYSCO food services and Astellas Pharma technology. Norman is also home to the National Weather Service's Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin. and the USPS Center for Employee Development.
History:
In 1870, a surveyor team was sent to the area to survey the land around where Oklahoma City eventually was established. The head of this team was a young surveyor named Abner Norman. Possibly as a joke, his team burned the words, ‘Norman's Camp' into an oak tree in the area, and when the railroad arrived in 1887, they kept the name. The city was settled as a result of the Land Run of 1889. The town was incorporated in 1891. While other towns in Oklahoma were vying for becoming the state capital, the mayor of Norman pushed a bill through the legislature to establish the state's first university in Norman. In 1895, the new university enrolled 100 students for its first year. When Interstate highway 35 was completed and ran through Norman, the city got a reputation as being where people employed in Oklahoma City lived. This, plus the prestigious university, have made Norman a booming and prosperous city today.
Tourism:
Norman has over 25 free festivals and events throughout the year. In March, the largest event in the state is the Medieval Fair. In April, there is the Norman Music Festival, an all weekend event featuring all types of music. Jazz in June is another music festival, and Groovefest is yet another one held in the spring. The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art features a large collection of French Impressionist art. The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History has many exhibits of dinosaur bones. The Moore-Lindsay House was built before 1900 and houses the city's historical museum. The Little River Zoo has over 400 animals. All this plus many outdoor activities and everything Oklahoma City has to offer makes Norman a fascinating city.