Run away from Rhode Island, run away! I left in 1996 (grew up there). I don't know about OK, personally. I live in Iowa now. I have lived in UT, CO and TX also. So far, the midwest is absolutely beautiful. I am really attached to central IA, so I hope when my husband graduates college we can stay. People have the wrong idea about plains states. I made a slide show of IA near me to show my family the lakes, rivers, and woodsy nature trails, camping areas, and yes - the beautiful fields green with corn and soy. Some of the pictures look just like New England and the fall colors are going to be great. People have been so nice and helpful here. I heard the weather forecast last night: "Three H's" all RI-ers know that means "Hazy, Hot, and Humid." OK, Iowans don't really know the meaning of those three words. Three H's near an ocean is horrible and oppressive. Midwest Three H's are very bearable.

Hearing tornado sirens the first few times is scary. (I heard them all the time in TX). I just have a plan and don't worry too much about it. What can you do?

Even if I got sucked up in a tornado or floated away in a flood, I would be glad my last days weren't spent around affronted rude people and socialist politics.

Besides, I think you will be very pleasantly surprised... Rhode Island is a really expensive place to live in. You'll get more bang for your buck in the midwest.

I know this wasn't OK-specific info. Just wanted to give you a slant on an ex-RI-er living in the midwest.