Totally disagree with this video. Of course cinemas go out of business,..you can now download movies from the internet. Do we lament the fact that no one manufactures carts and buggies drawn by horses?
Could you make a video that shows some of the positives of this town??? If you live here then you must know that Mid-town NEEDED to be taken down, there are buildings in your video that are currently undergoing renovations. This city has a very generous population, and like many things in life, there is always room for improvement. If you dslike it so much, then why not move somewhere else??? ~Haven't seen anyone walking around with a ball & chain attached to their ankle.
I lived in Lawton from 1962 until 1994, and I can testify that the older I grew, the worse the town got. There is no opportunity for a career, unless you're lucky enough to get hired on at Goodyear. There is no place for teenagers to hang out and have good safe fun. The Lawton Police are little more than corrupt hooligans with a badge and a gun, and aren't afraid to let you know it! I find myself visiting every couple years, and every single time I go back, it looks more and more pathetic. Sad..
Lawton's situation is not unique. The economic downturn has affected other areas in the country as well. In addition, Lawton is no different than other parts of Southwest Oklahoma. Ever been to Altus, Hollis, Hobart, Frederick, Snyder, Mangum, Elk City, Clinton, or Sayre? The economy in Southwest Oklahoma is archaic, based on agriculture. In order for a city the size of Lawton to improve, the economy must be restructured so that the city attracts more relevant "urban-friendly" industries (e.g.
@MrMannyfresh78 software, renewable energy production, etc.). Don't get me wrong, Southwest Oklahoma's agriculture base is important. However, Lawton's growth as a progressive city cannot be supported by it's rural economy. Also, Lawton is a military town. All military towns are "rough around the edges." Take Fayetteville, NC for example. Like most military towns, Lawton does not have a stable population. Those in the military live in Lawton for a few years then leave for home or "greener
@MrMannyfresh78 pastures." Lawton's identity as a military town also affects the cost of living (which we all know is very, very low), that in turn, affects the type of individuals who stay. Lastly, the reason why military towns normally have a high crime rate is because crime is exacerbated by transplants from other parts of the country. Any Lawtonian will tell you that a major factor contributing to the city's gang problem, are individuals from larger city's who have settled here over the
@MrMannyfresh78 years. Lawton really is not that bad. I work for the state and I am all over Southwest Oklahoma. Beleive me, Lawton is your best option in this part of the state. Lawton has a few very positive attributes. 1. Lawton is very diverse (much more diverse than more progressive OK cities like Norman or Edmond). 2. Lawton has the only four-year university in the region. 3. The people are friendly. 4. Lawton is growing (unlike any other city in SW. OK). 4. It's not Altus.
Sorry dude, but your pictures really don't reflect anything but how the economic downturn has affected the rest of the country. I would agree that Lawton is pretty run down, however I just don't think it's as bad as you paint it to be. The city council needs to quit giving licences to liquor stores, pawn shops, and strip clubs if they want to reduce crime. Also the city needs to institute more after school youth progrms for kids who would otherwise be attracted to gangs. It's not west Baltimore.
My moms car got shot at and the window busted on the road inbetween the hospital and cameron and all the cops said was it was a rock somone threw (they found nothing in the car) but my mom heard the gun shot and ducked. Lawton police suck!
I live near cache but still in Lawton and im in my first year of high school and when i graduate and get my own apartnment in Lawton i dont think i will be able to stay there. There are so many drug deals and shootings going on now its crazy!
im not from Lawton never heard of Lawton until l was made to go there it wasnt that bad maybe because i was deployed alot. when i got back i was constantly harrassed by the police and dats why i come down and turn and leave in the same day....the way shit goin laeton will not get any better in the next 2 yrs lawton will be number 3 in the most dangerous cities in the.country
I was born and still live here in Lawton, I guess I don't leave because of the memories I have as a child growing up here with my family. I used to go play at this one park after dark on a warm summer nights with my friends, ride my bike around the neighborhood i lived in with my mom and great grandfather( old town north) but now I can't go feed the ducks with out looking over my shoulder and my son has to be in the house by dark, he's almost 15. How much has changed in 30 years.
Lawton's always been a piece of shit. I moved to norman when I turned 18. Much happier. When I went back for christmas, I got attacked by some random douchebag who chipped my tooth. Fuck that place it's fucking cursed.
I can tell you. Growing up in Lawton was tough. Its sad too because being in the military now there have been numerous times I have told someone I was from Lawton (someone who isnt from OK or even lived there) and they have heard of Lawton being a bad place to live. All I have to say about that is now that I am grown and have my own children, the only time they will see Lawton is if we are traveling through brielfy on I44 and stop at LUVS.
@kurmoe to be fair, I grew up in lawton through the 90s when it was a beautiful little town to grow up in and coming back now and seeing the condition it is in is like night and day.
@kurmoe Absolutely not trying to compare to say Southside Chicago or East St. Louis. This is more of a video meant to raise public awareness among Lawton citizens about how the city leaders let the city fall into decay of the last couple decades. Since you raised the issue though, several news sources have listed the top 10 most dangerous cities to live in (per capita) and Lawton OK was on the rise in them, ranking around #6. This is an issue that seems to just constantly be ignored.
@TheLawtonoklahoma Greetings, I am looking at two job offers one in Lawton and one in Altus. The one in Altus pays 8% less. I plan to be there about 18 months. Would you suggest that living in Lawton is not worth the pay difference? I see really bad reviews of Lawton but hardly any bad from altus. Thank you for posting.
We live in Lawton. We are from IL originally, but stationed here with the Army. Lawton looks like it USED to be a nice city...but honestly it has so many shady-looking residential areas that we don't feel safe living here anymore. Its really sad. The first thing we noticed when we moved here was how nice the locals were. But the longer we have lived here, the more we want to leave. I hope the city officials wake up some day and make Lawton a nice city again.
@libravenus85 Yeah I was born in Lawton and I lived there my entire life pretty much. The residential areas are terrible in most areas, and those who don't agree I assume live on the west side in the wealthy areas. It is incredibly unsafe in a lot of areas. The problem is that the city officials cater to the lowest common denominator. They'd rather allow second hand jewelry stores open than say, a Macy's or a B&N. I more than understand you wanting to leave.
Very Sad...I think the beginning of the end was when they destroyed the town by building that mall! I grew up in Lawton/Fort Sill during the 50's and 60', this was the greatest place on earth to me. I have revisited several times the latest as of 1999 and was shocked to see how the town had deteriorated. I know somethings do not last forever and change is going to happen. I for one, even though I do not live there, hope the city can improve for the future.
I am glad this video is getting a little bit of attention... Now please share it with your friends if you live in this town, and don't hesitate to send it to the members of Lawton's City Council, especially those who sit of the Board of Urban Development. Let's all help to get the officials of this town to stop catering to the lowest common denominator. We CAN do better.
So sad. I grew up in Lawton and attended Woodland Hills Elementary, Eisenhower Jr and High schools. I moved away in the late 80's but still think often of the good times and people there. I hope the city leaders find a way to improve the area. I had hoped to retire there but may have to watch how the city is doing more closely.
Totally disagree with this video. Of course cinemas go out of business,..you can now download movies from the internet. Do we lament the fact that no one manufactures carts and buggies drawn by horses?
blotto73 2 weeks ago
Could you make a video that shows some of the positives of this town??? If you live here then you must know that Mid-town NEEDED to be taken down, there are buildings in your video that are currently undergoing renovations. This city has a very generous population, and like many things in life, there is always room for improvement. If you dslike it so much, then why not move somewhere else??? ~Haven't seen anyone walking around with a ball & chain attached to their ankle.
blawndeeaw 2 weeks ago
I lived in Lawton from 1962 until 1994, and I can testify that the older I grew, the worse the town got. There is no opportunity for a career, unless you're lucky enough to get hired on at Goodyear. There is no place for teenagers to hang out and have good safe fun. The Lawton Police are little more than corrupt hooligans with a badge and a gun, and aren't afraid to let you know it! I find myself visiting every couple years, and every single time I go back, it looks more and more pathetic. Sad..
ekg125 3 weeks ago
Comment removed
SeaShells34 3 weeks ago
Lawton's situation is not unique. The economic downturn has affected other areas in the country as well. In addition, Lawton is no different than other parts of Southwest Oklahoma. Ever been to Altus, Hollis, Hobart, Frederick, Snyder, Mangum, Elk City, Clinton, or Sayre? The economy in Southwest Oklahoma is archaic, based on agriculture. In order for a city the size of Lawton to improve, the economy must be restructured so that the city attracts more relevant "urban-friendly" industries (e.g.
MrMannyfresh78 3 weeks ago
@MrMannyfresh78 software, renewable energy production, etc.). Don't get me wrong, Southwest Oklahoma's agriculture base is important. However, Lawton's growth as a progressive city cannot be supported by it's rural economy. Also, Lawton is a military town. All military towns are "rough around the edges." Take Fayetteville, NC for example. Like most military towns, Lawton does not have a stable population. Those in the military live in Lawton for a few years then leave for home or "greener
MrMannyfresh78 3 weeks ago
@MrMannyfresh78 pastures." Lawton's identity as a military town also affects the cost of living (which we all know is very, very low), that in turn, affects the type of individuals who stay. Lastly, the reason why military towns normally have a high crime rate is because crime is exacerbated by transplants from other parts of the country. Any Lawtonian will tell you that a major factor contributing to the city's gang problem, are individuals from larger city's who have settled here over the
MrMannyfresh78 3 weeks ago
@MrMannyfresh78 years. Lawton really is not that bad. I work for the state and I am all over Southwest Oklahoma. Beleive me, Lawton is your best option in this part of the state. Lawton has a few very positive attributes. 1. Lawton is very diverse (much more diverse than more progressive OK cities like Norman or Edmond). 2. Lawton has the only four-year university in the region. 3. The people are friendly. 4. Lawton is growing (unlike any other city in SW. OK). 4. It's not Altus.
MrMannyfresh78 3 weeks ago
Sorry dude, but your pictures really don't reflect anything but how the economic downturn has affected the rest of the country. I would agree that Lawton is pretty run down, however I just don't think it's as bad as you paint it to be. The city council needs to quit giving licences to liquor stores, pawn shops, and strip clubs if they want to reduce crime. Also the city needs to institute more after school youth progrms for kids who would otherwise be attracted to gangs. It's not west Baltimore.
madmax1989ify 4 weeks ago
My moms car got shot at and the window busted on the road inbetween the hospital and cameron and all the cops said was it was a rock somone threw (they found nothing in the car) but my mom heard the gun shot and ducked. Lawton police suck!
ilovejustinbieber20 1 month ago
I cant even count on both my hands how many times i have see prostitutes walk around at the ranch motel
ilovejustinbieber20 1 month ago
I live near cache but still in Lawton and im in my first year of high school and when i graduate and get my own apartnment in Lawton i dont think i will be able to stay there. There are so many drug deals and shootings going on now its crazy!
ilovejustinbieber20 1 month ago
im not from Lawton never heard of Lawton until l was made to go there it wasnt that bad maybe because i was deployed alot. when i got back i was constantly harrassed by the police and dats why i come down and turn and leave in the same day....the way shit goin laeton will not get any better in the next 2 yrs lawton will be number 3 in the most dangerous cities in the.country
bosshoggoutlaw22 1 month ago
I was born and still live here in Lawton, I guess I don't leave because of the memories I have as a child growing up here with my family. I used to go play at this one park after dark on a warm summer nights with my friends, ride my bike around the neighborhood i lived in with my mom and great grandfather( old town north) but now I can't go feed the ducks with out looking over my shoulder and my son has to be in the house by dark, he's almost 15. How much has changed in 30 years.
shannonshere72 1 month ago
Lawton's always been a piece of shit. I moved to norman when I turned 18. Much happier. When I went back for christmas, I got attacked by some random douchebag who chipped my tooth. Fuck that place it's fucking cursed.
sethzky77 1 month ago
I can tell you. Growing up in Lawton was tough. Its sad too because being in the military now there have been numerous times I have told someone I was from Lawton (someone who isnt from OK or even lived there) and they have heard of Lawton being a bad place to live. All I have to say about that is now that I am grown and have my own children, the only time they will see Lawton is if we are traveling through brielfy on I44 and stop at LUVS.
dustinsvideospace 1 month ago
..Crack?
FuckedandAbused 2 months ago
A few abandoned establishments and some graffiti and you think thats bad? Guess you have never been to Detroit or St. Louis.
kurmoe 2 months ago
@kurmoe to be fair, I grew up in lawton through the 90s when it was a beautiful little town to grow up in and coming back now and seeing the condition it is in is like night and day.
JAD3889 2 months ago
@kurmoe Absolutely not trying to compare to say Southside Chicago or East St. Louis. This is more of a video meant to raise public awareness among Lawton citizens about how the city leaders let the city fall into decay of the last couple decades. Since you raised the issue though, several news sources have listed the top 10 most dangerous cities to live in (per capita) and Lawton OK was on the rise in them, ranking around #6. This is an issue that seems to just constantly be ignored.
TheLawtonoklahoma 2 months ago
@TheLawtonoklahoma Greetings, I am looking at two job offers one in Lawton and one in Altus. The one in Altus pays 8% less. I plan to be there about 18 months. Would you suggest that living in Lawton is not worth the pay difference? I see really bad reviews of Lawton but hardly any bad from altus. Thank you for posting.
EL3minutero 1 month ago
We live in Lawton. We are from IL originally, but stationed here with the Army. Lawton looks like it USED to be a nice city...but honestly it has so many shady-looking residential areas that we don't feel safe living here anymore. Its really sad. The first thing we noticed when we moved here was how nice the locals were. But the longer we have lived here, the more we want to leave. I hope the city officials wake up some day and make Lawton a nice city again.
libravenus85 2 months ago
@libravenus85 Yeah I was born in Lawton and I lived there my entire life pretty much. The residential areas are terrible in most areas, and those who don't agree I assume live on the west side in the wealthy areas. It is incredibly unsafe in a lot of areas. The problem is that the city officials cater to the lowest common denominator. They'd rather allow second hand jewelry stores open than say, a Macy's or a B&N. I more than understand you wanting to leave.
TheLawtonoklahoma 2 months ago
Very Sad...I think the beginning of the end was when they destroyed the town by building that mall! I grew up in Lawton/Fort Sill during the 50's and 60', this was the greatest place on earth to me. I have revisited several times the latest as of 1999 and was shocked to see how the town had deteriorated. I know somethings do not last forever and change is going to happen. I for one, even though I do not live there, hope the city can improve for the future.
SandhillDigger 3 months ago
I am glad this video is getting a little bit of attention... Now please share it with your friends if you live in this town, and don't hesitate to send it to the members of Lawton's City Council, especially those who sit of the Board of Urban Development. Let's all help to get the officials of this town to stop catering to the lowest common denominator. We CAN do better.
TheLawtonoklahoma 4 months ago
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So sad. I grew up in Lawton and attended Woodland Hills Elementary, Eisenhower Jr and High schools. I moved away in the late 80's but still think often of the good times and people there. I hope the city leaders find a way to improve the area. I had hoped to retire there but may have to watch how the city is doing more closely.
chrisjoi09876 5 months ago
Comment removed
chrisjoi09876 5 months ago