Considering relocating to Tulsa? T-Town has a hot real estate market, beloved sports teams, incredible dining, and more. On top of that, this Oklahoma city is known for its exceptional quality of living and beautiful Green Country scenery. If you’re thinking about living in Tulsa, here are 14 things you should know!
Tulsa at a Glance
- The population of Tulsa, OK is 416,850, and it’s growing at a rate of 0.15% annually.
- Tulsa is known for its major oil industry, the Historic Greenwood District, and its 28-mile-long stretch of Route 66 attractions.
- Located in the northeastern part of Oklahoma, Tulsa sits by the Arkansas River and is about 107 miles—or an hour and a half drive—from Oklahoma City.
- The total land area of Tulsa is 522.76 square kilometers, or 201.84 square miles.
- Tulsa’s food scene is most commonly associated with chicken fried steak, Coney dogs, smoked bologna, and Oklahoma onion burgers.
Find Affordable Housing in Tulsa, OK
Located in one of the most affordable states to live in and offering a cost of living that’s 17% below the national average, Tulsa is extremely budget-friendly! In fact, T-Town has been recognized for being one of the most affordable cities in the country, so if finances are a priority for you, moving to Tulsa may be a good choice. The median home price in Tulsa is just $263,653, and Oklahomans pay 29% less in taxes each year compared to the average American, providing yet another boost to the city’s already great affordability. If you’re a renter, you’ll be glad to know that Tulsa has also been named among the most affordable cities for renters in the U.S. Given all these factors, it’s no wonder why Tulsa’s population has grown so much!
Q: Is Tulsa, OK, an expensive city to live in?
A: No, Tulsa is not an expensive city to live in—it’s actually one of the most affordable cities in the U.S.! Its cost of living is 17% lower than the national average and 4% lower than the state average. You can expect to save on groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and other spending categories.
Pursue Your Career in Tulsa
Tulsa has received national attention for its Tulsa Remote program, which pays qualifying workers to move to the city for a new work environment. That said, Tulsa doesn’t need any help supplementing its job market—since the Tulsa oil boom in the early 1900s, the city’s oil industry has been one of the leading forces in the local job market. The “Oil Capital of the World” also offers jobs with energy industry leaders like QuikTrip, ONE Gas, and Helmerich & Payne, as well as a wealth of tech startups. The city is also home to Fortune 500 companies like Williams and ONEOK, giving job seekers plenty of options across a wide range of industries.
Q: What are the major industries in Tulsa, Oklahoma?
A: While oil may have put Tulsa on the map, the city’s job market spans a range of key industries. Residents can find job opportunities in advanced manufacturing, transportation and logistics, energy, information technology, professional services, and aerospace and defense.
Enjoy Retirement in Tulsa
Not only is T-Town a safe and affordable place to live and work, but it’s also a great place for retirees to spend their golden years. Tulsa’s many restaurants, lively arts and entertainment, abundant outdoor recreation, and thriving sports culture all contribute to it being an excellent place for retirees to live. Plus, Oklahoma is a tax-friendly state for retirees, offering a full exemption for Social Security retirement benefits and a deduction toward a 401(k) or pension. Tulsa’s strong healthcare system rounds out the appeal, with Saint Francis Hospital ranked as the best hospital in Oklahoma.
Q: What are some senior-friendly activities in Tulsa?
A: Tulsa offers plenty of senior-friendly activities, including the Gilcrease Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art, Mary K. Oxley Nature Center, Tulsa Botanic Garden, and the Gathering Place. The Tulsa City-County Library also hosts regular programs geared toward seniors, and the Discovery Lab Children’s Museum is a fun option for outings with grandchildren.
Take Advantage of Tulsa’s Quick Commute Times
Despite its size, Tulsa transportation offers significantly faster commutes than other American cities—less than 20 minutes on average! This is due, in part, to programs like Complete Streets, a city-backed initiative that helps make roads accessible for all modes of transportation. T-Town has even been ranked as one of the nation’s best cities to drive in—yet another convenience for people moving to Tulsa. For those who prefer to get around by bike, Tulsa also has a wide network of trails and is considered very bike-friendly! And while the city is quite car-dependent overall, there are also some public transit options available through MetroLink Tulsa.
Q: How do you get around Tulsa without a car?
A: Walking, biking, and public transit are all viable ways to get around Tulsa. If you want to minimize how much you drive, look into Tulsa’s most walkable neighborhoods—like Park Place, Fair Acres, and North Maple Ridge—where daily errands are easy on foot. For trips outside walking distance, MicroLink rideshares can help fill the gap.
Seek Higher Education at Tulsa Colleges & Universities
Moving to Tulsa for higher education? The city has a variety of highly regarded institutions. Attend The University of Tulsa, the best value college in Oklahoma, where students can pursue popular majors like kinesiology, music, computer science, behavioral sciences, biology, and more. Enroll at The University of Oklahoma – Tulsa campus and engage in real-world learning experiences as you work toward any of the 30+ degree programs available. Find faith-based education at Oral Roberts University, which offers more than 150 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. Earn an associate degree or get your prerequisites in at Tulsa Community College—the largest two-year, multi-campus college in Oklahoma! Start your career in architecture, finance, or marketing with courses at at Tulsa Tech. Or get certified in cosmetology, massage therapy, and more at Clary Sage College.
Q: What are the best schools in Tulsa?
A: Beyond its colleges and universities, the Tulsa metro is also home to several highly-rated schools for ages K-12. Top private schools include Cascia Hall Preparatory School, Peace Academy, and Riverfield Country Day School. For public schools, Booker T. Washington High School, Union High School Freshman Academy, and Jenks High School rank among the best in the area. Families with younger children can also look to top-rated schools like Southeast Elementary, Jenks West Intermediate, and Jenks East Intermediate.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Living in Tulsa means enjoying the best of both worlds, as it not only offers big-city conveniences, but natural beauty as well. Located near the Arkansas River with a number of lakes in the surrounding Green Country area, Tulsa offers tons of waterfront recreation. Opt for paddle boat rentals at the Gathering Place, a gorgeous 100-acre green space ranked among the best city parks in the nation. Attend adult classes and programs at the Tulsa Garden Center within Woodward Park. Walk, jog, or bike through various other city parks—including Veterans Park, which offers great views of the city skyline. Go hiking or bird-watching on the trails at Oxley Nature Center. Cast your line and spend the day fishing at the beautiful Lynn Lane Reservoir. Go on a horseback trail ride or sign the kids up for summer riding programs at Tulsa Trails West. Or see unique wilderness statues like the Rio Grande Turkeys and Rocky Mountain Bighorn, and hike the massive Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area.
Q: How much does it cost to get into the Tulsa Botanical Garden?
A: The Tulsa Botanical Garden charges $15 general admission for anyone 16 or older, and $10 for those between the ages of 3 and 15. Children under 3 get in for free but still need a ticket.
Tour the Gorgeous Tulsa Deco District
Brought about by the wealth that came to the town from its 1900s oil boom, elaborate Art Deco architecture is all over Downtown Tulsa. This vibrant area, now known as the Deco District, still has the signature geometric patterns and bold designs of the Art Deco movement. Today, both tourists and Tulsa residents enjoy taking walking tours through the area to see some of the city’s greatest Art Deco monuments. Check out the towering Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, which features gorgeous spires and sleek statues. Visit the ornate Tulsa Fire Alarm Building—just as much a historical site as it is an architectural wonder. Or see the revitalized Tulsa Club Hotel, where modern touches blend with classic 1920s design.
Q: Why does Tulsa have so much Art Deco architecture?
A: During the 1920s oil boom, Tulsa experienced rapid growth and a wave of new construction as businesses and developers invested in the city. Many embraced Art Deco, a modern architectural style popular at the time, resulting in the distinctive collection of Art Deco buildings found throughout Downtown Tulsa today.
Support Tulsa Arts & Entertainment
A vibrant arts scene ensures that there are plenty of things to do in Tulsa—the city even has its own arts district! Get tickets to see touring musical artists, comedians, and more perform at Cain’s Ballroom. Attend lectures, live music, theatre, and dance events from Tulsa Ballet or the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra at the gorgeous Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Spend a day looking at art and artifacts from local Indigenous tribes alongside other works of American history at Gilcrease Museum. Attend classes in the lush garden or marvel at fine art collections from around the world at Philbrook Museum of Art. Learn about the life and musical stylings of the American folk and rock artist Bob Dylan through events, exhibits, and lessons at the Bob Dylan Center. Or check out the musical stylings of local artists and national performers at Tulsa Theater.
Q: Where is the Tulsa Art Crawl?
A: The Tulsa Art Crawl takes place in the Tulsa Arts District on the first Friday of each month. Dozens of local artists display and sell their work, with many offering hands-on activities for guests. Local restaurants and bars join in too, often featuring themed menu items, discounts, or live artist performances.
Look Forward to Annual Tulsa Festivals
There are always events and festivals to look forward to when living in Tulsa! Engage in the arts and humanities through dance performances, live music, and delicious food at Tulsa Mayfest. Experience German culture with mouthwatering dishes, frothy pints of beer, and live music and dancing at Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa. Spend a weekend celebrating the local LGBTQ community at Oklahoma’s longest-running Pride festival, Tulsa Pride. Connect to Tulsa’s cultural roots at the multi-tribal Tulsa Indian Club’s annual Tulsa Powwow, where you can support Indigenous artists and craftspeople, try Native American dishes, and see dances and other performances. Sample beer from more than 40 breweries and snack on great eats in between at McNellie’s Harvest Beer Festival. Or celebrate life and loved ones at the Tulsa Water Lantern Festival, where you can float rice paper lanterns with a personalized message down the water.
Q: What are the most popular events in Tulsa?
A: Some of the most popular events in Tulsa include Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa and the Tulsa Tough bike race. Beyond that, the city hosts a wide range of concerts and annual events and festivals throughout the year.
See Cultures Come Together
Tulsa is one of the United States’ most highly populated cities, and its residents represent cultures from all over the world. Groups like Tulsa Area United Way and Mosaic help make Tulsa an inclusive place to live and work. In addition, residents can plant roots in diverse neighborhoods and suburbs like Turley and Catoosa. Plus, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city’s cultural diversity. Find international cuisine at restaurants like Rendang & Co. Indonesian Bistro and Zogam Cafe. Enjoy shopping at international markets like Albarka Food International. Or attend cultural celebrations like the Muscogee Nation Festival. No matter where you’re moving to Tulsa from, you can be confident you’ll feel welcome!
Q: How diverse is Tulsa?
A: Tulsa has a fairly diverse population, with 54.45% of residents identifying as white, 17.13% as two or more races, 13.99% as Black or African American, 4.24% as Native American, 3.46% as Asian, 0.26% as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 6.48% as another race.
Cheer on Your Favorite Oklahoma Sports Teams
Indulge your sense of team spirit as a spectator of Tulsa’s sports scene! Go tailgating before a Golden Hurricanes (NCAA D-I FBS) football game, then cheer on the team at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. Support the Hurricanes in various other sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, and more. Grab seats at ONEOK Field to see the Drillers (MiLB) hit runs or FC Tulsa (USLC) score goals. Prefer hockey? Get tickets to see T-Town’s very own pro hockey team, the Tulsa Oilers (ECHL), at BOK Center. Or if you want to get in the game yourself, Tulsa has several public sports leagues, from basketball to kickball and beyond!
Q: Does Tulsa have a WNBA team?
A: Tulsa doesn’t currently have a WNBA team, but it did for several years. The Tulsa Shock relocated from Detroit to Tulsa in 2010, then moved again in 2015, rebranding as the Dallas Wings in Arlington, Texas.
Find Fun Family Activities in Tulsa
Moving to Tulsa with kids? The city has a plethora of family-friendly activities that children and adults of all ages can enjoy. Go wild at the award-winning Tulsa Zoo, where you can ride the Safari train and see everything from Arctic foxes to African penguins. View underwater creatures in habitat zones ranging from the Polynesian Reef to the Ozark Stream at Oklahoma Aquarium. Watch your kids experiment and engage in hands-on STEM experiences at Tulsa Children’s Museum Discovery Lab. Catch outdoor movies, hang out at summer concerts, or kick a ball around with family and friends at the gorgeous Guthrie Green. Head to the Meadow Gold District, a booming area of T-Town along Tulsa’s Historic Route 66 featuring delicious Tulsa restaurants, fun events, and shopping. Step into a model town square full of shops, displays, and art for the whole family to enjoy at Decopolis 66’s mini-Museum. Or experience the acoustic phenomenon found at Tulsa’s Center of the Universe—stand on the marked spot and hear your whisper echo back to you much louder!
Q: How does the Center of the Universe in Tulsa work?
A: The Center of the Universe is a small concrete circle surrounded by a larger ring of bricks. Stand inside the circle and make a sound, and you’ll hear it echo back—but people standing just outside the circle can’t hear the echo at all. There’s no confirmed explanation for the effect. The leading theory is that sound reflects off a nearby circular planter in just the right way to create it, but there’s no clear scientific consensus.
Eat Your Way Through Restaurant Row
The entire city has fantastic cuisine of all kinds, but locals know that some of T-Town’s best eats are on Cherry Street in the heart of South Tulsa. Start your day with diner brunch classics like the Acapulco Express Omelet, French Toast Deluxe, or an Old Irish Benedict at Silver Skillet Family Diner. Dig into delicious surf and turf like the 28-day aged Top Sirloin and Shrimp at Fish Daddy’s Grill House. Listen to live music on the weekends and order up classic Thai fare from Tom Kha Gai to Panang Curry at Lanna Thai Restaurant. Try the Indian flavors foodies in Tulsa have been raving about since 1993 when you get a plate of Chicken Vindaloo, Prawn Makhani, or Kheer—a traditional Indian dessert—at India Palace Restaurant. Chow down on Frito Pie, a Chili Cheese Coney, a Buster Burger, and other American staples at Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili. Or enjoy a Thursday Dinner for Two special for date night at Villa Ravenna, which features a 32oz Kobe Tomahawk Steak with two salads, two sides, and two desserts.
Q: What food is Tulsa known for?
A: Tulsa is most known for its Coney I-Lander coney dogs. This popular Tulsa restaurant has been open since 1926, serving hot dogs with secret family chili, mustard, onions, and cheese for 100 years.
Experience the Local Tulsa Nightlife
Nightlife is alive and well in Tulsa, especially in the always high-energy Blue Dome District! Rock the night away at Soundpony, one of Tulsa’s best bars for live music and cold brews. Get your game on and try delicious cocktails at Tulsa’s only ’80s and ’90s arcade-themed bar, The Max RetroPub. Hang out on the back patio with a pint of Guinness at Arnie’s Bar. Immerse yourself in a colorful, fun Tiki bar with drinks like Gantt’s Tomb, a Volcano Bowl, or a surprising Mystery Tiki at the Saturn Room. Let loose in LGBTQ favorite Club Majestic, where you’ll find amazing drag performances and tasty drinks. Savor a glass of whiskey on the rocks and take in the sights of the city from the rooftop of Hotel Indigo at Roof Sixty Six. Or have a low-key evening with some Tater Tot Poutine and a Bacon-Infused Old Fashioned at The Tavern.
Q: Are there nightclubs in Tulsa?
A: Yes, there’s a vibrant nightlife scene in Tulsa! One of the most well-known clubs is the Ruby Red Nightclub and Ballroom of Tulsa, which features live DJs almost every night.
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