10 Pros and Cons of Living in Tulsa, OK
Thinking about moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma? If so, it might be a good idea first to do your research and get to know the city’s standard of living.
Tulsa is a vibrant and charming city in the heart of Oklahoma’s rolling plains, with so much to offer. It’s also known as “Oil Capital of the World,” but the city’s appeal extends beyond its oil industry roots. The city offers a rich history and a unique blend of urban and cultural experiences.
But is it the right place for you?
This article will help you figure out if Tulsa’s vibe matches your own. Here are 10 pros and cons of living in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Pros of Living in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa offers much more than just a new place to call home. It’s a great city filled with urban amenities, welcoming people, and lots of green spaces. So, here are the key pros of living in the Tulsa area.
Tulsa Has a Rich History
One of the most impressive things about Tulsa is its rich cultural heritage. This city is more special than it might seem at first glance, that’s for sure. If you look a little beneath the surface, you’ll see a fascinating culture and history that spans decades and offers something to everyone.
The city played a pivotal role during the oil boom, earning it the nickname “Oil Capital of the World.” The Gilcrease Museum and other historical sites provide a window into this chapter of the city’s history and are a great resource for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in Tulsa’s past.
Other than that, the city is also home to a phenomenal art scene, featuring avant-garde galleries, world-class museums, and vibrant performance venues like the legendary Cain’s Ballroom.
The Cost of Living in Tulsa is Quite Affordable
Few things are more appealing when considering a move than discovering a city with a low cost of living, and Tulsa certainly fits the bill.
Tulsa is one of the most affordable cities in the country. As a matter of fact, the cost of living is nearly 12% lower than the national average and 1% lower than the state average. The housing prices are 26% cheaper than the country’s average, while the utilities are about 4% cheaper. Impressive figures, right? Well, that’s definitely one of the main pros of living in Tulsa and is usually the key deciding factor for American families when moving across the country.
Tulsa Has a Growing Job Market
While we’re on the topic of excellent living standards, it’s worth mentioning the thriving job market that Tulsa offers. Compared to other cities of similar size, Tulsa’s job market stands out.
According to YChart recent stats, the unemployment rate is 3.60% as of 2024, which is a little higher than the rate of 3.20% from a year ago but still way lower than the national average of 4.10%.
You can find so many different job opportunities in various industries, including aerospace, energy, finance, technology, and healthcare. It’s also an ideal spot for business owners and startup founders because of the city’s entrepreneurial spirit and support for small businesses.
These numbers (and the city’s vibe) show that Tulsa provides stability and opportunity for career growth, even amid economic challenges such as inflation.
Tulsa Has Many Great Outdoor Activities
Life is not just about working hard and advancing your career. It’s also about enjoying your downtime. So, aside from excellent living standards, it’s important to look at Tulsa’s leisure activities.
This is where Tulsa will win you over. The city offers a range of outdoor activities that cater to all interests. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a casual jogger, or someone who enjoys a relaxing stroll in the park, you’ll absolutely love the natural beauty of Tulsa County.
There’s an abundance of green spaces and parks here, such as Gathering Place, a world-class riverfront park that the entire family can enjoy. This 66-acre park along the Arkansas River has splash pads, sports courts, hiking and biking trails, and a skate park. Interestingly enough, Tulsa has more than 135 parks and over 111 miles of outdoor adventure trails in total, making it the perfect spot for nature lovers and active people.
There’s A Lot To Do in Tulsa, OK
Another important benefit of living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the wealth of activities and attractions available. The city offers endless opportunities for exploration and creativity, such as world-class museums like the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Tulsa Art Deco Museum.
If you love Art Deco architecture, Tulsa has some of the best examples in the country. You can check out the Boston Avenue Methodist Church and the Philcade Building. Also, let’s not forget about the Tulsa Air, Space Museum, and the Oklahoma Aquarium as must-see places in the Tulsa area. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or science, Tulsa has something to captivate and inspire you.
Cons of Living in Tulsa, Oklahoma
No city is perfect. While Tulsa offers many advantages, it also has its fair share of disadvantages. It’s up to you to pick which of these potential downsides you can accept. Here are some of them.
Some Areas in Tulsa Lack Walkability
If you’re the type of person who prefers walking to driving, you should know that some parts of Tulsa lack walkability. They are still best navigated by car and don’t have enough pedestrian-friendly zones.
That said, the city has been making efforts for quite some time to improve the walkability situation and create more pedestrian-friendly spaces. If you choose to move to Tulsa, make sure you pick your neighborhood carefully. For instance, the Downtown area and the Brady Arts District are easy to walk around and are getting continuous improvements in that sense all the time.
Crime and Safety Need Some Improvement
The reality of every big city is that there is a fair share of criminal activities. And Tulsa is no exception. Unfortunately, it has a higher criminal rate compared to its nearby neighbor of Oklahoma City. Also, the crime rates here are about twice as high as the state average. Not good, but not terrible either especially because most suburbs are quite safe which helps to balance out the overall crime picture.
The Weather in Tulsa, OK Could Be Better
When discussing the drawbacks of living in Tulsa, the weather is a frequent topic. Sadly, it’s true that Tulsa experiences extreme weather conditions, especially in the summer. That’s when temperatures often soar above 90°F and sometimes even reach triple digits. Winters can be harsh, too, with January temperatures averaging around 30°F and occasionally dropping even lower during cold snaps. On top of everything, there’s also a heightened risk of severe storms and tornadoes, particularly during the spring and early summer months.
While there are so many wonderful things to do outdoors in Tulsa, sometimes, these weather conditions limit your ability to enjoy them fully.
Public Transportation Needs Improvement
Another significant con of living in Tulsa is the poor public transportation. Despite recent improvements, there is still considerable room for development. With a Transit Score of just 23, Tulsa’s transit options are far more limited compared to those in larger cities. This can make it challenging for residents without cars to get around efficiently, leading to traffic congestion—another significant issue in Tulsa—and reduced accessibility for those relying on public transport.
Tulsa’s Tax Rates Are Higher than Average
Tulsa residents face a tax burden that includes a state income tax of up to 5% and an 8.52% sales tax. While these taxes add up, the city’s affordable housing prices help balance the cost of living. So, it’s important for residents to budget carefully. Despite higher-than-average taxes, Tulsa provides appealing amenities and a good quality of life.
Moving to Tulsa? Find Self-Storage in the Tulsa, Oklahoma Area
Anyone would be fortunate to call Tulsa home. The city has a vibrant and charming personality that you will most definitely appreciate if you decide to move here. Low cost of living, excellent job market, wide range of outdoor activities, there’s so much that Tulsa has to offer. While there are some disadvantages like extreme weather conditions and poor transportation system, Tulsa’s unique character certainly makes up for all of it!
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FAQ: Living in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Is Tulsa, Oklahoma a Good Place to Live?
Tulsa is considered a good place to live, and it is ranked No. 101 in the U.S. The city received an overall score of 6.1 out of 10, based on four key factors in the U.S. News rankings report.
Is Tulsa Expensive to Live?
Tulsa ranks 231 out of 273 cities in the U.S. for cost of living. The cost of living in Tulsa is 87.2% of the national average.
What Are the Benefits of Living in Tulsa, OK?
The biggest benefits of living in Tulsa are the affordable cost of living, various outdoor activities, a growing job market, and a rich cultural heritage.
Why Are People Moving to Tulsa?
People are primarily moving to Tulsa for its affordable cost of living and welcoming communities. The city is frequently noted as a popular destination for those looking for a small-city, big-town atmosphere.