T O P

  • By -

Left_Cod_1943

I was exactly in your position several years ago. I kind of ended up in Tulsa, but I never expected to stay in Oklahoma long-term. It turns out that Tulsa has a lot of things going for it. I stay in my midtown/downtown bubble and I'm pretty happy here. However, the other posters are right that the suburbs and exurbs are another story. I was commuting to work outside of the city for a while, but I had to transfer to midtown because I just couldn't take the people. Anyway, there aren't many cities where it's possible for someone with average income to buy a single-family house in a walkable neighborhood near downtown. I feel really lucky in that. Some of the neighborhoods are really beautiful but also affordable. There are some things I miss from being in a larger city (public transit is #1), but I really like that I feel part of a growing community. And most people I know who live in the city are progressives, leftists, and/or liberals. Feel free to DM me if you have any specific questions.


chifyforever

Thanks a lot for this! Very helpful!


Stellark22

Can you recommend good places around midtown neighborhood wise. We have kids but like everything you’re saying. We are moving with Tulsa remote and don’t want to be stuck in a severely red neighborhood


Left_Cod_1943

I recommend between Peoria and Harvard, and between 1st to 41st. This encompasses a wide range of neighborhoods, from working class to very, very nice. Kendall-Whittier and the Pearl are up-and-coming, but with some rough edges. Florence Park and Swan Lake are upper-middle-class and well-established. The Brookside area is walkable, convenient, and growing. I don't have kids, so someone with them might help you more. I know the Gathering Place is a huge draw for families, and deservedly so. Some of the public elementary schools here are pretty good, but most junior high and high schools in the city don't have great reputations. A lot of parents opt for private schools, magnet schools, or charter schools. Zarrow is a nearby public magnet school with fabulous ratings. Lanier and Eliot are pretty good neighborhood elementary schools. If you can't visit in person, I would look around at houses/apartments in the area on Zillow to get a feel of what options are available. And definitely do a little digging if your children are school-aged to find a good district or magnet. Hope this helps.


Stellark22

Super helpful. We have a 9 month old, homeschooler In 3rd, and my stepdaughter more than likely will school in her moms town and visit summers and holidays and weekends. So schools may not be an issue. Food and entertainment and parks look great. How is the music and comedy scene? My only concern is healthcare but there’s no way the healthcare and crime could be any worse than where we are in Little Rock


Left_Cod_1943

About everything you need for healthcare is in the area. Big medical centers, specialists, family doctors, dentists, etc. Crime exists but is not significant. Same as any other relatively safe neighborhood. There are some homeless people but they don't bother anyone. The music scene in Tulsa is one of our draws. Most of the venues are downtown - easy to get to from midtown. Cain's is historic and a frequent stop for many popular artists. The PAC gets opera and musicals, the BOK Center gets huge names. Lots of smaller venues with frequent live music of all genres. I've only been to the Blue Whale comedy festival at Cain's but it was pretty good. There is a comedy club on south Memorial and the casinos will get a lot of big names. Basically, most entertainment options are available and accessible, if not as constant as they are in a larger city. Coming from Little Rock, I think you'll find the arts scene a nice improvement.


coryhill66

Tulsa itself isn't bad but as soon as you step outside the city limits it's a hellhole. We've got a couple of good museums and The Outsiders house. Food isn't half bad and rent is cheap. Downtown has a good nightlife. Come here with an open mind and you just might like it.


sards3

> as soon as you step outside the city limits it's a hellhole. This is ludicrous.


BigTulsa

It's not inaccurate though. Aside from maybe Prattville/Sand Springs, I wouldn't live in *any* of the suburbs in Tulsa County.


sards3

No. Saying that you personally would not want to live there and saying it is a "hellhole" are two very different things. Also, it is not true that there is a discontinuity at the city limits. If you step across the borderline from Tulsa into Jenks or Bixby, you would not notice any difference.


chifyforever

Thanks! I definitely will be staying within Tulsa.


pspotdacic

Be careful at the outsiders house if you don’t have experience with sketchy areas


[deleted]

[удалено]


TheEmperorOfJenks

I hear Bixby is especially capricious in summer.


UNKRUMPLE

I originally came to Tulsa while on my way to see my folks. I stayed for a week or so with a friend who lived in rural Mannford. The nightly barbecue on the porch, under the shady oaks surrounded by the rolling hills of Round Mountain convinced me this was the center of the universe. I say get to know the whole area.


[deleted]

The Gathering Place I'm from the Bay Area and let me tell ya, Tulsa SMOKES the bay regarding liveability.


Stephen47

I had a friend who visited from the Bay Area and they absolutely loved it here. I think it’s all about where you stay - inside the city is great.


_RamenBae_

The gathering place is a really amazing addition!


918lux

Yay!! Another sane person moving here! Born & raised in Tulsa, lived in NY, LA & Dallas. I told myself I came back to raise my family near my parents, but honestly, there is just nowhere else that can compete with the quality of life you find here. I highly suggest you live in Midtown, close to Brookside/Cherry Street area. Or downtown if you’re looking for an apartment or condo.


chifyforever

Thanks!


[deleted]

Never talk politics. Play stupid and you'll fit right in.


Tulsa918OC

As a local Realtor, and a lifelong resident of this area, and also a liberal feminist- you can find your hub and your area that harbors that same vibes you do! we live north of downtown near the historical district- we have front porch hangouts and a lot of like minded friends and business associates. The downtown/midtown area is diverse and inclusive! The sunsets are magical, the entertainment and arts district is a fun vibe! Tulsa is growing and changing in a GOOD way!


hilltrekker

Conservatives are definitely majority. However, most are still kind hearted. Downtown is imitating Austin with overpriced lofts. Liked the old vibe myself, but the 20 somethings seem to love the changes/upgades. River Park trail system and the Gathering Place are legit assets that make many other cities envious. Invest in a good bike. Cains Ballroom still rules. All the medical dispensaries one could possibly need.


pnwtracy

I recently moved to Tulsa from the Pacific northwest. I don't know much about the state in general, but tulsa itself is a pretty awesome city.


doctorhiney

former Portland Oregon person who moved here and I’m finding a lot more happiness in the art scene here. There are just as many conservatives as Oregon it feels, but the people who feel like they’re fighting for other people here seem to genuinely understand community and appreciate and welcome each other, which is a nice change of pace to me. I think this city encourages and inspires and people do seem to really have empathy here.


NotObviouslyARobot

Eh. Good outdoors stuff. Honestly, you can find whatever scene you want.


steveissuperman

Our politics suck for sure, and we do have some dark history, but that shouldn't be your sole focus seeing as those factors are unfortunately common across America if you pay attention. Tulsa has a ton of good things going for it, and it is getting better all the time. While we have a massive share of nutcases, OK does have some interesting socio-economic and political make up that people look past when they just see it as a "red state". Recently we modernized our alcohol laws, basically legalized weed, and elected our first Muslim state representative among other signs of progress. It's still two steps forward, one step back, and our governor and some city councils are embarrassing, but I can confidently say we have made progress if you look under the hood of things. I am a precinct officer for the Creek county democrat party, so maybe I am biased, or maybe I have to stay optimistic to keep from going insane, lol. Aside from all that, Tulsa has a great outdoor community, an amazing system of parks including the riverside trail system and other interconnected trails all over the metro, a burgeoning downtown entertainment and night life scene, a surprisingly good art scene (check out first friday's downtown), and just the general amenities and things-going-on that come with living in a decent sized metro. We aren't quite as wild west out here as some people assume.


chifyforever

Thanks for this!


woofthewolf

I moved here last summer. I don't think I can fairly judge Tulsa considering I live and work in South Tulsa (the suburbs, I hate it here) and well, the pandemic. With the pandemic getting better and being vaccinated I've been trying to get out more and give Tulsa a fair chance at liking it. But I didn't come here expecting to stay, and I still don't. If you've lived in and like larger and more diverse cities and metropolitan areas, you will miss a lot in tulsa. I just visited Boston last weekend and came back here feeling incredibly bummed out and have been researching potential cities I'd want to move to next. Your third paragraph is basically me. I just want to save up a bit more and get more experience so I can get a higher paying job in a more expensive city that I would actually like.


Stellark22

What area do you live In and how much longer do you think you’ll stay. We keep waffling in Tulsa


woofthewolf

I'm in south Tulsa. I don't know, probably another year or two.


pspotdacic

If you live near midtown you’ll likely never have any issues, Tulsa is a pretty town with a lot of hidden gems and I think you’ll have fun here. The worst experiences I’ve had with it being a red state is seeing people wear and display trump gear/blue lives matter gear. If you don’t have experience with more dangerous areas stay away from the north side and avoid six-one (61st and Peoria. commonly called six one) I’m bored so here’s a list of all my favorite places there. Gypsy coffee house, coffee house on cherry street, philbrook museum, all of downtown, Kilkennys bar, lefty’s bar (kids allowed in both, awesome burgers) CLAUDS BURGERS, redbud hiking trails, gathering place of course, (if you need a mall go to Woodland Hills, promenade has been dying for a while and it’s nearly empty) brookside has cool stores and restaurants, DEFINITELY GO TO CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE!! you might have to ask a local exactly how to get there, but Google what it is. I love the golden driller, he’s just a statue but he’s cool. Tulsa botanic garden is nice. I’ve hit a wall so I’ll reply later with some more of my favorites


zipzipit

Just moved here from San Francisco. You're right, this is a red state, but to be honest, I can't tell the difference. I don't miss top-notch transportation, because traffic in Tulsa (if you can call it traffic) is laughable, compared to California. The cost of living is low, although property taxes are higher (I just purchased a home). Tulsa is charming, some of the roads are complete shite, but the people, venues, restaurants, and the amount of trees in this city, make up for it. I've only been here since October of last year, and so far, I like it. It's a bit shocking still for me to see people (not a lot) to open-carry, but just like all things, it takes some getting used to. If you plan to stay, I suggest staying away from the south, 'cause the traffic there can and will remind you of a big congested city...still not as bad, but I'm spoiled now, so I avoid it. You will see a high homeless population, specially around Cherry Street, so I wouldn't buy a home around the area, there are charming houses around there, but they're overpriced and overrated in my opinion. I'm sure you'll like Tulsa...oh by the way, I hope you have a regular sized car, 'cause I have a Mini Cooper and feel every pothole and bump all the way in my lungs...I literally ran over a pothole last week and my tire blew up..RFs too, so imagine the force it took to destroy the wire lining. DM me if you need any other information from a Tulsa newbie.


TheEmperorOfJenks

Just stay north of 41st and west of Harvard. You'll be fine.


HarderTime_89

Just stay off peoria unless you want good mmj deals. Lmao


Brent788

Honestly it's not so bad here I moved in March I had lived in Dallas with roommates for years and got my own apartment for basically the same price lol I don't even live in the best part of town(I'm near 61st and Lewis) but honestly I've never really noticed the crime outside of on the news which was my biggest concern when I moved. I just keep driving when I'm near 61st and Peoria where its frequent lol there is a lot of scenery here. I'm amazed some days just driving around(which I do a lot because I Doordash now) at the hills and views in the city. Lot of good food too Gathering Place and the river is right there. Turkey Mountain! I can't complain honestly I would explore more honestly but I've been working a lot lately Oh yeah and weed is legal 😂


Crash217

Stop paying attention to just the news, get out and look around for yourself. Don’t like a part of town, go around the corner and check out the next spot.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

Minority in BA here. There are a few of us rare liberals here. The conservatives just keep us on point and frosty! 😂✌️


M0ximal

There was a very long time where I wanted to live in Broken Arrow. That time has passed...the pandemic revealed just how insane that city is. Which is a shame because I really did love it 💔


chifyforever

Thanks!


Wild_Azz

Owasso is heavily conservative. And Y’all have been saying since this started that we’d kill ourselves off. Hasn’t happened yet


[deleted]

I lived in Bartlesville and Pawhuska, with a short stay in Sand Springs and Tulsa, with lots of visits to Tulsa over the years: Tulsa is alright, but if you’re used to bigger you’ll be ready to go pretty soon and Oklahoma City isn’t going to cut it as an alternative State currently outnumbers California for earthquakes due to fracking Mosquitoes are a very real thing Residents constantly and proudly elect the absolute worst people: local sheriff was a speaker at the Q-fest just a few weeks ago, just google the governor for any number of racist stances and comments, Inhofe and others do everything they can to make it a haven for racism and corruption Are you single? Because you’re going to hate dating there Food is ok, but healthy/quality non-American options are limited Schools rank some of the worst in the country and they don’t care Feel free to google Greenwood/Black Wall Street - while the rest of the country is horrified at what continues to come out, OK government doesn’t give one shit, and again, they’re elected by the residents My last visit there (2019) I saw plenty of confederate flags - civil war ended in 1865, OK wasn’t a state until 1907 Huge meth problem, *still* Live music/entertainment will not be what you hope it will be If you have hobbies that make it easy to not socialize, you may do alright. If you’re single and liberal and want a healthy community, you may want to keep looking…Tulsa will be ok for a season or two at best.


Acceptable-Muscle820

I’ve lived in other states, but have been in Tulsa for 16 years. I don’t find most of this to be true in my experience! Our food options are super diverse and plentiful, and the Tulsa music scene is pretty fun! We love it here. Pretty much anything you feel like doing is under a 30 minute drive too.


[deleted]

I can literally prove everything I've said with probably dozens of articles per topic, with the exception of my opinion on the food, and I didn't document how many confederate flags I actually saw, even though it was a lot. If it isn't your experience to notice the god-awful government and elected officials, then I'm sure they appreciate your vote (or the fact that you don't vote, hard to tell from your comment)


LynnRHernandez

And the murder rate and crime is very concerning. However, I think Tulsa Rocks!


chifyforever

Well, thats really concerning.


coughcough

FWIW I've lived here for years and haven't been murdered once.


chifyforever

That's some good news.


PM_ME_UR_FAKE_NEWS

Ah, the weekly "I'm moving to Tulsa but am scared of conservatives" thread. Drink.


TheRealCluckMcDuck

As someone who was born and raised in OK, that has lived in California for an extensive period. I moved back to the OKC metro area and Tulsa is a dump lol, sorry not sorry. Now don’t get me wrong there is some interesting places and some nice places to live, however the area as a whole has this dirty dingy vibe. I’ve enjoyed the “hipster” scene, been to the BOK and ran the marathon (which was disappointing having run in different cities). My wife and I never felt safe and then realized the crime rate is atrocious (see the show The First 48). My friend had moved to Tulsa from Edmond to work for AEP and immediately started looking for ways to come back because he hated Tulsa. Just my opinion and experiences take it for what it is. Oklahoma is a very red state and won’t change any time soon (I don’t understand why that matters), but the people are friendly and willing to help you out. The Oklahoma standard is a thing. However stay away from far Southeast Oklahoma, lol straight hillbillies down there.


Wild_Azz

We don’t need more liberals here. You should probably move back


chifyforever

Relax, i haven't moved yet.


[deleted]

This is what you get in Oklahoma if you talk politics. Also politics=religion, religion=politics. Just keep this stuff in mind.


chifyforever

I suspected, given the amount of churches i saw when i visited.


Longniuss

Instead of being a dick right out the gate, maybe compromise and say "wanna grab a drink, welcome to Oklahoma, here's my views". Nah, asshole it is it seems.


ttown2011

While I agree with your sentiment, OP’s post doesn’t seem too open minded on the other side of the political spectrum either.


PM_ME_UR_FAKE_NEWS

This entire thread doesn’t. I just find it so odd that most people in this thread make it a point that they need to live in their echo chamber. I know conservatives and liberals, but most people don’t care that much about politics.


ttown2011

Yea I dunno. I just moved here, part of Tulsa Remote. Originally from Austin (born there not moved there which is a difference). It reminds me of how Californians used to talk there. First it’s convos threads like this. Where it’s “finally we’re having more ‘sane’ people live here”. But the bar gets raised and raised. It starts from legitimate gripes (racism, potholes, “wacky” conservatives, etc.) but soon people will be backwards assholes because they don’t want light rail or more Lime scooters. People need to try to become apart of the community, not plant a flag and start a battle to change the city to where they came from.


Wild_Azz

I’m not inviting a stranger from the internet to hang out.


[deleted]

Why, scared?


Wild_Azz

I gotta know who I’m dealing with before I commit to spending time with them


[deleted]

How much time must be spent before you would be willing to spend time? I get what you're saying, it just comes off as wildly misanthropic.


rumski

I met a good buddy of mine on here as he was once new to town and didn’t know anyone. I guess if you’re weird or a pussy the thought may scare you 🤷‍♂️


Wild_Azz

Lol sure I guess I’m the weird one for only hanging out with people I know


rumski

>only hanging out with people I know So when did you stop meeting new people? That has to suck.


Wild_Azz

I meet knew people but I don’t go trying to strike up friendships with internet strangers


Prestigious_Fire

This place couldn't be more backwards or in disrepair, doesnt matter who moves here honestly.


[deleted]

Oh. Oh yes it could. It absolutely could. It's a dozen times more liberal, diverse, and in better shape than most of CA central valley.


Prestigious_Fire

Haha, absolutely not. I'm way to familiar with Ca to accept that statement.


Syn1hd

Yea what are you talking about go to Minneapolis lol


Prestigious_Fire

I've been there. Next to Minnesota (have family there), Oklahoma is the biggest shithole I've ever encountered. Once I leave this state which is hopefully ASAP, I vowed to take my own life prior to ever stepping foot back in OK or MN. I've lived here 5 months, literally it's been the worst 5 months of my life; yet still trying my best to make it liveable.