Home
Your Complete Guide to Moving to Tulsa
Discover why Tulsa is becoming one of America's most attractive cities for relocation. With a cost of living 14.9% below the national average, a thriving job market, and world-class amenities like The Gathering Place, Tulsa offers an exceptional quality of life. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about neighborhoods, schools, employment, and lifestyle in the Tulsa metro area.
Tulsa's Vibrant Urban Neighborhoods
Downtown Tulsa
Experience dynamic urban living with office spaces, entertainment venues like Cain's Ballroom, and cultural events. Close proximity to The Gathering Place makes this the heart of city life.
Brookside
Upscale neighborhood attracting young adults with martini bars, antique shops, unique boutiques, and cafes. Home to a professional ballet company and steps from The Gathering Place.
Cherry Street
Walkable neighborhood blending historic and modern apartment homes. Features local bakeries, farmers markets, casual fine dining, nightlife, and unique shopping experiences similar to Brookside.
Family-Friendly Suburban Communities
Midtown Tulsa
Historic charm meets modern convenience with tree-lined streets and classic architecture. High demand area featuring proximity to The Gathering Place, Cherry Street, and highly-rated schools. Includes desirable neighborhoods like Maple Ridge and Florence Park.
Chimney Hills
Quiet, residential area perfect for families. Close to highly rated schools with a private feel, yet minutes from shopping and dining. Offers the best of suburban living within the city.
Minshall Park
Suburban feel within city limits featuring 1980s brick townhouses. Easy access to major highways and close to Woodland Hills Mall makes this ideal for commuters who want convenience.
Top-Rated School Districts: Jenks
Jenks stands out as the premier school district in the Tulsa metro area, earning a 4.13 out of 5 Niche rating. This family-friendly community offers new construction homes in master-planned communities, complemented by attractions like the Riverwalk and Oklahoma Aquarium.
26.5K
Population
Growing community (2023)
34.5
Median Age
Young families
$105K
Median Income
Household earnings
Thriving Suburban Cities
Broken Arrow
Oklahoma's 4th largest city with population of ~125,000 (2025 est.). Growing community offering affordability, strong schools, and thriving local economy. Features revitalized Rose District downtown area with numerous parks and trails.
Bixby
Small-town feel with big amenities. Excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and high quality of life. Newer homes in master-planned developments with strong local economy. Annual Bixby Living Guide available through Chamber.
Owasso
Rapid growth with suburban convenience. Top-rated schools, numerous shopping centers, strong job market, and well-maintained parks. Official City Website provides historical profile and comprehensive city services information.
Housing Market Overview
Home Prices
The Tulsa housing market shows steady growth with a median listing home price of $275,000 (up 3.8% year-over-year as of August 2025). The median listing price per square foot stands at $157, while the average home value is $212,641, reflecting a 1.7% increase over the past year.
Rental Market
Rental options remain affordable with average rent of $1,012 for 823 sq ft. One-bedroom apartments average $904 (692 sq ft), while two-bedroom units average $1,136 (984 sq ft). Rent ranges from $300 to $14,970, with an average of $1,350.
Exceptional Cost of Living Advantage
Tulsa offers a composite cost of living index of 85.1, meaning living expenses are 14.9% lower than the national average. Housing costs are particularly attractive at 33.2% below the national average, making homeownership and renting significantly more affordable than most U.S. cities.
The median household income in Tulsa is $57,832, providing strong purchasing power given the lower cost of living across all categories.
Quick Commutes and Work-Life Balance
Tulsa ranks as the 12th quickest commute in the US, with an average commute time of just 16.9 minutes—5.1 minutes less than the national average. Most residents drive alone to work, with an improved average commute of 9 minutes and 51 seconds as of January 2025.

Note: North Tulsa residents experience longer commutes (30+ minutes) 86% more often than Midtown residents, highlighting the importance of neighborhood selection for your daily commute.
Major Employment Hubs and Industries
Aerospace
Significant sector featuring American Airlines Maintenance & Engineering Base (largest private employer), NORDAM, and Spirit AeroSystems. Tulsa is a major aerospace hub in the central United States.
Energy
Home to major energy companies including Fortune 500 firms ONEOK and Williams. Energy remains a cornerstone of Tulsa's economy with strong growth prospects.
Healthcare & Education
Projected to add 22,030 jobs over the projection period. Major employers include Ascension St. John, Saint Francis Health System, and OU-Tulsa, providing stable career opportunities.
Tech & Innovation
Growing tech scene supported by Tulsa Remote program and organizations like Tulsa Innovation Labs. Downtown serves as hub for office, administrative support, and finance sectors.
Key industries also include transportation, telecommunications, manufacturing, and business services, creating a diverse and resilient economy.
Exceptional Public and Private Schools
Top Public School Districts (2026 Niche Rankings)
Jenks Public Schools
4.13 out of 5 rating - Top-rated in Tulsa County
Bixby Public Schools
4.12 out of 5 rating - Top-rated second in Tulsa County
Broken Arrow Public Schools
Top-tier district - Highly regarded throughout the region
Union Public Schools
Large district with 14,890 students across 18 schools
Premier Private Schools
Tulsa offers exceptional private education options. Cascia Hall Preparatory School ranks #1 for Best Catholic High Schools and Best Private High Schools in Oklahoma with an A+ Niche Grade. Other top-ranked institutions include Holland Hall, Riverfield Country Day School, and Bishop Kelley High School. Town & Country School provides specialized education for students with ADHD, Learning Disabilities, or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
World-Class Parks and Recreation
The Gathering Place
Tulsa's crown jewel is The Gathering Place, a world-class riverfront park known for extensive playgrounds, beautiful gardens, and year-round programming. This award-winning destination has transformed Tulsa's outdoor recreation landscape and serves as a gathering spot for families and community events.
Beyond The Gathering Place, Tulsa and surrounding suburbs offer numerous parks and trails throughout the metro area, including extensive systems in Broken Arrow and Owasso.
"The Gathering Place has become the heart of our community, offering world-class amenities that rival any major city park in America."
Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Districts
1
Utica Square
Upscale outdoor shopping center featuring a sophisticated mix of stores, dining, and entertainment options in an elegant setting.
2
Downtown Districts
Explore Arena District, Arts District, Blue Dome District, Cathedral District, Deco District, East Village, Historic Greenwood District, and SoBo.
3
Riverwalk Crossing
Shopping and dining destination along the scenic Arkansas River, offering beautiful views and diverse entertainment options.
4
Woodland Hills Mall
Large indoor shopping mall providing comprehensive retail options and dining experiences for the entire family.
Vibrant Cultural Scene and Annual Events
Tulsa's cultural calendar features diverse festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from film and music to local food and community spirit. The city's commitment to arts and culture creates a dynamic atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
1
Tulsa Farmers' Market
Regular market featuring local produce and artisan goods
2
BareBones Film Festival
International independent film and music celebration
3
Red Dirt Film Festival
Showcasing regional and independent cinema
4
Philbrook Festival
Arts and cultural festival at renowned museum
5
The Hop Jam
Music and craft beer festival
6
Tulsa 918 Day
Community celebration of local pride
Public Transportation and Getting Around
MetroLink Tulsa (MTTA)
Tulsa's public transit system operates buses, fixed routes, and paratransit services from two major hubs throughout the metro area. The system provides reliable transportation for commuters and residents without personal vehicles.
MicroLink Service
On-demand, zone-based public transit service offering flexible transportation options. This innovative service complements traditional bus routes with convenient, app-based scheduling.

While Tulsa is primarily a car-dependent city, public transportation options continue to expand, with most residents finding personal vehicles most convenient for daily commuting.
Essential Relocation Resources and Utility Setup
Utility Providers and Setup
New water/sewer/trash account service requests are processed within 2 business days. PSO may require a deposit (approximately $166). Total average monthly utilities in Oklahoma run approximately $407.
Newcomer Support Resources
YWCA Tulsa - Immigrant & Refugee Services
Support for newcomers including interpretation services. Contact: (918) 858-2345 or [email protected]
City of Tulsa Welcoming Week
Official city event to welcome new residents. Annual event held at The Gathering Place (e.g., September 12, 2025).
Community Facebook Groups
Join "Tulsa, Oklahoma," "What's Up Tulsa?" and "The Common Good Tulsa" to connect with locals and discover events.
Ready to Make Your Move to Tulsa?
Relocating doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — and Tulsa might just surprise you with how easy it is to call home. With a cost of living nearly 15% below the national average, a thriving job market, and amenities that rival major cities (like The Gathering Place and Tulsa’s vibrant arts scene), this city truly offers it all.
Whether you’re drawn to the charm of Midtown, the energy of Downtown, or the family feel of Jenks and Bixby, I’ll help you find the right neighborhood, the right pace, and the right fit for your lifestyle.
If you’re planning a move — or even just thinking about it — let’s connect. I’ll share insider tips, local resources, and a clear plan to make your transition to Tulsa smooth and stress-free.
Let’s make Tulsa feel like home — together.
Morgan Tipton
Realtor® | Tulsa, OK
📧 [email protected]
📱 (918) 857-0084
🌐 www.morgantipton.com
📸 Instagram: @morgantipton.realtor