Pros and Cons of Living in Tulsa, OK

tulsa, ok at night with skyscrapers

When you move to a new city, it’s a good idea to do your research — the weather, the cost of living, amenities, etc. The same goes for Tulsa, Oklahoma, one of America’s finest cities. With top-rung amenities and several other positives, it’s a great place to call home. Like any other American metropolis, though, Tulsa has its ups and downs. Read on to discover the pros and cons of living in Tulsa, OK!

STORAGE & MOVING TIP: If you’re planning a move but don’t have a home yet, make sure to book a storage unit in Tulsa with SecurCare. That way, you won’t have to put your things into the mover’s storage, which can be very expensive.

PRO: Friendly and Welcoming Residents

One of the consistent praises Tulsa receives from newcomers is the warmth and friendliness of its residents. The community is known for its welcoming nature, making it easier for those relocating to quickly feel at home.

PRO: Living in Tulsa Means Lots of Diversity

Tulsa stands out for its rich cultural diversity. Tulsa is home to a mosaic of communities that includes Caucasians, African American, Hispanic, English, Vietnamese, Italian and French, among others. Notably, the city boasts one of the country’s most substantial Indian communities and is infused with various European influences. Tulsa epitomizes the melting pot that America is celebrated for, making it a definite highlight when weighing the pros and cons of living in this beautiful city.

PRO: Tulsa’s Rich History

Beyond its modern-day amenities, Tulsa has a rich history rooted in the oil industry. The city played a pivotal role during the oil boom, earning it the nickname “Oil Capital of the World.” Several historical sites and museums, such as the Gilcrease Museum, provide insights into the city’s past, making it an intriguing place for history buffs.

PRO: Your Kids Get a Great Education Living in Tulsa

Tulsa has a large population and, with that comes a lot of public schools. Over 130 of them, actually, many of which get excellent grades. The top 10 all get at least an A, if not an A+! That’s awesome news if you have school-age children as their education is important. Indeed, the #2 best school in the state is here, Jenks High School. There are many others, though, so you’ll be putting your kids in good hands when you live here.

PRO: There’s So Much To Do in Tulsa, OK

little kid at aquarium with sharks

Tulsa has more than its fair share of “must-see” landmarks and places. There’s the Jazz Hall of Fame, for starters, with live performances every Sunday. If you’re into art deco architecture, Tulsa offers some of the finest examples in the country. They include the Boston Avenue Methodist Church and the Philcade Building, both of which are spectacular. The Tulsa Air and Space Museum is one of the country’s finest, as well as the Oklahoma Aquarium. (Don’t miss the Museum of Fishing Tackle located there!) From wineries to parks and more, you’ll never be at a loss for exciting things to do in Tulsa!

PRO: The Cost of Living in Tulsa is Quite Affordable

One of the biggest pros of Tulsa is that it’s an affordable city. The cost of living here is nearly 20% lower than the national average! Even better, housing prices are some of the lowest in the United States! Tulsa gets a score of 51/100 for housing prices on Niche, the city ranking website. That’s phenomenal; we think you’ll agree. It means you’ll pay 50% less than the national average for your new Tulsa home! When you compare the pros and cons, of Tulsa, the cost of living is a huge pro!

PRO: Tulsa Has an Excellent Job Market

Compared to other cities of similar size and population, Tulsa has a strong job market. Our unemployment rate of 4.6% is lower than the national average, for example. (It’s 6%. just FYI.) Over the last few years, job growth has been positive, and future job growth looks robust. That’s good news if you’re going to need a job when you arrive. You’ll find plenty in a wide variety of industries, which will make your job search much easier.

Where to Find Storage Units in Tulsa, OK

We’re SecurCare, the self-storage specialists in Tulsa, OK. If you need a Tulsa storage unit when you arrive, there’s plenty of them! We have 18 storage facilities in Tulsa, OK to be precise! So we know a thing or two about keeping your things safe. Our facilities are clean, safe, and, most importantly, affordable. Questions? Chat online anytime with one of our friendly managers!

CON: Crime and Safety Need Some Improvement

Here’s the thing; like any big city, Tulsa has its fair share of crime. Niche, the ranking website, gives our city a C- score. That’s not great, but it’s not terrible either. Most of the suburbs here are quite safe, however, which balances things a bit.

CON: The Weather in Tulsa, OK Could Be Better

There’s a lot of wonderful things to do outdoors in Tulsa, it’s true. Regrettably, the weather often gets in the way of enjoying them. Winter here is chilly and lasts longer than in many other cities, although we get very little snow. Summer can be hot and humid. It’s not the worst con, this list of Pros and Cons of Living in Tulsa, OK, but it does leave a little to be desired.

CON: Severe Weather Preparedness is Essential

two tornados in a field

Tulsa, like much of Oklahoma, is situated in Tornado Alley. While the city is well-prepared and has a robust alert system in place, newcomers should familiarize themselves with safety protocols during severe weather. Most homes come equipped with storm shelters, and it’s crucial to stay updated with local weather forecasts during the spring season.

CON: Some Areas Lack Walkability

While the city has been making efforts to increase pedestrian-friendly zones, some parts of Tulsa are still best navigated by car. If you prioritize walkability, it’s essential to choose your neighborhood carefully. That said, areas like Downtown and the Brady Arts District are quite pedestrian-friendly and are seeing continuous improvements in this regard.

CON: Public Transportation Needs Improvement

You’ll need a car if you want to get around quickly in Tulsa. Our transit score is 23, and our walkability score is 40, both of which aren’t great. A 47 bike score is better, but only a little bit. Luckily, commuting time in Tulsa is lower than the national average, at about 18 minutes one way. So, yes, you’ll need a car, but you won’t be stuck in traffic for hours on end either.

CON: Tulsa’s Tax Rates Are Higher than Average

Tulsa residents pay more taxes with a 5% state income tax and 8.52% sales tax. Not a lot more, thankfully, but still enough to get your attention. Luckily, housing prices here, as we’ve seen, are very affordable, and so balance out the equation.

CON: Household Incomes Are Below Average

The average salary and household income in Tulsa are lower than the national average. The median household income, for example, is $42,000. per year compared to the national average of $53,500. Still, the cost of living is lower, which helps a lot.

Overall, Tulsa is a Very Livable City

2 happy people next to a bike

Even with its downsides, Tulsa has our heart. It’s full of chances to grow and thrive. We think it’s a great spot for living, working, and bringing up kids. Whether you’re looking for a fresh start or a new adventure, Tulsa’s got a lot to offer. If you decide to move here, choose SecurCare Self Storage as your trusted self storage partner! Call or book online to reserve your storage unit today!