Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, Tulsa is Oklahoma’s second-largest city, after Oklahoma City. Known as Oklahoma’s art and cultural center, Tulsa boasts a plethora of galleries and performing arts venues. But there’s much more to love about Tulsa than its vibrant art scene.
In this guide, we’ll look at 6 things that make Tulsa a fantastic place to call home.
1. Tulsa Has a Low Cost of Living
Tulsa enjoys a much lower cost of living compared to many other larger U.S. cities, with affordable rent and utilities ensuring locals can spend less and get more than in other places.
In general, the cost of living in Tulsa is around 7% lower than the national average. Groceries are fairly affordable, and there’s no shortage of quality, fresh produce available in the local markets. Additionally, Tulsa boasts some of the lowest property taxes in the country.
2. Tulsa Has a Low Unemployment Rate
Going hand-in-hand with a low cost of living, Tulsa also enjoys a low unemployment rate. Sitting at around 3.1%, Tulsa outperforms many other large U.S. cities in terms of unemployment and is well below the national average of 6%. Not only that, but the unemployment rate has steadily been dropping over the past few years, suggesting a strong job market.
Tulsa’s economy was historically dominated by the oil industry, but nowadays, locals have many more choices. The tech sector has seen significant growth in recent years, while finance, aerospace, and healthcare also provide thousands of jobs in the city.
3. Tulsa Is Great for Entrepreneurs
Tulsa offers a friendly environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses, with the city offering several tax incentives for those wishing to start their own business. As such, the city is home to a wide variety of startups, as well as small, family-run businesses, creating excellent opportunities for those looking to go self-employed.
4. Tulsa Is the Cultural Heart of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s cultural capital, Tulsa boasts a rich arts scene. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, theatres, and concert venues. The Philbrook Museum of Art, situated on 25 acres of stunning gardens and housed in a historic home, is considered by many to be the most beautiful place in Oklahoma. Within its walls, more than 16,000 works of art showcase American, Native American, and European art styles, shedding light on Tulsa’s history, present, and future.
For aficionados of the American West, the Gilcrease Museum, located in downtown Tulsa, is home to the world’s largest collection of art from the region, as well as numerous artifacts from Central and South America. The Tulsa Performing Arts Center boasts 4 theatres, an art gallery, studio space, and the impressive Chapman Music Hall, making it a top destination for those looking to take in a show or enjoy local music.
Tulsa also plays host to a wide array of festivals throughout the year. From events that celebrate the city’s ethnic diversity, such as ScotFest and Greek Holiday Festival, to indie film and music festivals, there’s something for every taste.
5. Tulsa Is a Hotbed of Art Deco Architecture
Tulsa’s Deco District is home to one of the most extensive collections of Art Deco architecture in the country. Stepping foot in the district feels like being transported back to the roaring 1920s, to a time when oil barons brought the latest trends from Manhattan to the new boom town of Tulsa. Throughout the decade, impressive offices, hotels, and homes sprang up, all in the Art Deco style, as the population rocketed. Some of the most prominent examples include the Mayo Hotel and the impressive Philcade Building.
6. Tulsa Strikes the Perfect Balance of Small and Big Town Living
While Tulsa is certainly a large city, with more than 1 million residents spread across the metropolitan area, it manages to retain a sense of community and a small-town atmosphere. The city enjoys the best of both worlds, with all the amenities, culture, and entertainment options of a large city, but with the density and community spirit of a far smaller town.
Rich in art and culture, Tulsa also boasts a stable yet diverse economy, ensuring plenty of job opportunities for people from all walks of life. Affordable and with a friendly community spirit, there’s a lot to love about life in Tulsa.
Image credit: Ted PAGEL, Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com
