I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 14.2%, which is around average. Median household income is $58,407, which feels about average for the area. Household incomes average around $58,407 in Tulsa. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Is this normal for Tulsa? Thanks! The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
45 upvotes
12 Replies
Jackson J.
Moved here from San Diego about 7 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Zoey Reyes
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Sunset area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Piper R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Natalie Brooks
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Justin M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely average and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (East) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
27 upvotes
parker_mama
spot on
26 upvotes
Victoria Richardson
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
26 upvotes
Serenity Cooper
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Highland area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Thomas Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 3 years. Moved from Minneapolis for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Can feel isolated. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Keith R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 7 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Ezra A.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much pricey but now it's surprisingly good.