Curious what people think. Military spouse here. Household incomes average around $58,407 in Tulsa. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Does this match your experience? Thanks!
29 upvotes
24 Replies
Jordan Baker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Highland. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in engineering. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Eva Lewis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 15 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Everett W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Phoenix about 15 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Diana M.
accurate
32 upvotes
Kayden Lewis
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 7 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Joseph P.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Victoria
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
John
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great sushi places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
29 upvotes
Sofia Green
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
Nathan Jones
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
26 upvotes
Kenneth H.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The healthcare is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Maverick Taylor
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 5 years. Moved from New York for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are surprisingly good. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Skylar Chavez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from New York about 1 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Addison Ramirez
This.
13 upvotes
Waylon Stewart
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Old Town) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
13 upvotes
Cora Reyes
noted, appreciate it
12 upvotes
evan_dude
nah I disagree
11 upvotes
Julian Kelly
this is the way
10 upvotes
Lillian
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 7 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
7 upvotes
Xavier Williams
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The public transit is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
Julia B.
great question, following
4 upvotes
Isabelle Chavez
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
4 upvotes
Colton Jones
+1
3 upvotes
Thomas Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 38, moved here 7 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Westside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.