Named the Oil Capital of the World in the 20th Century, Tulsa touts a lucrative petroleum province that helped the city reach to the heights it stands at today. A low cost of living average and even lower unemployment rate prove the Oklahoma town really is the 38th best city to live in out of the top 50 in America, according to Bloomberg Businessweek in 2012.
If you have ever considered moving to the southern state, read this guide and see why so many families love to flaunt Tulsa as their hometown. Between the education, careers and recreation, the region has so much to offer adults and children alike.
Tulsa Climate
The average annual temperature in Tulsa is 60 degrees. Tulsa can reach as high as 93 degrees in the summer and as low as 24 degrees in the winter. Overall, the summer season ranges between 70 and 83 degrees and the winter averages between 27 and 33 degrees. As far as rain and snow are concerned, the community gets approximately 40-inches of rain a year and 9-inches of snow in the winter.
Fall is quite comfortable in the Oklahoma town, with the temperature ranging from 50 to 73 degrees; however it can drop down as low as 39 degrees and reach as high as 83 degrees. Spring temperatures average between 50 and 70 degrees; however it can drop down as low as 39 degrees and reach as high as 79 degrees. Near Tornado Valley, experiencing a humid subtropical climate, Tulsa is subject to large hail and severe thunderstorms in the spring and early summer.
Tulsa Neighborhoods
With a vibrant downtown and many historic sections in the sector, Tulsa plugs diversity in its demographics. Downtown Tulsa is made up of many smaller subdivisions and some include the Blue Dome and Bradys Arts Districts, Eastwood Village, SoBo and the Riverview Historic District. The 1.4 square mile city center has an inner-loop that connects Interstate 244 and Highways 64 and 75, making it easy for motorists to move around downtown. Decorated with notable commercial buildings and historic residences, the area is a mix of professionals and locals who love to both work and live in the locale.
Other neighborhoods scattered around the 192 square mile sector are joined closely through the countless Tulsa Neighborhood Associations, which promote private and public partnerships that enhance safety and community relations. Some family-friendly neighborhoods are Charlene Estates, Crescent Heights, Fair Park, Kendall Whittier, Lewis Crest, Fulton, White City, Yorktown, Mingo Valley and more.
Registering Your Car
If you are relocating to Tulsa and have an out of state license that is not expired you will not have to take a written or driving test. However, if your license is expired, you will be required to take both the written and driving test. To obtain a license, you must have primary and secondary forms of identification including proof of identity, proof of full legal name and birth date, and proof of legal presence. Both a United States Birth Certificate and a Social Security Card are examples of acceptable identification.
New residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of claiming residency. If you register your car after that day, you will be penalized and be mandated to pay a fine. To register your vehicle you must provide proof of insurance, fill out a title application, show three forms of identification and provide the vehicle title or bill of sale. Costs for registration vary depending on the type of car and length of ownership.
Tulsa Schools
Tulsa Public Schools, serving 42,000 students in 86 schools, is run by Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard. Between the 53 elementary, 14 middle and 11 high schools, there are new and old facilities scattered between 173 square miles, making school close to home for all Tulsa students. With dozens of private schools in the area, including Cascia Hall, Immanuel Christian Academy and Evangelistic Temple School, students can receive religious and specialized training in Tulsa.
Some post-secondary sites where students go to study a four-year degree or even higher education are Langston University, Oklahoma State University, Oral Roberts University, Virginia College and Platt College. If young adults are only looking to attain their associate's degree they can attend Tulsa Community College, which offers 253 different majors and certificate of completion programs.
Tulsa Employment
Ranked as the 7th strongest metro economy by Bloomberg Businessweek in 2012, Tulsa hypes energy, aerospace, technology and manufacturing as some of its most lucrative industries. This makes a lot of sense since the city flaunts a 5.0 unemployment rate, almost three points down from the national average.
Some of the area's top employers with more than 1,000 workers are Aaon, ONEOK, AT&T and Hillcrest Healthcare System. Businesses who employ 500-999 laborers are Dish Network, Centrilift, Cancer Treatment Centers of America and the City of Broken Arrow. And companies that have 250-499 employees are Arvest Bank, Bixby School District, Crane Carrier Co., and Dillard's Inc.
Business owners in Tulsa partner with the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce in an effort to enhance economic development in the district. If you are a merchant making the contact would be a good move, or if you are an employee drop off your resume to the business organization since you never know when you will be in the right place at the right time. It is also possible to procure a job by contacting area staffing agencies and searching the local classifieds.
Living Costs in the City
Between the extremely low unemployment rate and the even lower cost of living that comes in at 10.1 percent less than the national average, Tulsa just may be the town you want to move to. CNN Money not only reports a job growth at 1.31 percent, it also records that the median family income is $56,248. The financial periodical also reads that the median home price comes in at a modest $116,000 and the price of a one-bedroom apartment is as low as $450 a month.
Tulsa Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Tulsa, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Oklahoma. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Tulsa Transportation
Between the 97 bus fleet of Tulsa Transit, locals never have a problem catching a ride on the public transportation system. With a two-hour pass at $1.50 and a 30 day pass at $40, the rates are reasonable if you plan to commute to work through the agency. If you decide to do the driving yourself, you will most likely travel U.S. 169 and Interstate 44, two of the most trekked roadways in Tulsa. If you are going a further distance, Greyhound can take you to nearby Amtrak depots so you can take a train to your destination, or of course, you can fly out of Tulsa International Airport.
Culture & Contemporary Life
Having the time of your life in Tulsa is never a problem with so much always going on. Between the many museums, performing arts centers, parks, festivals and more locals never have to look too far for fun. The Tulsa Zoo is a family-friendly hangout where adults and children alike enjoy themselves all day long. If not found there, they are picnicking or playing sports at Chandler, Woodward or River Parks. The Tulsa State Fair in September and October and the Oktoberfest are also outdoor events locals love to frequent each year.
For a good time inside, locals often see the dance troupes and concerts at the Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera and Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. Residents also reserve much of their recreation time to visit Philbrook Museum, one of the nation's top 50 exhibitions. Other area museums include the Gilcrease, Sherwin Miller and the Woody Guthrie. Of course dining and dancing are always on locals' agendas with the James E. McNellie's Public House, Yokozuno and New Atlas Grill as some of the most popular eateries in town.
Tulsa Relocation Tips
- Before hiring a moving company, be aware of the most common mistakes of choosing a service since you do not want to find yourself being taken advantage of by a rouge moving company that will cost you more even though they promised you less.
- On moving day, protect your carpets, floors and walls, while many feet hurriedly trudge through your house.
- When it is time to unpack boxes, do it in order rather than haphazardly, organizing your items rather than creating a messy mound of stuff.