918 BLOG
Living in Bixby, Oklahoma: The Pros and Cons of Tulsa’s Fastest-Growing Suburb
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like living in Bixby, Oklahoma — one of the most desirable suburbs in the greater Tulsa area — you’re in the right place. Often called the Malibu of Oklahoma (with a heavy dose of humor, since there’s definitely no beach nearby), Bixby is gaining serious traction among families, professionals, and retirees alike.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the real pros and cons of living in Bixby, OK, from top-rated schools and low crime rates to traffic bottlenecks and growing pains. Whether you’re relocating from out of state or exploring Tulsa suburbs, this guide is packed with everything you need to know about life in Bixby.
📍 Where Is Bixby, Oklahoma?
Bixby is a thriving suburb located on the south side of Tulsa, known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, new housing developments, and safe community feel. With a population just over 26,000, Bixby has transitioned from a rural farming town into one of the fastest-growing cities in Oklahoma.
✅ Pros of Living in Bixby, Oklahoma
1. Top-Rated Public Schools
If quality education is at the top of your list, Bixby delivers. The Bixby Public Schools District ranks among the top 20% in Oklahoma, with a district rating of 9 out of 10.
- Graduation rate: 95% (well above the state average of 78%)
- Average SAT score: 1210
- Average ACT score: 26
- Enrollment: Approx. 7,800 students across 10 schools
Bixby High School is consistently ranked in the top 10% of Oklahoma schools and excels in math and reading proficiency.
“They even teach you how not to ramble in YouTube videos,” says local realtor Stephen with a smile.
2. Low Crime Rate
Bixby is widely recognized as one of the safest places to live in the Tulsa area. Here’s a breakdown:
- Overall crime rate: 12 per 1,000 residents
- Violent crime rate: 1.04 per 1,000 residents
- Your odds of being a victim: 1 in 961 (vs. 1 in 239 statewide)
This makes Bixby significantly safer than both Oklahoma state and national averages.
3. Rapid Growth & New Construction
In the last 10 years, Bixby has exploded in popularity, with new subdivisions and developments going up constantly. If you’re looking for a modern home or new build, Bixby has plenty of options.
4. Convenient Access to Tulsa’s Best Shopping & Dining
While Bixby itself is still developing commercially, it sits minutes from high-demand areas like:
- Tulsa Hills Shopping Center
- Costco, Super Target, Sam’s Club
- 71st & 169 corridor – Woodland Hills Mall, movie theaters, restaurants
It’s a 20–25 minute drive to downtown Tulsa for sports, concerts, or nightlife.
5. The Downtown River District
Bixby’s own Downtown River District is a charming hub of shops, restaurants, and seasonal events. Think Hallmark movie vibes with family-friendly outdoor spaces, concerts, and a small-town feel with modern touches.
❌ Cons of Living in Bixby, Oklahoma
1. Traffic Congestion
While Bixby isn’t dealing with LA-level gridlock, traffic along Memorial Drive and Highway 75 can be frustrating during rush hour. Memorial, in particular, is known for being a bottleneck due to its retail density.
2. Limited Public Transportation
If you’re relocating from a major metro (like Dallas, LA, or NYC), Bixby’s lack of public transit will be an adjustment.
- No bus lines or commuter rail
- Not bike-friendly
- You’ll need a car or rely on Uber/Lyft for local transportation
3. Most Shopping & Dining Are in South Tulsa
With the exception of the River District, most shopping and entertainment options are technically located outside of Bixby, in South Tulsa or other nearby suburbs.
4. Higher Cost of Housing
Bixby homes tend to be newer and larger — which also means higher price tags:
- Average home price: $310,000
- Other Tulsa suburbs: $250,000–$285,000
If you’re a first-time buyer or looking for a starter home, the price point may be a challenge.
5. Growing Pains
As Bixby continues to expand, infrastructure hasn’t quite caught up. Limited commercial development, crowded schools, and early-stage zoning changes are all part of the tradeoff of a booming community.
“Mark my words — 151st Street is going to be the next hot spot. In 8 years, it’ll be loaded with shops, restaurants, and commercial spaces,” says Stephen.
🎯 Is Bixby, Oklahoma Right for You?
If you’re looking for a safe, family-friendly suburb with excellent schools and room to grow — Bixby could be your perfect match. It combines the peace of suburban living with easy access to Tulsa’s city amenities. While it’s not without its drawbacks, especially in terms of traffic and infrastructure, the pros far outweigh the cons for many families.
📞 Thinking About Moving to Bixby?
My name is Stephen, and I’m a local realtor here in Tulsa. I’ve helped over 60 families relocate to Oklahoma — many of them from out of state. If you have any questions about homes for sale in Bixby, Tulsa neighborhoods, or what life’s really like here, reach out anytime!