The Pros and Cons of Living in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Hey everyone, it’s Stephen, the 918 Agent with Coldwell Banker! If you’re considering moving to Tulsa or just want to learn more about what the city has to offer, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into the five pros and five cons of living in the Tulsa area. Let’s jump right in!

The 5 Cons of Living in Tulsa

1. Traffic and Road Conditions

While Tulsa doesn’t have the traffic congestion of cities like Los Angeles or Dallas, it can still be frustrating. During rush hours, expect delays of 15 to 20 minutes. Additionally, Tulsa’s roads take a beating from extreme weather changes, leading to frequent potholes and road repairs. Fortunately, the city is making an effort to improve road conditions with ongoing construction projects.

2. Unpredictable Weather

Tulsa’s weather can be extreme. Summers can reach 100°F, while winters dip below freezing. Snowfall is rare, but ice storms—like the one in 2008—can be severe. Many newcomers worry about tornadoes, but unless you’re in the Norman/Moore area (a true Tornado Alley hotspot), you’re unlikely to experience a direct hit. Most Oklahomans are more likely to watch storms from their back porch than take cover!

3. Taxes: Sales & Property

Oklahoma has a relatively low property tax ranking (45th in the U.S.), but Tulsa County has the highest property taxes in the state. Expect to pay between $2,000 to $3,000 annually, depending on your home’s value. The sales tax is also high, ranging from 8.5% to 8.7%.

4. Allergies

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, be prepared—Tulsa’s pollen levels can be brutal. Spring and summer bring high pollen counts, and many residents rely on allergy medications like Flonase from March through October.

5. Public School System

Oklahoma’s public education system struggles with funding and teacher retention. 11 out of 100 teachers either quit or move to other states, and the state spends less per student ($8,000) than the national average ($11,000). Tulsa does have some standout school districts, which I’ll cover in a future post.

The 5 Pros of Living in Tulsa

1. Entertainment & Attractions

Tulsa offers plenty of things to do, including:

• Tulsa Zoo & Oklahoma Aquarium
• Broadway shows at the Performing Arts Center
• Escape rooms, minor league baseball and soccer teams
• The Gathering Place – a world-class, free community park built by billionaire George Kaiser. This park was even featured in The New York Times and Forbes!

2. Efficient Highway System

Despite some road condition issues, Tulsa’s highway layout is fantastic. You can get almost anywhere in the metro area within 15 to 20 minutes, thanks to well-planned highway connections surrounding the city.

3. Affordable Cost of Living

Tulsa offers affordable housing compared to other cities. A 3-bedroom, 2-bath home rents for around $1,200 to $1,300 per month, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll dive deeper into the cost of living here!

4. Great Suburbs

If you want the benefits of Tulsa without living directly in the city, you’ll love the surrounding suburbs like:

• Owasso (where I live!)
• Broken Arrow
• Jenks
• Bixby
• Sand Springs

These areas offer excellent schools, lower crime rates, and a strong sense of community while keeping you close to Tulsa’s amenities.

5. Friendly Community & Strong Culture

Tulsa has a small-town feel with big-city amenities. It’s often compared to a “mini Austin” due to its entrepreneurial spirit, arts scene, and local business support. Plus, being in the Bible Belt, you’ll find a strong network of churches and community outreach programs. If you ever need help, Tulsans are always willing to lend a hand!

Final Thoughts

That’s a wrap on the five pros and five cons of living in Tulsa! While every city has its drawbacks, Tulsa offers a great mix of affordability, culture, and entertainment. If you’re considering moving here and need help finding the perfect home, reach out to me—I’d love to assist!

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