In case you’re contemplating renting an residence in Tulsa or shopping for a home in Oklahoma Metropolis, you’ll discover each cities supply welcoming communities and thrilling alternatives. Tulsa boasts a vibrant arts scene and an enthralling historic downtown, whereas Oklahoma Metropolis shines with its thriving industries and distinctive Western appeal. Whether or not you’re drawn to the leafy neighborhoods of Tulsa or the dynamic city core of Oklahoma Metropolis, every metropolis offers a singular way of life price exploring.
From housing choices and employment prospects to leisure and way of life variations, there’s a lot to match. On this Redfin article, we’ll break down the highlights of every metropolis that can assist you make an knowledgeable determination about the place to calm down.
Housing in Tulsa vs Oklahoma Metropolis
Tulsa and Oklahoma Metropolis characteristic reasonably priced housing markets with a mixture of historic appeal and fashionable growth. Let’s discover the variations in housing prices, area, and choices in these two Oklahoma cities.
Housing in Tulsa
Tulsa affords a mixture of historic houses, fashionable residences, and suburban developments, making it a horny possibility for quite a lot of life. Iconic Tulsa neighborhoods like Brookside and Cherry Road characteristic charming bungalows and Craftsman-style houses, whereas Downtown Tulsa offers lofts and condos for these searching for city residing. Housing in Tulsa is mostly reasonably priced, with loads of choices for first-time patrons or renters on the lookout for spacious houses at cheap costs.
Median residence price: The median residence sale value in Tulsa is roughly $225,000, offering a big benefit for budget-conscious patrons.
Common rental price: The typical hire for an residence in Tulsa is about $914 monthly, making it an reasonably priced selection for renters.
Housing in Oklahoma Metropolis
Oklahoma Metropolis’s housing market affords a steadiness of city and suburban choices, from fashionable lofts within the Bricktown District to spacious houses in pleasant areas like Edmond. The town’s housing emphasizes affordability and area, with many properties that includes massive yards or outside areas. Oklahoma Metropolis’s rising economic system and creating neighborhoods make it a horny possibility for patrons and renters alike.
Price of residing in Tulsa vs Oklahoma Metropolis
The price of residing in Oklahoma Metropolis, OK, is 11% decrease than in Tulsa, OK, with noticeable variations in housing, transportation, and healthcare tipping the size in Oklahoma Metropolis’s favor. Right here’s how they stack up
1. Utilities
Utilities in Tulsa are about the identical as Oklahoma Metropolis. Tulsa’s smaller inhabitants and environment friendly infrastructure contribute to extra reasonably priced utility prices in comparison with OKC’s bigger demand.
2. Groceries
Groceries are equally priced between the 2 cities, although Oklahoma Metropolis is 2% inexpensive and tends to supply barely extra selection with bigger grocery shops, making it a slightly higher possibility for bulk purchases.
3. Transportation
Transportation prices in Tulsa are about 12% decrease than in Oklahoma Metropolis. Tulsa’s compact structure reduces fuel consumption and commute instances, whereas OKC’s bigger metro space might require longer drives and extra car upkeep.
4. Healthcare
Healthcare prices in Tulsa are roughly 13% decrease than in Oklahoma Metropolis. The focus of healthcare suppliers and decrease actual property costs in Tulsa assist preserve medical bills manageable in comparison with Oklahoma Metropolis’s broader demand for specialised providers.
5. Life-style
Life-style bills in Oklahoma Metropolis are about 9% decrease than in Tulsa. Nevertheless, OKC’s bigger downtown space offers extra occasions, sights, and actions, which might result in greater discretionary spending in comparison with Tulsa’s extra laid-back but charming cultural scene.
Tulsa vs Oklahoma Metropolis in measurement and inhabitants: a story of two Oklahoma hubs
Tulsa and Oklahoma Metropolis could be the two largest cities in Oklahoma, however they showcase distinct traits in measurement and inhabitants. Oklahoma Metropolis spans a powerful 620 sq. miles with a inhabitants of roughly 680,000, making it one of many largest U.S. cities by land space and providing a mixture of suburban sprawl and concrete growth. Tulsa, by comparability, covers about 201 sq. miles with a inhabitants of 413,000, presenting a extra compact and cohesive city surroundings. Whereas OKC’s measurement accommodates expansive progress and a various vary of neighborhoods, Tulsa’s smaller footprint fosters a close-knit really feel, mixing its wealthy cultural historical past with fashionable metropolis residing.
Tulsa vs Oklahoma Metropolis: Climate and local weather
Tulsa’s local weather and Oklahoma Metropolis’s local weather share a traditional Midwest climate with 4 distinct seasons, however they differ in depth. Each cities expertise scorching, humid summers and chilly winters, although OKC tends to see extra extreme storms as a result of its location in Twister Alley. Tulsa’s climate is barely milder, with fewer excessive wind occasions and extra constant rainfall all year long. Each cities are in danger for thunderstorms and tornadoes through the spring and summer time months, however Oklahoma Metropolis typically faces harsher climate circumstances general.
Tulsa vs Oklahoma Metropolis: The job market
Tulsa: Vitality and aerospace hub
Tulsa’s economic system is deeply rooted within the power sector, with oil and fuel firms taking part in a central position in job creation. The aerospace business can also be a big contributor, with firms like American Airways and Spirit AeroSystems sustaining a powerful presence. Tulsa’s employment charge is roughly 60%, with a median family earnings of $57,000. The typical hourly wage is $26.66, providing aggressive earnings for a metropolis with a decrease price of residing. Healthcare, manufacturing, and training additionally contribute to Tulsa’s job market, offering a spread of alternatives for professionals throughout industries.
Oklahoma Metropolis: Vitality and authorities chief
Oklahoma Metropolis’s job market revolves round power, authorities, and healthcare, making it a key financial hub for the area. The town is residence to main power firms like Devon Vitality and Chesapeake Vitality, in addition to a powerful authorities presence as a result of its position because the state capital. OKC’s employment charge hovers round 64%, with a median family earnings of $67,000. The typical hourly wage is $27.25, barely greater than Tulsa’s, reflecting its broader financial base. Main employers like Tinker Air Drive Base and INTEGRIS Well being drive job progress in aerospace, healthcare, and public providers, making a secure and various job market.
Tulsa vs Oklahoma Metropolis: Transportation
Tulsa: Automobile-dependent with rising alternate options
Tulsa’s transportation system revolves round vehicles, with the town providing a well-maintained community of highways and ample parking, making driving handy. Public transportation is proscribed to Tulsa Transit buses, which primarily serve the downtown space and choose neighborhoods. Whereas biking infrastructure is rising, it’s nonetheless underdeveloped in comparison with bigger cities. Walkability is reasonable, with downtown Tulsa being probably the most pedestrian-friendly space.
Oklahoma Metropolis: Automobile-friendly with rising transit choices
Oklahoma Metropolis can also be car-centric, with a sprawling structure that makes driving probably the most sensible selection for residents. Parking is considerable, and visitors is mostly manageable. Public transit is obtainable via EMBARK buses, however protection and frequency are restricted. The town has made strides in creating bike lanes and trails, and the downtown space affords rising walkability as a part of revitalization efforts.
Tulsa vs Oklahoma Metropolis: Journey out and in
Tulsa: Regional connections with comfort
Tulsa Worldwide Airport affords a simple journey expertise with flights to main U.S. hubs, making it straightforward to connect with nationwide locations. Greyhound and Megabus present restricted intercity bus service, whereas street journey is a major mode of transportation for a lot of, because of Tulsa’s central location and well-maintained highways.
Oklahoma Metropolis: Central location with increasing choices
Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma Metropolis serves because the area’s major air journey hub, providing flights to main home cities. Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer connects OKC to Texas, whereas Greyhound and Megabus present extra intercity bus providers. Oklahoma Metropolis’s central location and glorious street community make it a handy base for regional journey by automobile.
Tulsa vs Oklahoma Metropolis: Life-style and issues to do
A day within the lifetime of a Tulsan
Life in Tulsa is rooted in a mixture of wealthy historical past and fashionable tradition. Mornings would possibly begin with espresso from a downtown café earlier than heading to work within the metropolis’s thriving power or aerospace industries. Evenings are sometimes spent exploring the colourful arts district, attending reside music occasions, or having fun with dinner at an area farm-to-table restaurant. Weekends are excellent for visiting the Philbrook Museum, catching a efficiency on the Tulsa Performing Arts Middle, or strolling via Gathering Place, the town’s award-winning park.
Prime issues to do in Tulsa:
Google Road View of Cain’s Ballroom
Outside actions in Tulsa:
Google Road View of the Arkansas River
Tulsa vacationer sights:
The Golden Driller
Tulsa Botanic Backyard
Blue Dome District
Oklahoma Aquarium
Gilcrease Museum
A day within the lifetime of an OKC resident
Life in Oklahoma Metropolis combines a welcoming small-town really feel with big-city facilities. Mornings usually start with a go to to an area café in Midtown earlier than heading to work in power, authorities, or healthcare. Evenings are for exploring Bricktown, having fun with reside music, or watching a Thunder sport on the Paycom Middle. Weekends are perfect for visiting the Oklahoma Metropolis Nationwide Memorial, enjoyable at Scissortail Park, or having fun with a ship journey alongside the Bricktown Canal.
Prime issues to do in Oklahoma Metropolis:
Google Road View of contained in the Nationwide Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Outside actions in Oklahoma Metropolis:
Google Road View of the Myriad Botanical Gardens
Oklahoma Metropolis vacationer sights:
Bricktown Canal
Scissortail Park
Oklahoma Metropolis Zoo
Chesapeake Vitality Area
Frontier Metropolis Theme Park
Tulsa vs Oklahoma Metropolis: Meals and tradition
Tulsa: The oil capital of the world
Tulsa’s meals tradition is rooted in traditional consolation meals with a contemporary twist, providing all the pieces from BBQ and fried catfish to modern farm-to-table eating within the metropolis’s revitalized downtown. The town additionally has a rising craft beer scene and hosts food-focused occasions just like the Tulsa State Truthful and Hop Jam beer pageant. Tulsa’s cultural identification is carefully tied to its music scene, with venues like Cain’s Ballroom celebrating the town’s historic position in nation and blues music. The Philbrook Museum of Artwork and the Tulsa Ballet add a refined contact to Tulsa’s cultural choices, balancing its wealthy historical past with modern creativity.
Oklahoma Metropolis: The trendy frontier
Oklahoma Metropolis’s meals scene combines conventional Southern flavors with a rising deal with innovation. From hearty chicken-fried steak and Oklahoma-style BBQ to upscale eating in Midtown, OKC affords a culinary expertise that embraces its roots whereas wanting ahead. The town’s Western heritage is well known on the Nationwide Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, whereas the revitalized Bricktown district affords a mixture of reside music, theaters, and vibrant nightlife. Festivals just like the Oklahoma State Truthful and OKC’s DeadCenter Movie Pageant spotlight the town’s community-driven spirit, mixing meals, tradition, and leisure in a method that feels uniquely Oklahoman.
Tulsa vs Oklahoma Metropolis: Sports activities scene
Tulsa: A rising sports activities presence
Tulsa’s sports activities tradition is centered round minor league and collegiate athletics, providing a extra intimate fan expertise. The Tulsa Drillers, the town’s Double-A baseball workforce, play at ONEOK Subject, drawing native followers to cheer on future MLB stars. Tulsa can also be residence to a burgeoning soccer scene, with FC Tulsa gaining recognition. Collegiate sports activities, significantly basketball, have a devoted following, with the College of Tulsa main the cost. The town’s sports activities scene is complemented by leisure actions like operating and biking, with occasions just like the Tulsa Powerful drawing athletes from throughout the area.
Oklahoma Metropolis: Thunder delight and past
Oklahoma Metropolis’s sports activities scene is dominated by the NBA’s Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, whose video games at Paycom Middle unite the town with electrifying power. Baseball followers can catch the OKC Dodgers, the town’s Triple-A workforce, whereas hockey lovers assist the Oklahoma Metropolis Blazers. Collegiate sports activities additionally play a big position, with close by universities like Oklahoma State and the College of Oklahoma drawing followers for soccer and basketball. Leisure actions, together with kayaking on the Oklahoma River and collaborating within the Oklahoma Metropolis Memorial Marathon, add to the town’s vibrant athletic tradition.