Born in Tulsa • Raised in Broken Arrow • Returned from California
Nicole
"Tulsa really is a little-big city."
I was born in Tulsa and raised in Broken Arrow. I loved growing up here, but I always wanted to experience living somewhere else. After college, I spent a year in the Bay Area of California, and I can definitely say absence makes the heart grow fonder!
I originally came back because I missed my family and friends, but over time I realized how much more Tulsa offers. We have unique districts like Downtown, Midtown, the Pearl District, Utica Square, and Brookside, without the overwhelming size of a major coastal city.
There are lakes, parks, biking and hiking trails, and an ever-growing list of things to do. Tulsa has so much interesting history, too. Plus, your dollar can stretch a little further here, which is always a bonus!
Big-City Amenities • Small-Town Connection
Abbey
"We love where we live and wouldn't have it any other way!"
We stay because Tulsa has all the amenities of a big city while still feeling like a close-knit community. Between the theater, ballet, museums, music and art scene, and incredible parks, there's very little we feel we're missing from a larger metropolitan area.
We also love that we can make a real difference here. There are so many opportunities to serve, volunteer, and help make Tulsa an even better place to live.
Most importantly, the people are incomparable. Tulsans are generous, kind, and friendly. It's the kind of place where you can walk through your neighborhood and everyone waves. We love where we live and wouldn't have it any other way!
24 Years of Calling Tulsa Home
Kasia
"I love watching Tulsa grow while keeping everything that makes it special."
Tulsa has changed dramatically in the 24 years I've called it home! From the revitalization of Downtown with new restaurants, parks, hotels, entertainment, and festivals to the addition of Gathering Place, there's always something exciting happening.
I love Tulsa's traditions, like summer concerts at Utica Square, the holiday Lights On celebration, downtown art crawls, Oktoberfest, and Tulsa Tough. Even the smaller downtown districts in surrounding suburbs continue to grow.
But I stay because of the people and the convenience. I can get to the airport in about 20 minutes, find parking, enjoy a great restaurant, and still feel like everything is close to home. It's a city that makes everyday life easy and enjoyable.
Diversity • Community • Affordability
Cheyanne
"Tulsa is the best!"
I love everything about Tulsa! I especially appreciate the diversity, inclusion, and how different Tulsa feels compared to the rest of Oklahoma.
Our parks, libraries, and free community enrichment opportunities make it such a wonderful place to live. There are so many great food options, entertainment choices, and local experiences to enjoy.
And of course, affordable real estate is another huge plus. Tulsa really is the best!
Tulsa Born & Raised
Brittney
"There's nowhere else I'd rather be."
I'm really lucky to have been born and raised in Tulsa. I never imagined building my life anywhere else, especially because staying here means being close to my friends and family.
Another reason I stay is Tulsa's perfect size. It's large enough to have an amazing local music scene, innovative restaurants, festivals, concerts, and an international airport, yet small enough to maintain the communities that make putting down roots worthwhile.
We have beautiful open spaces, charming main streets, and local organizations where you can make a real difference. There's nowhere else I'd rather be!
Relocated to Tulsa in 2018
Lindsey
"More time for the things that matter most."
I'm not originally from Tulsa! My husband is from here, and we moved in 2018 because we wanted to be closer to family.
One of my favorite things about living in Tulsa is the minimal traffic compared to other cities. Most places I need to go are within 20 to 30 minutes or less.
Time is money, and I love having more time for the people and things that matter most to me.
Moved to Tulsa at 13 • Returned After College
Makenzie
"Tulsa isn't where I grew up, but it's where I intend to let my children grow up."
I moved to Tulsa when I was thirteen. What started as a new place to live at a difficult age slowly became home. Even after moving away for college, I came back.
Over the years, I've grown to love the people, the sense of community, and how Tulsa makes you feel connected to those around you. There are so many different ways to find your community here.
What makes Tulsa special to me is its diversity and the ability to experience different lifestyles in one place. You can spend the morning Downtown surrounded by skyscrapers, enjoy a quiet suburban afternoon, or take a short drive and find yourself surrounded by fields and cows.
There's a little bit of everything here, and that's what made me stay. Tulsa isn't where I grew up, but it's where I intend to let my children grow up.
