Tulsa Oklahoma

[tigertom1965]

I was asked if I would consider relocating to Tulsa OK for a new job. I just don't know anything about Tulsa. What's it like, how are the prices of everything, what is traffic like in town, what are the motorcycle rides like, is it dirty like Phila (or NYC) or is it clean? What is there to do? How many tornados per year and what is the weather like (HOT & Humid or not)? All the typical things I should be asking. I did see that apartment costs are decent but is there any part of town to stay away from? Should I stay away from the river area for an apartment? Or does it not flood much? What is the median age of residents in Tulsa? What are taxes like? You know, what is it I need to know about Tulsa?

Thanks for any informative replies.

[jay547]

i live in a suburb of tulsa and work for the city of tulsa. overall very low cost of living. traffic is horrible, everyone drives slow, it takes forever to get anywhere in town, lots of construction but in a couple years, our streets will be excellent. relatively clean, alot of neat architecture, good parks, etc. what do you like to do? minor league sports teams, lots of good local music and most major acts come here, good bicycle trail system. many tornado warnings (local weathermen constantly doing "the sky is falling" thing). i've lived here 52 years and have never actually seen a tornado. yes, it's very hot and humid and winters can be brutal at times, spring and fall are short. north side of town is ghetto, east side is little mexico. river apartments are good, flooding nothing to really worry about. tulsa has a nationally recognized flood control system. i would guess median age to be low 40's. all taxes pretty much suck but they are not outragious here. lots of excellent riding just east of here and with the weather, one can ride nearly all year (well, i do anyway).

[antvq]

Jay, just out of curiosity, is the Old Lady on Brady still open?   I remember seeing Robin Williams there back in the 80's when I was in school in Tulsa.   Back they it was beautifully restored.

What about Reservoir Hill?  

[Kneescrubber]

Just a couple of questions. Are you from Pennsylvania? Have you ever lived outside the north Mid-Atlantic area? If you're from PA and have never lived (not visited) the area of Tulsa; then you're in for a big surprise. Summer can be absolutely brutal if you're not accustomed to the heat and humidity. Continuously. All summer long.

The upside is you're on the doorstep to NE Oklahoma and NW Arkansas. Very, very good riding. And you can ride throughout the year (mostly).

[tigertom1965]

The farthest south I have ever lived was Germantown, MD.
I might not have a choice. I am collecting less money in unemployment than I owe in bills every month.

[Kneescrubber]

The farthest south I have ever lived was Germantown, MD.
I might not have a choice. I am collecting less money in unemployment than I owe in bills every month.

There's your answer. That's why I moved to Amarillo a little over 2 years ago.

[jay547]

old lady is still open. they have concerts there about once a month. reservoir hill is all fenced off. i don't know anything about it as i grew up about 40 miles from here - must be a locals thing.

tigertom, pm me if you have any questions or want specifics.

[tigertom1965]

Why no Frenchman??

I am in a field that has jobs available in DC area but I hate DC. There are a couple other positions available around California but I don't want to move there either. Right now this was the first company that actually asked me if I would consider relocating since their main office was in Tulsa. Nobody else has gotten back to me. They do work with the Marcellus Shale in PA which is why I sent them a resume. I am not really sure they have an opening at all.

[jay547]

oh yeah, if you are a liberal, you will probably not like it here.

[Sparkey]

I work in Tulsa but commute from the west. Get up early and you can ride with little traffic. Gas is $3.38 at the local QuikTrips(convenience stores). Gonna be in the triple digits in a couple of days but that's ok, no ice or snow.

[boogeyman]

Be prepared for your IQ to drop 10 points when you cross the OK state line.  

I think I'd take Tulsa over DC any day of the week. Never been to DC though. Stories from my folk's visits to my sister's place in DC are enough for me. Descriptions of my bro-in-law's commute made me pass on an opportunity in Baltimore.  Trips to LA and San Diego for work were enough to tell me those aren't places for me. But that's just me. Been to Tulsa a few times.  Seems like a nice city to me when I'm there.  I've got friends and family that love it there. You'll dig eastern OK and AR riding as others have mentioned.

Glad you've got an opportunity.

[HillbillyNinja]

Be prepared for your IQ to drop 10 points when you cross the OK state line.  

thats from the 109 degree heat index

[tigertom1965]

They asked me if I would consider relocating and I haven't heard from them since.  
This waiting game stinks.
At least it is not 107 degrees here in PA.  

[Biking Sailor]

I grew up in the Tulsa area and now live in the central part of the state.  Tulsa has lots of arts and entertainment, museums, much more cultural than most would imagine. Low cost of living, mild winters, and lots of outdoor activities year round.  Like all places, it has it's good areas and bad.  A quick tour around town and you'll know where to go.   Most important, only about an hour away from some of the best motorcycle riding in the country, NW Arkansas (that many from the East and West coast don't know about)!

Good luck.