Charleston, South Carolina to Tulsa, Oklahoma (Broken Arrow, Owasso: hair salon, apartments, rent)

[whitesharkct]

Hello Tulsa! I am strongly considering moving to Tulsa from Charleston, SC. I got a job offer and wondering a few things. How much is the average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment? Should I live in the city or in a suburb? Does it snow there in the winter often? How is the dating scene? Few things about myself... I am a single, 28 year old guy who has experience in the engineering field. Any input is appreciated. Thank you for your time.

[StillwaterTownie]

It doesn't snow in Tulsa often in winter. If it's a light snow winter, like last year, it hardly snows at all.

[flyingcat2k]

To answer your first question, you should be able to find a 1 bedroom for about 600 to 700 that is reasonably safe. Depending on what commute time you want, that will determine the size of the apartment. The newer luxury apartments are all in the suburbs with smaller apartment sizes as you get closer to Downtown. The 2 engineering hubs in Tulsa are in Downtown (operating companies) or South Tulsa on 61st and 71st (consultants). Manufacturers are usually based in suburbs like Sand Springs, Broken Arrow or Owasso.

The singles scene in the Tulsa area is dependent on where you live. If you live in the 'burbs, you'll be by yourself or dating single moms. If you are in Tulsa proper, you will have a better chance of meeting someone in the Brookside, Blue Dome/Brady Districts, Cherry Street or in South Tulsa although South Tulsa is not nearly as good as the other areas. Most of my coworkers from Oklahoma got married in college so you are probably looking for someone outside the state, which the odds are really good. The nice part about these areas is that they are pretty safe. I would not recommend venturing into North Tulsa at night (areas north of I-244) or walking in the areas between 71st and 61st between Riverside and Peoria.

Brookside: Probably the most complete walkable area in Tulsa if not Oklahoma. Peoria from 32nd street to 41st is filled with small boutiques, restaurants, hair salons, and 2 grocery stores, Food Pyramid and Whole Foods, at 41st and Peoria. There is also a farmers market on Wednesdays in the Food Pyramid parking lot. This area caters more to 30 to 40 year olds with a couple of clubs but most bars are laid back in the evenings.

Blue Dome/Brady Districts: The Brady District is north of the tracks, Blue Dome District is south of the tracks on the very north side of Downtown Tulsa. ONEOK Field is at the eastern edge of the Brady and Cains Ballroom is at the western edge. There is a very fresh music scene here with original bands most nights. I have not heard cover bands at night in this area but it has been about 1 year since my last late night downtown. There are lots of bars and restaurants here but mostly upscale. There is a weird vibe in certain places as downtown hipsters do not like "fake" people from BA/Jenks invading the area on the weekends and BA/Jenks people can't understand why hipsters would not want to drive everywhere. Don't ask me, it was written about in the Tulsa Weekly, a free paper has all the info on local music and bars. The clubs here cater more to the young 20's crowd and most places are open until 2 AM.

Cherry Street: Cherry Street is 15th Street from Peoria to Lewis. This is another area that is full of bars and restaurants. I do not know of a dance club in this area. This is mostly a young 20s to 40s crowd much like Brookside. Most students from University of Tulsa come here when they are not at the campus bars. However, it is smaller than Brookside so maybe a location for a date rather than meeting someone new.

South Tulsa: Bars in this area tend to be spread out and cater to BA/South Tulsa crowds. My impression from when I was single was that this was once the happening area for singles and now, not so much. Most clubs and restaurants are in strip malls. I would say 61st and Sheridan has the most variety from a Brazilian steakhouse to sushi to a pool hall and clubs. 71st and Memorial has a bunch of restaurants and the top-tier mall that has the Apple Store in it. A wide variety of people here but I would say this is not a hotbed for single professionals.

[whitesharkct]

Thank you flyingcat2k! Very informative!

[teakboat]

Some years, the snow is very light and not a problem. Other years, the snow can be fairly heavy, and stay on the ground for weeks at a time. It is difficult to make meaningful generalizations about the snow in Tulsa.