Tulsa, OK

Tulsa’s identity is rooted in a rich and complex history. Muscogee Creek families founded the original settlement following their forced removal in the 1830s, and the arrival of the railroad decades later sparked rapid growth. The early 1900s oil boom turned the city into the energy capital of the world, drawing immense fortunes and building a bustling skyline. Alongside that boom, the Greenwood district flourished as Black Wall Street, creating one of the most prosperous Black business communities in the nation. Even after the devastation of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Greenwood’s residents rebuilt with remarkable resilience, establishing a proud heritage that continues to shape the community today.

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When it comes to getting outdoors, Tulsa surprises a lot of newcomers. The riverfront anchors the city’s active lifestyle through River Parks, a scenic network of paved walking and cycling trails running along both sides of the Arkansas River. Right on the riverbank sits Gathering Place, an acclaimed park featuring imaginative playgrounds, lush gardens, boat rentals, and free community events year-round. If you prefer dirt trails, Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness offers wooded hiking and mountain biking with great views of the skyline. Closer to downtown, Zink Lake and the local wave park give kayakers and paddlers a fun spot to get out on the water.

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Downtown is famous for having one of the largest collections of Art Deco architecture in the country, a visual reminder of the early oil boom. Today, the job market has expanded well beyond traditional energy. Major healthcare networks and higher education systems anchor thousands of regional jobs, while aerospace maintenance and manufacturing thrive around the international airport. Tulsa has also become a magnet for remote workers, tech talent, and entrepreneurs thanks to local recruitment programs and an affordable cost of living.

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The city's cultural scene is easy to navigate and full of personality. In the historic Greenwood District, the Greenwood Rising history center offers a moving look at the neighborhood's past and future. Right next door, the Tulsa Arts District buzzes with galleries, casual outdoor concerts on Guthrie Green, historic venues like Cain's Ballroom, and museums celebrating Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie. You can also follow historic Route 66 straight into creative pockets like Kendall Whittier, a neighborhood packed with craft breweries, local studios, great food, and the vintage Circle Cinema.