Moving to Tulsa

Tulsa, Oklahoma consistently ranks among the most affordable mid-sized cities in the country, and for renters in particular, that advantage shows up quickly. Apartments in Tulsa, Oklahoma tend to offer more square footage at lower price points than comparable units in cities of similar size on the coasts or in the major Sun Belt metros, and the city's job market and quality of life have improved steadily over the past decade. 

This guide covers what to expect when moving to Tulsa: the economy and major employers, which neighborhoods make sense for apartment renters, what to consider in a lease, and how South Tulsa fits into the overall picture. Coventry Park at 8120 East 63rd Place South is one of the South Tulsa options worth knowing. The neighborhood page has more on what's nearby. Jump to a section below. 

What Tulsa Is Known For 

Economy and Major Employers 

Tulsa's economy has historically been rooted in the energy sector, and that foundation remains in place. ONEOK and Helmerich & Payne are both headquartered in Tulsa, keeping energy industry jobs concentrated in the city. The aerospace sector is also significant: American Airlines' Maintenance and Engineering Center in Tulsa is one of the largest commercial aircraft maintenance facilities in the country, employing thousands of technicians and support staff. 

Healthcare is another major employment anchor. Saint Francis Health System and Hillcrest HealthCare System both operate large campuses in the Tulsa metro, providing stable employment across a range of clinical and administrative roles. QuikTrip Corporation and BOK Financial are both headquartered in Tulsa, adding technology, finance, and corporate employment to the mix. 

Tulsa Remote, a program that paid remote workers to relocate to Tulsa, drew significant national attention and helped establish the city as a legitimate destination for remote professionals, a designation that has lingered even as the formal program has evolved. 

Cost of Living and Quality of Life 

The cost of living in Tulsa is approximately 17 percent below the national average, which is a meaningful number for renters evaluating Tulsa, OK apartments. Grocery costs, utilities, and transportation all run lower than most major metros. For someone relocating from a coastal city or the Denver or Austin markets, the adjustment in purchasing power tends to be noticeable. 

The arts infrastructure in Tulsa is more robust than the city's size might suggest. The Philbrook Museum of Art, the Gilcrease Museum, and Cain's Ballroom, a historic venue with national acts and a loyal local audience, are all part of the cultural fabric. The Gathering Place, a 66-acre riverfront park along the Arkansas River, is one of the more cited reasons residents give for choosing Tulsa over comparable mid-sized cities. Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness and the River Parks trail system add outdoor recreation that punches above what most cities this size offer. 

Tulsa Neighborhoods for Renters 

Downtown and Midtown 

Downtown Tulsa and the surrounding Midtown area have seen consistent investment over the past decade. For renters seeking apartments for rent in Tulsa with an urban feel, loft-style buildings and renovated historic structures are concentrated here. Cherry Street, Brookside, and the Blue Dome District give the area a dining and nightlife corridor that functions as both a local amenity and a reason to stay in the city on weekends. 

The trade-offs of living closer to downtown are the ones typical of most urban cores: higher density, more traffic, and apartment inventory that tends toward smaller floor plans at comparable price points. For renters who value connectivity and proximity to entertainment over space and suburban quiet, downtown and Midtown are worth evaluating. 

South Tulsa 

South Tulsa offers a different equation. The area is characterized by newer construction, lower traffic density, and a retail corridor along Memorial Drive that covers most everyday needs without requiring a trip to another part of the city. Woodland Hills Mall, Scheels, Costco, and a range of grocery options are all concentrated in the 74133 corridor. Searching for best apartments in Tulsa from a value and convenience standpoint, South Tulsa consistently surfaces as one of the stronger answers. 

Downtown Tulsa is roughly 15 to 20 minutes north via Route 64. Broken Arrow is accessible via Highway 169. The suburban character of South Tulsa doesn't require residents to sacrifice city access. 

Coventry Park at 8120 East 63rd Place South sits in the 74133 zip code with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans ranging from 500 to 835 square feet. On-site amenities include an off-leash dog park, resort-style pool, 24-hour fitness center, and sports court. The leasing team can answer questions about current availability. 

What to Know About Renting in Tulsa 

What Renters Typically Look For 

The market for apartments in Tulsa, OK is competitive enough that knowing what to compare across communities makes the search more efficient. In-unit washer and dryer connections are a common priority, available in select units at Coventry Park. Covered parking is another frequent ask, and it's included in the community. Pet-friendly policies matter for residents with animals: Coventry Park welcomes cats and dogs, with an on-site off-leash dog park available for residents. 

Pet fees and monthly pet rent apply, and breed restrictions are in place. Contact the leasing team for current policy details. 

Pet fees, pet rent, and breed restrictions are subject to change. Contact the leasing team for current details. 

Preferred Employer Programs 

Some apartment communities in Tulsa participate in employer partnership programs that offer benefits to residents connected to qualifying local employers. Coventry Park participates in the Greystar Preferred Employer Program. Ask the leasing team for current details on whether your employer qualifies and what the program currently includes. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Tulsa a good place to live? 

Tulsa offers a combination of affordability, a diversified job market, and a quality-of-life infrastructure that holds up well for residents across a range of circumstances. The cost of living approximately 17 percent below the national average is a meaningful practical advantage. The city's arts scene, outdoor recreation, and improving downtown core have contributed to its reputation as one of the more livable mid-sized cities in the central United States. The Redfin Tulsa city guide provides a useful overview of the housing market for newcomers evaluating the city. 

What are the best neighborhoods in Tulsa for renters? 

The right neighborhood for a renter in Tulsa depends on what they're optimizing for. Downtown and Midtown offer urban density, connectivity, and proximity to entertainment. South Tulsa offers more space, newer construction, and established retail access at generally lower price points for the square footage. Renters searching for apartments for rent in Tulsa who prioritize convenience and suburban character tend to land in South Tulsa, particularly the 74133 zip code, which has one of the more complete retail and service corridors in the metro. Tulsa International Airport is accessible from South Tulsa as well — the Tulsa Airports site has current information on travel options for residents who fly regularly. 

Key Takeaways 

  • Tulsa's cost of living is approximately 17% below the national average, a real advantage for renters evaluating apartments in Tulsa, Oklahoma 

  • Major employers include ONEOK, American Airlines' MRO facility, Saint Francis Health System, QuikTrip, and BOK Financial 

  • South Tulsa's 74133 zip code offers suburban character, strong retail access along Memorial Drive, and roughly 15-20 minutes to downtown via Route 64 

  • Coventry Park at 8120 East 63rd Place South offers studio, 1 bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments in south Tulsa with an off-leash dog park, pool, and fitness center 

 

Ready to make the move? Explore Coventry Park floor plans or contact the leasing team to schedule a tour and explore South Tulsa apartment living for yourself.