TUL Tower (Tulsa, OK)

📍 About TUL & Tulsa

Tulsa International Airport (TUL) serves northeastern Oklahoma and is a vital transportation hub for the region. Tulsa itself is a growing city known for its friendly culture, affordable living, and blend of modern urban energy with midwestern charm. The city features a strong art scene, excellent parks, and rich aviation history.

🏡 Where to Live

Popular Neighborhoods – Singles & Couples

• Downtown Tulsa – Walkable, urban, close to bars, restaurants, and events.
• Brookside – Trendy area with nightlife, cafes, and apartments.
• Cherry Street – Historic charm, art galleries, boutique shops.

Family-Friendly Areas

• South Tulsa – Great schools, suburban living, newer developments.
• Owasso – Suburb north of Tulsa, top-rated schools, newer homes.
• Jenks – Family-focused, quiet, and known for excellent education.

🚗 Commute Times to TUL

• 10–15 min: Downtown, North Tulsa, Owasso
• 20–25 min: Brookside, South Tulsa
• 25–35 min: Bixby, Jenks, Broken Arrow

🎓 Top School Districts

• Jenks Public Schools – Highly ranked, strong academics and athletics.
• Union Public Schools – Known for diverse programs and student support.
• Owasso Public Schools – Excellent test scores and facilities.

🧳 Things to Do – Outdoors & Entertainment

🌿 Outdoor Activities

• Gathering Place: Massive riverfront park with trails, playgrounds, and events.
• Turkey Mountain: Nature preserve with hiking and biking trails.
• River Parks: Scenic running and cycling paths along the Arkansas River.

🎭 Culture & Attractions

• Philbrook Museum of Art: European and Native American collections in a historic villa.
• BOK Center: Arena for concerts, sports, and major events.
• Cain’s Ballroom: Legendary music venue in the heart of downtown.

✈️ Nearby Airports

• Tulsa International Airport (TUL): Main commercial and general aviation airport.
• R.L. Jones Jr. Airport (RVS): South Tulsa airport for flight schools and private aviation.

🧭 Helpful Resources

• City of Tulsa
• Visit Tulsa
• Oklahoma DPS (DMV)
• Tulsa Public Schools

💰 Cost of Living

• Housing: Median home price is around $210,000. Rent for a 1-bedroom averages $900–$1,200/month.
• Utilities: Average electric/gas/water runs around $160–$200/month.
• Groceries: Slightly below national average. Milk ~$3.00, bread ~$2.50, eggs ~$2.25.
• Gas: ~$3.30/gallon in the Tulsa area.
• Taxes: No state income tax on military retirement. Sales tax ~8.5%. Property tax ~0.9%.

🌆 Neighborhood Highlights

• Brookside: Artsy, walkable, popular with young professionals.
• South Tulsa: Suburban, excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods.
• Downtown Tulsa: Urban living near entertainment, music, and tech/startup hubs.
• Owasso: Growing suburb north of TUL with strong schools and modern homes.

☀️ Seasonal Weather

• Winter: Cool with some snow and ice. Highs in the 40s–50s°F.
• Spring: Mild and stormy, with the potential for severe weather/tornadoes.
• Summer: Hot and humid. Highs regularly in the 90s°F.
• Fall: Pleasant with highs in the 60s–70s°F and low humidity.

🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic

• Transit: Tulsa Transit bus system has limited routes and frequency.
• Driving: Car-dependent city with light traffic compared to other metros.
• Parking: Plentiful and usually free outside of downtown.

🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care

• Hillcrest Medical Center: Major regional hospital near downtown.
• Ascension St. John Medical Center: Comprehensive care in midtown Tulsa.
• Urgent Care Centers: Available throughout metro Tulsa, including Access Medical and MedNow.

🫂 Social Life & Community

• Downtown & Arts District: Popular nightlife and gallery scene.
• Festivals: Tulsa State Fair, Mayfest, Oktoberfest, and more.
• Community: Friendly, welcoming, with low cost of entry for homeownership and activities.

🍽️ Dining & Food Scene

• BBQ & Comfort Food: Burn Co BBQ, Albert G’s, and Elmer’s BBQ.
• Trendy Spots: The Tavern, Juniper, Lowood, and Amelia’s in the Arts District.
• Local Favorites: Ike’s Chili, Mother Road Market (food hall), and Mexicali Border Cafe.
• Craft Beer: Marshall Brewing, Dead Armadillo, Cabin Boys Brewery.

🛫 ATC-Specific Tips

• Shift Work: Expect early mornings, split shifts, and some overnights typical of mid-sized towers.
• Air Traffic: Mix of commercial, GA, military, and MRO operations with American, Allegiant, and cargo activity.
• Weather Operations: Pay close attention during spring severe weather season and occasional winter ice events.
• Living Tip: Owasso or Midtown Tulsa offer the best commute/lifestyle balance.

📦 Moving Tips

• When to Move: Avoid summer heat; spring and fall are ideal.
• Utilities Setup: AEP/PSO (electric), ONG (gas), City of Tulsa (water), Cox/AT&T (internet).
• Storage: Many affordable climate-controlled options throughout the city.

❓ FAQs

• Does Tulsa get tornadoes?
  Yes, but they're more common west of the city. Stay weather-aware during spring.
• Is it safe?
  Like any city, varies by neighborhood. Midtown and suburbs are generally safe and popular with families.
• Is Tulsa affordable?
  Yes – cost of living and housing are much lower than national averages.
• Is there an airport shuttle?
  Tulsa Transit runs limited routes; most controllers use personal vehicles.