Tulsa Apartments and Rentals

Apartments and rentals in Tulsa, OK, can be found throughout this beautiful city. Although a Southern city at heart, it also is influenced by the Midwest and West. Some say Tulsa is the ideal blend of Southern comfort and cosmopolitan style. It offers a little bit of everything from its art deco architecture to its Route 66 and oil heritage, to its lively music scene and entertainment districts.

Tulsa, OK, began life as a government fort in what was then Indian Territory. The land around the fort was divided to separate the Cherokee Nation, Osage Nation and Creek Nation. The Lockapoka Creek Indians were relocated by the government from Alabama to Oklahoma Indian Territory, arriving in 1836.

Tulsa's name is believed to have come from a tribal town in Alabama known as Tallasi, Tallase or Talise, meaning Old Town. Early spellings included Tulsee and Tulsey (Town). The arrival of the railroad in 1882 also brought settlers and a town began to develop. The discovery of oil in 1901 nearby brought more newcomers. By the time Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Tulsa was known as the "Oil Capital of the World." The town's population exploded from must over 7,000 to more than 70,000 in 1920. Aviation became another important industry in the city during World War II and in the post-war years, which also was a period of expansion for Tulsa.

Today, Tulsa's residents number of 390,000 and it is the second largest city in the state. People are attracted to Tulsa by its lower cost of living, economic and job opportunities, and cultural and entertainment options. They also have wide choice of neighborhoods from historic to urban, suburban to trendy. Popular neighborhoods in Tulsa include Southeast Tulsa, Midtown and Broken Arrow.

Once an oil boom town, Tulsa has diversified its economic base over the last three decades. Industries important in Tulsa today include energy, finance, aviation, telecommunications and technology. The city also has a port, the most inland seaport in the country, which connects Tulsa with international trade. The largest employer is the American Airlines maintenance base at Tulsa International Airport. In fact it is the largest such maintenance facility in the world. Despite the nationwide economic downturn of recent years, Tulsa's unemployment rate is below the average for the country.

Tulsa boasts 15 institutions of higher learning, including Rogers State University. The public four-year college was originally established in 1909 and has nearly 5,000 students. Tulsa Community College has four local campuses, while Oklahoma State University has three Tulsa campuses. Two of the city's better known private universities are the University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts University.

The cost of living in Tulsa, OK, is about 10% below the national average, which should make your dollar go a little farther when it comes to paying rent. One-bedroom apartments rent for $550 to $600 monthly, while you can expect to pay about $675 to $850 for two bedrooms. You can also find a nice selection of upscale apartments as well as single-family homes, condos and townhomes for rent.

Tulsa has a wide array of cultural diversions including the Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Symphony Orchestra and other programs at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. For museums, there's the Philbrook Museum of Art housed in a 1920s villa with art collections and gardens, and the Gilcrease Museum, which boasts the world's largest collection of art of the American West, along with a growing collection of Central and South American art and artifacts. The BOK Center, opened in 2008, is a 19,000 seat arena that is used for both sporting and entertainment events.

Tulsa's Blue Dome Entertainment District is home to hot nightlife spots, trendy restaurants and live entertainment. The Brookside District offers upscale dining, unique retailers and nightlife. For art galleries, theaters, eateries, bars and dance clubs, check out the Brady Arts District. The Cherry Street District in northern midtown has antique shopping, local art galleries and some of the best local restaurants.

Tulsa also offers its share of venues for outdoor recreational activities like hiking, fishing, camping, boating, hunting and more.

Tulsa residents take advantage of a variety of special events throughout the year. The Tulsa International Mayfest is an outdoor tribute to the arts and music which has been held in downtown Tulsa for 40 years. The family-oriented event was created to promote a knowledge of and appreciation for the arts. The two-day event includes fine arts, crafts, four stages for performers, a kids zone, five indoor galleries, food and more. It is the city's most popular outdoor event.

Tulsa's Oktoberfest is another long-running event. The saying is that you can't spell Oktoberfest without OK. Tulsa's event is carnival-like with rides, arts, crafts and a competitive barrel race, among other things. In 2010, USA Today Travel named Tulsa's event as among the "10 Great Places to Celebrate Oktoberfest." And the Oklahoma Scotfest is a celebration of Celtic history and heritage. Designed for the whole family, it offers food, crafts, music, and, of course, highland games. People also can explore their family (clan) history through classes and workshops.

If you are looking to make Tulsa, OK your new home, or just looking for a new home in Tulsa, use Rent.com® to start your search for apartments & rental properties.