Tulsa Overview

Tulsa is Oklahoma’s second-largest city and the hub of the state’s northeast “Green Country” region, located along the Arkansas River. The city rose quickly in the early twentieth century with oil development and remains closely associated with that legacy, including a distinctive collection of Art Deco architecture. Modern Tulsa balances a metro-scale economy with a set of walkable districts—Downtown, the Arts District, and historic neighborhoods—that have attracted reinvestment and in-migration. Background and history are summarized at Tulsa on Wikipedia.

Economy

Energy companies and professional services still play a major role, but Tulsa’s employment base is more diversified than its “oil capital” nickname suggests. Aviation and aerospace support, manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and logistics contribute significantly, supported by regional highway and rail connectivity. Entrepreneurship has expanded in software, design, and business services, while large employers in healthcare and education provide stability across business cycles. Downtown reinvestment and riverfront development have also strengthened hospitality, events, and destination dining.

Education

Tulsa’s education landscape includes private and public higher-education options as well as broad workforce training capacity. Local universities and community colleges supply graduates in engineering, business, computer science, nursing, and the arts, while career-tech programs provide credentials in manufacturing, aviation maintenance, and skilled trades. Public schools and specialized magnet programs serve a diverse metro population, and partnerships between employers and colleges support internships and applied learning tied to regional industries.

Culture

The city’s cultural identity is anchored by major arts institutions, music venues, and a history that includes both prosperity and trauma. Tulsa’s Greenwood District, nationally known as “Black Wall Street,” and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre are central to civic memory and contemporary cultural work. Museums, galleries, and performing arts organizations operate year-round, and the city’s architectural heritage attracts visitors interested in design and preservation. Annual festivals, sports, and a growing culinary scene keep entertainment concentrated in compact districts.

Travel and Entertainment

For visitors, Tulsa offers a high-density mix of parks, museums, and live entertainment. Popular stops include the riverfront Gathering Place and the Philbrook Museum of Art, while downtown’s Arts District supports concerts and nightlife at venues such as Cain’s Ballroom. Route 66 connections make Tulsa a practical base for day trips across northeast Oklahoma, including lake recreation and state parks within easy driving range.