City of Tulsa
Tulsa Real Estate
Tulsa has been named as one of the Best Places to Relocate, Best City for Growth, Lowest Unemployment Rate, Most Affordable Place to Live and Safest City by numerous publications including CNN Money, MSN and the USA Today. Tulsa has seen steady growth despite the economy and declines in other part of the country. Located in the Northeastern Oklahoma part of the state referred to as “Green Country,” Tulsa sits in the heart of the area amongst rolling hills and wooded terrain.
Tulsa’s economy is diverse with numerous businesses and industries in the area. The city is home to aerospace, manufacturing, telecommunications, construction, healthcare, education, transportation, education and high technology industries. Some of the major companies located in Tulsa and the surrounding area include American Airlines, Nordam, Williams Companies, Whirlpool, Conoco Phillips, QuikTrip and Dollar Thrifty.
As one of “America’s Most Livable Communities,” Tulsa has a large arts scene. The downtown area is well-known for its art deco buildings and churches. Even along the River Parks trails, you’ll find spectacular works of art. The performing arts is also booming in Tulsa with the Tulsa Ballet and Tulsa Opera providing Broadway plays and musicals at the Performing Arts Center. The Gilcrease Museum is one of the largest collections of Western American art. The Philbrook Museum is one of the top 50 museums in the country and one of only five in the US with a combination of gardens, art collections and a historical home.
Ten higher education facilities are located in Tulsa including the University of Tulsa, the Oklahoma State University-Tulsa, Tulsa Community College, and Oral Roberts University. The Tulsa Technology Center and the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology offer vocational studies as well. Many undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs are available in the city.
Diverse nightlife can be found in many areas with Brookside, Cherry Street and Downtown being among the most popular.
With over 227 days of sunshine and average of temperatures of 61 degrees, Tulsa is a beautiful city to call home. Tulsa real estate opportunities continue to increase on a daily basis as the area grows. If you’re interested in making Tulsa home, call Bedlam Realty at (918) 274-HOME.
The History of Tulsa
Tulsa is well known for its roots as the “Oil Capital of the World,” but it originally began as part of the Indian Territory. In 1836, it was settled by the Lochapoka and Creek Tribes. A home was established under a large oak tree at what is now the intersection of Cheyenne Ave. and 18th Street. In Creek, the town was referred to as “Tallasi.” This was later adapted to Tulsa.
On January 18, 1898, Tulsa was incorporated. In 1901, the first oil well was established. In 1905, the Glenn Pool was discovered and entrepreneurs fled to the town. The population of Tulsa grew to over 140,000 over the next 30 years.
Profits from oil continued throughout the Great Depression and the art deco style developed throughout the town. Cain’s Ballroom was built in the 1920’s and was known as the “Carnegie Hall of Western Swing.” Famous musicians like Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys came to won, as did other famous musicians.
In 1925, Cyrus Avery, a Tulsa businessman, began his campaign to build a highway that linked Chicago to California. He established the Highway 66 Association in Tulsa and the town earned the nickname “The Birthplace of Route 66.” The remainder of the twenties saw many improvements including parks, museums, rose gardens, and more.
The Spavinaw Dam, one of the largest public works projects of the time, was built during the twenties to provide and support the city’s water needs. Not only did Spavinaw provide water to Tulsa, but to many of the surrounding towns as well.
In the 1950s, time magazine called Tulsa “America’s Most Beautiful City.”
In 2003, the city voted for “Vision 2025.” This plan is designed to enhance the tourism of the city as well as the infrastructure. The keystone project was the BOK Center, which opened in 2008. The center is the home of the city’s minor league hockey and arena football teams. It also serves as a venue for concerts and events.
