10 Best Independent Living Communities in Tulsa, OK
Along the Arkansas River in Green Country lies the artsy and historical Tulsa, Oklahoma. Formerly known as the Oil Capital of the World, Tulsa received influxes of money in the early 20th century leading to a wealth of beautifully built art deco architecture. The metropolis is surprisingly affordable, even as the second-largest city in Oklahoma. The plethora of senior living communities also attracts seniors to the area. In this page, we’ll highlight the independent living communities in Tulsa — service- and hospitality-centered communities designed for the most independent seniors.
Independent living is perfect for seniors looking for an all-inclusive, resort-like setting, with staff dedicated to maintaining a resident’s privacy and independence. This comprehensive guide compiles information on our 12 independent living partners within a 10-mile radius of eastern Tulsa. We’ll guide you through independent living costs, ways seniors usually pay, apartment regulations, resources for seniors in Tulsa, and senior-friendly activities in the area. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on whether Tulsa, Oklahoma, is your retirement haven.
Tulsa Independent Living Facilities | 988 Reviews
The Legend at Tulsa Hills has been an excellent facility for my mother. The facilities are clean, they have scheduled activities every day, and the staff genuinely cares about my mother.
My mother moved into Town Village Tulsa about two months ago. So far, she is very happy to be living in this community. The employees are very friendly. The apartment is spacious and the building is very...
The Legend is an assisted living facility. At some point greater assistance will be needed. Be prepared. The Legend worked with me however my mom's needs overwhelmed what could be provided. The Legend...
We have especially enjoyed the staff. The price point is also appealing. I would recommend to others, and have done so already.
All 5 stars! They truly become family. We chose The Stonehaven initially because of the size of the facility. Big enough to offer many different benefits but small enough to feel homey.
I'd say you have to look past that it hasn't been updated in a while. And look at how it is taken care of, cleanliness, grounds, etc. As far as the staff they all are very friendly and very caring. I would...
Some care staff avoid eye contact, most have a smile to share. Always clean and fresh clothes . The meals are very appropriate for their activity level and dietary needs. There are 3 activities offered each...
After you sign on the dotted line you are pretty much ignored. My mom just died and I called to talked to someone. No one called me back. I had to go there before we were acknowledged by management. I had...
The activities they schedule are great. They really try to keep them all occupied. They look after the residents even though they live independently. Negatives would be the place just smells odd. Right when...
My loved one is currently a resident at Canoe Brook Assisted Living Catoosa and everything has been great for him at this facility so far. The staff is great and they care about their residents, they are...
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Had a great experience, love the facilities, extremely friendly staff, they really seem to care about my mom, the admin staff and and billing department are wonderful, the food has been excellent, the menu...
We have been looking for a place for our mom for about 2 years. The first place we chose was a disappointment and we started another search. Then we found Aberdeen Heights! Now we feel confident that Mom is...
Our dad loves it there, but he needs so much care now there are things they will not do and the things they will do are all extra. It's quite an expense and thankfully the VA kicked in to help finally....
This was a good decision for me. I don’t enjoy cooking or housecleaning, so I can do those when I want to. Plenty of social events and space for my dog to run and play. Best of all-one check a month and...
My mother likes that she can plant flowers and bushes in the side gardens. She likes her apartment overall. Here are the things that need improvement: There is no security. Residents forget sometimes to...
They were very friendly, knew who we were, made sure our questioned got answered. Administrative was sometimes slower than expected with answers, but we got them. I would recommend Heatheridge Assisted...
We have been very happy with The Parke Assisted Living community. What is really important for us is that our loved one is very happy and is well cared for. Based on the experience we have had so far we...
We are Very Happy with Brookdale in Broken Arrow They are treating my mother so good!!! The home be a little run down but the Care is Wonderful. Attitude of the nurses, LPN's & staff are Good & they are...
We have a great cleaning lady. All the staff are friendly, except for one and she's warming up to me. The quality of care - it's very good. For meals, we are served the heavy meal at lunch and the light...
The people at “A Place for Mom” did an amazing job helping me and my father find a place for my grandmother that met her special circumstances. Beehive assisted-living turned out to be the perfect place for...
Friendliness of staff is 5. They are very nice and seem happy to be there. Overall experience 3. Cedar Ridge is short staffed and in a year there have been 3 different activity directors come and...
I was worried my husband wouldn't like it, but we both love it due to the high marks given on the items listed above. This is exactly where we need to be at this time in our life. We have health issues but...
We absolutely love where daddy is at. The only complaint I could have, it is very hard to get in and out of his memory care unit on evenings and weekends. Many times it takes a long while to get in and...
We are very pleased with The Broadmoor. I was amazed by the way it looks, it looks wonderful and the staff is all outstanding. They are all very friendly and accommodating. The apartment sizes are great,...
I was very pleased with the attitude of all of the workers. Everyone was friendly respectful and seem to have a helpful attitude. Mini were willing to go the extra mile to see that I had what I needed. There...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Tulsa community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Tulsa community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of independent living in the Tulsa area
- What families are saying about independent living in Tulsa
- How people pay for independent living in Tulsa
- Understand Oklahoma laws and regulations for independent living communities
- What to expect from independent living in Tulsa
- Tulsa independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Tulsa? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Tulsa area
The average rent for an independent living community in Tulsa starts around $2,900, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. This price varies based on location, apartment size, amenities, and services. For example, the starting rent for a studio in a Tulsa independent living community is about $2,258, while a two-bedroom apartment significantly increases by approximately $1,300.[01]
Monthly independent living community costs typically include the following:
- Room and board
- Some or all utilities
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Grocery shopping and errands (may incur one-time additional fee)
- Transportation fees (may be complimentary or with additional fee)
- Concierge services
- Programmed social activities (like live performances, classes, happy hours, and more)
- Access to on-site amenities (like fitness centers, libraries, TV lounges, game rooms, etc.)
The monthly rent can increase with add-on costs, such as the following:
- One-time community fees (like a deposit)
- Monthly pet fees
- Second-person fees
- Parking fees
Below you’ll find average baseline costs — without add-on fees — for independent living communities in Tulsa. This chart can help you compare independent living costs in Tulsa to nearby cities.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Tulsa, OK vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Tulsa, OK vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Tulsa vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Tulsa, OK by room type
What families are saying about independent living in Tulsa
Recent reviews for independent living in Tulsa
Brookdale Owasso
Aberdeen Heights Assisted Living in Tulsa, OK
Brookdale Claremore
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
How people pay for independent living in Tulsa
Most seniors try to plan ahead to ensure they can afford the independent living community of their choice. Many retirees find senior living costs attainable by combining both private income sources and senior benefits. In this section, we’ll guide you through different ways seniors typically pay for independent living, from their personal income to benefit options.
When paying for independent living facilities, most retirees start by looking at their private income sources like savings, pensions, Social Security benefits, and investment returns. There are other ways seniors can save up money to help pay for independent senior living costs, such as the options below:
Number of veterans who live in Tulsa as of 2021
About 47% of Tulsa veterans are 65+.
Can veterans benefits help pay for independent living costs?
Yes, if you’re a veteran or surviving spouse of a veteran with a VA-recognized disability, you may be eligible for financial benefits that can be used toward independent living costs. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a wide range of veterans benefits, some of which — like the Aid and Attendance benefit and Veterans Pension — can be used to pay for anything that improves your quality of life, like independent living.
Do I qualify for veterans benefits?
With an extensive list of service-related conditions, it’s highly likely that a senior veteran will qualify for some type of benefit or pension. However, this list is ever changing and doesn’t address all applicable conditions. So it’s important to seek advice from your local veterans service officers to ensure you find all the benefits you’re eligible for.
How do I find assistance for veterans benefits?
You’re in luck — Oklahoma provides many resources to help you understand your eligible veterans benefits and apply/file for claims. Tulsa has government offices and several veteran services organizations (VSOs) to provide veteran benefits assistance. Below, we highlight several of the veteran benefit resources available in Tulsa.
The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission website lists all of the veteran resources in Oklahoma. Tulsa also offers an online search engine for VSOs and a 24-hour community resource line through the nonprofit organization Tulsa Area United Way to help you find local veteran resources.
Oklahoma also connects veterans to nearby resources through their veterans assistance locator called VALOR, also known as OKVALOR. Unfortunately, this system can be slightly difficult to navigate, so we created a step-by-step guide on how to find Tulsa VSOs through their system.
- Click on the OKVALOR link. Then, click on GO TO OKVALOR.
- When the system loads, you’ll see five clickable options — LAYERS, NAVIGATION, FILTERS, FEATURES, and CONTACT — on the left-hand side. Click LAYERS. Then, toggle on the resources you’re looking for. In this case, for VSOs, click the toggle-on button for Veteran Support.
- Next, click the NAVIGATION filter on the left-hand side. Select your county or city.
- Now, select FILTERS on the left-hand side. Here you can choose what resources you’re looking for. In this case, toggle on Veterans Assist and select Veteran Service Organization for VSOs.
- Finally, OKVALOR will generate a list of resources (in this case VSOs) on the right-hand side. Click on the resource name or the map’s clickable triangles for more details on that specific location, like hours, fees, and services.
The system can also help with any further guidance through the FEATURES tab, where you can learn more about operating the system and using certain features.
Note: There is an area to enter an address, but unless this is an exact address to a veterans-related resource the system may generate confusing results or errors.
Resources for Tulsa veterans
City of Tulsa
Chief of Intergovernmental Relations and Veterans Liasion: Jed Cochran
175 E. Second St., Suite 15-048
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: 918-596-7485
Email: jcochran@cityoftulsa.org
Muskogee VA Regional Benefit Office
125 S. Main St.
Muskogee, OK 74401
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
JE “Jim” Bracy Chapter 32
3131 E. Pine St.
Tulsa, OK 74110
Phone: 918-834-4643
Tulsa Area United Way
Call 2-1-1 or 877-836-2111
Text “HELP” to 877-836-2111
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Post 577
1109 E. Sixth St.
Tulsa, OK 74120
Phone: 918-585-9148
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Vietnam Veterans of America
Chapter #524
12407 E. 13th Place
Tulsa, OK 74128
Phone: 918-437-7507
Email: bbstacker31@aol.com
Volunteers of America Oklahoma
9605 E. 61st St.
Tulsa, OK 74133
Phone: 918-307-1500
Oklahoma’s Medicaid program — SoonerCare — provides health insurance coverage to eligible low-income families and individuals, including seniors. While SoonerCare doesn’t cover room and board costs in an independent living community, it does help cover a wide range of medical services and medically necessary in-home health care services.
What home health care services does SoonerCare cover?
SoonerCare offers home and community based waivers like the ADvantage waiver program to help cover additional services in a senior’s home or their independent living community. This program is specifically for eligible individuals aged 65+ or those with physical disabilities. Through this program, you may be able to receive coverage for the following services from your home or senior living community:
- Personal caregiver services
- Skilled nursing care services
- Adult day health services
- Respite care
- Rehabilitative services (occupational, physical, speech, and respiratory therapy)
- Hospice care services
- Medical equipment and supplies
However, if you don’t qualify for the ADvantage Waiver Program, the Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP) can help you find other Medicaid or Medicare programs to pay for care services.
Other care services could be provided by state-funded adult day health services. These services may be available if you don’t qualify for ADvantage Waiver Program, or if you’re waiting for your application to process. Additionally, eligible individuals may be able to receive SoonerCare home care services through their State Plan Personal Care. This Medicaid service helps cover in-home assistance with activities of daily living like meal preparation, eating, laundry, errands, housekeeping, etc.
How can I learn more and apply for SoonerCare?
There are extensive eligibility requirements for SoonerCare programs, so determining what you qualify for and what you should apply for can be confusing. Thankfully, you can find helpful resources in Tulsa dedicated to guiding locals through SoonerCare benefits. Resources like the Department of Human Services and Social Security Administration offices can help you apply for benefits and file claims.
Additionally, the nonprofit organization, Tulsa Area United Way, provides a community resource line where you can call, text, or use the online 2-1-1 chat to receive help finding additional resources.
Tulsa resident Medicaid resources
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
201 W. Fifth St.
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: 405-522-5050
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP)
Phone: 405-521-2281
Fax: 405-521-2086
Tulsa community resource line
Call 2-1-1 or 877-836-2111
Text “HELP” to 877-836-2111
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors aged 65 and older. Health care coverage depends on the Medicare plan you qualify for and enroll in:
- Medicare Part A coverage includes medical expenses such as hospice care, short-term skilled nursing facility care, and hospital stays.
- Medicare Part B coverage includes medical expenses like preventative services, doctor visits, and medical supplies.
- Medicare Part D coverage is for prescription drug costs.
No Medicare plan will cover custodial costs, like room and board, in an independent living community. However, Medicare health plans can help cover home medical services associated with independent living, like the following:
- In-home health care
- Skilled nursing services
- Hospice care
- Rehabilitative care
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
The dual Medicaid and Medicare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps eligible seniors aged 55 and older access low-cost health care services, such as those listed below:
- Home care
- Adult day care
- Rehabilitative care
- Nursing home care
- Hospice care
- Meals
- Medically necessary transportation
- Medication
- Physical, occupational, speech, and recreational therapies
Can I get help paying for Medicare?
If you receive Medicare and meet low-income requirements, you may be eligible for financial assistance with Medicare costs. Oklahoma’s Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) helps by overseeing the following programs:
- Extra Help, to help with Medicare Part D and prescription costs.
- Medicare Savings Program helps with Medicare premium costs.
How do I apply for Medicare?
Tulsa resources like the local Social Security Administration or area agency on aging office can help you understand and apply for Medicare benefits. Oklahoma even offers designated assistance for seniors on Medicare benefits through the Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program. The Oklahoma resource line provided by Tulsa Area United Way can also help you understand your benefits through phone, text, or online chat. The state long-term care ombudsman also supports seniors by advocating for their rights to access long-term care benefits.
Below you can find additional information on Tulsa resources to guide you through Medicare benefits, the application process, and claims.
Tulsa resident Medicare resources
Tulsa Social Security office
14002 E. 21st Street
Tulsa, OK 74134
Phone: 866-931-7106
TTY Phone: 800-325-0778
Fax: 833-950-3007
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
INCOG Area Agency on Aging
2 W. Second St., Suite 800
Tulsa, OK 74103
Phone: 918-584-7526
Fax: 918-583-1024
Email: incog@incog.org
Area agency on aging senior information line
Tulsa Phone: 918-579-9477
Statewide Phone: 800-211-2116
Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services (CAP)
Phone: 405-521-2281
Fax: 405-521-2086
Current long-term care ombudsman contact
Name: Bill Whited
Phone: 405-521-2281
Fax: 405-522-6739
General information and assistance for seniors
Phone: 800-211-2116
Local MIPPA coordinator
Name: Casey Jones
Phone: 918-579-9477
Email: cjones@incog.org
Tulsa community resource line
Call 2-1-1 or 877-836-2111
Text “HELP” to 877-836-2111
Understand Oklahoma laws and regulations for independent living communities
Independent living communities usually follow general apartment laws and regulations set by the state since they’re not considered senior care facilities. Here, we’ll guide you through relevant Oklahoma regulations.
What are independent living age requirements?
Similar to senior apartments, independent living facilities typically require you to be a certain age. While the age requirement varies between communities, the most common age requirements are 55+, 62+, or 65+.
What are apartment regulations in Oklahoma?
Apartments, and therefore independent living communities, must provide safe, clean, and habitable living environments to help ensure the safety of its residents. For instance, the following utilities must be kept in good condition:[03]
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Sanitary
- Ventilation
Other utilities like the following must also be provided in every unit:
- Heating
- Air-conditioning
- Running hot and cold water
- Trash removal
- Smoke detector(s)
You can feel at ease knowing if there’s ever an issue with these utilities, landlords are obligated to repair the utility in the apartment. Landlords must also provide 24-hours notice before entering your unit unless it’s an emergency. Additionally, as a tenant, you must use these utilities in a safe manner, as well as maintain your living space.[03] Thankfully, independent living communities help you clean and maintain your apartment with housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance services.
Storm shelters
While Oklahoma doesn’t require independent living communities to provide on-site storm shelters, many communities still have shelters, emergency drills, and/or safety protocols.[04] Since Oklahoma rests in tornado alley, you should ask your prospective senior living community about their storm preparedness.
Accommodations for seniors with disabilities
Independent living communities built after March 13, 1991, with more than four units and an elevator, must offer the following accessibility features:[05]
- Accessible common areas
- Doors and hallways wide enough for wheelchairs
- An accessible route through every apartment
- Reachable outlets, light switches, thermostats, etc.
- Reinforced bathroom walls so grab bars can be installed if needed
- Wheelchair-friendly kitchens and bathrooms
Most of our independent living partners must comply with these rules since they were built after 1991. Independent living communities built after 1991 with 4+ units and no elevator must only abide by these rules in ground-floor units. If a facility built before 1991 decides to renovate its property, it’s not required to meet these accommodations.[05]
In any independent living community, landlords are also required to make reasonable accommodations for seniors with disabilities. For example, if you have a disability, you could ask for the following types of adjustments:
- Providing accessible parking
- Installing wheelchair ramps
- Installing grab bars in bathrooms
- Allowing service animals even if the apartment complex is not pet-friendly
- Adjusting rental due dates to fall in line with monthly disability checks
However, landlords don’t have to comply with modifications if it alters the community’s program or causes undue financial or administrative burden on the facility.
Do regulations change for senior living communities with multiple care types on the same campus?
A Place for Mom partners with four independent living communities with assisted living and/or memory care units available on the same campus. Communities with advanced care services must follow associated senior care laws and regulations. For more information on how senior care regulations differ from general rental standards, visit our guides to Tulsa assisted living or memory care.
COVID-19 regulations for Tulsa independent living communities
Oklahoma’s governor terminated the COVID-19 public health emergency in May 2021, which ended all COVID-19 restrictions in the state.[06] However, senior living communities may still implement their own COVID-19 guidelines. Therefore, when looking for an independent living community, you should ask about their current safety measures and COVID-19 restrictions.
Since COVID-19 is still an ongoing risk, the Oklahoma Department of Health (OSDH) recommends following current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. For additional information, visit the City of Tulsa COVID-19 resource page.
What to expect from independent living in Tulsa
Whether you’re looking for an extravagant resort-style community or simply a way to start living a carefree, active lifestyle, Tulsa provides many options for independent seniors in the area. Read on to learn how you can live a fulfilling life in an independent living community and what type of community best suits your needs.
What are the differences between a stand-alone community and a facility with supportive care?
A majority of independent living communities in Tulsa are stand-alone facilities, meaning they only offer independent living services for independent seniors. Only four of our 12 independent living partners provide a continuum of care — one facility offers additional assisted living support and three communities provide advanced memory care on the same campus.[01] This type of community benefits couples with different care needs, so they can live on the same campus while receiving their individualized level of care.
While both types of facilities are similar, you’ll find slight differences in the common amenities each offer. All independent living communities offer apartments — typically studio, one-, or two-bedrooms — but continuum of care communities may also offer cottages. Cottages offer extra space and a more homelike and independent feel than apartments. Additionally, many stand-alone facilities have additional on-site amenities like outdoor pools, chapels, professional beauty salons, and barbershops.
What types of amenities do independent living communities offer?
Tulsa independent living communities offer resort-style living with extra amenities that promote socialization and a fulfilling lifestyle. Amenities you may find in our partner Tulsa senior living communities include the following:
- Arts and crafts centers
- Beauty salons
- Barbershops
- Game rooms
- Movie theaters
- Billiards lounges
- Swimming pools
Additionally, all our independent living partners offer meal services, mostly served in a restaurant-style dining room. Some communities go beyond these services by providing room service and chef-prepared meals.[01]
Will I be able to live an active lifestyle?
Yes. In fact, all of our independent living partners schedule on- and off-site activities to help ensure you maintain an active lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or a way to make new friends, scheduled activities have you covered. Almost all our partners also staff an activity director to tailor these activities to senior residents.[01] Below are just some of the most popular senior-friendly activities you may enjoy in our partner Tulsa communities:
- Art classes
- Live musical or dance performances
- (Chair) yoga sessions
- Happy hours
- Trivia, poker, and other games
- Wii bowling playtimes
- Day trips and outings
Since Tulsa resides in the Bible belt, many independent living communities also offer on-site devotional activities. These may include religious services or Bible study sessions. Plus, some communities also provide on-site access to a visiting chaplain or priest.
Tulsa independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Tulsa independent living
Availability of select dining options in Tulsa independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Tulsa independent living
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
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Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Tulsa? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 62 currently living in Tulsa
Mean retirement income for Tulsa seniors 65 and older[02]
Health care for seniors in Tulsa
Since some of the highest-ranked hospitals in Oklahoma are located in Tulsa, you’ll be able to find some of the best care in the state. Below are some of the most popular hospitals in Tulsa, with details on their specialized senior care or stroke treatments.
Saint Francis Hospital
Saint Francis Hospital is the best hospital in Oklahoma and Tulsa, ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to overall top-notch care, you can find care specialized for seniors through the hospital’s Senior Specialty Unit. The health care system also performs highly for many conditions and procedures, including strokes, thanks to the hospital’s designated Comprehensive Stroke Center.
Ascension St. John Medical Center
Ascension St. John Medical Center is an award-winning hospital in Tulsa recognized for its stroke treatments and age-friendly environment. The hospital provides outstanding care, ranking No. 2 on U.S. News and World Reports’ list in Tulsa and Oklahoma.
Hillcrest Medical Center
Hillcrest Medical Center is a smaller hospital, performing highly for multiple conditions and procedures common in older adults, including strokes. The hospital has a Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center — Oklahoma Stroke and Neurological Institute.
Transportation for seniors in Tulsa
Most locals in Tulsa use their own vehicles to get around the city. So, most independent living communities offer on-site parking options, some with covered options to help protect against storm damage. However, if you don’t have your own car, all our independent living partners in Tulsa also offer on-site transportation services at your convenience.[01] While a majority of these on-site transportation services are complimentary, some require additional fees if you use the services outside of scheduled hours or designated areas.
Tulsa is difficult to get around without another means of transportation since it’s such a large metropolitan area. That being said, Tulsa still provides public transportation options through Tulsa Transit, which covers nearly 200 square miles of the area and surrounding suburbs. Take a look at some of Tulsa’s local transportation options below:
- Tulsa transit’s fixed routes offer stops around downtown and surrounding suburbs. Luckily, if you need a bus ride outside regular hours, Tulsa Transit provides weekend and late-night bus rides through their Nightline and Sunday Service.
- The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is the fastest bus service through Tulsa Transit, running every 20-30 minutes daily.
- The app service, Micro Transit Pilot Program, offers stops along fixed routes in northwest and northeast Tulsa.
- Jenks Connector, Broken Arrow Connector, and Turley Connector are other service connector options that travel between commonly needed destinations, like local stores and the Tulsa Health Department.
If you can’t use these forms of public transportation due to a disability, Tulsa Transit offers an ADA-paratransit service — Lift Paratransit — for eligible individuals. Regardless, you should always ask whether any of these options offer senior discounts.
The City of Tulsa transportation webpage helps you find other transportation options, like trails, rails, and bike lanes. To further understand the best ways to get around Tulsa, Walk Score ranks how easy the city is to navigate out of 100.[08]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Tulsa
Tulsa’s artsy and historical museum culture, booming energy industry, rich diversity, meat-loving foodie scene, and beautiful outdoor areas are just a few of the immeasurable attractions the city has to offer. In this section, you’ll find various activities to enjoy individually or with visiting friends and family members.
You can also find more on Tulsa’s activity opportunities through the Travel Oklahoma Tulsa or the Visit Tulsa webpages.
Museums and monuments recognizing Tulsa’s energy industry
Since the early 1900s, Tulsa has been a hub for the American energy industry, bringing an influx of money and population to the area. Most of Tulsa’s wealth is attributed to the oil boom in the 1900s, but it’s also recognized for its continued economic impact on the current energy economy. Tulsa honors its oil industry roots with the famed 76-foot-tall statue, the Golden Driller, located outside Expo Square. Additionally, Tulsa recognizes its rich history at many museums, including but not limited to the following:
- Tulsa Tours Oil Capital Pop-Up Museum: Open indefinitely, this free exhibit honors the 100th anniversary of the International Petroleum Exposition.
- Tulsa Historical Society and Museum: This museum encapsulates all of Tulsa’s history through various exhibits, including Oklahoma oil production.
- Route 66 Historical Village: This popular museum preserves items harkening back to the golden era of the famous Route 66 highway, such as vintage pump jacks used for pumping oil.
Diverse culture and historic landmarks
Native American heritage is a prominent part of Oklahoma culture, with 14 of 38 Oklahoma documented Indian nations located in the state’s northern area. Tulsa is prominently known for the Muscogee (Creek) Tribe, as well as Cherokee Nation and Osage Nation. No cultural centers are dedicated to Native American culture within the city of Tulsa, but Oklahoma reserves part of their website to information to the state’s Oklahoma Native American tribes.
Tulsa is also home to the Greenwood Cultural Center, dedicated to informing the public on Tulsa’s notable effect on African American history and culture. Additionally, many visit Tulsa’s John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, which focuses on Oklahoma’s reconciliation with their African American population after historic racial disputes in the area.
Art deco architecture
Tulsa is famous for its art deco architecture that takes you back to the affluent Roaring ‘20s. You can walk along Deco District in downtown Tulsa to view the finest architecture in the area. Or, Tulsa businesses like Tulsa Tours and Tulsa Foundation for Architecture provide guided tours to help ensure you don’t miss any famous architecture in Tulsa. While there are countless buildings to see, many boast on the most popular and finest art deco architecture, like the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church and Philcade (or Philtower) building.
Tulsa Arts District and art museums
Tulsa’s dedicated Tulsa Arts District has nearly 20 local art galleries. You can fully experience this area every first Friday of the month when the district hosts art crawls. These art crawls feature local art galleries, studios, museums, performances, etc. On other days, you can visit popular local art museums, some of which highlight the local art deco architecture, like the following:
- Philbrook Museum of Art is a beautifully designed historic building known for its art deco architecture and landscaped gardens, which takes locals through various art exhibitions.
- Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art, also referred to as the Gilcrease Museum, represents Indigenous cultures through various artifacts, like paintings, sculptures, and more.
- The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art honors Jewish culture and art with different exhibitions, as well as Holocaust memorials.
- DECOPOLIS Tulsa Art Deco Museum recognizes the area’s art deco architecture with art deco artifacts, a themed indoor town square, and souvenirs. Additionally, the museum offers a guide to finding local art deco architecture.
Performing arts and music venues
Tulsa is full of entertainment to enjoy on a night out with visiting friends and family members. There are many music venues scattered throughout Tulsa, but some of the most popular are the Tulsa Theater and BOK Center.
If you’re looking for performing arts, the area has countless opportunities with venues like the following:
Casinos and horse racing
Seniors and visitors can enjoy four gambling opportunities, from casinos to horse racing in the summer. Tulsa is home to three casinos:
During summer months, you can also enjoy betting on horses at the live-action horse racing event Fair Meadows at Tulsa Expo Square.
Restaurants and breweries in Tulsa
As a city in Oklahoma, Tulsa has access to nearby farmlands with abundant beef cattle. Therefore, fresh locally sourced meat is a huge deal in the city. Steakhouses and barbeque joints are a must in Tulsa.
However, Tulsa goes beyond the typical steakhouses and barbeque joints by offering many other types of restaurants. Even though Oklahoma is a land-locked state, many locals also enjoy delicious seafood options. To top off the night, Tulsa’s local breweries offer traditional IPAs or unique stouts for a variety of tastes.
Outdoor areas
Northeast Oklahoma is also known as Green Country, where cities go beyond the typical city living with outdoor recreation spots. Check out some of the best outdoor areas in Tulsa:
- Golf courses: Tulsa is home to numerous golf courses and driving ranges. Some of which are private golf clubs that you must join to enjoy. One of the most popular is the private Southern Hills Country Club, which has hosted nearly 20 championship games. The Travel Oklahoma webpage also lists a few of the nearby golf courses available.
- Parks: One of the main outdoor opportunities in Tulsa are its parks. These local parks offer activities ranging from fishing areas to picnic areas.
- Lakes: Most lakes require a little drive, but the closest to Tulsa are Lake Yahola and Pretty Water Lake.
- Tulsa Zoo is the local 84-acre zoo that offers many exhibits, including a rainforest and conservation center.
- Tulsa Botanical Garden is the local 170-acre botanical garden situated around a 7-acre lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Legend at Tulsa Hills, The Courtyards at Claremore Assisted Living Memory Care and Brookdale Claremore are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Tulsa, OK. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Tulsa is $4,038 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022-2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Tulsa city; Oklahoma. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Landlord and Tenant, Oklahoma Senate § 41 (2022).
State of Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission. (2009). Minimum state requirements for storm shelters.
Office of Disability Concerns State of Oklahoma. (rev. 2013, Sept. 15). Housing for people with disabilities in Oklahoma: A resource guide.
Oklahoma Legislature. (2021, April 21). House Bill No. 2566.
U.S. News and World Report. Best hospitals in Tulsa, OK.
Walk Score. Living in Tulsa.
Donovan, L. (2023, June 5). Personal communication [Phone interview].
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