TULSA HISTORY & DEMOGRAPHICS

Tulsa is a city of over 400,000 people that lies between the Southwest and Midwest. The city has been described as "a blend of the best of urban and rural America." The skyline is evidence of the health of corporate Tulsa. More  than 50 major companies are headquartered here. Yet quiet, bungalow-lined streets exist just a few blocks away from the city bustle
The most important attribute of any city is its  people. To say that Tulsans are friendly is an understatement. This is a place where people wave and say "good morning" as they pass you on the bicycle trail, or greet you by name on campus.

 If you like to bask in the sun, you'll love Tulsa! Although the city enjoys four distinct seasons, the climate is  mild. Snow falls occasionally during the winter, but warm days extend from March through October. The favorable  weather allows for a variety of activities at the city's hundreds of parks and nearby lakes, where you can enjoy boating and jet skiing. Some parks are rugged, tempting the  brave with rock climbing, while others feature formal gardens. Rollerblading and bicycling are popular activities along Tulsa's River Parks, a well-developed system of  jogging trails along the Arkansas River. City slickers can take advantage of horseback riding, and still catch experimental theater in the park during the evening.

Two of the city's favorite pastimes are music and food. Tulsa is one of the smallest cities in the nation to support professional, full-time ballet and opera companies, and a symphony orchestra. Tulsa Opera consistently ranks among the top 10 regional opera companies in the nation. Tulsa Ballet Theater tours nationally and has been critically acclaimed by publications such as The New York Times. And ticket prices are well below what you'll find in other locations.

A variety of music abounds in the city. Music icons as diverse as Bob Dylan, Sade, Garth Brooks, and Amy Grant pack  Tulsa arenas. Alternative bands such as the Melodramatic Wallflowers, Food Chain, and Legendary Hitchhikers find venues in the local club scene.

Popular gathering places for Tulsans, including TU students, are the city's many restaurants and cafes. In recent years,  coffee houses have become the destination of choice for students in search of espresso and bagels. Barbecue has been called the citys official cuisine. There is also a wide selection of health food  restaurants, ethnic foods (including French and Italian cuisines), and popular national chains.

Tulsa is home to two world-class art museums. The Philbrook Museum of Art contains renowned collections of Native American, Renaissance, European, American, African, and Southeast Asian art, and is ranked among the nation's top 75 art museums by the American Association of Museums. The Gilcrease Museum boasts one of the world's largest and most prestigious collections of Western and Native American art and artifacts. Students are admitted free to both museums .Anyone for a study break? You'll have your  choice between two amusement parks, a zoo, and heavy-duty shopping, including one of the largest malls in the Midwest and the upscale Utica Square, where you will find Saks Fifth Avenue, Brooks Brothers,  Ralph Lauren's Polo Shop, and Banana Republic. The city also supports professional sports, including baseball, hockey, and soccer, as well as horse racing.
For more good times, you can take advantage of  Tulsa's music and ethnic festivals such as Mayfest, Oktoberfest, Reggaefest, Juneteenth Blues and Jazz Festival, the Greenwood Jazz Festival, the TU Powwow, and the Arkansas River Sand Castle Building  Contest.

The city is served by several major airlines at Tulsa International Airport, and is a short trip from Dallas, Chicago, Kansas City, and St. Louis.
It would be impossible to enumerate all  the advantages of living in Tulsa. The city is recognized for its high quality of life and abundance of recreational opportunities. When class is over, and you just can't study anymore, you'll have plenty to  do in Tulsa, from cultural events to water sports to shopping.