[bchris02]

Regarding the status concsiousness being much higher in Tulsa, I think that can be attributed to the fact that Tulsa is a white collar city, as is Dallas, while OKC is historically blue collar. Blue collar people are by nature less status-conscious than white collar people.

I can also understand why Tulsa people can be very dismissive of OKC. When I lived in Charlotte, people were rather dismissive of places like Columbia, SC and Greensboro, both seen as culturally inferior metros to Charlotte. They do however enjoy going to Charleston because it offers an experience not found in Charlotte. Tulsa is the cultural capital of Oklahoma and while OKC residents might enjoy going to Tulsa to enjoy the amenities they can't find in OKC, Tulsa residents have little reason to go to OKC other than for a Thunder game or an OU game.

[okie1962]

Originally Posted by bchris02

Regarding the status concsiousness being much higher in Tulsa, I think that can be attributed to the fact that Tulsa is a white collar city, as is Dallas, while OKC is historically blue collar. Blue collar people are by nature less status-conscious than white collar people.

I can also understand why Tulsa people can be very dismissive of OKC. When I lived in Charlotte, people were rather dismissive of places like Columbia, SC and Greensboro, both seen as culturally inferior metros to Charlotte. They do however enjoy going to Charleston because it offers an experience not found in Charlotte. Tulsa is the cultural capital of Oklahoma and while OKC residents might enjoy going to Tulsa to enjoy the amenities they can't find in OKC, Tulsa residents have little reason to go to OKC other than for a Thunder game or an OU game.

I can't think of one reason anyone from OKC would come to Tulsa other than to see friends and family. It seems if they were going to that much trouble they would just drive down to Dallas. I could be totally wrong, wouldn't the first or last time. I do see a lot of folks from OKC coming to Eastern Oklahoma to enjoy the lakes and state parks. I was born and raised a few miles from Lake Eufaula, most everyone who vacationed down there was from OKC metro area.

[flintysooner]

Originally Posted by okie1962

I can't think of one reason anyone from OKC would come to Tulsa other than to see friends and family. It seems if they were going to that much trouble they would just drive down to Dallas. I could be totally wrong, wouldn't the first or last time. I do see a lot of folks from OKC coming to Eastern Oklahoma to enjoy the lakes and state parks. I was born and raised a few miles from Lake Eufaula, most everyone who vacationed down there was from OKC metro area.

I've made many trips to Tulsa over the years. Usually involved museums, art, old houses, business, and other kinds of sightseeing trips using Tulsa as a base. Kids didn't much care for it. Wasn't too long ago that a trip involved Whole Foods although don't need to do that now. And you're right that Richardson Whole Foods was also a nice trip.

[bchris02]

Originally Posted by okie1962

I can't think of one reason anyone from OKC would come to Tulsa other than to see friends and family. It seems if they were going to that much trouble they would just drive down to Dallas. I could be totally wrong, wouldn't the first or last time. I do see a lot of folks from OKC coming to Eastern Oklahoma to enjoy the lakes and state parks. I was born and raised a few miles from Lake Eufaula, most everyone who vacationed down there was from OKC metro area.

It may be because most of the people I hang with are from Tulsa and they go frequently. A lot of people go to Tulsa for concerts, the opera, shopping, hard rock casino, etc. Remember Tulsa is an easy day trip from OKC. Dallas is a little more difficult being three and a half hours vs an hour to Tulsa. I imagine when Costco opens in Tulsa that will cause a lot of OKC people to take a trip up the turnpike. Don't get me wrong, most people in OKC probably don't make frequent Tulsa trips being there isnt as much of a need as there used to be, but it does happen. For outdoor recreation, a lot of OKC people go to Eufalla or even Northwest Arkansas or down to the Wichita mountains.

[eddie gein]

Originally Posted by flintysooner

Mostly, in my experience at least, Oklahoma City people just don't really much care what other people think, especially about status. Now it does seem to me that over the last 2 or 3 decades that has changed some so perhaps it is just a function of age. Tulsa does seem to be much older than Oklahoma City.

Ironically, OKC is older than Tulsa by about 15 years (sans the Creek Indian settlement). On April 21, 1889 Oklahoma City had an official population of zero and the next day 10,000. OKC was pretty much thrown up. As #1 Sooner stated, the city of Tulsa was the preferred home of the oilmen who moved to Oklahoma to pump the Glenn Pool. The location of Tulsa was chosen was because it was across the river from the oilfields and access to Tulsa was limited due to the fact that there was no bridge.

They planned the city to reflect cities back east and that shows in all the Art Deco stuff that is in Tulsa. Ironically, in the 1890s. Guthrie was the preferred locale in Oklahoma Territory (the capitol) and it has one of the largest inventories of Victorian architecture in the country.

OKC was known as a cattle town and meatpacking town in territorial days. Furthermore, OKC was always flooding and had to be rebuilt. As a result, I don't think OKC was all that concerned with stature in those days.

[bchris02]

Tulsa is very lucky that A) they didn't destroy most of their historic art deco architecture like OKC did and B) art deco is trendy again while being a cowtown is not. If you take culture and 'trendy' out of the equation, OKC instantly becomes the dominant city and by a good margin in my opinion. However, those two attributes in which Tulsa wins are essential.

It's very likely OKC would be the unquestionable superior city in Oklahoma had it not been for the Pei Plan in the 1970s. Of course back then they looked at Art Deco like we look at the huge beige box buildings today.

[Newbe10]

Originally Posted by terrible one

I am sure this has been asked several times before, so I apologize in advance.
There is a possibility that I may be moving to OK at the end of summer and I have the option of OKC or Tulsa. I have read some threads on each and as always there are pros and cons for each city.
I am in my later 20s, recent graduate, single, and coming from California.

If possible could I get a comparison between the two cities?
Things I am interested in learning about include the weather, nightlife / dating scene, younger crowds, outdoor activities, walkability, prices (apartments), nearby colleges, traffic, local sports teams, and anything else you would like to add.

Thank you for your replies.

Tulsa and OKC are both great cities. OKC is bigger, but Tulsa, in a way feels more "urban." Tulsa also has a world-class symphony orchestra and arts scene, but OKC is not too far behind.

I recommend you visit both cities and decide for yourself, because IMHO, they are both great cities.

[Howest2008]

OKC is looking for one ATTRIBUTE of TULSA OKLAHOMA " World Class VENUES " TULSA OKLAHOMA
always had them , OKLAHOMA CITY OKLAHOMA is doing everything in it's power to get them ( and catch up with TULSA OKLAHOMA).

1. Tulsa Oklahoma BOK Center is among the top's in the WORLD
2. Cain's Ballroom is among the top's in the WORLD
3. TULSA BALLET World class
4. Gilcrease Museum among top in the WORLD
5. Philbrook Museum among top in the WORLD
6. River Parks with the completion of ( The Gathering ) one of USA top Urban Parks
7.Sherwin Miller Jewish Museum top Regional Museum
8.Hard Rock Hotel and Casino top National Entertainment Venue
9. Oklahoma Aquariun top Regional Attraction
10. Urban Art Work City Wide

Get My Drift.....OKC does not have this as of YET.

[#1soonerfan]

Originally Posted by okie1962

I can't think of one reason anyone from OKC would come to Tulsa other than to see friends and family. It seems if they were going to that much trouble they would just drive down to Dallas. I could be totally wrong, wouldn't the first or last time. I do see a lot of folks from OKC coming to Eastern Oklahoma to enjoy the lakes and state parks. I was born and raised a few miles from Lake Eufaula, most everyone who vacationed down there was from OKC metro area.

Meh, I try and make a trip or 2 up to Tulsa, just for a quick weekend trip. I know several who go up there for shows at Cains and BOK.

Likewise, there are tons of Tulsa people at Thunder/OU games. I wouldn't be so dismissive of the folks either. People drop lots of $$ when attending sporting events and often do side trips. The biggest attendance days during the week at the OKC National Memorial are Thunder home games.

[#1soonerfan]

Originally Posted by flintysooner

Yes, and they are not only willing to take risks but actually seek them out. Another thing is they are absurdly independent. If the risk turns against them and it often does they assume that somehow they'll figure out a solution.

This spirit or character traits or whatever you call it is amazingly widespread.

Yeah I can definitely see this. Definitely a bit of an independent/libertarian streak to OKC. That's the western traits of living in the Southwest. I can say this is the most entrepreneurial place I've ever lived, in terms of people opening and operating their own small businesses.

Originally Posted by flintysooner

Mostly, in my experience at least, Oklahoma City people just don't really much care what other people think, especially about status. Now it does seem to me that over the last 2 or 3 decades that has changed some so perhaps it is just a function of age. Tulsa does seem to be much older than Oklahoma City...

There is an affinity I think for the Dallas area on the part of Oklahoma City citizens. When I lived in Dallas for a while I noticed that the "feeling" of the area was more similar to what I felt in Oklahoma City except it was just a lot bigger, greater. Kind of an "aliveness" or an energy or a vibrancy that I had missed in Kansas City. Oklahoma City to me is like that but less. Lots and lots of Oklahoma folks in the Dallas area.

PS: Dallas, on the other hand, is definitely status conscious in my experience.

There is a reason North Texas is called "Baja Oklahoma" LOL. The wave of transplants that have come to Dallas has diluted the cultural similarities between the two areas, but natives of DFW and OKC are very similar. Nobody in either city would admit it, but OKC and DFW are far more linked than most realize, thanks in large part to I-35. The recent growth spurt of DFW is definitely benefiting OKC. Quite a few DFW firms have started doing business up here and vice versa.

Tulsa, OTOH, is kinda up there in Green Country doing its own thing. There may be something of a link between Tulsa and KC but its pretty weak. Tulsa to this day has a pretty big pull over the local area, but I have to think the growth of Springfield/Branson and NW Arkansas has chipped away at this somewhat.

Now, we could just be hanging out in different circles. But while I think the general vibe in OKC is utilitarian (i.e. not a lot of emphasis on flashy spending), but I'm definitely noticing that is starting to change. Just in the 5 years I've been here, I see way more luxury cars on the road, more "decked out" homes with stainless steel and granite countertops, more shopping and retail establishments, etc. Part of that could just be the general strength of the local economy.

Of course we are nowhere near the level of "conspicous consumption" that they have in Dallas. Which as a former resident of that area is a relief. I know my credit cards appreciate it