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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.
Types of care available in Tulsa, OK
Independent Living
The staff at Brookdale Owasso is lovely. However, lots of boiled chicken is served in a variety of ways. The snacks could be more nutritious with higher protein levels. Also, the doctors don't really look for any problems unless clients complain so if clients forget or don't complain needs may be missed. Overall, I would recommend Brookdale Owasso to others.
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 involved with them. Communication with the family is great. The charge nurse responds back to me immediately. They use their pharmacy and refill my loved one's prescriptions when needed. I would recommend Canoe Brook Assisted Living Catoosa to others.
Aberdeen Heights is a warm, friendly, family-oriented Assisted Living. I was so nervous about moving my mom from her home, but she has loved every minute there! The majority of their staff has been their for many years, and they treat the residents just like their own family. The meals are exceptional, and my mom's social calendar is so much better than mine, because there are so many wonderful activities for each resident to participate in! I recommend Aberdeen to everyone, because the people there make it a very special place. I know my mom is in wonderful, caring hands!
2601 S Elm Pl, Broken Arrow, OK 74012
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...
Morada Broken Arrow provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment.Situated on 17 acres of beautifully manicured grounds, you'll be charmed by the country-feel of our facilities. But while Silver Arrow Estates enjoys the peace of being nestled within a suburb of Tulsa,...
2621 S Elm Place, Broken Arrow, OK 74012
This seems like to be a good place. The food, administrative staff, the cleanliness, and friendliness all stand out to me about the community. Some of the activities available include bingo, exercising,...
Located in the friendly city of Broken Arrow in the suburbs of Tulsa, OK, Canoe Brook Broken Arrow makes the human element of caring our first priority.Assisted Living at Canoe Brook offers freedom, dignity and security along with premium amenities and the personal care that we sometimes need....
2154 S 85th East Ave, Tulsa, OK 74129
My loved one was here about a month and received great care. I could always reach them no matter the time.
4134 E 31st St, Tulsa, OK 74135
3510 E 32nd St, Tulsa, OK 74135
10221 E 34th St, Tulsa, OK 74146
4950 S Mingo Rd, Tulsa, OK 74146
4203 S 109th E Ave, Tulsa, OK 74146
1825 E 15th St, Tulsa, OK 74104
1825 E 15th St, Tulsa, OK 74104
13025 E 16th Pl, Tulsa, OK 74108
5035 E 66th St, Tulsa, OK 74136
6800 South Granite Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74136
6800 South Granite Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74136
1638 S Carson Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119
1729 S Denver Ave # 110, Tulsa, OK 74119
1700 Riverside Dr., Tulsa, OK 74119
1111 E 60th St, Tulsa, OK 74105
1111 E 60th St, Tulsa, OK 74105
2409 S Maybelle Ave, Tulsa, OK 74107
2409 S Maybelle Ave, Tulsa, OK 74107
2025 E 71st St, Tulsa, OK 74136
2025 E 71st St, Tulsa, OK 74136
2025 E 71st St, Tulsa, OK 74136
1725 Southwest Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74107
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:
The monthly rent can increase with add-on costs, such as the following:
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.
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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:
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.
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+.
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:
Other utilities like the following must also be provided in every unit:
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. Thankfully, independent living communities help you clean and maintain your apartment with housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance services.
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. Since Oklahoma rests in tornado alley, you should ask your prospective senior living community about their storm preparedness.
Independent living communities built after March 13, 1991, with more than four units and an elevator, must offer the following accessibility features:
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.
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:
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.
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.
Oklahoma’s governor terminated the COVID-19 public health emergency in May 2021, which ended all COVID-19 restrictions in the state. 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.
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.
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. 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.
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:
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.
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. Below are just some of the most popular senior-friendly activities you may enjoy in our partner Tulsa communities:
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.
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Number of seniors over the age of 62 currently living in Tulsa
Approximately 18% of Tulsa’s population are seniors 62+
Mean retirement income for Tulsa seniors 65 and older{{citation:2}}
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 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.[07]
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.[07]
Hillcrest Medical Center is a smaller hospital, performing highly for multiple conditions and procedures common in older adults, including strokes.[07] The hospital has a Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center — Oklahoma Stroke and Neurological Institute.
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. 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:
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.
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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.
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:
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.
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’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:
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:
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.
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.
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:
The Stonehaven, Brookdale Claremore and Legend at Tulsa Hills 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 4,042 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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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