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Tulsa to Phoenix Moving Guide Unlike Any You've Ever Read

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Moving from Tulsa, the Oil Capital of the World, to Phoenix, the Valley of the Sun, symbolizes not just a change of scenery but a vibrant leap into a new chapter of your life. Leaving behind Tulsa's lush, green landscapes for Phoenix's desert vistas and expansive skies can be both exhilarating and daunting. Understanding the importance of your journey, we emphasize the crucial role of entrusting your move to reliable and professional movers, ensuring a smooth transition to your new adventure.

5 Best Movers for Moving from Tulsa to Phoenix

#1
Sterling Interstate LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 2,279+ data points

Phoenix, AZ
Local moving services, Long-distance moving services, Packing services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 3006713 Verify

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, cu...Read More >>

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#2
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo
Exceptional

based on 991+ data points

Peoria, AZ
Long Distance Moves, Local Moves, Business Relocation See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT: 3656946 Verify

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and h...Read More >>

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top 3 ranked movers in peoria 2022 new beginnings moving solutions image
#3
Serenity Moving Services Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon

based on 907+ data points

Norman, OK
Full Service Moving, Packing & Unpacking, Piano Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 2439364 Verify

About Serenity Moving Services

Locally owned and operated since 2014, Serenity Moving Services provides local residential relocation services to the Oklahoma City, Oklahom...Read More >>

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#4
L
Fabulous

based on 98+ data points

Pryor Creek, OK
Local Moving, Long-Distance Moving, Commercial Moving See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT: 3928615 Verify

About Lee's Moving

Lee's Moving Inc is a family-owned moving company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with over 30 years of combined experience in the industry. They ...Read More >>

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#5
Bigger Better Movers Logo
Fabulous

based on 2,883+ data points

Oklahoma City, OK
Residential Moving, Commercial Moving, Local Moves See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT: 3910852 Verify

About Bigger Better Movers

Founded in 2017, Bigger Better Movers is a local Oklahoma moving company that offers residential and commercial relocation services to Oklah...Read More >>

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top 10 ranked movers in oklahoma city 2023 bigger better movers image
top 3 ranked movers in oklahoma city 2022 bigger better movers image

Relocating from Tulsa to Phoenix Neighborhood Guide

Moving from one city to another can be daunting, especially if you're not familiar with your new home's neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of local neighborhoods between Tulsa, OK & Phoenix, AZ . This guide will help you find areas in Phoenix that share similar vibes, amenities, and community feel to what you're used to in Tulsa.

TulsaPhoenix
BrooksideArcadia

trendy, with a mix of old and new

Cherry StreetCoronado

historic, vibrant arts scene

Maple RidgeEncanto

historic homes, family-friendly

MidtownNorth Central Phoenix

suburban feel, spacious homes

RiversideSouth Mountain

community focused, scenic views

GreenwoodRoosevelt Row

rich in history, cultural hub

Utica SquareBiltmore Area

upscale shopping, refined

Brady Arts DistrictGrand Avenue

artsy, unique businesses

South TulsaAhwatukee Foothills

affluent, family-oriented

Downtown TulsaDowntown Phoenix

urban, revitalized, bustling

If you're making the move from Tulsa's Brookside, with its charming boutiques and cozy cafes like Brookside By Day, to Phoenix, you might find yourself drawn to Arcadia. There, you can enjoy a similar mix of the old and new with spots like Ingo's Tasty Food for a laid-back, gourmet burger experience. Former residents of Maple Ridge's historic neighborhood will appreciate Encanto's equally prestigious and historical homes, offering serene walks around Encanto Park. Meanwhile, Cherry Street regulars, used to a vibrant arts scene and eclectic eateries like Andolini's Pizzeria, will find a new home in Coronado, where creative expression and community involvement are the norms, underscored by arts venues and local classics such as The Breadfruit & Rum Bar. Each of these Phoenix neighborhoods provides a seamless transition with their unique blend of community, culture, and dining, making your move from Tulsa a little easier.

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Things to Do in Phoenix

  • Explore Desert Botanical Garden
  • Visit Heard Museum for Native American art
  • Hike Camelback Mountain
  • Enjoy Phoenix Zoo with family
  • Shop at Old Town Scottsdale
  • Watch a game at Chase Field
  • Relax at Tempe Town Lake

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tulsa to Phoenix

Moving from one city to another always involves weighing the good against the not-so-good. This guide provides an honest reflection of what to expect when relocating from Tulsa, OK to Phoenix, AZ. By comparing the pros and cons, you will gain a better understanding of how this significant change can impact your life.

CONs
PROs
Tulsa, OK iconTulsa, OK
  • Smaller job market
  • Less nightlife
  • Higher tornado risk
  • Less cultural diversity
  • More humid summers
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • Larger job market
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Low natural disaster risk
  • Greater cultural diversity
  • Dry heat
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • Higher cost of living
  • Fewer historical sites
  • More urban sprawl
  • Less specialized cuisine
  • Heavier traffic
Tulsa, OK iconTulsa, OK
  • Lower cost of living
  • Rich historical sites
  • Cozy community feel
  • Access to unique local cuisines
  • Easier traffic

When moving from Tulsa to Phoenix, you'll exchange the cozy, community feel of areas like the Brookside district in Tulsa, with its unique boutiques and restaurants such as Brookside by Day, for the bustling urban sprawl of Phoenix where places like Downtown Phoenix come to life with vibrant nightlife and diverse cultural experiences. While you might miss the lower humidity and smaller-scale living of Tulsa, Phoenix offers a larger job market and an opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities year-round at places like South Mountain Park. The transition might come with challenges, such as adjusting to the higher cost of living, but it also opens the door to exploring vast and varied landscapes, from desert botanical gardens to modern art museums.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from Tulsa to Phoenix

This comparison of the local cuisine between Tulsa & Phoenix highlights the unique culinary experiences available in each city. Understanding the food scene is essential in appreciating what it's like to live there, helping you make a more informed decision about your upcoming move.

TulsaPhoenix

Most iconic local food item

Chicken-Fried SteakSonoran Hot Dog

Most popular meat dish

BBQ BrisketCarne Asada

Most popular street food item

Indian TacosTacos

Most popular vegan food

Black Bean BurgersVegan Tacos

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Joe's Famous Pizza
  • Burn Co. Barbecue
  • Tally's Good Food Cafe
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • Bar Smith
  • Matt's Taco Shop

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness

68

Abundance of Food Trucks

79

Foodie Scene

79

Vegan Friendly

58

When you move to Phoenix, you'll find the city vibrant with a rich food scene that embraces its Mexican-American heritage. The Sonoran Hot Dog, a bacon-wrapped hot dog piled with beans, onions, tomato, and a variety of sauces, reflects Phoenix's culinary innovation. Places like Pizzeria Bianco have put the city on the map for more than just its Mexican food, though, with James Beard Award-winning pizza. The city's higher scores for fitness/health conscientiousness, abundance of food trucks, and vegan friendliness mark Phoenix as a foodie destination that caters to diverse tastes and dietary needs. Wander into neighborhoods like Roosevelt Row or Arcadia to discover food trucks, vegan eateries, and some of the best dining Phoenix has to offer.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from Tulsa to Phoenix

Food plays a pivotal role in making a new city feel like home. This comparison aims to ease your transition from Tulsa to Phoenix by highlighting equivalents to your favorite Tulsa eateries. Discover your new go-to dining spots in Phoenix by comparing them with Tulsa's culinary gems to seamlessly blend the old with the new, making the move as flavorful as possible.

JuniperQuiessence Restaurant

Known for farm-to-table freshness, similar to Juniper's approach

White River Fish MarketBuck & Rider

Offers fresh seafood and oyster bar mirroring White River's focus

Sisserou's Caribbean RestaurantThe Breadfruit & Rum Bar

Authentic Caribbean cuisine with a similar vibe

Antoinette Baking Co.Essence Bakery Café

Both are loved for their exquisite baked goods and pastries

El Rio VerdeBarrio Café

Both offer authentic, vibrant Latin American cuisine

Burn Co BarbecueLittle Miss BBQ

Both are destinations for smoked meats and a genuine barbecue experience

Andolini's PizzeriaPizzeria Bianco

Artisan pizzas that are a hit among locals and critics alike

Tally's Good Food CaféMatt's Big Breakfast

Iconic breakfast spots local to their city with a loyal following

Brookside By DayThe Henry

Both offer great brunch options and a cozy atmosphere

Polo GrillSteak 44

Upscale dining options known for their steak and elegant atmospheres

Exploring Phoenix's dining scene is an adventure waiting to happen, especially with places like Quiessence Restaurant and Little Miss BBQ. Quiessence captivates with its farm-to-table ethos, reminiscent of Juniper's commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. While those missing the down-home barbecue vibes of Tulsa's Burn Co will find solace in Little Miss BBQ’s smoked meats and inviting atmosphere. For those mornings when nothing but a hearty, familiar breakfast will do, Matt's Big Breakfast in Phoenix stands ready, mirroring the comfort and charm of Tally's Good Food Café. This journey through Phoenix's culinary landscape promises not just a taste of home, but the discovery of new favorites that might just become your local staples.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from Tulsa to Phoenix

When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes of your current and future cities is crucial. This comparison between Tulsa, OK, and Phoenix, AZ, focuses on housing—covering cost, architecture, lifestyle, and more—to assist in making an informed decision.

While both cities offer unique living experiences, the dramatic difference in median home prices and monthly rents reflect the warmer, more urban-focused lifestyle of Phoenix compared to Tulsa. Phoenix's emphasis on outdoor living and swimming pools in real estate listings ties into its hotter climate and residents' desire for year-round outdoor activities. Conversely, Tulsa's listings often highlight spacious yards and proximity to schools, catering to families prioritizing space and educational options. Despite similar walkability scores, Phoenix edges out with a slightly higher bikeability and urban lifestyle score, suggesting a more bicycle-friendly environment and vibrant city life. Understanding these key differences can help ensure your move aligns with your lifestyle preferences and financial considerations.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Phoenix, AZ

1. Midtown Phoenix: Known for its walkable streets and numerous pet-friendly patios, your furry friends will love the welcoming atmosphere and Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub for a bite where pets are happily seen on the patio.

2. Arcadia: This neighborhood is a paradise for pets with spacious backyards and close proximity to Camelback Mountain for adventurous walks and hikes, making it perfect for active dogs.

3. Roosevelt Row: This artsy district not only welcomes pets in many galleries and cafes but also hosts pet-centric events like the annual Phoestivus market, making it an incredibly fun and engaging community for pet lovers.

Weather Considerations for Moving from Tulsa to Phoenix

When considering a move from Tulsa, OK to Phoenix, AZ, comprehending the climatic changes is crucial. This comparison will highlight how the weather varies between these two cities, ensuring you're well-prepared for what lies ahead. Tulsa's and Phoenix's climates are significantly different, impacting lifestyle and daily routines.

Summer icon
93/73

Tulsa, OK

106/83

Phoenix, AZ

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
48/29

Tulsa, OK

67/46

Phoenix, AZ

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
41

Tulsa, OK

8

Phoenix, AZ

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
6

Tulsa, OK

0

Phoenix, AZ

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

In transitioning from Tulsa to Phoenix, you'll find yourself adapting to hotter summers and milder winters, a change that can significantly affect outdoor activities and energy consumption. Phoenix's significantly higher number of sunny days per year ensures more outdoor time but also demands increased attention to sun protection due to the higher UV index. The stark contrast in annual rainfall and humidity levels will also affect your day-to-day life, impacting everything from skin care routines to the frequency of watering gardens. Understanding these differences will help you adjust more smoothly to your new environment.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Tulsa to Phoenix

When planning a move from Tulsa, OK to Phoenix, AZ, understanding the differences in financial aspects is crucial. This comparison will shed light on how the cost of living, taxes, and economies of these two cities will affect your budget and lifestyle.

While moving from Tulsa to Phoenix, you'll note a higher cost of living index in Phoenix, reflecting pricier housing and living expenses. However, the state income tax is slightly lower in Arizona, which might offset some costs. Both cities have moderate affluence levels and notable industries, but Phoenix's significant homelessness rate stands out as a concern. The variance in average household income, property, and sales taxes between the two cities further illustrates the financial adaptation required when relocating.

Political & Religious Comparison between Tulsa, OK and Phoenix, AZ

This comparison between Tulsa & Phoenix offers a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities, helping you understand the community you're moving into.

TulsaPhoenix

Political Make-up

Conservative-leaningLiberal-leaning

Local Politics

Largely Republican influenceMix of Democratic and Republican influence

Religion

Christianity predominant, with several local churchesDiverse religious scene, including Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and others

Moving from Tulsa to Phoenix presents a shift in the political and religious landscape, reflective of the larger transition from a conservative to a more liberal-leaning environment. In Tulsa, the political scene is deeply rooted in Republican values, which is reflected in local governance and policies. The religious makeup in Tulsa is predominantly Christian, with numerous churches playing a significant role in community life. Phoenix, on the other hand, showcases a more diverse political and religious scene. The city's political environment encompasses a wider spectrum of political beliefs, often leading to a more balanced approach in local governance. Phoenix's religious landscape is notably diverse, offering a variety of places of worship for different faiths, creating an inclusive community for newcomers from all backgrounds.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from Tulsa to Phoenix

Moving from Tulsa, OK to Phoenix, AZ? This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Tulsa & Phoenix will help you better understand what to expect regarding your daily commute and overall traffic experience.

TulsaPhoenix
1825

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

36

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

46

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

ChallengingDifficult, but manageable

Can you get by without a car?

While Tulsa boasts a shorter average commute time and lower traffic congestion scores, Phoenix offers slightly better public transit options, potentially easing the burden of those without a car. However, it's important to note that living in either city without a car can be challenging, given the spread-out nature and reliance on personal vehicles for efficient transportation. In Phoenix, entities like Valley Metro do provide a range of public transport options, which might not be as pervasive in Tulsa's landscape.

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