“When I first heard about Tulsa, I was a senior at Syracuse University trying to decide where I wanted to 1) start my professional life, and 2) spend my golden years, the early 20s. At the time, I was juggling between moving to a small city in a region of the country I’ve never been to, or New York City, where virtually 90% of my college friends had flocked.
I chose Tulsa.

My brother had been in Tulsa for a few years when I decided to start giving the idea serious thought. As the founder of a nonprofit in town, he would constantly tell me of how supportive the community was (both Jewish and not), and how it is possible for you to touch any interests because everyone is so willing and interested to help you succeed. I thought to myself, ‘I could give Tulsa a try, and worst-case scenario, I can look back and say I lived in Oklahoma for a year.’

I’ll be celebrating my 2 years in Tulsa in 3 months.
It turns out, best case scenario happened. And now, Tulsa feels more like home than anywhere before (Hi, Mom). I have an amazing group of friends that feel like family, a Jewish community that is motivating and willing to support me in anything that I do, and a home.”

“What I enjoyed most about the Tulsa Tomorrow weekend was experiencing the community here in Tulsa. As someone who grew up here and is now returning, it is really cool to see how the young Jewish community is continuing to grow. The weekend was organized so well, and I felt like it showcased what Tulsa has to offer in terms of things to do, networking, community, and Jewish life.”

“Learning about the Jewish community through Tulsa Tomorrow was the icing on the cake that convinced me Tulsa was going to be my next home. The Tulsa Tomorrow program opened my eyes to the vibrant, welcoming, friendly, engaging, and beautiful Jewish community that exists in Tulsa. It introduced me to amazing people who were instrumental in helping me transition to a new city, and who have become quick friends. I feel so grateful for Tulsa Tomorrow and the community of people it has brought into my life.”

“Honestly, when we visited Tulsa the first time we had zero intention of leaving Chicago. We own our home, we love our friends, and we love the city. But our friend enticed us with a subsidized trip to Tulsa through Tulsa Tomorrow, and we were both looking for jobs so we figured, why not go visit? However, we were so surprised by the community and the energy we found in Tulsa; I think by the time we saw the Gathering Place our second day in Tulsa, we were starting to imagine what our lives would be like as Tulsans. It wasn’t until someone said the magic words that I really got hooked: ‘Tulsa could really use someone like you here.’ I don’t know what that says about me, I guess I like to feel needed, but who doesn’t? After our second trip to Tulsa 3 weeks later, we began to see the various organizations in Tulsa working toward the same goal of making Tulsa a great,
inclusive city.

This is a unique time in Tulsa’s history because some of the high profile efforts such as the Gathering Place and the Arts District are beginning to take off just as the city is approaching the centennial of its darkest chapter, the Greenwood Race Massacre. This is the city’s opportunity to provide healing and reconciliation at a time when our nation needs it the most, and I believe all eyes will be on Tulsa in the months leading up to May 31, 2021. We ultimately decided to move to Tulsa not just because of the welcoming community or rich environment in which to raise our daughter—we could find those elsewhere in the country—but because we wanted to lend our voices to the efforts to properly recognize the wounds that still remain from the massacre, in hopes that Tulsa can be an example to the country of how to heal these divisions.

I’ve spent the last month splitting my time between Chicago and Tulsa and I could not be more excited for the possibilities that await us here. We have been welcomed so warmly, and there are seemingly boundless opportunities for us to be involved in our community, for personal growth, and entertainment. The only thing I’m short on is hours in the day and sleep!”

“Tulsa Tomorrow was my doorway to Tulsa! This city was nowhere near my radar until a friend (and former Tulsa Tomorrow participant) posted about it on Facebook. I had been in NYC for 7+ years at the time and was very much still enjoying it, but since I can work from anywhere, I was also starting to think about options for a more low-key homebase. I started fantasizing about something with the same quirky community vibe as my hometown (I grew up in rural New Mexico), but with some urbanite culture and accessibility to the major hubs. It turns out I was dreaming of Tulsa, Oklahoma and didn’t even know it! My very first time in Tulsa was through a Tulsa Tomorrow sponsored trip, and in just two days, I completely fell in love with the town and the people. I absolutely attribute that to the Tulsa Tomorrow community, which feels like a family — they knew exactly where to take us, who to introduce us to, and what activities to plan. It was important to me to know that an entrepreneurial, big-city spirit existed in Tulsa and after spending time with the Tulsa Tomorrow crew, it was definitely clear to me that it did. I’m beyond grateful to Tulsa Tomorrow for hosting me and inspiring me to make this life-changing move.”

“I came to Tulsa for the first time in September 2017 via Tulsa Tomorrow. I found the city to be one on the rise, with a small but welcoming Jewish Community. Over the next few months, I returned several times, before ultimately moving in the Winter of 2018. My girlfriend (soon to be fiancé, and now wife) joined me later in the year, and together, we moved to Tulsa to start our lives together!
Neither of us ever expected to end up in Tulsa. Especially with me, growing up in Los Angeles, and living in NYC, and my wife, Romi, growing up in Argentina, and living in Tel Aviv. But we have both found ourselves not just enjoying living here, but very grateful to be part of a community so involved in engaging itself and looking to improve not just the Jewish community, but the city as a whole.
Two years later, we now live in a modest home, with a pool and a yard. We have a puppy (Osita), a great group of friends, and our family has moved here as well (my father and cousin). Tulsa definitely feels like home, and we recommend it to any young couple looking at starting a life together.
Come visit—we would love to have you over for Shabbat!”