Surrounding Areas of Tulsa, OK
Charming Small Towns, Scenic Lakes, And More Room To Breathe
The Tulsa metro’s surrounding communities — including Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Claremore, Catoosa, Glenpool, Coweta, Skiatook, Bartlesville, Tahlequah, and the Grand Lake area — offer a quieter alternative to the core suburbs.
Here you’ll find more space, lower price points, small-town charm, and easy access to lakes, parks, and open countryside, all within a reasonable drive of Tulsa’s major job centers.
Community Snapshot
Population
Part of the Tulsa Metro’s 1,059,803 residents, these towns make up much of the area’s outer-metro growth as buyers seek more space and a quieter pace.
Home Prices
More affordable than the core suburbs, with many towns seeing median home values in the low–mid $200s.
• Sand Springs: ~$229K
• Claremore: ~$256K
• Glenpool: ~$250K
Price/SQFT
Lower cost per square foot than Tulsa, Jenks, Bixby, or Owasso, often with larger lots or acreage for the price.
Commute
Typically 20–35 minutes to Downtown Tulsa depending on location and highways; car-dependent but routes are simple and direct.
Vibe
Laid-back, small-town feel with strong local identity, community events, and a slower, more relaxed pace.
Known For
Easy lake access, historic downtowns, Route 66 charm, the Hard Rock Casino in Catoosa, and regional hubs like Bartlesville and Tahlequah.
What It’s Like to Live in the surrounding areas
The surrounding communities of the Tulsa metro are ideal for anyone who wants a little more elbow room without giving up access to city amenities.
Life here feels more relaxed and neighborly. You’ll see Friday night lights at the high school stadium, local diners that know their regulars by name, and town festivals that bring everyone together on Main Street.
Many buyers choose Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Claremore, Glenpool, Coweta, and Skiatook for their blend of affordability and space, while Bartlesville, Tahlequah, and the Grand Lake area attract those who want a stronger connection to nature, lakes, and rolling countryside.
These communities are especially appealing if you work in Tulsa but prefer to live somewhere quieter and more rural in feel.
Real Estate Snapshot
Real estate in the surrounding areas is generally more affordable and less competitive than the core suburbs, with a wide range of options from established in-town neighborhoods to newer subdivisions and homes on acreage.
Average Home Price: low to mid $200,000 depending on location and condition
Styles You’ll See:
Older established homes and classic ranch-style properties
Modest new-construction subdivisions with modern finishes
Homes on larger lots or small acreage, especially toward Coweta, Skiatook, and the outer edges of the metro
Lake-area cabins, second homes, and weekend properties near Skiatook Lake and Grand Lake
Buyers who want more space for their budget, are comfortable with a slightly longer commute, or are looking for a small-town setting with access to lakes, trails, and open land.
Commute & Getting Around
Commuting from the surrounding areas is very highway-driven and varies by town, but overall is still manageable for most daily schedules.
Main Highways:
I-44 and US-412 connecting communities like Sapulpa and Sand Springs to Tulsa
US-169, US-75, and the Creek Turnpike tying Glenpool, Coweta, and Catoosa into the broader metro
Regional highways leading toward Bartlesville, Tahlequah, and Grand Lake
Typical Drive Times to Downtown Tulsa:
Approximately 20–30 minutes from Sand Springs, Glenpool, Catoosa, and parts of Sapulpa
Approximately 30–35+ minutes from Claremore, Coweta, Skiatook, Bartlesville, Tahlequah, and the Grand Lake area
While commutes are straightforward, they are car-dependent and can feel longer than the inner suburbs, especially during peak hours or in bad weather.
Community Vibe & Lifestyle
Each town has its own personality, but overall, the surrounding areas share a few common threads: strong civic pride, active school and youth-sports culture, and a calendar full of hometown events.
You'll find:
Historic downtowns with local shops, mural art, and mom-and-pop restaurants in places like Sapulpa, Sand Springs, and Claremore
Lake-life living and weekend recreational culture around Skiatook Lake, Keystone Lake, and the Grand Lake area
Small-town festivals and parades, from Route 66 celebrations in Sapulpa to local bluegrass, chili, and holiday events throughout the region
A generally slower pace of life, where neighbors know each other and community involvement is a big part of daily living
For many residents, the lifestyle is about trade-offs: a longer drive in exchange for more space, quieter streets, and a tight-knit community.
Schools Overview
Each surrounding community operates its own independent school district, such as Sand Springs Public Schools, Sapulpa Public Schools, Claremore Public Schools, Coweta Public Schools, and others.
While ratings vary by district and campus, these schools are often valued for:
Smaller, more personal learning environments than the largest Tulsa-area districts
Strong community involvement and local support for academics and activities
Career and vocational programs that serve students who want hands-on training and trades
Active athletics, band, and FFA programs that play a central role in town identity
For families, it is common to compare specific schools and programs in each district to find the best fit for their students.
local favorites & things to do
From lakes and trails to historic main streets and casinos, the surrounding areas offer plenty to explore close to home.
Skiatook Lake & Keystone Lake: Boating, fishing, camping, and waterfront recreation
Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees: Popular for weekend getaways, lake homes, and water activities
Historic Downtowns: Shops, murals, and local restaurants in communities like Sapulpa, Sand Springs, Claremore, Coweta, and Bartlesville
Festivals & Events:
Bluegrass & Chili Festival in Claremore
Route 66 and Main Street events in Sapulpa
Seasonal parades, farmers markets, and town celebrations throughout the region
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Catoosa): Major entertainment destination with concerts, dining, and gaming
Economic & Job Landscape
Local economies in these communities are built around a mix of manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, education, and retail. Many residents commute into Tulsa, Broken Arrow, or the industrial corridor around the Tulsa Port of Catoosa, but there are meaningful local employers as well.
Port of Catoosa (Catoosa): A major inland port and industrial hub that supports logistics, shipping, and manufacturing jobs
Local services and small businesses: Retail, restaurants, auto services, and professional offices that keep each town self-sustaining
Education and healthcare: School districts and regional medical centers are often among the largest local employers
Tourism and recreation: Lake areas, casinos, and historic downtowns draw visitors and support hospitality jobs
Overall, these communities offer a good balance of local opportunity and access to larger job markets in Tulsa and the surrounding core suburbs.
The surrounding areas of the Tulsa metro — from Sand Springs and Sapulpa to Claremore, Coweta, Catoosa, Skiatook, Bartlesville, Tahlequah, and the Grand Lake communities — are a great fit if you want more space, more affordability, and a stronger small-town feel.
With home prices that are often lower than the core suburbs, opportunities for acreage and lake access, and independent school districts with deep community roots, these towns offer a different kind of Tulsa-area lifestyle.
You still have access to the city for work, healthcare, and entertainment, while coming home to quieter streets, starry skies, and neighbors who feel like family.
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