Every city has its rough edges. Tulsa, Oklahoma is no exception, despite its reputation for friendly people, affordable living, and a growing cultural scene that draws newcomers every year.
But here’s what travel guides and relocation websites won’t always tell you. Some neighborhoods and areas carry higher risks than others, whether we’re talking about property crime, safety concerns after dark, or simply places where your experience might fall short of what you’d hoped for.
Knowing where to exercise caution isn’t about fear-mongering. It’s about making informed choices that protect you, your family, and your investment in this city.
Places to Avoid in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Whether you’re considering a move to Tulsa or planning a visit, understanding the areas that pose challenges can help you make smarter decisions about where to spend your time and money. Here’s what you need to know about the spots that deserve extra caution.
1. North Tulsa (Specifically Areas Near 36th Street North and North Peoria Avenue)
North Tulsa has a complicated history. This part of the city carries the weight of decades-long disinvestment, and certain pockets still struggle with the aftermath. The area around 36th Street North and North Peoria Avenue sees elevated property crime rates compared to the city average.
You’ll find higher incidents of theft, burglary, and vehicle break-ins here. Local police data shows this area consistently ranks among the top zones for reported property crimes. Walking around after dark brings additional risks that most residents readily acknowledge.
That said, North Tulsa isn’t uniformly dangerous. The Greenwood District, historically known as Black Wall Street, has seen revitalization efforts and cultural investment. But if you’re looking at housing or hotels in this broader region, do your homework on the specific street and block. A few blocks can make a significant difference in your daily safety and quality of life.
3. The Area Surrounding 11th Street Between Peoria and Utica
This stretch has earned a reputation over the years, and not a good one. You’ll encounter a mix of rundown motels, establishments that attract transient populations, and higher-than-average rates of drug-related activity.
The motels along this corridor often serve as temporary housing for people experiencing instability. While that’s not inherently dangerous, it does correlate with increased police calls and incidents. Vehicle theft and break-ins happen frequently in parking lots here.
If you’re traveling on a budget, you might see cheap nightly rates advertised for properties in this zone. Save yourself the headache and potential safety risk. Spend a bit more for accommodation in Brookside, Cherry Street, or near the Arts District. Your peace of mind is worth the extra forty or fifty dollars per night.
2. East 11th Street and South Memorial Drive Area
East 11th Street near South Memorial Drive presents challenges you won’t see in glossier parts of Tulsa. This area sees its fair share of violent crime, with robbery and assault statistics trending higher than the city average.
Several factors contribute to this. The area has lower-income housing, limited economic opportunity, and establishments that have historically attracted trouble. Gang activity has been documented here, though it’s not as pervasive as in some larger cities.
If you’re driving through, keep your doors locked and windows up. Don’t stop for gas late at night if you can avoid it. And if you’re considering moving to this part of town because rent seems affordable, factor in the hidden costs of potential theft, higher insurance premiums, and the stress of living in a higher-risk environment.
4. Parts of West Tulsa (Particularly Areas West of the Arkansas River Near Southwest Boulevard)
West Tulsa doesn’t get the attention that other parts of the city receive, and for many blocks, that’s fine. But certain sections, especially near Southwest Boulevard and areas west of the Arkansas River, face ongoing challenges with property crime and general neglect.
These neighborhoods often feel isolated from the rest of Tulsa. The infrastructure shows its age, and economic development has largely passed these streets by. You’ll notice homes in varying states of disrepair, and abandoned properties that become magnets for illegal activity.
Crime statistics reveal higher rates of burglary and theft. Car prowlers operate regularly here, and residents report feeling unsafe walking in their own neighborhoods after sunset. Before committing to a lease or purchase in West Tulsa, visit the specific area multiple times at different hours. What looks acceptable in midday light might feel entirely different at 10 PM.
5. Downtown Tulsa After Business Hours (Specific Blocks Away from Main Entertainment Zones)
Downtown Tulsa has undergone significant revitalization. The Blue Dome District, East Village, and areas around ONEOK Field offer excellent dining, entertainment, and nightlife. But step a few blocks outside these revitalized zones after business hours, and the atmosphere changes.
Parking garages in less-trafficked areas become targets for theft and occasional muggings. Streets that bustle with office workers during the day turn eerily quiet at night, creating opportunities for crime. The lack of foot traffic means fewer witnesses and slower response times if something happens.
Stick to well-lit, populated areas if you’re out late downtown. Park in the attended lots or garages near restaurants and venues. And if something feels off about a particular street or parking situation, trust that instinct. The convenience of a closer parking spot isn’t worth the risk.
6. The Apache Street and Admiral Boulevard Corridor
This area in north-central Tulsa carries a reputation locals know well. The corridor along Apache Street and Admiral Boulevard has struggled with crime for years, despite various community intervention efforts.
Drug activity remains a persistent problem here. You’ll see it in the loitering, the condition of certain properties, and the police presence. Property crimes, especially theft and burglary, occur at rates well above the city average.
Families living here face challenges that shouldn’t exist in any neighborhood. Kids can’t always play outside safely, packages get stolen from porches regularly, and residents think twice before leaving anything valuable in their cars overnight. These aren’t abstract statistics. They’re daily realities that affect quality of life in measurable ways.
7. The Pine Street Area Between Admiral and Pine
This compact area punches above its weight in terms of problems. The blocks around Pine Street between Admiral and Pine have seen gang-related activity, higher violent crime rates, and ongoing issues with property crime that affect both residents and anyone passing through.
Local law enforcement has conducted multiple operations here over the years, targeting drug distribution and gang activity. While these efforts have helped, the underlying issues persist. Poverty, lack of opportunity, and generational challenges don’t disappear overnight.
If your GPS routes you through here, follow it and keep moving. Don’t explore on foot, don’t pull over to check your phone, and don’t park and wander. The risk simply isn’t worth whatever brought you to this area.
8. Certain Stretches of South Sheridan Road
South Sheridan Road runs for miles, and most of it is perfectly fine. But certain stretches, particularly in the southern portions approaching the city limits, have developed reputations for attracting trouble.
You’ll find a mix of businesses here, but some establishments have histories of incidents. Bar fights, parking lot altercations, and theft from vehicles happen with concerning regularity at specific locations along this road.
The challenge with Sheridan Road is its length and variability. What’s safe at one mile marker might be questionable two miles down. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, err on the side of caution. Choose well-reviewed businesses in well-lit areas, and don’t linger in parking lots after dark.
9. Parts of East Tulsa Near 21st Street and Garnett Road
East Tulsa is massive and diverse. Much of it offers solid middle-class living. But areas near 21st Street and Garnett Road face challenges that prospective residents and visitors should understand.
Property crime rates here exceed city averages. Vehicle thefts and break-ins occur regularly. Some apartment complexes in this zone have documented security issues, with inadequate lighting, broken gates, and limited management response to resident concerns.
Before signing a lease at any complex in this area, visit the property multiple times. Talk to current residents if possible, check online reviews carefully, and pay attention to security features. Gated doesn’t mean safe if the gate hasn’t worked in six months. Well-lit parking doesn’t help if half the lights are burned out.
10. The Area Around 41st and Sheridan (Specific Blocks)
This area presents a mixed bag. Some blocks are perfectly fine, while others carry risks you shouldn’t ignore. The variability makes it tricky, but crime data points to elevated property crime rates in specific pockets around 41st and Sheridan.
Retail theft from stores in this area happens frequently. Car break-ins in shopping center parking lots are common enough that residents know not to leave anything visible in their vehicles. Even something as simple as a charging cable can tempt someone to smash a window.
The transient nature of retail areas contributes to this. High traffic means anonymity for those looking to commit quick crimes. If you’re shopping here, take basic precautions: park near entrances, shop during daylight hours when possible, and never leave valuables in your car, even in the trunk.
Wrapping Up
Tulsa has incredible neighborhoods full of character, community, and opportunity. But pretending every corner of the city is equally safe does nobody any favors.
Your safety matters. Your quality of life matters. Research specific streets, visit areas at different times of day, and talk to people who actually live there before making housing decisions. Crime statistics are available through local police department websites and neighborhood watch groups. Use them.
Tulsa can be a great place to call home, but like anywhere else, it requires informed choices about where you spend your time and money.
