On the Rise: Broken Arrow, OK

In Oklahoma's northeastern corner lies Broken Arrow, a roughly 63 square mile community that that has rapidly expanded in recent decades from a population of around 75,000 people in 2000 to an estimated population almost 120,000 residents in 2022. This exponential population growth has resulted in Broken Arrow becoming the state's fourth largest city behind only Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Norman, the latter being another of Oklahoma's fastest growing cities as well as the home of the University of Oklahoma. There are several reasons for Broken Arrow's explosive growth and we will dive into them below.

While Broken Arrow has many draws as a community, some of the top ones are certainly its quality schools and low living costs. According to Niche, Broken Arrow's school district is ranked sixth in the Tulsa area and has received an overall grade of A- from the site's users. Combine those factors with a cost of living 12% lower than the national average, a median home price of $298,000 compared to $420,000 nationally, and a high safety rating according to MoneyGeek, and it's easy to see Broken Arrow's appeal. What's more, the community is within 20 minutes of both downtown Tulsa and Tulsa International Airport which offers flights to major hubs like Atlanta, Denver, and Chicago on several different airlines like Southwest, United, and American.

Residents are also able to take advantage of the city's location in Oklahoma's Green Country, a region of the state characterized by lakes, rolling hills, and foliage. Opportunities to explore this unique part of the Sooner State include Ray Harral Nature Center and Park, a 40-acre facility offering three miles of trails of varying degrees of difficulty that feature a a suspension bridge, a pollinator garden, and a natural spring system. The community also features a 9.5-mile greenway called the Liberty Parkway Trail which links Northeastern State University's Broken Arrow campus with the city's western neighborhoods.

The residents of this Tulsa suburb will likely mention Broken Arrow's thriving arts scene and wide range of community events, as well. The Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, a expansive, modern facility that opened its doors in 2009, hosts concerts, solo performers, and even productions by students of Broken Arrow Public Schools. Additionally, the Broken Arrow Community Playhouse, located south of the arts center, is a 250-seat space that, along with putting on a variety of stage productions throughout the year, offers the area's children the opportunity to hone their acting skills during its summer camp. Annual events in Broken Arrow include most prominently Rooster Days which bills itself as the oldest festival in Oklahoma and which boasts carnival rides, food trucks, foot races, and over 100 vendors selling an assortment of handmade items. The city also hosts a weekly farmers market that offers products from over 50 vendors from April to September in Broken Arrow's Rose District, a revitalized portion of the community's downtown that offers a plethora of dining and shopping options.

Are you a resident of this growing Oklahoma city or are you considering a move there? What, for you, is Broken Arrow's biggest draw?

If you are interested in learning more about Broken Arrow and the broader Tulsa metropolitan area, I'd recommend these resources: Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation , City of Broken Arrow , Wagoner County , Tulsa County , Tulsa Regional Chamber , Tulsa's Future