Senior Living Apartments in Tulsa, OK

Seniors typically pay for senior apartments by combining their own income with public assistance or benefits. While Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term insurance will not cover rental costs in senior apartments, other options can assist you with rental fees. Read on to learn more about housing assistance, veterans benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, and typical private pay methods.

Senior apartments typically follow standard apartment laws and regulations. This includes following the federal Fair Housing Act, which prevents Oklahoma landlords from discriminating against residents for their disability, race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

Read on to understand how regulations help protect your rights and allow you to live in a safe environment.

How do senior apartments differ from regular apartments?

Senior apartments set age requirements for residents. These requirements vary by apartment complex, but usually residents are required to be aged 55+ or 62+. However, you may be able to live with someone younger than you, as many landlords only require one tenant to meet the age requirement.

What are Oklahoma senior apartment requirements?

Oklahoma enforces strict apartment statutes to ensure landlords provide a safe, clean, and habitable living environment. Landlords must keep utilities like the following in good condition:^[04]

• Electrical
• Plumbing, like running hot and cold water
• Sanitation, such as trash removal
• Heating and air conditioning
• Ventilation and smoke detectors
• Outside areas

Storm shelters

Senior apartments aren’t required to have storm shelters. But, because Oklahoma is located in tornado alley, some apartment buildings may have storm shelters, rooms, or doors to help protect residents.^[05]

Since storms are common, you may experience flooding. Landlords must disclose any flooding from the last five years in your initial lease. If your landlord doesn’t disclose this information, they may be liable for any flood damage during your tenancy.^[04]

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance

Landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, according to the ADA. Below are some common examples of reasonable accommodations:

• Reserved accessible parking for persons with low mobility
• Ramps in entrances and exits for wheelchairs or walkers
• Grab bars in bathrooms

If such accommodations would create undue financial or administrative burden, the landlord may be exempted. Luckily, if an apartment complex was built after March 13, 1991 and has more than four units and an elevator, the facility is required to ensure the following accessible features:^[06]

• Accessible public common areas
• Doorways and hallways wide enough for wheelchairs
• Accessible routes through the units
• Reachable light switches, outlets, thermostats, and environmental controls
• Reinforced bathroom walls in case the installation of grab bars is needed
• Wheelchair-accessible kitchens and bathrooms

However, if an apartment complex doesn’t have an elevator, these features are only required in ground floor units.

One particularly helpful and common accommodation you can request is to live with a service or therapy animal — even if the apartment complex doesn’t allow pets. Your landlord may request proof of your need for the animal, which seniors can easily request from a doctor or therapist.^[04]

For additional information, review this helpful resource guide to housing for people with disabilities in Oklahoma.

What does Oklahoma require of tenants and landlords?

Like landlords, tenants must abide by their own requirements, including maintaining the unit and safely using utilities. If you, a visitor, or your pet damages a rental property, a landlord can bill you for repairs or even terminate your rental agreement.

That said, as a renter, you do have rights. You have options if your landlord doesn’t provide livable conditions or fails to make essential repairs to your unit. If you repair issues in your unit yourself, you may be able to deduct the cost from your rent or bill your landlord. If you’re unable to cover the costs of essential repairs and your landlord has failed to make them, you may be able to terminate your lease.^[04]

If issues like those listed below are not addressed, you may have the right to bill your landlord or terminate your lease:

• You have no running or hot water.
• Your air conditioner has stopped working.
• There’s mold in or near the unit.
• There’s a pest infestation.

You must give your landlord several written notices and give them plenty of time and opportunity to address it. Keep a copy for yourself, and give the landlord a reasonable chance to respond and make repairs. It’s important to seek advice from your local housing association or an attorney before you move forward independently. This will help ensure a positive outcome.

Review the Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and take advantage of the Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. — a nonprofit offering legal advice to low-income individuals throughout the state. Find Tulsa County’s Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. office in your area with their law office search page.

COVID-19 regulations for Tulsa senior apartments

Oklahoma doesn’t enforce any COVID-19 restrictions since the governor terminated the public health emergency in May 2021.^[07] However, it’s still important to ask your prospective apartment complex whether they have any safety measures or restrictions.

The Oklahoma Department of Health (OSDH) still recommends following current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for the general public. For further information, visit the City of Tulsa COVID-19 resource page.

Between budget-friendly options and senior apartments with comfortable amenities, you’ll be able to find something that fits your preferences in Tulsa. Here, we dive into Tulsa’s different senior apartment options and what you can expect from your future senior living community.

Comfortable senior apartment amenities and services

Tulsa’s senior apartment options offer senior-focused amenities and comfortable living spaces for independent seniors. These apartments provide many of the same amenities as independent living communities, with more budget-friendly layouts and limited services. Even still, you can expect the following from senior apartment communities in Tulsa:

• Swimming pools
• Fitness centers
• Picnic areas with grills
• Libraries
• Business centers
• Clubhouses and lounges
• Game rooms

Most senior apartments in Tulsa have 24-hour emergency maintenance and on-site management. Some senior apartments also provide access to extravagant comforts like on-site beauty salons, housekeeping, and concierge or transportation services. However, this isn’t commonly seen across all senior apartment options in Tulsa. This is more common in Tulsa independent living communities.

Note: If you have a larger budget and are looking for even more conveniences, services, and amenities, you may benefit from our guide to independent living in Tulsa.

Senior apartment in-unit features

Most senior apartment units in Tulsa have similar features and layouts. For example, many Tulsa senior apartments offer one- or two-bedroom options. Apartment sizes can vary depending on the complex. Some Tulsa senior apartment buildings also offer townhome or duplex options if you want extra space. Either way, senior apartment units in Tulsa typically include the following layout features:

• Controlled access
• Carpeting
• Full kitchens with dishwashers
• Private patios or balconies
• In-unit washers/dryers or connections available
• Wheelchair-accessible options

Some units also include add-on features like ceiling fans, extra storage space, open floor plans, and walk-in closets. Additionally, most senior apartments are pet-friendly, but it’s important to ask about pet policies, charges, and breed or size restrictions to ensure your pet will be allowed.

Affordable senior apartments in Tulsa

Many senior apartments in Tulsa are affordable through Section 8 (or HCV) income-based rent. These apartments usually base the monthly cost on 30% of your income. These apartments are more affordable while still including amenities common to other senior apartments in Tulsa. Like standard senior apartments, affordable options are typically one- or two-bedroom units. You can still expect to find features like the following in Tulsa’s budget-friendly senior apartment communities:

• Outdoor and indoor common areas for socializing
• Controlled access/security systems
• Senior-specific services, like transportation access

Many affordable senior apartment options also offer in-unit washer and dryer connections, which may cost extra. Low-income senior apartments in Tulsa typically staff on-site maintenance and management.

Note: While minimum age requirements vary depending on the apartment complex, affordable senior apartments in Tulsa commonly require residents to be age 62+.

LIFE Senior Services apartments

LIFE Senior Services is a nonprofit United Way organization helping the aging population in various parts of Oklahoma. They offer several beneficial services including senior living options, adult day health cares, senior centers, and more. LIFE Senior Services is home to seven senior apartment options in Tulsa and two in the nearby suburb, Broken Arrow. LIFE apartments are specifically for low-income seniors who fall under 60% of the area’s median income.

Apartment features are similar to other affordable communities, with some additional features, such as offering units exclusively for seniors aged 55 and older. Additionally, many of these locations also serve as senior nutrition sites, where seniors can enjoy meals with other residents and locals. They’re also often located near public transit stops or offer limited transportation services, enabling residents to run errands or attend doctors’ appointments.

Tulsa senior apartments’ neighborhoods

While neighborhood features depend on the senior apartment location, many buildings have similar nearby attributes.

For instance, since Oklahoma lies firmly in the Bible Belt, Tulsa features a church on nearly every corner. As such, most senior apartments in Tulsa are near a church or two. In addition to places of worship, most apartment communities rest within driving distance of various city amenities, like the following:

• Health care systems: These could be prominent hospitals or nearby medical clinics.
• Outdoor areas: Since Tulsa is home to many outdoor areas, several senior apartments rest near outdoor areas ranging from parks to golf courses.
• Dining options: Restaurants near senior apartments could be local diners, trendy restaurants, or well-known chains.
• Shopping centers: Shopping centers near senior apartments typically include at least one major chain, like Walmart, or a local grocery center.
• Public transit stops: Some senior apartments are along Tulsa Transits fixed routes offering convenience to seniors needing a ride.

Health care for seniors in Tulsa

You’ll be able to find top-notch care in Tulsa, as it houses some of the highest-ranked hospitals in Oklahoma. Below are two of the well-known area hospitals, both rated the best in the state.

Transportation for seniors in Tulsa

Most residents in Tulsa use their own means of transportation or carpool to get around the area. Most apartments have parking options, which may include carports or garages to help protect your vehicle from potential storm damage. Additionally, some senior apartment options offer on-site transportation services. However, such services may cost extra depending on the community.

If you don’t have your own vehicle or access to transportation services, Tulsa may be more difficult to get around. Despite being such a large city, it has limited public transportation options. We’ve outlined a few Tulsa Transit options below:

• Fixed Routes: Tulsa Transit travels along many different fixed routes, from Downtown Tulsa into the surrounding suburbs. Outside standard hours, Tulsa Transit also offers Nightline and Sunday Service for weekends and late nights.
• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): BRT runs more often than other Tulsa Transit systems, with buses available every 20-30 minutes daily.
• Micro Transit Pilot Program: This program is available on an app, with stops available along a fixed route in northwest and northeast Tulsa.
• Lift Paratransit: Tulsa Transit’s ADA-paratransit service helps individuals with disabilities who can’t use other forms of public transportation.
• Connectors: Jenks Connector, Broken Arrow Connector, and Turley Connector are all bus routes that travel between commonly needed destinations, like stores and the Tulsa Health Department.

Note: Check for any senior discounts with each Tulsa Transit system.

Other transportation options — trails, rails, bike lanes, etc. — can be found through the City of Tulsa transportation webpage. Below is Tulsa’s Walk Score rankings, each out of 100, for ease of navigating the city by walking, transit, or biking.^[09]

Senior activities in Tulsa

Tulsa is home to rich history, artsy activities, and fantastic community. Whether you’re looking for local history or a live performance, there are countless activities scattered throughout the city. Below are a few of the endless opportunities to enjoy yourself in Tulsa. You can also learn more about Tulsa through the Travel Oklahoma Tulsa or the Visit Tulsa webpages.

Senior centers

A handful of senior centers currently call Tulsa home. Two of the senior centers are operated through LIFE Senior Services. These centers help seniors stay active, find care services, and meet people of a similar age. They’re open daily, with monthly activity schedules including pastimes below:

• Pickleball, yoga, tai chi, walking, basketball, and dancing
• Classes to inspire, like art or writing
• Knitting sessions
• Musical instrument lessons
• Luncheons to engage with other seniors
• Bingo games

Senior centers go beyond simply providing activities. They help seniors access services, such as the following:

• Visiting nurse associations
• Hearing and vision screenings
• Defensive driving lessons
• Computer lessons
• Foot care services

Tulsa Arts District and art museums

Tulsa Arts District is home to a multitude of businesses, restaurants, and art galleries. In addition to nearly 20 local art galleries, the district hosts art crawls on the first Friday of every month. Art crawls feature art and performances, as well as local galleries, studios, and museums.

Tulsa is celebrated for its numerous art museums, including but not limited to the following:

• Philbrook Museum of Art is a well-known art museum in Tulsa with 25 acres of lovely gardens around a historic home.
• Tomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art — or the Gilcrease Museum — is a Tulsa staple recognizing Indigenous cultures and housing countless art artifacts.
• The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art preserves Jewish culture with informational exhibits and educational programs, from The Sanditen/Kaiser Holocaust Center to the Jewish Life and Culture exhibition.
• DECOPOLIS Tulsa Art Deco Museum highlights what Tulsa is known for with art deco exhibits in a historic building.

Historic museums and landmarks

Tulsa goes beyond its artsy culture by adding countless museums throughout the area. Below are two of the most popular historic museums in the area:

• Tulsa Historical Society and Museum: Located in a historic building, this well-known museum encapsulates Tulsa’s history, from Route 66 to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
• Route 66 Historical Village: This outdoor museum showcases Tulsa’s history in preserved transportation systems, from trains to oil and gas pipelines.

In Tulsa, you can also find landmarks signifying moments in history, from the large Golden Driller monument to the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park.

Tulsa is prominently known for its Native American heritage and role in African American history. Tulsa celebrates being a prominent fixture in African American history at the informational Greenwood Cultural Center. While Tulsa doesn’t have any cultural centers for Native Americans, Oklahoma dedicates part of their website to information about Oklahoma Native American tribes, since it’s such a prominent population in the state.

Performing arts and music venues

You’ll be able to find endless entertainment in Tulsa thanks to its countless performing arts centers and music venues. Some of the popular Tulsa performing arts centers include the following:

• Tulsa Performing Arts Center
• Tulsa Ballet
• Tulsa Opera
• Tulsa Symphony

As the birthplace of many musicians, Tulsa houses many music venues, like the popular Tulsa Theater and BOK Center.

Sports teams

Tulsa locals fiercely support their professional sports teams.

• FC Tulsa is Oklahoma’s professional soccer club that plays in the USL Championship as a second-division team. The ONEOK Field, where FC Tulsa plays, has $1 beer nights on certain Fridays during the soccer session.
• Tulsa Drillers is Tulsa’s minor league baseball team that plays at ONEOK Field, where you can find some unique concessions, from hand-made sausages to several brewery bars.
• Tulsa Oilers is Tulsa’s midlevel professional ice hockey team, a part of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). Depending on your budget and love for hockey, the team offers season or single game tickets.
• Tulsa Oilers Football is the local professional Indoor Football League (IFL) team. If you don’t know the differences between IFL and NFL, the Tulsa Oilers Football website created a guide to indoor football.

Meat lovers and beer drinkers’ paradise

Whether you’re looking for a juicy steak, smoked barbeque, or rich beer, Tulsa restaurants and breweries are full of delicious flavors. Outside of Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma is full of farmlands known for their abundant cattle ranching. With locally sourced meats so close to home, there is an overarching popularity of steakhouses in Tulsa. Despite Oklahoma being a land-locked state, many of these steakhouses also offer seafood dishes making seafood extremely popular across the city.

It’s customary to try local barbeque joints in any Southern state, and Oklahoma’s don’t disappoint. Tulsa tops off the experience with fun nightlife options, including local breweries. From traditional IPAs to unique stouts, every beer lover can find something to enjoy.

Outdoor activities

Even though Tulsa is a large metropolis, the city doesn’t lack outdoor areas. In fact, the city maintains many outdoor areas:

• Tulsa Zoo: The local 84-acre zoo has various exhibits, from a rainforest to a conservation center.
• Tulsa Botanical Garden: The local 170-acre botanical garden circles around a 7-acre lake and has many different exhibits, from beautiful plant displays to an upcoming lotus pool that’s expected to be completed in 2023.
• Tulsa parks and outdoor recreation: Tulsa has countless parks, where locals enjoy various activities, such as biking, boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or picnicking.