Looking for Housing Near TU

[Nigerian]

Hello all,
I have been accepted for graduate studies at the University of Tulsa and will be starting my program by Aug (fall Semester), I will aprreciate information on housing off-campus as housing details for on-campus apartment seems expensive from what was sent to me by graduate school. I am a Nigerian and will be relocating to Tulsa with my Family (my wife and a kid) and would prefer a 2 bedroom (family oriented) apartment within walking distance of campus (open to other suggestions). I should be able to afford prices in the $500 to $600 range. Please be generous with any infomartion you can give, as I need all I can get to make an informed decision on what to settle for. I have googled up some infos and wouldnt mind apartment or accomodation around Cherry Hill and tulsa park. I hv no immediate plans of getting a car. so proximity to campus is of high priority to me (still open to suggestions). Thanks a million

[cannon_fodder]

Within walking distance of campus the only apartments are campus owned.  There are many houses nearby that are for rent, but unless there are duplexes or others I am not aware of they will exceed your stated budget.   If you are willing to take the bus or ride a bike, many more options will become available including Harvard Terrace and Westport.

I would also suggest scanning the threads on this forum looking for other discussions on this topic.  While I have no problem helping, you can gain a wealth of knowledge from people who have already asked this question.

From a fellow TU graduate, welcome to Tulsa.

Where do you live now?

[Nigerian]

Thank you so much for your response, I hav been refreshing this page and waiting for a response for abt 45minutes now and God did finally send you my way, I presently live far away in African (Lagos , Nigeria to be precise), I will scan for threads on the topic as you sugested, however, I will also appreciate any info and help you can render. dis you say, the houses near by will exceed my budget.. what ranges are they going for and how readily availbale is public transportation to and fro campus?
Regards

[RecycleMichael]

There is very inexpensive housing to the west of TU along sixth street. Some of it is dicey, but I have a friend who pays $325 a month for a small apartment and has quiet and good neighbors nearby. The place across the street is less than desirable, so be careful.

Welcome to Tulsa.

[Nigerian]

Thanks for your response, any particular suggestion west of TU. so i can google or call as I am continents away from Tulsa.

are these places within walking distance of campus?

[Miss Solemnis]

I know someone who owns two small houses near 13th & Columbia, which is just a few blocks from TU campus.  They're by no means anything high end, but I'm sure they're livable.  I happened to be in the area recently noticed one seemed to be empty and available for rent.  I don't have his phone number with me tonight, but can send you a private message with it tomorrow. 

[Nigerian]

Thanks a lot miss, I will wait for you to send the number and contact details across.

[cannon_fodder]

Will you and/or your wife be working also?

How much experience int he United State do you/she have?

How important is the perception of having a "safe" neighborhood?

What do you consider walking/biking distance?

The more information we have, the better suggestions we can make.
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I went to U of Tulsa for law school in the not-to-distant past, within 2 miles south of campus were in the $1000 - $1600 range.  At least the ones my friends were renting.  They are more expensive because it is considered a desirable location both in that it is near campus and because it is a nice old neighborhood.   In other parts of the city a 2 bedroom home could be had for $700.

The area just south of Campus would be the most desirable and the most expensive.   Just east of campus is considerably less expensive, but still nice. Immediately north of campus is still OK (I would have lived there with my family while going to school, some of my friends did), but if you get North of Interstate 244 (~.5 miles north of campus) the common perception is that it declines significantly. West of campus is indeed a bit sketchy.  It is low income housing - but for student families and other low income people.  While I have no indication that there is elevated crime there, I would not feel comfortable having my family live there.

Linked above are Google Street View images exemplifying each area.  I know Street View hasn't permeated all areas of the globe, but it is a great resource for checking out a neighborhood.   Just because I wouldn't feel comfortable in an area doesn't mean it is bad or unsafe or that you wouldn't/shouldn't feel comfortable there.
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As far as public transportation:

It is cumbersome but can get you where you need to go.  Routes are limited and there are time gaps between them, but if you live near the bus lines you can get most places you want to go. Including to and from campus.   Here is a map of Tulsa bus routes:
http://tulsatransit.org/maps-schedules/maps/

There is also Taxi services, but that is prohibitively expensive as a primary mode of transit.

Most people over the age of 18 in Tulsa have a car.  
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Finally, if you widen your area to bike distance you open up many apartment complexes that are less expensive.  
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Good luck in your hunt.  People here will be happy to answer your questions.