Housing Information

“Spread far and wide. Don’t think you’ve exhausted your options just because you’ve previewed every option on Craigslist or Zillow. Be rigorous when doing research on areas/prices, and know from the start that renting a house tends to be cheaper than renting an apartment.”

“Gas is cheap; get a good apartment that is farther out rather than a bad apartment that is close.”

“Find out all of the facts about your apartment complex and community before signing a lease. Ask lots of questions, they want your money, so it’s your right to do so.”

“Take your time and call around.”

“Always ask if there’s a discounted price for AmeriCorps members. Even if there are not officially, some landlords will be accommodating. We got half off our first month’s rent.”

“Look at heat maps of crime in Tulsa when looking for the safest neighborhood to live in.”“Keep in mind that low rent may not include utilities-factor that into your budget!”

“Either take over an existing place where AmeriCorps Members live, or come visit Tulsa for several days, drive around and pick out available houses or apartments”

“Live where current AmeriCorps Members live.”“It is a big hassle having to go to a laundromat. Live somewhere that has machines in the vicinity.”

City Year Tulsa has partnerships with many community partners who offer housing. While the housing benefits listed below are NOT managed by City Year, this section provides information on the existing partnerships we have.

Other partnerships may come on a case-by-case basis and will be posted to the facebook group.

Mel France, the director of housing at TU, offers an extreme discount on on-campus housing. Living on campus provides many benefits for AmeriCorps Members. The campus is close to a bus stop and has 13 places to eat on campus, and your residency there provides you access to some of the student benefits, such as the library and campus internet.

Contact Melissa France, Ph.D. Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services Phone: 918/631-2516 | Website: utulsa.edu

(you can access the apartment application from the school’s website, just be sure to note that you are an AmeriCorps Member on the application, or when you speak directly to Mel France to receive the correct pricing!)

Things to know

Mel does require that you prove your employment with City Year. As you will not have received your first paystub before you move in, City Year can provide a “proof of employment” letter, verifying that you are indeed an AmeriCorps Member. You will need to request it from your admissions manager by email, or wait to get a paper copy on your registration day.

Case & Associates is a property management firm that offers AmeriCorps Members great discounts on apartments!

They have 11 properties that are within 20 minutes of schools City Year serves. They offer all AmeriCorps Members a $25 dollar decrease in the rent, and for AmeriCorps Members who have prior rental history, you may be offered half off of your deposit!

www.caseusa.com/apartments/ok/tulsa/or google “Case & Associates Tulsa

Case and Associates may require that you prove your employment with City Year. As you will not have received your first paystub before you move in, City Year can provide a “proof of employment” letter, verifying that you are indeed an AmeriCorps Member. You will need to request it from your admissions manager by email, or wait to get a paper copy on your registration day.

“I would recommend living with a roommate to share the financial burden.”

“Solitude is worth the price.”

“Find a roommate in City Year that you can live well with. Don’t live right on a busy road (the windows are often old and do not keep out sounds at all). Be patient, there are always things for rent, and do not assume a low rent means the place is low quality. Tulsa is CHEAP.”

“Be honest with roommates and set guidelines and expectations early!!!”“Having a roommate really helps!”

“Live in a place current AmeriCorps Members live and cluster up so you can easily make friends and get rides if your car breaks down. You need a car to live in Tulsa.”

AmeriCorps members most highly recommend looking into Midtown, apartments along Riverside Drive, Cherry Street, Brookside and Downtown Tulsa.

You will want to keep in mind that:

• It will be nearly impossible to find a four-bedroom apartment.

• It will be nearly impossible to find a three-bedroom apartment. Consider options that have 2 bedrooms and a den and turn the den into a third bedroom or living in a two bedroom. If you have planned on living with four people, you may need to split into groups of two. If you make the group smaller, make sure everyone in the original group is on the same page about this change of plans.

• This is a 10-month commitment and you do not need a super fancy place to live.

“The farther South you live, the more disconnected you will probably feel from the City Year social scene.”

“I had no idea we’d be downtown so frequently. You will probably be downtown twice per week.”

“Trying to find living arrangements closer to downtown would be best for central location to the office and all schools.”

“Really explore your options and what you want out of your housing experience- do you want to be near points of interest or do you mind being in the suburbs?”

“Decide how often you want to use a car versus how often you want to walk and bike. If you like walking/using a bike, West Tulsa and North Tulsa aren’t good locations. If you don’t mind using a car, any neighborhood works.”

“If you plan on coming to Tulsa without a car, live in the Brookside neighborhood since there are many grocery stores, bus stops, and attractions.”

“Try to find a place near the Tulsa schools we serve in.” “Reach out to your corps buddies for advice.”

Additional resources Wikipedia run-down of Tulsa neighborhoods

Thoughts from current Corps Members “It’s a really cool, budding neighborhood.”

“Yes, I would recommend it with a caveat. It’s highly affordable and safe for the most part, but crime does occur here and there, and that’s a reality the incoming CM should be aware of. “

“It is convenient for downtown, Kendall Whittier schools, and really anything you would want to do in Tulsa.”

West Park Apartments: “It’s a safe apartment complex with no problems.”

Townhouse right by University of Tulsa: “It has been relatively straightforward and simple. It’s affordable, safe, and close to Downtown/ Cherry Street, which is fun and convenient.”

AmeriCorps members have had mixed reviews of Kendall-Whittier. West Park Apartments gets great reviews and is right across from the Kendall-Whittier Elementary School we live in. Also, townhouses by the University of Tulsa are nice and you will be surrounded by students. If you decide to live in another area of Kendall-Whittier, do your research to make sure it is a safe neighborhood that you would feel comfortable living in.

Current ACM’s suggest: West Park Apartments

Thoughts from current Corps Members “It is safe and conveniently located between the two neighborhoods we work in. It is close to downtown and highway. Only 2 blocks from river and the trails for biking/running!”

Current ACM’s suggest: University Club Apartments, Mansion House Apartments, Cascades at Southern Hills,Westport on the River, Legacy Apartments, Lincoln Park Apartments

Thoughts from current Corps Members

“It’s in walking distance from cute shops, coffee shops, Woodward Park, and the Riverside trails. It is more expensive than some areas, but still cheap (as it is still Tulsa) and the price is worth the safety. It is also conveniently located for bus travel.”

Elms Apartments: “There is a good landlord, nice apartments, and is a nice area.”

Current ACMs suggest: Greenarch Apartment Building

The apartments in South Tulsa are a farther drive away, however, the AmeriCorps members who live there currently love their apartments. It depends on how much you are willing or wanting to drive on your commute home.

Thoughts from current Corps Members

“Nice suburban area, but relatively far from downtown and other points of interest, although in Tulsa that means somewhere in the vicinity of around 10 miles.”

Pheasant Run: “There is a 24-hour gym (free weights and a couple of treadmills), swimming pool, laundry room on facilities, relatively cheap, great management.”

“It’s cheap and close-ish to west side schools, but pretty far from the east side/downtown. I don’t think the price difference is worth the inconvenience.”

Park Villas: “It’s a nice area with amenities nearby.”“It is an excellent area with lots of businesses, restaurants, and shop- ping.”Riverside Park Apartments: “Apartments are really nice, close to Tulsa Hills and Brookside.”

Current ACMs suggest: Monaco Park Apartment Building, Yacht Club Apartments, Coppermill Apartments, Alexis Park Apartments

Thoughts from current Corps Members “It is very convenient!”

“It is close to many restaurants, to grocery stores, riverside, and two coffee shops.”The Enclave at Brookside: “I like it a lot, but it is expensive.

Brookside Garden: “The landlady was very willing to work with us, it is well protected (you are screened before being allowed to become an attendant), and the maintenance is up to date.”

Current ACMs suggest: Park Place South Apartments Brookside Gardens Gives half off first month’s rent to AmeriCorps Members!

The Midtown area is highly recommended by Tulsa AmeriCorps members. The bus is easily accessible on South Harvard, the prices are affordable, and it is a close drive to the different schools and downtown.

“It is not too expensive and near a lot of food options and parks.”

“I would recommend this neighborhood. It is conveniently located about 15 minutes away from pretty much anywhere in the city and has a nice range of grocery stores, malls, theaters, and restaurants all within walk- ing distance. As of yet, I have had no problems with unsolicited atten- tion from other people.”

“It’s close to pretty much everything in Tulsa. It’s easily accessible to highways and grocery stores.”Heritage: “Reasonable rent, a great landlord, & it’s safe.”

“Yes, I would recommend the Heritage. Jason Walin is a wonderful land- lord and the area is phenomenal. The price is a little hefty for stipend living, but there are currently five corps members who live here and we all make it.”

“I live alone so my rent is a little high but with a roommate I think it is very affordable.”

City Gardens: “Everyone should live here. Great mid-point for many locations, close to Walmart, Walgreens, restaurants, awesome landlord,

$640 a month.”

Current ACMs suggest: Harvard Terrace Apartments, El Dorado Apartments, Norwood Apartments, City Garden Apartments, Heritage Apartments, Southern Elms Apartments

Thoughts from current Corps Members:

“If you have a car it’s probably a convenient location especially if you are serving at Eugene Field, Clinton, or Webster.”

“It’s cheap so that’s a plus. It’s not a great area, though…I haven’t had any problems with crime, etc., but it could potentially be a problem.”

Westport on The River: “It’s affordable on a stipend; the only downside is that there are 2,000 residents and only 2 maintenance guys, but the front office is helpful.”

“I would recommend it, but there is not much on this side of the river.” “It’s cheap and close to downtown.”

“The complex is very safe and affordable with a roommate. It is also near three of our partner schools!”“Yes! Perfect location and concession offered on rent.”“I like it because I have a I have a washer, dryer, and fridge.”

“It is clean, safe, and affordable. I would recommend it if you are not in the two buildings directly on SW Boulevard.”

Thoughts from current Corps Members “Everyone ever should live here. Great mid-point for many locations, close to Walmart, Walgreens, restaurants, awesome landlord, $640 a month.”

You probably have a lot of questions about moving in to a new place. It can be hard to remember what questions you have! In general, here a few basic questions most folks will need to know:

• Which utilities are included in the rent?

• How much is the security deposit? What is required to receive the deposit back when the lease ends?

• Will you need a cosigner for the lease and who qualifies?

• Is the apartment close to public transportation?

• Is parking available and for how much per car? If there is street parking will you be able to easily find a space when you need to?

• Are pets allowed? Are additional fees or security deposits necessary and how often must these fees be paid?

• Is the house or apartment in good condition?

• If something breaks, who will fix it and pay the cost?

• Is there a laundry room? If not where is the closest Laundromat?

• Is there air conditioning? If not, are there enough windows or ceiling fans to keep the area well ventilated in the summer months?

Once you have narrowed down your list of places you want to live, make sure you updated your budget based on expenses related to living at that community (rent, parking, laundry, what utilities are included in rent, etc.) It is important to do this prior applying to live there

It is suggested that you move into your apartment a week or so before your in-person registration date. The Admissions Team will be in touch with logistical information closer to registration. Moving in a week or so prior to registration will give you time to set up your apartment and get to know your new community prior to starting with City Year Tulsa.

Consider that turning on utilities may take time and require you to be present - as you will be required to work full time starting on the site start date- it is vital to coordinate that beforehand if at all possible so you do not have to use days-off to do that, particularly during key trainings.

It is suggested that you move into your apartment a week or so before your in-person registration date. The Admissions Team will be in touch with logistical information closer to registration. Moving in a week or so prior to registration will give you time to set up your apartment and get to know your new community prior to starting with City Year Tulsa.

• Using an air mattress for the ten months you are here.These are affordable and easy to pack/move when you leave your apartment at the end of your ten months.

• Keep an eye on the Facebook page, as the outgoing corps moves on to their next adventures, many will sell or give a way furniture to the incoming corps.

• Shop at the following non-profits for gently used furniture:

• Goodwill Industries

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore (search by zip code and then scroll down to “ReStores”