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Welcome to 'Living in Tulsa Oklahoma,' the podcast that dives deep into the heartbeat of Tulsa Oklahoma! Whether you're a long-time Tulsan, a new resident, or just Tulsa-curious, join us as we explore the hidden gems, cultural hotspots, and community dialogues that make this city unique. In each episode, we'll feature interviews with locals and transplants who share their stories, experiences, and perspectives on life in the former Oil Capital of the World. From historical insights to modern-day musings, 'Living in Tulsa Oklahoma' is your guide to living and thriving in Tulsa Oklahoma. Tune in, engage, and celebrate this vibrant community with us.
Intro to Leaving California? Here’s Why Tulsa, Oklahoma Could Be Your Next Home
For those of you living in California, or really any state outside of Oklahoma — welcome to another episode of the Living in Tulsa, Oklahoma podcast. Today we have a special guest who comes from the San Francisco Bay Area. As we go through this conversation, the accolades are pretty amazing. This is a spectacular human being. We have Joe Garcia with us today, and we are so excited to have you here. I also have my co-host, Kathy Dick.
So Joe, you’re from the San Francisco Bay Area… what made you land here in Tulsa, Oklahoma?
Joe:
I’ve always wanted to explore different places to live in the U.S. Even when I applied to colleges, I applied to some in New York. I’ve always been an adventurer — I wanted to travel, see the world. I found Tulsa through a YouTube video, just randomly, talking about Tulsa Remote. I watched a lot of videos, heard experiences from people, and thought, even if I didn’t like it, I could always go somewhere else. I was also looking at Nashville, Dallas, Pittsburgh… but honestly, I’m not looking at those anymore because I really enjoy living here.
So you mentioned Tulsa Remote — is that ultimately what brought you here, or were you planning to move anyway?
Joe:
The program helped a lot. They were offering the $10,000, and before moving I had no idea what Tulsa was like. I just knew it was “the South,” probably hot and humid — the usual things people hear. But quickly, I discovered there’s a really great community here. People say hi, chat with you in the store, hold doors open… it’s very welcoming. And there’s no traffic — which is nice.
Coming from California, that traffic part is always funny. Our version of “traffic” is very different from yours.
Joe:
Totally. I was used to driving an hour to see friends or family across the Bay. Here, you forget what real traffic even is.
For those who don’t know, Tulsa Remote pays people $10,000 to move here and work remotely. Joe, you’re actually an ambassador for Tulsa Remote. Tell us about that.
Joe:
As an ambassador, I volunteer as a connector. If someone seems unsure or not engaged, I help them get plugged into the community. My favorite events are the hosted visits — Tulsa Remote pays potential members $500 to visit Tulsa, and ambassadors sit with them, answer questions, and give them a personal experience. People ask about safety, neighborhoods, where to walk their dogs, what we do for fun… it helps to hear from someone who actually made the move. I’ve made close friendships through it — even one of the guys who visited, Tom, is now in my friend group.
What do you do for work?
Joe:
I work in support for a cybersecurity company based in Seattle. Our product is used by Verizon, Fidelity, AT&T, Cox… I work from home. A nice benefit I discovered: Oklahoma offers a tax credit for cybersecurity employees with ABET-accredited engineering degrees. I qualified and received it twice now.
I believe it — you turn over every single rock. And that’s honestly part of why you’ve been so successful here — not just professionally, but in life. You’re so curious and intentional.
Joe:
I go line by line through my taxes, reading every detail so I know what I can claim.
Tell us about how you got connected in Tulsa — because you are very plugged in.
Joe:
I volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters. I saw a post in the Tulsa Remote Slack and decided to apply. They really need male mentors. My “Little,” D’Angelo, is amazing. I’ve taken him to events, including one hosted by the OKC Thunder. He still talks about it. His brother waited a year and a half for a match, so it’s very needed.
I wasn’t involved in anything like that in California. Traffic and cost of living made it impossible after work. Here, I can actually pick my Little up at 6 PM and take him somewhere fun.
What else are you involved in?
Joe:
I’m a Fears Fellow — the program teaches young Oklahomans about free enterprise, personal responsibility, and civic engagement. I joined not for political reasons, but to connect with other young people in Oklahoma. I also serve as a Tulsa County GOP precinct chair and volunteer at events like the Tulsa State Fair.
Let’s talk weather — people always worry about storms and tornadoes.
Joe:
It’s similar to earthquakes in California. You know they exist, but you adjust. Locals barely flinch at tornado sirens unless it’s serious. You learn to work with the seasons — run early in the summer, run later in the winter.
So you bought a home here — what made you decide to plant roots?
Joe:
I knew I wanted to stay long-term. I didn’t want to keep renting. And I hate moving — so why move twice? Just buy. Prices and rates were high, but I decided to go for it.
At what point did you know Tulsa was home?
Joe:
It wasn’t one moment — it was the realization that I didn’t want to be anywhere else. If I left, where would I go? Every place I considered before doesn’t appeal to me anymore.
Your home search was meticulous — very YOU.
Joe:
Yes. I analyzed every home, especially those with assumable mortgages. My final list narrowed down to conventionals with strong value. I contacted you once I had the list. We toured, we strategized, and… we heard “no” a lot from the seller. But persistence paid off.
And you ended up with the house you truly wanted — an amazing Midtown location perfect for runners.
Joe:
Yes! I visited at night, checked parking, noise levels… it was perfect. Walking distance to Brookside, close to Riverside, quiet but central.
Favorite part of buying a home?
Joe:
Knowing I made the best choice. After comparing every sale within my criteria, my house still stood out as the best fit for me.
Could you have bought this in California?
Joe:
Not anything comparable. New builds in my hometown start in the low $700s and aren’t nearly as nice.
Favorite part of living in Tulsa?
Joe:
The people. The community. I’ve made real friends here. I love visiting Bentonville — great hiking — but I wouldn’t move there because of the community I’ve built here.
What surprised your friends most when visiting?
Joe:
They kept asking, “Where do I pay for parking?” — and I told them, “You don’t!” Free parking blew their minds.
Final question — name a Tulsan you admire.
Joe:
JT from my running group. His whole family welcomed me in. His son is incredibly talented in music. They made Tulsa feel like home.
Thank you for being here, Joe. You are truly one of our favorites.
Joe:
Thank you — I’ve loved being here and building this next chapter.