Would You Take $10k to Move from SF to Tulsa?

Thanks to KRON4 for letting us know about a unique offer to lure people away from the cities like San Francisco to have them relocate and work remotely from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The program, called “Tulsa Remote” will give people $10,000 to live in the city and then work remotely. Part of the appeal is that the cost of living in Tulsa is half that of San Francisco. Plus the city’s median home price is 43% lower than the national average.

You’ll also get free desk space at 36 Degrees North, a coworking space in Downtown Tulsa.

The city is looking for 250 people. You need to be able to work remotely and must move to Tulsa within 6 months.

Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for our program, applicants must have the ability to relocate to Tulsa within 12 months of acceptance, and they must have full-time remote employment at a business based outside of Oklahoma, or be self-employed outside of Oklahoma. Applicants must currently live outside of Oklahoma, be over 18 years old, and be eligible to work and live in the United States.

Learn more about Tulsa Remote

What is Tulsa Remote? 

Tulsa Remote is a unique recruitment initiative aimed at attracting talented individuals to Tulsa. The program brings remote workers and digital nomads to the community by providing $10,000 grants and numerous community-building opportunities. Each grant is distributed over the course of a year to eligible remote workers or entrepreneurs living outside of Oklahoma. Funding is currently provided by George Kaiser Family Foundation. The City of Tulsa and other community organizations lend their support to ensure program participants are fully immersed and engaged in the community.

When did Tulsa Remote begin? 

Tulsa Remote launched in November 2018 in an effort to recruit a diverse group of talented professionals across multiple industries to relocate and be a part of the existing growth happening in Tulsa. We believe once people come to our growing city, they will want to stay longer than the first year.

How are applicants selected?

The Tulsa Remote team reviews each application. Video interviews are conducted with each finalist selected. If the finalist has no previous experience with Tulsa, an in-person visit may be scheduled.

Who is the ideal candidate for this program? 

The ideal candidate for Tulsa Remote is a fully-employed individual with the flexibility to work anywhere, and is looking for a community to call home.

What types of incentives are program participants receiving? 

In addition to the $10,000 grant, participants will receive a year membership at a local co-working space, support in identifying housing, and regular community-building opportunities.

Is Tulsa Remote offering jobs to the people who apply?

No. Tulsa Remote does not offer employment of any kind. It is intended for individuals who are already employed and are able to keep their position when relocating to Tulsa.

Can couples / families apply?

Absolutely. Any individual who meets the eligibility criteria is welcome to apply, even if they are members of the same family or have a relationship with one another.

I don’t currently work remotely, but I can transition to remote work in my current role. Can I apply?

Yes. Any individual who is able to work remotely may apply. For applicants that need to transition to remote work from a non-remote position, Tulsa Remote may require confirmation that they are able to work remotely.

I already live in Oklahoma. May I apply?

Tulsa Remote is intended for individuals who reside outside of Oklahoma at the time of application.

Can I still apply if I just recently moved to Tulsa?

No. However, we would love to include you in the growing remote ecosystem in Tulsa. Please click here to add yourself to the list of locals excited to get involved.

Are there any age restrictions to apply for the Tulsa Remote program?

Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to apply. In 2019, Tulsa Remote participants’ ages ranged from 22 to 64.

Can I apply if I’m not a US citizen?

Individuals from outside the U.S. are eligible to apply, so long as they have the necessary credentials required to work legally inside the US. Tulsa Remote is not able to aid in the acquisition or approval of such credentials (work visas, etc.).

If selected for the program, do I have to live in Tulsa?

Yes. Those selected for the program must live within Tulsa city limits. The city limits do not include surrounding areas such as Bixby, Broken Arrow, Sand Springs, Sapulpa or Jenks.

If selected for the program, do I have to live downtown?

No. While there are many housing options available downtown, participants are free to live anywhere within the Tulsa city limits, including purchasing or renting single family homes.

If selected for the program, how soon can I move?

The program requires selected participants move during the current program year. Applicants will be able to indicate their ideal time to relocate in the program application.

Does Tulsa Remote assist with housing?

Tulsa Remote provides resources to help finalists discover and secure suitable housing before they move to Tulsa, including a new housing portal.

What exactly is remote work, anyway?

Tulsa Remote is designed for individuals who have full-time remote employment with a company outside of Oklahoma. The term “remote employment” refers to individuals who do not have to physically travel into their place of work on a daily basis. Such individuals may even work for a company located outside of their city or state. Often, this is referred to as “working from home” or “telecommuting.”

I work for a rideshare or delivery service like Lyft or Doordash. Am I eligible to apply?

No. Rideshare services such as  Lyft and Uber, and delivery services such as Grubhub and DoorDash, are not considered full-time remote employment.