Why Are Young Professionals Flocking to Broken Arrow?

A blend of big-city amenities with a small-town vibe, along with excellent affordability and job opportunities, make this city a great place to launch a career.

By Kim Madlom on April 17, 2023

Annie Bayer

The view from the Rooftop Restaurant in Broken Arrow’s Rose District overlooks a vibrant downtown in a city that attracts young professionals interested in quality affordable housing and career opportunities.

“We’ve got a strong economy, free of the hardship and struggle people encounter in larger cities,” says Sophia Arroyo, a college sophomore who works with the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce. “For young people with a heart for starting their own business, this is where opportunity lives. We’re attracting young professionals from Los Angeles and New York City to try to realize their dreams.”

The Pros of Moving to Broken Arrow

Kyle Sullivan did precisely that. Sullivan decided to move to Broken Arrow 10 years ago in pursuit of the girl, now his wife. In July 2020, he started a coaching and consulting company that includes speaking appearances and podcasting.

“This city has a great vibe and is very welcoming,” Sullivan says. “As with anything, the more you get involved, the more you learn about what’s available.”

Jairus Daniels, operations manager for 1-800 Water Damage on Main Street, founded his own business before his current position. He says Broken Arrow is a great place to start or change a career.

“If you want to start a business, Broken Arrow is the most pro-small business area I have ever experienced,” Daniels says. “The city and the chamber really strive to do everything they can to help businesses grow and flourish in our community.

“If you’re looking for a career, there’s St. John for medical fields, Zeeco for manufacturing, Automotive Industries and many car dealerships for things in the automotive line of work, to name a few,” Daniels adds. “But if you want a change, we have Northeastern State University, Tulsa Community College and Tulsa Tech to give you the knowledge you need to make that leap.”

Getting Involved

Daniels says inclusive groups like Broken Arrow Young Professionals, which he will chair in 2023, create opportunities to positively impact the community. After-hours events bring new friends together, while other activities encourage civic engagement, provide personal and professional development, and encourage giving back to the community through service.

Sullivan says the group creates events with opportunities to build connections.

“It’s a great way to get involved,” he says. “People here are willing to introduce you to their friends, and that’s one of the biggest compliments you can receive – friends introducing you to their friends. This city is open like that.”

Shane Bevel

Plenty to Do in Broken Arrow

With two children under 3, Sullivan says Broken Arrow is a great place to raise a family. “There’s so much to do here,” he says. “We’ve spent weekends at a kite festival and the Rose Festival. There are often food trucks and various events, most of which are free or low cost.”

In June, Tuesdays in the Park features a musical performance on the outdoor stage in Central Park. Residents bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the weather, music and social environment. The event is free.

On every corner, the historic Rose District is full of local restaurants, unique shops and other small business services. Plus, it also hosts a farmers market from April through October.

“We have great places to spend time with friends and family, including multiple coffee shops, an assortment of restaurants and breweries that each have their own character,” Daniels says. “And all that is highlighted by a very welcoming and laid-back vibe, which is perfect when you just need to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of life.”

The proximity of Broken Arrow to Tulsa – just a 20-minute drive away – is also a plus.

“Broken Arrow is the biggest small town you could ever live in,” Daniels says. “Everybody is very welcoming, no matter where you come from. That’s especially true once you start to get involved in the community.

“It’s not in every city that you can personally get to know the people that make the city move, like the mayor, city leaders, or the people from the chamber and business owners.”