The Top 3 Reasons Why We Chose to Move to Broken Arrow

Well, Broghan and Luisa Grider had plenty of reasons for moving to Broken Arrow, OK, but we fit them into a list below! The final decision came down to a mix of family, practicality, and a feeling they couldn’t shake.

“We were sitting on the patio at Main Street Tavern, looking out at all the shops and restaurants, and it just felt right. It seemed safe, family-friendly, and full of opportunity,” said Broghan. ”We could imagine our future kids running around there.” 

A search for home

After completing their education and launching their professional careers in Houston, the Griders, married in 2019, began searching for a place to plant long-term roots. With the flexibility of remote work, they set their sights on a community that felt both practical and personal.

Broghan grew up in Oklahoma City and was familiar with the Tulsa area. Frequent visits to his parents in Broken Arrow gave the couple a closer look, and a week-long stay in the city sealed the deal.

“When we visited downtown Broken Arrow, especially the Rose District, we started to fall in love,” Broghan said.

Luisa agreed. “We could walk everywhere, and I remember seeing parents with strollers and thinking, ‘This could be us.’”

With a much lower cost of living and a welcoming atmosphere, the decision quickly became clear. 

So what ultimately sold the Griders on Broken Arrow? It all came down to three main reasons.

1. Year-round family fun (and date nights, too!)

Today, with a busy 3-year-old at home, Broghan and Luisa say Broken Arrow feels like the perfect playground for kids and adults alike.

For families:

• Elam Park is an inclusive, welcoming play space with zip lines and wheelchair-accessible equipment. 
• Gathering Place offers unforgettable cultural events and festivals for all ages, just a quick drive outside Broken Arrow.
• Let’s Play BA is a rainy-day go-to and birthday party staple.

Events like the Taste of Summer and Tree Lighting with Santa keep the calendar full and the community close.

For adults:

• Waters Edge Winery and Bistro offers a vibrant collection of tasteful wines, dining and food to match.
• Unwinding is easy with a DIY Plant Bar at The Succulent Shop, while a private flower arrangement at Penelope & Lu’s offered a special anniversary celebration for the Griders.
• Next year, catch a concert at the planned 12,500-seat Sunset Amphitheater, which will bring major musical events to Broken Arrow.

2. Cost of living that actually makes sense

Living today is not about pinching pennies; it is about being able to breathe.

In Broken Arrow, the couple found that their money stretched significantly further. They were stunned to learn that a 2,800-square-foot home could be found for a comparable price to a 900-square-foot one-bedroom in Houston.

“We could afford a better lifestyle without sacrificing anything,” Broghan said. “Groceries, gas, electric; it’s all noticeably cheaper than what we were used to, and that gave us the freedom to think long-term.”

Comparing costs to big cities like Los Angeles, Broken Arrow came out at nearly one-fourth the cost overall, a staggering difference that made remote work and savings goals more attainable.

3. A walkable downtown with a relaxing, peaceful scene

When the couple spent a week in Broken Arrow to get a feel for everyday life, the Rose District sealed the deal.

“We were sitting outside at Main Street Tavern, watching kids run around, seeing families stroll by, and we just felt at peace,” Luisa said. “I remember thinking, ‘this is where I want to raise our family.’”

“One of our favorite things about Broken Arrow is that it always has at least one of everything we could want,” Broghan said. “We’ve never felt like we gave anything up, leaving a bigger city. We still enjoy all the same activities as before, just without the traffic and hassle of getting from point A to point B.”

Should You #BeInBA?

If you’re dreaming of:
✅ A safe, walkable downtown
✅ A place where your paycheck stretches
✅ Community vibes with room to grow
✅ A slower pace that still offers everything

Then yeah, Broken Arrow may just be the place for you, too!

“Broken Arrow keeps getting better. It’s exciting to see what’s coming next,” said Broghan. 

To learn more about opportunities to live and grow in Broken Arrow, visit BeinBA.com.