Justin Harlan is a community builder and business owner who lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As Managing Director of Tulsa Remote, the largest relocation incentive program in America, he has helped thousands of remote workers turn Tulsa into their new hometown. He’s also the owner of South Tulsa Pure Barre. Justin spent some time with Live in Oklahoma to chat about the endless opportunities in the state.
Thanks for joining us, Justin. Let’s start with a snapshot of your life in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has been good to us! My wife and I live in Tulsa with two kids and a dog. We have owned three fitness studios over the course of our careers, in addition to my full-time job with Tulsa Remote. Life is the most beautiful type of crazy! When we have time, we love spending it with family and friends. We are huge foodies and love trying all of the new amazing restaurants and breweries in Tulsa. I’m also a big sports fan — Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, Kansas Jayhawks, OKC Thunder — so there’s always a team to root for, which I’m sure my wife is always appreciative of.
Have you ever lived anywhere besides Oklahoma? How did it compare?
I grew up in the Kansas City area in Overland Park. I have nothing but great things to say about Kansas City, and in many ways, I see it as a place that Tulsa can aspire to be. The MSA (metropolitan statistical area) in Kansas City is more than double the MSA in Tulsa, which has its advantages — more amenities, more restaurants, and more professional sports teams — but it also makes it harder to run into people you know or make your voice heard. Every city has its pros and cons, but I’d choose Tulsa every time.
What opportunities has living in Oklahoma provided you and your family?
Living in Oklahoma has really created a life that I believe would be difficult for us to replicate in a different place. From the low cost of living that allowed the financial freedom to start a family to opening a business to the beautiful ways we can spend our time together across the state, living in Oklahoma has not only provided us with a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle but also opened doors to personal and professional growth that we might not have experienced elsewhere.
Oklahoma is special because of its people. We love traveling, but when we are gone, we often miss the friendly faces and warm hospitality that Tulsa offers. The strong sense of community, combined with an increasing number of amenities and a relatively low cost of living, makes Oklahoma tough to beat.
Tell us a little about Tulsa Remote. Why should someone pick Oklahoma for a move?
At Tulsa Remote, we have the unique opportunity to foster a one-of-a-kind remote community by paying remote workers $10,000 to live and work in Tulsa for a year. Since the program launched in 2018, it has grown from 70 participants to over 3,000, making it the largest remote relocation incentive program in the world. As of December 2023, these individuals have generated $563.6 million in direct employment income, significantly contributing to Tulsa’s economic vitality and creating more opportunities for all Tulsans to live, work, and grow.
Our team is very intentional in the ways we provide our members with community and connections to help them adjust to life in a new city. We have staff members dedicated to guiding new Tulsans through their move, who introduce them to cultural amenities and provide opportunities for connection with the local Tulsa community. The Tulsa Remote staff plays a key role in helping our members thrive in Tulsa.
Why is Oklahoma the ideal place for remote workers?
While the $10,000 incentive is usually what gets people’s attention, we hear time and time again that our members choose to stay in Tulsa for the community they find. In addition to a welcoming and inclusive environment, Tulsa offers a thriving arts and culture scene, incredible outdoor amenities, and award-winning restaurants. Compared to larger or coastal cities, Tulsa’s slower pace offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living, and members say this affords them the opportunity to explore their passions outside of work, volunteer in the community, explore the outdoors, and spend more time with family. I love seeing Tulsa Remoters fall in love with the people and city that I’ve been proud to call home for the last 18 years.
You’ve owned multiple fitness studios in Tulsa, but Oklahoma is not typically seen as a beacon of health. What opportunities are available to people who want to stay active?
Mental and physical health needs to be prioritized in Oklahoma and across the country. It’s a multi-layered problem, but everyone has the opportunity to prioritize their health — in big and small ways. Despite perceptions, Oklahoma offers numerous opportunities for staying active. From a growing fitness industry to outdoor recreational activities and community events, individuals have plenty of options to prioritize their health and fitness. Oklahoma’s community spirit and ease of access also lend well to group fitness activities and events. We are proud to play a role in promoting physical activity and well-being among Oklahomans.
What kinds of things do you and your family do in your free time?
As a family, we love going to the Gathering Place, which seems to get better every year. Our kids also love Discovery Lab, the Tulsa Zoo, and the Oklahoma Aquarium. We enjoy many of the local breweries that are kid-friendly and provide plenty of ways for the kids to stay entertained.
My wife and I love catching live music at the BOK Center or the historic Cain’s Ballroom, which requires a dinner at one of the many James Beard-nominated restaurants across town beforehand. We also love going to the variety of festivals and major events that Tulsa hosts. Oktoberfest, Mayfest, and Tulsa Tough are some of our favorites. I love to golf, too, and Oklahoma’s weather makes golf possible just about every month of the year. You can’t beat the PGA Championship being here [at Southern Hills Country Club] in 2022.
What are some hidden Oklahoma gems people need to check out?
My wife’s family has been eating at El Rancho Grande in Tulsa for her entire life. It’s a great spot that is often overlooked. If I had one last meal before I died, it would be a steak and spaghetti at Bull in the Alley. It can’t be beat. When we get outside of Tulsa, one of our favorite experiences is Living Kitchen Farm & Dairy in Depew. We also love a weekend at the lake in the summer or traveling to Broken Bow as a family. Oklahoma provides so many weekend getaways, especially for folks who love the outdoors.
What misconceptions do you think people tend to have about Oklahoma? As a nearly two-decade resident, what’s the reality?
The national media often portrays Oklahoma as having one specific set of values and beliefs. Doing so takes away the chance to see the beauty of Oklahoma’s diversity. From the efforts going into rebuilding Tulsa’s Greenwood District to the vibrant Native American heritage and the thriving immigrant communities, Oklahoma’s culture fosters understanding and appreciation for different backgrounds. Embracing this diversity not only celebrates our differences but also makes our state stronger.
Oklahoma’s charm lies in its warm hospitality, affordable cost of living, and diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth. From the rolling plains to bustling urban centers, the state offers residents a rich tapestry of experiences to explore and enjoy. Give Oklahoma a chance, and you’ll discover a hidden gem that’s full of surprises and possibilities for a fulfilling life.
