Dunbar

In 1893, Black American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar published a collection of works that included his most well-known poem, “Sympathy.” The poem describes the plight of African Americans at the time, and includes the well-known line “I know why the caged bird sings,” the line from which a famous twentieth-century work by author Maya Angelou takes its name. Today, the Tulsa neighborhood that bears Dunbar’s name is a celebration of the song as opposed to the cage. It is a place that embodies progress while still embracing its important historical legacy as one of the first racially integrated neighborhoods in Tulsa. Streets named after Native American tribes that once populated the area crossing streets with Euro-centric names are indicative of the diverse population that lives in Dunbar. The neighborhood features attractive homes with well-maintained lawns. Birds sing freely in the native oak trees that line many of the neighborhood’s streets and carefree children test their aim at driveway basketball hoops. Easy access to major thoroughfares provides convenience to a host of amenities and neighbors embrace the sense of community that pervades the area.

There is a broad range of architectural styles in Dunbar, from 1930s ranch-style homes to two-story contemporaries built more recently. “I grew up in the area, and one of my first memories was thinking how different all the houses were. It’s got just about every kind of architecture you can imagine,” says Realtor Melanie Hughes-Morris. “And you’re seeing a lot of updates and renovations to the older homes in the neighborhood,” “There are still some bargains there, but it’s definitely up-and-coming. And it’s coming up fast.” Among those bargains, buyers can find a two-bedroom/one-bathroom bungalow listing for around $56,000. On the other end of the price spectrum, a spacious three-bedroom/two-bathroom custom-built contemporary home can sell for up to $305,000.

Students in the neighborhood can attend Burroughs Elementary, Central Junior High and Central High School, and all three schools have very active Parent-Teacher Associations, so parents have the opportunity to be involved in their children’s education. Students at Central High School can participate in extracurricular activities ranging from the Academic Bowl team to the anime club. The nearby W. L. Hutcherson Family YMCA also offers a variety of after-school enrichment programs for kids of all ages, and also provides patrons access to a fitness center with cardio equipment, free weights and weight machines, a basketball gym, an indoor pool that includes a water-walking channel and supervised childcare on-site.

If you’re looking for some outdoor recreation time, head up to nearby Crawford Park. With a playground, covered picnic shelter and plenty of open space for play or relaxation, it’s an excellent place to spend a day with your family. Alternatively, the nearby Lacy Park Community Center is home to the Lacy Municipal Pool, featuring two water slides, shaded sitting areas and lifeguards on-duty for safety. Four tennis courts and an outdoor basketball court, plus the playground at the adjacent Lacy Park, supplement the suite of offerings available at this vibrant community center.

Dunbar residents typically buy their groceries at nearby Oasis Fresh Market, but for those times when cooking is not on the day’s agenda, the neighborhood has options for you. Start your day right with a homemade waffle with whatever toppings you can imagine at Waffle That, and get your fill of spicy Cajun delicacies at Cajunboil Catering Food Truck. On weekends, you can also hit up My Momma’s House for down-home deliciousness in the form of fried chicken, fried catfish and other old-fashioned soul food favorites. And with Seminole Shopping Center less than five minutes from the neighborhood by car, retail therapy is nearby.

Because Dunbar is less than 10 minutes by car to downtown Tulsa, getting to that urban center for work or play is a breeze. “You’re so close to downtown,” says Hughes-Morris. “The neighborhood is really conveniently located.” It’s equally easy to get to the University of Tulsa for Golden Hurricane sports or any of the numerous cultural events held on-campus every year.

Between the comfortable homes, multiple amenities and convenience to so much in the greater Tulsa area, it’s no wonder that Dunbar’s popularity is going up so rapidly. If you’re looking for a home in the area, don’t wait around to see what might happen. Get in on this up-and-coming neighborhood before it’s too late.

Written By

Andrew Spencer

Photography Contributed By

Nick Branston

Video By

Jessica Johnson