The city's stable housing market, which has the second fewest foreclosures in the country, also contributed to the high ranking.
Local small business owners say the low cost of living helps them get more for their money.
"It just costs less to live here, so you have more availability to try and start things," says Charlie Hall.
"Having the option of starting in Dallas or anywhere else, I would pick here, because of the opportunities the city offers," says Rebecca Thai.
The same study ranked Tulsa 19th in the nation for midsized markets.