A well-established, recreational Pittsburgh suburb
In the late 1800s, Oakmont was established to accommodate booming businesses such as the Allegheny Valley Railroad and the Agnew Glass Company. Today, the community offers a lifestyle complete with a walkable main street of restaurants and riverside recreation, just 13 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. “Oakmont is a small town that’s bursting with character and history,” says Jeannine Mullen, a Realtor with the Mullen Team who grew up in the area. “People can walk the cobblestone streets that have a mix of old-world stone buildings and brick homes.” Boutiques, restaurants and a local music venue, the Oaks Theatre, sit along these streets. “Oakmont truly has something for everyone,” Mullen says. The neighborhood is also known for its country club, which has a long history of hosting the U.S. Open, with plans to host in 2025. “When the country club hosts the US Open, it brings celebrities and people from all over the world to the small town of Oakmont," says Lori Hummel, a Realtor with Howard Hanna who has been selling homes in the area for nearly two decades.
Oakmont County Club, Oakmont Yacht Club
Oakmont Country Club has a well-maintained 18-hole golf course. “The club offers a touch of sporting heritage that’s unparalleled,” Mullen says regarding the club’s history of hosting the U.S. Open. The borough also has recreational spots like Riverside Park, which provides a playground, tennis and basketball courts and a baseball field. Oakmont Yacht Club allows members to dock at the marina and launch into the Allegheny River. At Dark Hollow Woods Park, there are 3.5 miles of trails to hike and bike beside Plum Creek. “In Dark Hollow, you can fill a jug with fresh spring water,” Hummel says. “Oakmont’s outdoor experience is incredible.”
Italianate homes at $400,000
On the Allegheny River, Oakmont is composed of blocks of single-family houses surrounding the main street business district. Most houses have compact yards decorated with garden beds and bushes. “There are houses with plaques from the 1800s. Industrialists used to live in the homes,” Hummel says. Prospective buyers can purchase these older Italianate homes with traditional architecture ranging between $400,000 and $900,000, depending on the number of bedrooms. There are also newer homes overlooking the river that range from $600,000 to $1 million.
Studying at Riverview Junior High
The Riverview School District serves children in Oakmont and earns an A-minus from Niche. Children can attend Tenth Street Elementary School, which also receives an A-minus. Kids may advance to Riverview Junior-Senior High School, which has a highly regarded musical performance program and earns a B from Niche. The nearest private school is the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School. There are many church options in Oakmont, which include Oakmont Presbyterian Church, Riverside Community Church and Holy Family Parish - St. Irenaeus Church.
Boutiques and baked goods along Allegheny River Road
There’s a diverse number of restaurants on Allegheny River Road. Hoffstot's Cafe Monaco serves Italian food in a warm, upscale atmosphere ideal for date nights. The Pub at 333 has a laidback tavern feel with plenty of TVs to watch the game during a hangout with friends. At Oakmont Bakery, “every bite is a celebration,” Mullen says. There’s a wide range of baked goods from bagels to wedding cakes. clothing shops along the main street, including Straight Line Boutique and Fashion Rx Boutique – Oakmont. Giant Eagle Supermarket is the go-to spot for grocery restocks, less than two miles away. Today’s Organic Market and Oakmont Deli & Specialty Soups serve as a place for more specific ingredients and a quick bite to eat.
Live performances at Oaks Theatre
Oaks Theater, known as “The Jewel of Oakmont,” has been entertaining the community since 1938 with movies, live music, a full-service bar and concession stand snacks. Oakmont Carnegie Library hosts community events like yoga classes and art exhibits. The library also has a Makerspace with a 3D printer, a sewing machine and recording equipment for a day of creativity. In downtown Pittsburgh, Point State Park is a popular place for riverside walks, while the Carnegie Science Center is the go-to indoor destination.
Commuting via Route 28
Commuters easily reach downtown Pittsburgh by driving on Pennsylvania Route 28 or hopping on the public bus that’s provided by Pittsburgh Regional Transit. Pittsburgh International Airport is 14 miles away.
Photography Contributed By
Anna Dukovich