Historic community with ties to the Pennsylvania oil rush
As its name suggests, Oil City was founded as part of the country’s first petroleum boom that started in 1859 with the discovery of oil in Titusville, about 15 miles north of Oil City. Motor oil companies like Quaker State, Pennzoil and Wolf’s Head brought thousands of people to the city throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but by the 1990s, those companies had all relocated. Like many other Rust Belt cities, the community was left to develop an identity beyond its industrial beginnings. “It was sad when Quaker State pulled out, and all of these people left, but we picked ourselves up by our bootstraps and tried to reinvent ourselves, which is exactly what we did,” says William Moon, a broker with Gates & Burns Realty, Inc. and former mayor of Oil City.
Initiatives like the Oil City Main Street Program and Artist Relocation Program are integral parts of the city’s ongoing revitalization. “Since then, a lot of families have moved here,” Moon says. “I always ask what brings them here, and some people say they just threw a dart on the map and hit Oil City, but most people say they’re tired of the big city and want to come here to slow it down and enjoy nature." With new businesses downtown and opportunities for outdoor recreation along the Allegheny River, Oil City is looking to the future as its population hovers around 10,000.
Oil City is also known as "the valley that changed the world."
Enjoy the Venango Museum of Art and soak in all the history it has to offer.
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Oil City has two historic districts and comparatively low home prices
Most homes in Oil City were built throughout the 20th century to accommodate its growing workforce. Foursquares, workers cottages and Victorian-style homes are the most common architectural styles, and the Oil City North Side Historic District and Oil City South Side Historic District protect many of the city’s original homes. The median price of single-family homes is around $95,000, less than a third of the national median. Properties typically sell after an average of 113 days on the market, and Oil City has historically struggled with high vacancy rates. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the vacancy rate was approaching 16%. “The city is working to remove blight, and I sit on the Venango County Land Bank to help municipalities take care of that,” Moon says. The city is located at the confluence of Oil Creek and the Allegheny River, and there may be a risk of flooding for homes near the water.
Oil City offers plenty of big Victorian homes for residents to own.
Oil City is lined with sidewalks for residents to easily travel around the neighborhood.
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Local businesses and a growing arts scene in Downtown Oil City
Downtown Oil City is a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. The Allegheny River separates the north and south sides of downtown, and the Oil City Downtown Commercial Historic District preserves its architectural diversity. The Oil City Main Street Program has invested more than $14 million into downtown since it began in 2011, and new businesses have filled many of the previously-empty storefronts. There are some chain retailers in Oil City, but locally owned shops, cafés, restaurants and bars are the backbone of the community. The Oil City Curb Market brings local vendors to downtown each week throughout the summer, and annual events like Oil City Uncorked invite residents to explore local flavors. Thanks to initiatives like ARTS Oil City, creativity runs through downtown. Originally a hub for Standard Oil, the National Transit Building now serves as a gathering place for local artists. The historic Lyric Theatre is expected to reopen its doors in early 2026 after an extensive rehabilitation project, and there are several art galleries downtown. History is on display at the Venango Museum of Art, Science & Industry, with an emphasis on Pennsylvania’s Oil Region.
Oil City residents can grab a morning pick me up at a locally owned café, Woods & River Coffee.
National Transit Building serves as a gathering place for local artists in Oil City.
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Oil City Area School District and PennWest Clarion
The Oil City Area School District earns an overall grade of C from Niche and has an average student-teacher ratio of 13-to-1. It consists of three elementary schools, a middle and a high school, all of which receive a C or C-plus from Niche. Private school options include the Venango Region Catholic School, also known as St. Stephen School, which serves prekindergarten through eighth grade. The city is also home to the Clarion campus of Pennsylvania Western University, the second-largest public university in the region.
Hasson Heights School has a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1.
Oil City Senior High School has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1.
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Boat launch at the Oil City Marina and trails at Oil Creek State Park
Hasson Park anchors the community with 48 acres of green space. It features a playground, an 18-hole disc golf course and wooded hiking trails. Across the street from the park are the city’s street hockey rink, ballfields and the James A. Nelles Memorial Swimming Pool. At the confluence of Oil Creek and the Allegheny River, Justus Park is a popular spot for paddle boating and outdoor concerts. A bit further south along the riverfront is the Oil City Marina, which has a public boat launch. “That area by the marina is great for bass fishing,” Moon says. It also offers access to the Samuel Justus Trail, which follows the route of the former Allegheny Valley Railroad. “A lot of people like to bike, hike or ride horses. We’re pretty much a one-stop shop,” Moon says. Indoor recreation is abundant at the Oil City Library, with community programs for all ages.
Residents are less than 10 miles south of the 6,250-acre Oil Creek State Park, a historic site where multi-use trails lead past remnants of the region’s oil boom. Scenic overlooks provide panoramic views of the creek and its rushing waterfalls, while freshwater streams offer opportunities for brook trout fishing. The city experiences all four seasons, and during snowy winters, designated trails are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For those looking to hunt, State Game Lands 47 and 253 are less than 10 miles from the city.
Residents can launch their boats at the Oil City Marina.
Oil City residents can enjoy disc golf at Hasson Park.
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Events include the annual Oil Heritage Festival
The city honors its industrial history each summer at the Oil Heritage Festival. “That’s a whole week-long event and definitely still a source of pride for the community,” Moon says. With everything from art shows and live music to festive parades and car cruises, the festival highlights various aspects of the community. Other popular events include the Jolly July 3rd Festival, which celebrates Independence Day with live music in Justus Park and a dazzling fireworks show over the Allegheny River. In December, Oil City’s Christmas Past transforms downtown into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights in Towne Square.
Access to I-79 and the Oil City Industrial Park
An extensive sidewalk system means that residents can walk to most local amenities. For those who prefer public transportation, the Crawford Area Transportation Authority provides local bus service throughout the city. Nearby thoroughfares include Interstate 79, which offers direct routes to Erie, 75 miles north, and Pittsburgh, 95 miles south. The closest commercial airport is Erie International Airport, about 70 miles from Oil City.
Along the shores of the Allegheny River is the Oil City Industrial Park, home to office spaces, private companies and the Business Innovation Center. The closest hospital is UPMC Northwest, about 6 miles away.
PA UCR Program shows a decrease in crime
According to data from the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the total number of offenses reported to the Oil City Police Department decreased by almost 21% between 2023 and 2024. Most crimes in 2024 were theft, representing nearly 60% of the city’s total number of reported offenses.
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Photography Contributed By
Anna Dukovich
Video By
Mark Tilley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
William Moon,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Oil City, PA sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Oil City, PA over the last 12 months is $15,000, down 90% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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