Suburb of the week: Oakmont (Pittsburgh, New Kensington: middle-class, apartments, townhouses)

[eschaton]

Oakmont is a borough on the south bank of the Allegheny River, north of the city of Pittsburgh. Indeed, due to the steep topography of the south bank of the Allegheny, it and neighboring Verona are the only significant riverfront communities on this side of the Allegheny between the City (or, more properly, Lawrenceville) and New Kensington).

Oakmont's earliest settlement dated back to 1816, when a local farmer bought a large track of land in the area. The settlement took its name from a landmark tree which was then on the bank of the Allegheny River. The settlement did not, however, incorporate until 1889. Most of its significant growth was finished by the 1920s, although some mid-20th century development did take place on the fringes of the borough. Oddly although Oakmont has an active historical society - even a local museum - they don't provide any sort of general writeup of the history of the borough, although there are video links to particular events in Oakmont's history.

Oakmont is set up as a classic "railroad suburb," with the old Allegheny Valley Railroad passing right through the center of the town, with even historic (but now non-functional) railway stops remaining in place. The business district itself was mostly built in the early 20th century. It's a bit broken up due to the railroad splitting the main street in two. The "upper" district - on the east side of the railroad tracks, is a brick-paved street and quite attractive. There's even a local movie theater still in operation. Many businesses are in the "lower district" as well, including the locally famous Oakmont Bakery. The built environment of the borough, befitting its age, is mostly streetcar suburban closer to the business district, and more truly suburban in its fringes. It seems like the areas closer to the river may have historically been a working class neighborhood.

Oakmont is currently seeing significant new development as a result of the Edgewater development in its southwestern quadrant. This area has been around 20 years in the making, but has resulted in dozens of densely packed new-constructions single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments being added to the borough, along with some new retail. As a result of this, Oakmont is almost certain to gain population this decade for the first time in 50 years. The general high quality of the housing stock, along with the presence of a walkable business district, also makes it a rarity in suburban Pittsburgh which is very desirable to some people. However, the distance from the city, and relatively poor commuting options do hurt the borough. If the AVRR commuter rail project had truly gotten off the ground, it would have been a real shot in the arm for the borough. In addition, Oakmont is somewhat hurt in comparison to other walkable middle-class towns in the county by the perception that the school district it shares with Verona (Riverview) is mediocre and going downhill. Still, on the whole, it has a brighter future ahead of it than neighboring municipalities, and should be a stable and desirable area for many area residents for decades to come.

[Copanut]

It has some new high end construction taking place near the river. A couple decent restaurants and it's very own movie theater! Years ago when Gulf Labs had a presence across the river, a lot of moneyed people lived there. Definitely a walkable community.

[svband76]

New construction hopefully will not take away the classic charm and appeal of Oakmont.

[MountainDewGuy]

I like Oakmont. It is where I 'would' have lived had it not been for the length of time it takes to get to Oakland or downtown via public transit. Maybe that has changed?

[Paul2421]

Originally Posted by MountainDewGuy

I like Oakmont. It is where I 'would' have lived had it not been for the length of time it takes to get to Oakland or downtown via public transit. Maybe that has changed?

oakmont really does have the aesthetics of the nicest areas in the city. same with Churchill, etc. commute and school district, to a degree, hurts them.

[xdv8]

Originally Posted by Paul2421

oakmont really does have the aesthetics of the nicest areas in the city. same with Churchill, etc. commute and school district, to a degree, hurts them.

I love the look of Oakmont, but I'm not a fan of Churchill. What parts do you find aesthetically pleasing?

[Paul2421]

Originally Posted by xdv8

I love the look of Oakmont, but I'm not a fan of Churchill. What parts do you find aesthetically pleasing?

looking at churchills boundaries i don't think that is the area i was thinking of. it is more like forest hills around edgewood road.

[8YearsinPittsburgh]

Originally Posted by MountainDewGuy

I like Oakmont. It is where I 'would' have lived had it not been for the length of time it takes to get to Oakland or downtown via public transit. Maybe that has changed?

It has not! We are totally in love with Oakmont, but meet me any day along Freeport Road around 4:45-5:00pm, and if you want to sit in that nonsense, you're welcome to it

[SteelCityRising]

The paczki at Oakmont Bakery are divine!

[svband76]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

The paczki at Oakmont Bakery are divine!

Funny there's nobody in Polish Hill selling them