About the Area
Oakland is a vibrant area and a great place to explore by foot. A short walk from the Red Oak will show the area’s rich history reflected in its parks, educational institutions, architecture and cultural attractions.
Oakland is Pennsylvania’s third largest “Downtown”. Only Center City Philadelphia and Downtown Pittsburgh claim more economic and social activity than Oakland. The neighborhood is urban and diverse and is home to several universities, museums and hospitals, as well as an abundance of shopping, restaurants and outdoor activities.
Oakland is home to UPMC, the premier health system in western Pennsylvania and one of the most renowned academic medical centers in the United States.
The picturesque campus of Carnegie Mellon University sits on the bluff of Panther Hollow and the border of Schenley Park. The school is consistently named one of the top-ranked universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. CMU is an innovative leader in education known for its unique interdisciplinary environment.
The University of Pittsburgh, founded in 1787 in a log cabin near Pittsburgh’s three rivers, has evolved into an internationally recognized center of learning and research. Pitt towers over the hilly terrain of Oakland with it’s 664 ft high Cathedral of Learning.
With Carlow University in Oakland as well as Duquesne University and Chatham University close by, Oakland continually sees an influx of sophisticated students and faculty from around the world.
Just down Forbes Avenue from the Red Oak is the new Schenley Plaza, the grand entry to Schenley Park. Recently renovated by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, it’s a wonderful green space at the foot of the Cathedral of Learning and a great place for a Red Oak picnic. There are tables and chairs, free Wi Fi, live music and shows and a carousel for kids of all ages.
Andrew Carnegie built libraries all over the country, few are as grand or hold as an extensive collection as the Oakland Branch of Pittsburgh Carnegie Libraries. The library is across the street from the Schenley Plaza and shares a roof with the Carnegie Music Hall and the Carnegie History Museum, part of the greater Carnegie Museums. The history museum has recently reopened their acclaimed Dinosaur exhibit.
Proceed across the Panther Hollow bridge and you will find the beautiful Phipps Conservatory in Schenley Park. The park also features the Bob O’Connor Public Golf Course as well as a frisbee golf course, swimming, tennis, ice skating and sports playing fields.
