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Explore Oakland

Oakland is a vibrant neighborhood in Pittsburgh that's home to the University of Pittsburgh and several universities, museums, and cultural institutions. If you're interested in finding something to do in Oakland, there's no shortage of options!

Farmers Market outside of the william pitt union
Indulge in Food and Dining

As one of Pittsburgh's most bustling neighborhoods, you'll find cool coffee shops, multi-cultural eateries, and interesting specialty shops alongside grand architecture. Oakland has a great mix of classic Pittsburgh fare and international cuisine, so there's something for everyone!

Don't forget to check out Pitt Farmer’s Markets, which take place on select Thursdays in the William Pitt Union Plaza.

Bike lane on Forbes Avenue
Get to Where You Need to Go

Oakland is becoming a more bikeable neighborhood, with dedicated bike lanes and bike infrastructure being developed throughout the area. Oakland is also home to a number of POGOH bike stations, Pittsburgh’s public bike-sharing system. Students, faculty, and staff on the Pittsburgh campus are able to use POGOH for free!  Discover how the unlimited 30-minute rides work.

Pitt employees can also ride fare-free with their Panther Card on Pittsburgh Regional Transit, the city's public transportation system, which includes buses, light rail, and the incline.

The University of Pittsburgh offers a wide array of shuttle services to safely transport faculty, staff, students, and members of the Pitt community. All Pitt shuttles are ADA-accessible and have bicycle racks located on the front of the vehicles. Learn more about Pitt's various shuttle and transportation services

Oakland Plan logo
Read About the Oakland Plan

The City of Pittsburgh is working with the Oakland community to create a 10-year plan with a shared vision for Oakland's future and the projects and programs necessary to make that vision a reality. 

Upon adoption by the Planning Commission, the Oakland Plan will become City policy and guide public and private investments in the area. New land use regulations, transportation and infrastructure improvements, and public programs may also be recommended by the plan. The plan area generally includes the neighborhoods of North Oakland, Central Oakland, South Oakland, and West Oakland. Pitt's Office of Engagement and Community Affairs has been and will continue to work closely with the Planning Commission to ensure that our community's needs are met.

OBID logo
Learn about the Oakland Business Improvement District

The Oakland Business Improvement District (OBID) strives to be recognized as a vibrant and dynamic business district that sets the national standard for other commercial districts’ growth and innovation.

OBID is comprised of roughly 200 property owners, businesses and organizations that are located within the Oakland area including UPMC, the University of Pittsburgh and Carlow University. It provides a leadership directive that advocates for the District’s vision and mission and serves as a mechanism to implement District-wide programs, marketing, events and projects that support vitality for the benefit of all the businesses within it.

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Get Involved with the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation

The mission of the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation (OPDC) is to provide affordable rental housing, sell homes to homeowners, organize and advocate for residents, facilitate planning processes, provide workforce development and financial coaching, and help youth succeed in high school and beyond.

OPDC’s vision is to make Oakland a beautiful, well-designed, sought-after neighborhood, in which a diverse mix of residents and visitors flourish.

Interested in living in Oakland? OPDC also manages affordable rentals and stewards the Oakland Community Land Trust (CLT), which keeps homes accessible for low to moderate-income families and permanently owner-occupied.