"There's a reason [the U.S. Open is] coming back to Oakmont. This really is the gold standard for championship golf. It doesn't get any better than Oakmont." -- Mike Davis, USGA Sr. Director of Rules and Competitions
Oakmont, Pennsylvania, is a suburb of Pittsburgh and boasts a population of nearly 6,500 residents. This borough is nicknamed "one square mile of happiness" by locals, although it really encompasses almost two square miles of true area. That's fine; there's nothing wrong with more happiness! The borough's name was derived from a tree that stood at the bank of the Allegheny River and served as a landmark in Oakmont's early days.
As you begin your search for apartments in Oakmont, first research the neighborhoods
"There's a reason [the U.S. Open is] coming back to Oakmont. This really is the gold standard for championship golf. It doesn't get any better than Oakmont." -- Mike Davis, USGA Sr. Director of Rules and Competitions
Oakmont, Pennsylvania, is a suburb of Pittsburgh and boasts a population of nearly 6,500 residents. This borough is nicknamed "one square mile of happiness" by locals, although it really encompasses almost two square miles of true area. That's fine; there's nothing wrong with more happiness! The borough's name was derived from a tree that stood at the bank of the Allegheny River and served as a landmark in Oakmont's early days.
Moving to Oakmont
As you begin your search for apartments in Oakmont, first research the neighborhoods. The types of housing available in this borough vary quite a lot from neighborhood to neighborhood, so you will most likely be narrowing your search to one or two of them right off the bat.
After you have set up appointments to look at a few rentals, gather both proof of your identification and of your current employment status. It is always a good idea to bring copies of recent bank statements--to prove you are good for the rent--and a few personal references--to prove that you are just plain good! But even with these documents in-hand, you may still need to fill out an application and agree to a credit check before a potential landlord takes you on as a tenant. Don't worry, it's standard practice.
Oakmont Neighborhoods
There are three distinct neighborhoods in Oakmont, and they are vastly different in terms of housing types available. After reading through the highlight reel below, you should have no trouble finding the one that suits you best.
Borough Center: Your search for apartments in Oakmont could easily end here! Whether you are looking for a studio apartment, apartments with paid utilities, or 2 bedroom apartments for rent, the Borough Center has all types of apartment homes. The area is also very walkable--especially for those who enjoy culinary adventure. The Oakmont Bakery serves up tasty treats daily, and Hoffstot's Cafe Monaco is a great spot to grab a bite.
Hulton Road: This neighborhood lies to the north and has access to two of the area's parks: Riverside Park and Falling Springs Park. The area is peaceful, quiet and very walkable--stop by Pittsburgh's Best Ice Cream shop for a cone, and check out a good book from the Carnegie Library of Oakmont. The type of housing for rent here is mainly single family homes.
Pennsylvania Avenue: This neighborhood has a suburban feel and many of the streets are tree-lined. Just outside the Borough Center, it is a quiet retreat for those who prefer short commutes and peaceful living. If you're mainly interested in townhouses for rent, scour this area. Your search should be especially fruitful in Dark Hollow.
Life in Oakmont
Oakmont combines the best qualities of small-town living with the evident conveniences and pleasures of living adjacent to a big city. You will find superb eateries here that still manage to retain a certain quaintness, like the award-winning Oakmont Bakery. You'll also be able to make a visit or five to the historic Oaks Theater, which has been refurbished into a beautiful one screen cinema. It shows the best in classic and contemporary films, as well as ballet, opera and live national theater.
Oakmont is perhaps most famous for the Oakmont Country Club, which aside from being a lovely destination, also contains the oldest, top-ranked golf course in the United States. Not one, but several U.S. Opens have been played here! That aside, Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate have both remarked that the Oakmont greens are some of the toughest around. If golf is your sport of choice, you will love the sheer challenge of it all.
If you're a fan of outdoor entertainment, you'll enjoy Oakmont's popular Riverside Park. It is bordered by the Allegheny River and features a running track, basketball courts, tennis courts, places to picnic and a playground for the kids. In the winter, enjoy the park's ice skating rink, but be forewarned: throwing snowballs is not permitted!
