Oakland

Oakland is a neighborhood in Pittsburgh that houses universities, research centers, and medical facilities organized across four main sections. These institutions define the area's landscape, with their buildings, courtyards, and facilities forming the backbone of the district.

The area was named in 1839 after oak trees that grew on a local farm, and Pittsburgh annexed the land in 1868. These early developments set the stage for the neighborhood's growth into an academic and medical hub.

The Cathedral of Learning houses rooms that showcase different cultures through their distinct architectural styles and decorative traditions. Walking through them gives you a sense of how people around the world express their heritage in design and materials.

Forbes Avenue and Fifth Avenue offer numerous restaurants, shops, and public transportation options that connect different parts of the neighborhood. Walking routes between the institutions are straightforward, though the terrain has some elevation changes to navigate.

The neighborhood has 29 sets of municipal steps that link different elevation levels, with many featuring metal channels designed for bicycles. These stairs are a practical feature often overlooked by visitors, yet they weave through the hilly terrain and serve the daily rhythm of the area.

Location: Pittsburgh

GPS coordinates: 40.44100,-79.95700

Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:05