Oakdale
Discover the fascinating borough of Oakdale, in the heart of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. This small yet vibrant borough is known for its rich history, diverse demographics, and commendable government initiatives.
The Heart of Oakdale Borough
Oakdale Borough, colloquially known as “America’s Hometown”, is located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The borough’s administrative office is located at 104 Seminary Avenue, Oakdale, PA 15071. Excitingly, the borough has recently started accepting credit card payments for all transactions, making borough services more accessible to its residents.
History of Oakdale Borough
Oakdale Borough was officially incorporated in 1892. The borough has a unique history, marked by significant events such as the TNT explosion in a local chemical factory in 1918, which tragically claimed the lives of 200 people. More recently, in 2004, the borough faced destructive flooding due to the remnants of Hurricane Ivan.
The Geographical Landscape
Oakdale Borough spans a total area of 0.47 square miles, all of which is land. Robinson Run, a tributary to Chartiers Creek, runs through the southeastern portion of the borough. The borough is flanked by North Fayette Township to the north and South Fayette Township to the south.
The People of Oakdale
As of the 2020 census, Oakdale was home to 1,475 people. The borough boasts a diverse population with a mix of age groups. The median age in the area is 41 years, with 22.8% of the population under the age of 18. The borough also has a healthy gender ratio with 93.2 males for every 100 females.
Education in the Borough
The borough is served by the West Allegheny School District, which provides quality educational services to its residents. Further, Pittsburgh Technical College and the West Hills branch of the Community College of Allegheny County also call the area their home, providing higher education opportunities to the borough’s residents.
Transportation in the Borough
Pennsylvania Route 978, locally known as Clinton Ave, is Oakdale’s main roadway. The road divides the town while running in a northwest-southeast pattern. The borough is approximately equidistant from Pennsylvania Route 576 and U.S. Route 22-30. The Panhandle Trail also runs through the heart of the borough, adding to the borough’s charm.
Oakdale Borough’s Notable Personalities
The area is also the birthplace of notable personalities, such as Margaret McFarland, a renowned child psychologist, and a consultant to the famous show Mister Roger’s Neighborhood.
From a rich history to a vibrant present, Oakdale is a hidden gem in Allegheny County. Be it the borough’s commitment to serving its residents or its focus on creating a safe, inclusive, and prosperous environment, the Borough embodies the spirit of “America’s Hometown”. So, whether you are a resident or a visitor, the Borough welcomes you with open arms and a warm heart.
For more information, visit the official Borough website, or connect with local services such as the Oakdale Hose Company (Volunteer Fire Department), CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), or the Oakdale Youth League.
