Who can describe the appeal of Oakland better than a resident who came as a student of an adjacent university and chose to stay? “Oakland is the literal heart of the city. I loved going to school here. I feel the city’s pulse racing through the community. There is rhythm. There is diversity. It’s a really exciting place. It is a place of opportunity to grow and flourish personally and professionally, to live where you work, to open a niche business, and to be part of the wave that is reinventing Pittsburgh. Oakland is the place to be.
OAKLAND HOUSES OF WORSHIP

The national sentiment of freedom of religion is exemplified in Oakland. With a plethora of houses of worship representing various different religions, thousands of people flock to Oakland for prayer and spiritual fulfillment. The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh offers religious and cultural activities for Muslims. Catholics can attend services at the Ryan Catholic Newman Center, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, and Saint Regis Parish. Spanish speaking Catholics can attend Mass at Saint Hyacinth in South Oakland. Bellefield Presbyterian Church sits in the middle of the University of Pittsburgh campus and attracts both students and Oakland community members. 

The Chinese Church of Pittsburgh (First Baptist Church) offers services in both English and Mandarin for Chinese Baptists and American Baptists. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and members of the Korean Central Church can each worship at their respective centers on North Dithridge Street in Oakland, located one block from one another. The First Church of Christ Scientist offers services to members of the Christian Scientist community. Greek Orthodox members can worship at the beautiful St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. 

Members of the Jewish community can choose from the Jewish University Center or Rodef Shalom. Byzantine Catholics can head down Fifth Avenue to the stately, Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The Three Rivers Dharma Center (Vajrayana Buddhist) is located on South Craig Street in Oakland. Non-denominational Christians can choose from Church of the Ascension, Tree of Life Open Bible Church, and Northway Oakland Christian Community. No matter what your religious preference might be, Oakland is likely to have something to meet your needs.