Ten minutes east of the downtown business district, Oakland is the cultural and educational center of the city. The Oakland area is also home to the University of Pittsburgh, the internationally recognized University Health Center, and The Carnegie, a complex that features the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Art, the Carnegie Public Library, and the Carnegie Music Hall. The Carnegie Mellon campus is bordered by Schenley Park, which has a conservatory, golf course, tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool, ice skating rink, and jogging and cross-country ski trails on 500 acres. Also bordering the campus are the residential neighborhoods of Squirrel Hill and Shadyside, with shops, movie theaters, restaurants, and housing for a variety of lifestyles. Although still within the city limits, the tree-lined streets, low cost of living, and low crime rate make these neighborhoods unique urban environments.
Public transportation is accessible, inexpensive, and convenient.