Oakwood, NY

As you drive down Oakwood’s quaint main street, you'll get a glimpse of small town life from a different era. Located among rolling hills, Oakwood is the definition of peaceful countryside living. 

The Oakwood community has withstood the test of time, preserving historic buildings and traditions since the early 1800s. 

Just off the beaten path, there is a thriving art scene nested in local galleries. Shops sell artisanal goods from hard workers with a passion for their craft. Neighbors socialize over coffee at the local diner or take a relaxing stroll and wave to all they pass.  

So slow down and chill, then immerse yourself in all this scenic town has to offer. 

Population

Oakwood has experienced a steady increase in population over the past decade, according to the census. The 2020 census counted 11,454 residents, up 1.7% from 2010.

Oakwood has a younger demographic profile compared to other parts of the state. Around 22.5% of residents are under 18 years old. The largest age group is 25-44 years old at 27.8% of the population. Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 15.7% of residents.

At 16,370 people per square mile, Oakwood has one of the highest population densities in New York. This is partly due to net migration, as 1.2% more people move into town than leave each year. 

History

The area that is now Oakwood has a long history dating back thousands of years. Originally, the land was inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe who lived sustainably off the land. 

In 1652, the first European settlers arrived - Dutch farmers who established a community called Oakwood due to the many oak trees scattered throughout.

For over a century, Oakwood remained a small agricultural community isolated from neighboring towns. That changed in the early 19th century when the first roads were built, allowing a trickle of immigrants - mostly German and Irish - to settle. 

The early 20th century sparked a period of rapid growth. New industries developed and roads/rail expanded, attracting waves of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe hoping to escape hardship abroad. 

By the 1920s, Oakwood had grown into an urban center. It continued flourishing through World War II as industries boomed to support wartime efforts.

Quality of Life

Residents of Oakwood enjoy a high quality of life due to several factors. The economy is strong with a diverse mix of businesses providing stable employment. Large employers such as GE, IBM and Pfizer have local operations. Small businesses also thrive downtown from restaurants to services. 

Housing remains affordable compared to other areas. You'll find options like apartments, townhomes and single-family homes at median prices lower than statewide. 

Expense	Oakwood, NY	New York State
Median home price	$500,000	$600,000
Median rent	$1,500	$1,700
Utilities	$100/month	$120/month
Groceries	$300/month	$350/month
Transportation	$200/month	$250/month

Source: Cost of Living Index

Health

Residents of Oakwood tend to be healthier than average Americans. The average life expectancy is a robust 81.2 years, slightly higher than statewide. While common chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer are present, their rates mirror state levels.

Oakwood is well-equipped to handle healthcare needs. There are two local hospitals that service residents: 

• Oakwood General Hospital

This full-service hospital offers emergency care, specialized treatment and surgery.

• Oakwood Community Hospital

Focusing on outpatient and preventative care, this hospital is convenient for minor issues.

Both feature around-the-clock emergency rooms and work closely together when patient needs escalate. Mental health is also addressed through counseling services and programs for disorders such as depression or addiction.

Safety

Residents of Oakwood can feel secure knowing their community has lower crime rates than most. The police department works hard to keep it that way through community policing, neighborhood watch groups and resident education.

At just 2.5 per 1,000, the violent crime rate sits well below state and national levels. Property offenses like larceny and burglary also remain uncommon in Oakwood at under 13 per 1,000. The police closely monitor certain areas that see occasional issues to further reduce incidents.

Transportation

Getting around Oakwood requires some planning due to daily traffic congestion. Major roads like Northern Boulevard and Hylan Boulevard see bumper-to-bumper cars during the morning and evening pushes. 

But, alternative options do exist. Public transportation serves Oakwood well with subway and bus lines. 

The town also facilitates carpooling through their dedicated website and financial incentives. Finding ride buddies offers residents admission to designated parking areas.

Biking and walking provide healthy, emissions-free commutes if direct routes exist. Most endure 30-60 minute commutes one-way, but teleworking helps. Off-peak errands beat the crowds.

Shopping and Dining

Oakwood is home to several major shopping centers. The Boulevard Shopping Center is the largest indoor mall, housing stores like Macy's and JCPenney. Oakwood Plaza and Oakwood Village Center are large outdoor shopping centers featuring Target, Walmart, and other big box retailers. 

For fresher options, visit the Oakwood Farmers Market to find local produce, meats, and cheeses. Those hunting for antiques can check out the Oakwood Antique Center.

Education

Test scores in the district are consistently high. Most recently in 2023, the average math proficiency score was 88% while the average reading proficiency score was 86% - above the state averages in both subjects.

The district-wide student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is lower than the state average of 18:1, allowing for individualized attention. GreatSchools further recognizes eight of the 12 schools as highly rated with an 8/10 or higher.

Points of Interest

Oakwood, NY offers a variety of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the most popular points of interest in the area:

• Oakwood Historical Society Museum: This museum features exhibits showcasing Oakwood's history from its beginnings as a farming town to present day. Visitors can learn about the community's development over time.
• Oakwood Arts Center: Art lovers can see rotating exhibits or attend concerts, theater, and other cultural performances at this arts center.
• Oakwood Community Garden: Residents can grow their own produce through rented garden plots in this community garden space.
• Oakwood Farmers Market: Find locally grown and made goods like fresh produce, meats, cheeses and crafts at this popular seasonal market.
• Oakwood Train Station: Depotwatching trains pass by adds to the historic charm of this picturesque spot and photo opportunity.