Even though the appearance of Oakwood’s neighborhoods are different, they are all characterized by sound housing stock, well maintained public improvements and infrastructure, and a quality living environment. Many single-family homes on both sides of Far Hills Avenue have architectural and historical interest.

Multi-Family Residential Areas

Multi-family developments in Oakwood include two-family homes, apartments and condominiums.

Existing multi-family development in Oakwood is limited. While existing multi-family uses are distributed throughout the community, most are located along Far Hills Avenue, Oakwood Avenue and Shroyer Road; and in the blocks south of Harman Boulevard and east of Far Hills Avenue. Except for the frontage development along Far Hills Avenue, there are no multi-family uses in the neighborhoods west of Far Hills.

Most two-family residential structures are located in the southeastern portion of the community, generally between Dellwood Avenue and Hadley Avenue. Three- and four-family residential buildings are located along or near Shroyer Road, in the blocks just east of the Far Hills business district, and along the west side of Far Hills between Park Avenue and Harman Avenue.

Somewhat larger multi-family developments are located at Far Hills and Oakwood Avenue and at Far Hills and Harman. Also included in this land-use category is the Sunrise Assisted Living facility, located at Far Hills and Park Road, across from Wright Memorial Library.

As with single-family homes, existing multi-family developments are essentially sound and well-maintained, although many of the older units in the southeast quadrant are somewhat dated and have few of the amenities typically found in newer multi-family developments.

Commercial Areas

Most existing commercial development in Oakwood is located in the Far Hills business district, at the southern end of the community. The Far Hills business district contains a mix of retail stores, restaurants, convenience shops, service establishments, and office uses. The business district is occupied by locally owned stores and businesses, as well as a few national retailers. It is a compact and pedestrian-oriented commercial area located on both sides of Far Hills Avenue.

In general, the east side of Far Hills is more intensely developed than the west side. Selected commercial uses along the east side of Far Hills include Bank One, National City Bank, Dorothy Lane Market, the 2600 Far Hills building, Talbot’s, Chico’s, Starbuck’s, the Oakwood Club, Graeter’s Ice Cream, Complete Pet Mart, and US Bank.

Selected commercial uses along the west side of Far Hills include CVS Pharmacy, Fifth Third Bank, Oakwood Eye Clinic, Zimmerman’s Fine Furniture and Interiors, Nazari Rugs, Rife Jewelers, Fazel Rug Gallery, Huntington Bank, the new 2331 Far Hills building including Liberty Bank, and the Oakwood Building.

While most buildings within the Far Hills business district are well-maintained, several would benefit from façade and other design and appearance improvements. In addition, there are several older, converted homes and small, marginal commercial buildings that should be subject to redevelopment in the future.

The City has implemented a number of urban design and traffic improvements along the public rights-of-way to improve the appearance and operation of the Far Hills business district. These include street lights, banners, hanging baskets with flowers, accent lighting, bus shelters, trash receptacles, street trees and other landscaping, directional signage, public off-street parking lots, and diagonal parking along selected side streets.