Oakley is a primary thoroughfare and a major crosstown artery in Cincinnati, and contains multiple shopping centers.

On May 30th 1869, the Schuster and Wilson plats were recorded with Hamilton County as one under the name "Oakley on East Walnut Hills ".

The Geier Esplanade, commonly known as Oakley Square, was created when two parcels of land were acquired in 1927 and 1932 and were converted into green space.

The Twentieth Century Theatre was built in 1941 and is a distinctive Oakley landmark with its 72-foot tower rising over the business district.

The deteriorating theater was slated for demolition in the early 1990s, but was spared due to its historical significance and was renovated into a concert and special events venue.

[1] According to the U.S. Census American Community Survey, for the period 2016-2020 the estimated median annual income for a household in the neighborhood was $76,568.

The Center of Cincinnati on the north edge is part of continuing development on the south side of the I-71/Norwood Lateral/Ridge Road interchange.

Both of these centers are urban infill and car oriented, located on the edge of Oakley and designed to serve multiple neighborhoods.