When the U.S. Open comes to a town like Oakmont, Pennsylvania, it brings more than just star athletes, press coverage, and throngs of golf enthusiasts. It brings an opportunity—a rare, highly lucrative one—for homeowners nestled near the prestigious Oakmont Country Club. For one week, these residents watch their quiet, tree-lined streets transform into bustling arteries of high-demand real estate—not for homes, but for parking spaces. What was once a modest suburban driveway suddenly becomes prime real estate fetching as much as $100 a day. Yes, the U.S. Open doesn’t just crown champions; it also creates mini moguls out of everyday homeowners.
Just ask Terry McClusky, a retired schoolteacher who lives two blocks from the club. Terry’s driveway fits six cars. During the last U.S. Open held at Oakmont, she charged $80 per vehicle per day, cash only. She made over $3,000 in six days. “It paid for my winter trip to Florida,” she beamed, waving to a family from Ohio as they wheeled a cooler toward the entrance. Her strategy was simple but effective: a neatly hand-painted sign reading “Official U.S. Open Parking,” some shade under her maple trees, and a willingness to wake up at 5:30 a.m. to guard her turf. It’s entrepreneurial grit with a side of small-town charm.
But Terry is no outlier. The phenomenon has caught on like wildfire. The rising demand for nearby, secure parking during major events has created a cottage industry in cities lucky enough to host them. Homeowners have realized they hold what commercial lots can't easily offer—proximity, comfort, and a touch of neighborly trust. Many visitors are willing to pay a premium for the peace of mind that their vehicle is parked in a safe, residential spot. This sentiment taps into several valuable high-CPC niches, including local car storage, event parking, real estate monetization, and passive income from home assets.
For many Oakmont residents, this week becomes the Super Bowl of side hustles. Online platforms such as SpotHero and ParkWhiz have even added residential listings near major venues, with optimized SEO targeting keywords like "event parking near Oakmont," "U.S. Open parking deals," and "private driveway for rent near golf course." This tech-savvy evolution enables homeowners to capitalize on digital demand, and it’s not uncommon for some to generate over $4,000 from a single event weekend.
Paul and Denise Armentari, a middle-aged couple who live on Hulton Road just east of the club’s main gate, go a step further. They’ve turned their backyard into a VIP experience. “We added string lights, a few fold-out chairs, and a cooler with cold drinks,” Paul says, grinning as he counts twenties. “Golf fans love it. Some have come back year after year. They remember our spot and ask to reserve it in advance.” By creating a touch of hospitality, the Armentaris have boosted not just earnings but community goodwill. “We get holiday cards from people we parked,” Denise adds. “Last year, one guy even mailed us a putting green mat.”
What’s remarkable is how this hyperlocal economic bloom affects the broader picture of property value and income diversification. Homeowners near Oakmont, and similar venues, begin to see their location not just as a place to live but as an asset to leverage. Real estate investment experts often cite location as the cornerstone of home value, but events like the U.S. Open make that reality sharply tangible. It's not about selling the house—it’s about selling what the house offers temporarily: access. This momentary spike in location utility transforms suburban properties into financial engines.
The broader implications touch on trending themes like the gig economy, monetization of personal assets, and real estate optimization. Airbnb made spare rooms valuable. Turo did it with cars. Now, major sporting events like the U.S. Open are doing it with driveways. And while some might scoff at the idea of standing outside with a parking sign, others see it for what it is: a zero-risk, cash-positive micro-investment in one’s own property.
There’s also a human side that makes this more than a financial story. For many families, this week-long endeavor becomes a bonding experience. Teenagers help direct traffic, kids offer lemonade, and grandparents chat with golf fans from around the world. The streets come alive with stories, laughter, and the scent of barbecue drifting from front yards. It’s a reminder that community and capitalism don’t have to be opposing forces—they can coexist beautifully under the right circumstances.
Even the emotional memories tied to these events are gold. Megan, a college student home for the summer, recalls how helping her dad with parking duty led to an internship. “One of the guys we parked was a VP at a golf management company. We talked, I followed up, and now I’m working in marketing for them,” she says, beaming with pride. What started as a few hours of helping with signs and Venmo transfers turned into a career-launching moment.
Still, not everything is rosy. Some neighbors have squabbled over turf, and competition has intensified. The borough had to step in and issue permits, regulating who can charge and how many cars each property can handle. A few residents feel the charm has been diluted by the influx of profiteering. But for most, it’s a small trade-off for the unique opportunity. After all, the U.S. Open doesn’t come around every year, and when it does, the economic ripple it sends through Oakmont is one few want to miss.
At the heart of it all lies a universal truth: people are resourceful. Give them a little demand and some foot traffic, and they’ll find a way to offer value—often with a personal touch that no commercial lot can replicate. Whether it's a simple patch of gravel or a manicured lawn under string lights, Oakmont's homeowners are turning real estate convenience into real income, one parked car at a time 🚗💰
And somewhere between the chirping robins and distant roar of a golf crowd, there's an unmistakable energy in the air—a mix of community spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and the hum of opportunity knocking on suburban doors.