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Overview
Hyde Park is a sprawling neighborhood packed with residential pockets, parks and beaches, restaurants and entertainment, and home to famous landmarks. The Museum of Science and Industry draws tourists and locals alike to this Far South neighborhood, while the Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House, located on the University of Chicago's campus, is an acclaimed national landmark. Speaking of UChicago--the elite university is nestled in the southwest corner of this residential neighborhood, ensuring that college kids, and the coffee shops that sustain them, are always present in the area. The Lakefront Trail wraps around Promontory Point and along 57th Street Beach and Harold Washington Playlot Park.
53rd Street and South Lake Park Avenue are home to all your daily conveniences and plenty of bars and eateries scattered throughout the neighborhood, ensuring that you never have to leave Hyde Park. The residential streets are quaint and diverse, featuring single-family homes and attached condos, as well as low-rise and mid-rise buildings and, of course, college dorms.
Homes in Hyde Park
Where To Live
The overwhelming majority of buildings in Hyde Park feature classic Chicago architecture. However, many buildings have been remodeled inside to provide the perfect balance between old and new. Spacious single family homes are certainly present, but condos, townhouses, and brownstones are plentiful. 53rd street is one of the neighborhood's main streets, where you will find restaurants, local grocers, and multiple independent shops. The blocks surrounding the Museum of Science and Industry and the University of Chicago are also a popular place to live.
Price Vibes
This Far South neighborhood boasts a generous price-per-square-foot and an accessible median home price. Single-family homes near the University fetch the highest price, while attached homes and condo buildings scattered throughout the neighborhood offer more affordable options. The lakefront area tends to be pricier than nearby Washington Park, but the neighborhood remains ideal for those looking for quaint residential areas near notable landmarks such as the University of Chicago and The Museum of Science and Industry.
Around Hyde Park
Where To Eat
There aren't as many chain restaurants in Hyde Park as in some of the other neighborhoods in Chicago. Instead you will find locally owned restaurants that feature their unique take on Chicago classics, as well as restaurants that explore trending cuisine. There are more healthy eating options in Hyde Park than the average Chicago neighborhood: think locally grown, organic, vegan, and vegetarian--but meat eaters will easily find the foods they love too. Most restaurants are reasonably priced, and in most cases reservations are not required.
Friday Night Fun
Friday nights in Hyde Park are pretty laid-back. There is not much in terms of clubs or dancing, and most bars are casual. Many restaurants on the main streets are open late, so dining out is always an excellent choice. There are also a few art galleries in the neighborhood that host weekend events.
The Perfect Sunday
There are some great parks in the neighborhood, a few brunch options, and the local park district and Chamber of Commerce do a great job of hosting a wide variety of community events. You can of course head over to the Museum of Science and Industry to see their latest attractions, which are both child and adult friendly. Take a short walk or quick bus ride to the lakefront's walking, running, and biking paths, or simply enjoy the minimally populated lakefront access.
Transportation Options
Being home to a college campus, sections of Hyde Park are particularly walkable. The university abuts Midway Plaisance Park and Washington Park (the park is in its namesake neighborhood), creating a walker and biker paradise in the southwest corner of the neighborhood. Those who favor non-motorized transport can also hop on Lakefront Trail to continue south to the South Shore Cultural Center or north as far as Foster Beach in Edgewater.
The Metra has three stops in the neighborhood and an easy 20-minute ride will take you to Millennium station in the heart of the Loop. Meanwhile, the South Shore Line can also carry you north to the Loop or southeast all the way to South Bend, Indiana. Bus routes are exceptionally plentiful in this neighborhood with main routes running east/west along Hyde Park Blvd, 55th Street, 57th Street, and 60th Street, as well as north/south along South Cottage Grove Avenue, South Woodlawn Avenue, and South Lake Park Avenue. Trying to snag a parking spot near the university can be an exercise in futility during peak hours, but otherwise, the neighborhood is fairly car-friendly.
Living Here
Locals Love
Laidback vibe • Street parking is fairly easy and inexpensive • The beautiful architecture and greenery • The less populated lakefront areas
Residents Say
Living in Hyde Park, we get way more bang for our buck than living downtown. I have a car so it's easy to get to work along Lakeshore Drive (and that drive is often my favorite part of my day) and my husband takes the Metra. We have everything we need in our neighborhood and never tire of the gorgeous architecture around the University of Chicago campus and riding our bikes along the lake during the summer.
- Hyde Park Resident
Homes for Sale
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