Situated approximately seven miles south of the loop on the shore of Lake Michigan, Hyde Park, Chicago is one of the most recognizable names in the lexicon of
Chicago communities. It’s home to the esteemed University of Chicago, so it has a college town vibe with a suburban yet lively atmosphere.
Reputation
Hyde Park experienced a renewal in the 1960s that lifted it out of a southside mid-century decline. With the help of a targeted urban renewal project, the neighborhood reinvented itself.
Students, families, and visitors enjoy it for its culture, its shoreline, its greenery, and its vitality. New residential development spurs additional amenities, and the student population keeps it from becoming stodgy. The parkland from the late 19th Century Exposition Site has become a huge draw for fitness enthusiasts with 600 acres of jogging paths, biking and fitness trails.
Hot Spots
Promontory Point is a favorite for nature lovers, and it boasts firepits right on the lake and breathtaking skyline views of the city. If you're up for more organized activity, head on over to the Smart Museum of Art to ogle their 12,000-piece collection, or just be awed by the architecture at the almost totally restored Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House.
There's good eating and nightlife in Hyde Park as well: Ribs 'n' Bibs has been serving up finger-lickin' good food since 1966, and Woodlawn Tap is the place to go when you're thirsty (but make sure to bring cash). If you're just visiting Hyde Park, don't miss the Fountain of Time and its impressive sculptures.
Safety
You'll feel safe living in Hyde Park. For a Chicago neighborhood, the crime rate here is extremely low -- only 4 violent crimes and 82 property crimes were reported annually.
That translates to a violence rate of 1.8 crimes per 1,000 residents, compared to Chicago's rate of 8 per 1,000 and the state of Illinois overall rate of 3.8 per 1,000. At 38.46 property crimes per 1,000 residents, the property crime rate in Hyde Park about one third of the Chicago rate, and half the national rate.
Convenience
The #6 Jackson Park Express and the #2 Hyde Park Express buses both service the area. Interstate 90 runs along Hyde Park’s western boundary, so access is assured, even though you might face a traffic now and then.
Types of Homes
Hyde Park neighborhood homes run the gamut from large brick
Tudor-revival homes on the shore to
large condos in vintage brick buildings to livable and affordable
one-bedroom units close to campus. You'll also find condos available in
high-rise buildings that offer panoramic views of city and lake.
