Hyde Park
Located roughly 6 miles south of the Chicago Loop, Hyde Park combines the culture and convenience of city life with the greenery one might expect of a suburban environment. The blend of urban metropolis meets small town setting is an excellent backdrop for Chicagoans who seek a historic, diverse neighborhood backdrop with modern amenities and new residential growth.
Originally a southern suburb of Chicago, Hyde Park was assimilated into the city and its land was then used to host the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Today, the area of the exposition has become Jackson Park - 600 acres of lakefront space that provides a picturesque plot for all manner of exercise, recreation, and mental stimulation. For those interested in exercising their minds as well as their legs (and with a number of biking and jogging trails, there are plenty of ways to give those legs a workout), Hyde Park is home to the Museum of Science & Industry. The museum building is one of the two remaining structures from the Columbian Exposition (the other is the Golden Lady sculpture, also worth checking). The Museum of Science & Industry is an all-around good time for families, students, tourists and those who live in the neighborhood, just minutes from the site. The sprawling museum grounds are a whirlwind of excitement, including giant spherical movie screens, submarine tours, model green homes and countless other exhibits, both permanent (scores of us have fond memories of the coal mine tour or walking through an enormous beating heart) and touring (who can forget the intriguing yet slightly creepy Body Worlds exhibit of real human bodies without their skin).
Though the area experienced an economic decline in the 1950s, as did much of Chicago's south side, Hyde Park recovered in the 1960s when a massive urban renewal project helped turn the neighborhood into the healthy community it is today. Now, the streets of Hyde Park are packed with a variety of shops, restaurants, and parks that cater to students (who attend the University of Chicago - see more below) and permanent residents. The diverse neighborhood has also proven itself an attractive place for families due to its plentiful playgrounds, public green spaces, affordable homes and good schools.
In addition to a number of excellent elementary, junior high, and high schools, Hyde Park is home to the prominent University of Chicago. Nestled in the center of the neighborhood, the University of Chicago is one of the top college-level institutions in the world. In addition to offering undergraduate, graduate, and research opportunities to students, the university has benefited the Hyde Park community, playing a major role in the area's revitalization over the years. The university is home to museums and public programs that support the non-student population of Hyde Park and create a culturally well-rounded neighborhood in one of the city's most historic spots.
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Interested in Hyde Park real estate? |  |
Hyde Park Restaurants & Bars |
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Hyde Park Resources |  |
Hyde Park Shopping |
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Hyde Park Entertainment |  |
Hyde Park Schools |
Dining in Hyde Park
| H & A Restaurant 432 E 63rd St Cuisine: American |
Medici on 57th 1327 E 57th St Cuisine: Italian |
| Noodles Etc 1460 E 53rd St Cuisine: American |
Ribs & Bibs 5300 S Dorchester Ave Cuisine: Barbeque |
| Kikuya Japanese Restaurant 1601 E 55th St Cuisine: Japanese |
Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop 5225 S Harper Ave Cuisine: Southern/Soul |
| La Petite Folie 1504 E 55th St Cuisine: French |
Cafe Florian 1450 E 57th St Cuisine: Italian |
| Giordano's 5311 S Blackstone Ave Cuisine: Pizza |
Jalapeno's 1660 E 55th St Fl 1 Cuisine: Spanish |
| Cedars Of Lebanon 1618 E 53rd St Cuisine: Lebanese |
Calypso Cafe 5211 S Harper Ave Cuisine: Caribbean |
| Jarunee Thai 55 1607 E 55th St Cuisine: Thai |
Resources in Hyde Park
| Hospitals Bernard Mitchell 5815 S. Maryland University of Chicago Children's 5839 S. Maryland University of Chicago Hospital 5841 S. Maryland |
Post Office 1526 E. 55th 956 W. 58th |
Entertainment in Hyde Park
| Frederick Robie House 5757 S. Woodlawn |
Midway Plaisance Park & Skating Rink S. Ellis & WE. 60th |
| University of Chicago's Oriental Institute 1155 E. 58th |
DuSable Museum of African American History 740 E. 56th Pl. |
| Museum of Science and Industry 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive |
Art Werk Gallery 5300 S. Blackstone |
| Renaissance Society 5811 S. Ellis |
David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art 5550 S. Greenwood |
| Susan Woodson Gallery 5121 S. Drexel |
Weiss Museum of Judaica at KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation 1100 E. Hyde Park Blvd. |
| Hyde Park Historical Society 5529 S. Lake Park |
Hyde Park Art Center 5307 S. Hyde Park Blvd. |
| Jackson
Park Beach (Central or 57th Street) 5700 S. South Shore Dr. |
Shopping in Hyde Park
| Artisans 21 5225 S. Harper |
Brush Strokes 1369 E. 53rd |
| Calla Lily Gift Shop 5225 S. Harper |
Dr. Wax Records & Tapes 5225 S. Harper |
| Futons & More 1370 E. 53rd |
Powell's Bookstore 1501 E. 57th |
| Tony's Sports 1308 E. 53rd |
Wheels & Things 5210 S. Harper |
| Coop's Discount Records/Coop's Underground 1350 E. 47th |
Schools in Hyde Park
| Andrew Carnegie School 1414 E. 61st |
Chicago Theological Seminary 1220 E. 58th |
| Phillip Murray School 5335 S. Kenwood |
St. Thomas School 5467 S. Woodlawn |
| William H. Ray School 5631 S. Kimbark |
University of Chicago 5801 S. Ellis |
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