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Oakland

Oakland was once nothing more than a general store, a church, a town hall and a strip of wood-frame homes. During this simple time, the area was referred to as "Cleaverville" in honor of its first factory owner, Charles Cleaver. It was only a matter of years, however, before the Illinois Central Railroad stepped into the picture (in 1871) and made the neighborhood a more desirable living destination, bringing with it a completely new name that remains today.

Oakland fell into a rough spot shortly after a population boom in the 1940s and ended up making way for large, low-income housing projects. Most of these buildings have been torn down and Oakland is in the process of bringing in new constructions and making renovations to older homes. It's only a matter of time before the place is once again brimming with its old mid-19th century charm.

Part of that charm, though, can already be found in the neighborhood's popular recreational spot known as Mandrake Park. Constructed in the late 1990s, this outdoor locale proudly boasts a multi-purpose athletic field, a running track and attractive landscaped grounds. Participating with Chicago Park District's well-loved family-oriented programs, Mandrake Park offers evening entertainment in the form of Movies in the Park, which takes place throughout the summer months. Nobody misses a chance to sprawl out on a blanket with their favorite snacks to watch a film out under the stars (that might have a little something to do with the free admission, but by the smiling faces you see here, the experience is most certainly priceless).

When you're not veggin' out with popcorn and classic flicks, Mandrake Park is a great spot to get physical. Bring a group of friends and hit up the softball field, or go one-on-one at the park's tennis court. If you stray east of the park, you'll hit the beautiful lakefront just off Oakwood Avenue, lined with walking and bike trails. Strolling along the water watching the waves crash up against the shore is great, but if you're up for a self-guided architectural tour, stick to Oakland's residential blocks where you'll find pockets of century-old homes and Victorian mansions. Queen Anne-style cottages, Romanesque houses and Classical Revival structures are among the best. Most of these older homes have large porches and intricate architectural details that remind of classic 19th century life and instill a sense of Oakland's historic past.

Recent years have seen a rise in new developments and rehabbed condominiums in Oakland, with the average two-bedroom attached residence valued in the mid $200,000s. Tack on an extra room and you're looking at prices in the low $300,000s. Oakland real estate also includes a selection of detached single-family houses. Home buyers can find deals starting at $200,000, but the average price is in the low $400,000s. Still got your eyes set on one of those renovated older homes? How about a large and lavish new construction? Start saving up because some of these properties are already valued at over a million dollars.

• CLICK HERE FOR OAKLAND & KENWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD MAP
• CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT REAL ESTATE IN OAKLAND & KENWOOD

	Interested in Kenwood / Oakland real estate?		Kenwood / Oakland Restaurants & Bars
	Kenwood / Oakland Resources		Kenwood / Oakland Shopping
	Kenwood / Oakland Entertainment		Kenwood / Oakland Schools

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Dining in Kenwood & Oakland

Kenny's Ribs and Chicken 1461 E. Hyde Park	Lake Shore Cafe 4900 S. Lake Shore
Sunset Grill 4248 S. Cottage Grove	Wong's Fried Rice 750 E. 43rd
Happy Chop Suey 4401 S. Cottage Grove	Shaan Sub 4457 S. Cottage Grove

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Resources in Kenwood & Oakland

Hospitals University of Chicago Physician's Group 1301 E. 47th

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Entertainment in Kenwood & Oakland

South Kenwood Mansions Dorchester & & E. 47th	King Community Center 4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Little Black Pearl Workshop Drexel Boulevard @ 42nd Street

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Shopping in Kenwood & Oakland

Coop's Records 1350 E. 47th	Footlocker 1340 E. 47th
South Shore Decor 1328 E. 47th	Lake Park Pointe 47th Street and Lake Park Avenue

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Schools in Kenwood & Oakland

Alcona Montesorri 4770 S. Dorchester	Harvard School 4731 S. Lake Park
Kenwood Academy 5015 S. Blackstone	Martin Luther King School 4445 S. Drexel
Price Elementary 4351 S. Drexel	Robinson Elementary 4225 S. Lake Park
Shoesmith Elementary 1330 E. 50th	St. Ambrose Catholic School 1014 E. 47th

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