Award-winning and architecturally distinct buildings joined the ranks of apartments in Hyde Park in 2019, and these were the main cause for the increase in studio apartment rents in Hyde Park. However, these newer Hyde Park Chicago rentals combine excellent locations near renowned institutions like the University of Chicago with unparalleled amenities for residents.
Renters looking for 1 bedroom apartments near Hyde Park will be glad to know there was a nearly 9 percent decrease in average rents for 1 bedrooms in Hyde Park during 2019. The average rent for Hyde Park 1 bedrooms was $1,300 in 2019, and this was still the average rental price for 1 bedrooms heading into spring of 2020. In this regard, Hyde Park apartments align closely with the citywide median average rent for 1 bedrooms in Chicago. Renters looking for apartments near University of Chicago can find many 1 bedroom and studio apartments in the neighborhood.
Many of the vintage high-rise apartments in Hyde Park Chicago are clustered near Lake Michigan along the eastern edge of the neighborhood (just east of the Metra tracks). These Hyde Park rentals offer larger apartments at relatively affordable rent compared to other popular Chicago neighborhoods -- and often times these Hyde Park apartments for rent come with outstanding views of the lake.
Hyde Park Chicago is about 7 miles south of the Chicago Loop. Renters who live in Hyde Park housing can hop on the Metra Electric or South Shore Line at the 55th - 56th - 57th St station near campus to head into Millennium Station in downtown Chicago. Taking Lake Shore Drive is one of the more popular transportation routes to venture north or south of Hyde Park, though many Hyde Park Chicago apartment renters will find practically everything they need in this charming part of Chicago.
The residential streets are charming, lined with old trees, stately single-family homes, three-flats, and low-rise condominium or apartment buildings. Many of the older stock in Hyde Park housing was converted into apartments for rent for the UChicago student population. The southern portion of Kenwood, which has large mansions, is often merged with Hyde Park and referred to as Hyde Park-Kenwood.
MAC Properties Chicago is one of the largest landlords in Hyde Park Chicago. The ranks of MAC properties in Hyde Park include Solstice on the Park, an award-winning apartment building designed by noted architect Jeanne Gang. Aside from the strikingly modern Solstice on the Park, there are literally thousands of other units under the management of MAC apartments in Hyde Park.
The University of Chicago is among the most prominent features of this south side neighborhood, followed by the family home of Barack and Michelle Obama. This presidential residence may only be surpassed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Robie House as the most identifiable parcel of Hyde Park housing. Hyde Park Chicago residents enjoy the many advantages that come with living around one of the nation's most prestigious universities, such as a diverse population and thriving small businesses in the neighborhood’s own “downtown” shopping district.
Voracious readers flock to the popular 57th Street Books to find rare volumes and recent bestsellers alike, or browse their kids’ reading section to pick up some beginner books. Powell’s Books Chicago is another popular independent bookstore found in Hyde Park’s unofficial downtown district. The addresses surrounding these bookstores on E 57th St are some of the most trafficked destinations for Hyde Park apartment renters. Medici On 57th is a mainstay and favorite among University of Chicago students. Seoul Taco provides fun Mexican and Korean fusion dishes along E 57th St as well.
There are numerous libraries, public lectures, concerts, and vast expanses of beautiful greenery within reach of Hyde Park apartments for rent. Hyde Park Chicago apartments are also near the famed "Midway Plaisance," which served as a staging ground for entertainment during the World's Fair in 1893.
The University of Chicago encompasses a large swath of Hyde Park from 61st Street to 55th Street, west to Washington Park and University Avenue on the east. Aside from the university, there are numerous schools for all ages in Hyde Park. These include Bret Harte Elementary School, Reavis Elementary Math & Science Special School, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and William W Carter Elementary School.
Renters in Hyde Park apartments and the neighboring Kenwood neighborhood are never too far from the lakefront path, the vistas of Jackson Park (with its public golf course, tennis courts, and Japanese sanctuary), and The Museum of Science and Industry.
The CTA Green line runs along the west side of Washington Park, which is something of a hike for Hyde Park residents, so commuting to the Loop isn't necessarily easy, though there are buses that travel to and from the Loop via Lake Shore Drive and Divvy bike stations peppered throughout the Hyde Park neighborhood.
There is a wide selection of apartment sizes and layouts in Hyde Park througout most of the year, with the most volume of availability in the spring and summer. If you refine your search you should always be able to find ample Hyde Park studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom, & 4 bedroom apartments for rent.
University of Chicago Housing
The University of Chicago is Hyde Park’s most prominent resident. The historic university, often referred to as UChicago by students and locals, has myriad scholastic programs in both undergraduate and graduate studies. The UChicago dorms are popular housing options for undergraduate students and a percentage of graduate students elect to live in UChicago graduate housing on campus, but there are plenty of affordable Hyde Park apartments for rent that cater to students near the UChicago campus.
Weather in Hyde Park Chicago
The temperature in Hyde Park Chicago doesn’t sway dramatically from the rest of Chicago, despite it being a lakeside enclave. The humid summer days and nights may be a slight adjustment for apartment renters who are moving to Hyde Park from drier climates; after all, the abundant greenery in Hyde Park lets off quite a bit of humidity.
The winters are cold and can bring a bracing wind off Lake Michigan with them. Renters moving to Hyde Park Chicago would be wise to pack their cold weather gear or visit a Chicago retailer that carries sturdy winter coats. And if the main purpose of the move to Hyde Park Chicago apartments is attending classes at UChicago, make sure to invest in resilient footwear because it’s a highly walk-able neighborhood...but walking from Hyde Park apartments to UChicago’s campus won’t be very pleasant if the footwear isn’t a match for the elements. Chicago is prone to snow, sleet and ice during the winter months. Plan the wardrobe accordingly.
Parks in Hyde Park:
- Promontory Point
- Jackson Park
- Harold Washington Playlot Park
- Burnham Park
- 57th Street Beach
- Garden of Phoenix
- Jackson Park
- Nichols Park
- Spruce Park
- Stagg Field
- Washington Park (with Bynum Island)
- Jackman Field
Museums in Hyde Park:
- Smart Museum
- Oriental Institute
- DuSable Museum of American History
- Hyde Park Art Center
- Museum of Science and Industry
Higher Learning Schools in Hyde Park:
- University of Chicago
- Pritzker School of Medicine
- Booth School of Business
- Law School
- School of Social Service Administration
- Harris School of Public Policy
- Divinity School
- Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
- Catholic Theological Union
- Luther School of Theology
- Chicago Theological Seminary
- McCormick Theological Seminary
Schools in Hyde Park:
- University of Chicago Lab School
- Ray Elementary School
- Phillip Murray Elementary Language Academy
- Akiba-Schechter Jewish School
- Parent Cooperative For Early Learning
- Walter H. Dyett High School for the Arts
- Bret Harte Elementary School Playground
- Kozminski Community Academy
- Andrew Carnegie School
- John Fiske Elementary School
Transportation in Hyde Park:
- Lake Shore Drive access to the east of Hyde Park
- I-90/94 access Dan Ryan to the west of Hyde Park
CTA bus routes in Hyde Park:
- 2 Hyde Park Express
- 4 Cottage Grove
- 6 Jackson Park Express
- 10 Museum of Science and Industry
- 15 Jeffery Local
- 28 Stony Island
- 55 Garfield
- 171 University of Chicago/Hyde Park
- 172 University of Chicago/Kenwood
- 192 University of Chicago Hospitals Express
Metra Train Stops in Hyde Park:
- University of Chicago 59th Street
- 55th-56th-57th street
- 51st-53rd street (Hyde Park)
- 47th street (Kenwood)
