Many of the vintage high-rise apartments in Hyde Park are clustered near Lake Michigan along the eastern edge of the neighborhood (just east of the Metra tracks). These 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 is about 7 miles south of the Chicago Loop. Renters 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, though many 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 and referred to as Hyde Park-Kenwood.
MAC Properties Chicago is one of the largest apartment landlords in Hyde Park. The ranks of MAC Properties here 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 this great south side neighborhood.
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. 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 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 apartments for rent. 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 this Chicago neighborhood. 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 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 neighborhood.
There is a wide selection of apartment sizes and layouts 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 this neighborhoods 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 apartments for rent that cater to students near the UChicago campus.
Weather in Hyde Park Chicago
The temperature in Hyde Park 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 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 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 apartments is attending classes at UChicago, make sure to invest in resilient footwear because it’s a highly walk-able neighborhood...but walking from neighbrood 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)
