Kenwood

Kenwood is an absolutely gorgeous neighborhood on the south side (it’s directly north of Hyde Park, home to the University of Chicago). This is a middle to upper class area, mostly African-American but pretty diverse. Some of the surrounding neighborhoods to the north and west aren’t very safe, but Kenwood as a whole is a pretty safe area.

I guess I’ll start with the obvious – President Obama’s home is in Kenwood. Whoop-dee-do!

This is an amazing area to walk around – the architecture is stunning and the streets are lined with nice, big trees. A lot of old, historic mansions are in Kenwood. There’s Obama’s, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan’s home, Muhammad Ali’s former home…the list goes on and on. There are also a couple of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes in the area. It’s also right on the lake and there are several parks in the area. All of these homes have been really well preserved and are VERY pricey, but are great to look at – a perfect summer day!

The area is very family and community oriented, and that’s mostly who you’ll find living here - families. There are corner stores, bars and restaurants – no fine dining or trendy shops really, but that would only take away from the real neighborhood vibe.

I'm going to have to say that Kenwood is one of those neighborhoods that I would really like to live in right now. It's not that it is the best area itself, but the prices are pretty good for the most part, and since I have relatively little means right now (no wife or kids) and I don't need a ton of space, I'm looking for something here that will work real well.

One of the reasons why I like Kenwood so much is that it's close to areas like Hyde Park, which is another of my favorite parts of the city. While I might rather live there, Kenwood is a good alternative if you're looking to be close.

Crime is, in my opinion, not too bad here. I've never felt seriously threatened or anything. Of course, caution should be taken, etc etc, but that doesn't mean you have to think about running for it every second you're out like in some areas.

I've seen a lot of families in Kenwood, and I would say it is pretty good for those looking to raise a family. As it is the neighborhood of President Obama, I think that bodes well for the neighborhood to continue to see improvement and gentrification in the coming years, meaning get in while you still can!

The neighborhood surrounding the big wide street called Drexel Ave. is growing and becoming a very exciting place to be. Located within walking distance of Jesse Jackson's Operation PUSH headquarters and Washington Park, this neighborhood is full of inner city Chicago flavor and mixed ethnicity. There are several schools within walking distance and a short distance from nationally known University of Chicago campus and hospital.
This area of the south side of Chicago has an abundance of hundreds of apartments within each block of different price ranges. There are townhomes springing up all around the area but they are pretty pricey depending on your budget, but the apartments can be pretty nice if you're not too picky and dong mind parking on the street. Parking can be a problem though but its not as difficult to find street parking as it is in neighborhoods further north.
There is a small town feeling along Drexel ave. with many residents using the median along Drexel ave for barbecuing and family get togethers during warm weather evenings and weekends. On many occasions men get together and play checkers and chess right in the middle of the street.
Public transportation is readily available with buses along 51st and Cottage Grove ave. Unfortunately there are no bus routes directly on Drexel ave and if you favor using Metra train services there are train stations located in Hyde Park.
You may need to travel over to Hyde Park for shopping as well which is only a few minutes away if you want a variety of different shops and grocery stores.
As for crime in the area this is inner city Chicago so caution should be taken when going out at night and take care to lock your apartment and car doors at all times. Theft is no uncommon, nor is occasional street violence.