Hyde Park

I grew up just a few miles away from Hyde Park. I didn't know how upscale it was until I grew up. Other communities borrow Hyde Park's name to sound a bit more fabulous. (Some simply claim to be “near Hyde Park,” but was there ever really an "East Hyde Park" or did somebody make that up?)

Hyde Park has a few simple homes, but there are lots of vintage showplaces. New residences, apartments and condos are designed to fit right in. Most are walkable to everything. Public transportation can take them almost everywhere else.

Arts and Entertainment
-Hyde Park Art Show: a juried event with awards, every first Sunday in October. Regional fine artists and crafters set up canopies along Erie Ave.
-Miller Gallery on Erie
Unique eateries and Bars
Taco Casa: Cincinnati's fast food Mexican spot, has served up taco salads and burrito boats in Hyde park for several decades.
-Busken's 24 Hr. Bakery: donuts just as good as they were way back when.
-Wild Ginger Vietnamese and Sushi, Naked Pizza and Blue Elephant Sushi & Thai are also must-do restaurants.

Hyde Park shopping is walkable
Hyde Park Plaza
It's not an open air strip mall because that's trendy these days. That's the way it's always been. There are no clothing stores, but Radio Shack, Ace Hardware, Walgreen's, Michael's and other shops line the plaza. There's also...
-Legacies Consignment: furniture, art and jewelry sold to benefit the Cancer Support Community.
-Hyde Park Kroger: nice selection of wines, prepared foods, and a freestanding Starbucks.

Hyde Park Square
It's a Cincinnati city park with a fountain, right in the middle of Erie Ave. On either side and on nearby Edwards Rd. are trendy boutiques, restaurants and a Graeter's Bakery, selling ice cream that's a Cincinnati tradition.
-Hyde Bark Family Pet Center: cutesy stuff for your family pet
-World of Beads; because sometimes you feel the urge to make something.
-Farmer's Market: Sundays through October, 9:30 a.m. To 1:30 p.m.

Parks and Recreation
-Hyde Park Golf and Country Club (Private)
-Hyde Park Tennis Club (Private)
-Cincinnati Observatory and Ault Park are nearby in Mount Lookout

Medical facilities
-Medical professionals have offices in Hyde Park
-Hyde Park Veterinary Clinic

Cincinnati Public Schools
-Withrow High School: the “gentle slopes and lofty tower” are the same as decades ago.
-Mt Washington Elementary on Edwards Rd

Private schools
St. Mary's Catholic Elementary on Erie
Summit nearby in O'bryonville
Purcell Marion nearby in Walnut Hills
Hyde Park Preschool and Toddler Enrichment on Hyde Park Ave.

It's a quiet and safe neighborhood if you can afford it.

Hyde Park is probably best known for its private schools, country clubs and beautiful properties. Living in one of the neighborhood’s historic, elegant homes is a dream-come-true for many Cincinnatians, but naturally comes at a cost. Finding a classic “Hyde Park house” under $300,000 is difficult, while some are listed at over $5 million.

Though property in Hyde Park is not cheap, living in the area does have its benefits. Some of Cincinnati’s best private schools are located nearby, including Ursula Academy and the Summit Country Day. The neighborhood is also known for its low crime ratings and is great for shopping.

Shopping areas within Hyde Park include Hyde Park Plaza, your run-of-the-mill strip mall; Rookwood Commons & Pavilion, made up of popular, high-end stores and well-known eateries; the O’Bryonville shopping district, comprised of a string of chic salons and shops; and finally the well-manicured Hyde Park Square, lined with fashionable boutiques, nostalgic breakfast diners and unparalleled people-watching opportunities. While a car is recommended for trips outside the neighborhood, Hyde Park’s picturesque sidewalk-lined streets are perfect for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Unlike more progressive neighborhoods in Cincinnati, such as Clifton and Mt. Adams, Hyde Park is widely known as a conservative part of town. It is characterized by wealth and is geared heavily toward families. Many residents frequent the nearby country clubs, which include the Hyde Park Golf & Country Club as well as the Cincinnati Country Club.

Hyde Park is a beautiful, pristine area situated near the heart of Cincinnati. A short drive down Columbia Parkway will take you straight into downtown, while a drive in the other direction brings you to Mt. Lookout, a cultural hub full of countless bars, restaurants, and other nightlife opportunities. Those looking for a conventional upscale community in the heart of Cincinnati may find Hyde Park to be the neighborhood they’ve been searching for.