Ivy Residences Local Guide

LGOUCI ADLE

MOVING IS ONE OF THE
TOP 3 MOST STRESSFUL
EXPERIENCES YOU’LL
HAVE IN YOUR LIFE.

For long-distance moves, the
change can be overwhelming.
Lucky for you, Ivy Residences
is here to give you the scoop on
life in Hyde Park, Chicago.

This guide includes opinions
and experiences from those who
know Hyde Park best:
our residents.

Many moved to Hyde Park from
far and wide, and they now
have the local understanding.
Whether you are new to the city,
the state, or our country, Ivy
Residences wants to provide you
with information and insights
for you to best prepare for your
upcoming move to Hyde Park.

RENTIVY.COM

I W I S H I K N E W. . .

• It can be tough to find parking!
If you’re bringing a car you plan to use often, you may
want to consider renting a parking space. Ask your
leasing consultant for more information on our parking
space and availability.

• How to use public transit before I arrived.
Chicago is a large city, so being able to use Chicago
Transit Authority (CTA) will make traveling around the
city simple and cost-effective. Most map apps on your cell
phone will offer a transit feaure to assist in mapping your
routes. Ventra app will allow you to load funds onto your
transit card directly from your phone, while Chicago
Transit - CTA app will provide you with wait times and
inform you of delays.

• The cost of living is different from my hometown.
Cost of living calculators (we love the calculator from
BestPlaces.net!) can help you determine what to expect
to pay for everyday expenses in relation to where you are
moving from.

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I D I D N ’ T E X P E C T. . .

Cozy neighborhood vibe Access to nature and parks Chicago’s vast size

What truly makes Hyde Many beautiful parks hide Chicago’s city limits spans
Park different? The love in the middle of the hustle 234 square miles, which is
displayed throughout the and bustle. Hyde Park is about the same size as San
neighborhood. home to: Francisco, CA.

Hyde Park, just twenty • Nichols Park Those coming from NYC,
minutes from downtown, • Madison Park LA, or Beijing find that
embraces the small town • Jackson Park our city feels smaller than
feel many Chicago • Bixler Park they’re used to, while
transplants miss about • Midway Plaisance Boston, Milwaukee or Paris
their hometowns. The • Lakefront Trail natives feel that Chicago
neighborhood’s tightly knit tend to feel that our city is
vibe creates your very own We are also due west of much larger!
home sweet home in the Washington Park, one of
center of it all. Chicago’s most amenity-
filled green spaces.

MAKE YOURSELF

AT HOME

MAKE DECORATE GET
FRIENDS ACTIVE
YOUR SPACE

• Attend resident events • Use online marketplaces • Join our bike program
• Volunteer locally to find pre-owned items and ride along the
• Join an intramural sport • Shop local for unique Lakefront Trail
• Connect with an alumni pieces at Silver Room • Walk around the lagoon
organization • Try a DIY project from at Washington Park
Pinterest

FIND YOUR ADOPT A EXPLORE
CHICAGO
PLACE PET

• Find your favorite place • Contact Hyde Park Cats • Take a selfie at The Bean
to grab a coffee or ASPCA for adoption • Ride the water taxi to
• Try classes at local centers nearby Navy Pier
fitness studios • Visit Sophie at Sprocket • Travel the Chicago River on
• Use our resident keychain & Stone for pet supplies an achitectural boat tour
program to try new • Play with your furry friend • Experience live theater
restaurants at a discount! at Jackson Bark dog park from Broadway in Chicago

Help us combat climate change WHY JOIN?
and reduce excessive waste by
We are dedicated to making our
joining our bike program, community better and improving
exclusively for our residents. life for our residents. Our bike
program makes bicycles easily
accessible to our residents for
their use throughout their stay.

RIDE LIKE THE

WINDY CITY

JOIN OUR BIKE PROGRAM

SO I GET MY OWN BIKE? WHAT’S INCLUDED? AND WHEN I MOVE OUT?

Yes! Simply pay a $99 deposit As a member of our bike When you move out, simply
to get a bike for the duration of program, you’ll receive a green return your bike to our office.
your lease. You’re free to use bicycle with a basket on the All bikes returned in good,
the bike whenever you’d like back for optimal storage. It’s working condition will
and store it in our designated the perfect bike for a trip to the receive their deposit back.
bike storage areas with your grocery or a quick ride to class!
own lock.

LOCAL
FA V O R I T E S

When we asked our residents to name their favorite Hyde Park establishment, we received
over 50 different locations! We can’t blame them–there are so many things that make our
neighborhood stellar. We’ll break down the top choices here, and you can view all residents’
recommendations on our interactive map at http://bit.ly/resident-top-spots

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RESIDENTS’ TOP TEN FAVORITE PLACES

1. Hyde Park Produce
2. The University of Chicago
3. Valois Restaurant
4. Medici on 57th
5. Trader Joe’s
6. Salonica Restaurant
7. Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery
8. ETO’O Modern Asian Cuisine
9. Target
10. Phil’z Coffee

YOUR NEIGHBORS’ TOP FAVORITE: HYDE PARK PRODUCE

With it’s excellent selection of fresh produce and reasonable prices, it’s no surprise that Hyde
Park Produce, located in Kimbark Plaza, receives our residents’ vote for favorite local
establishment. This family-run grocery shop often features unique produce, such as cotton
candy grapes and kumquats, with excellent bakery options and a large selection of fresh
herbs. Those with dietary restrictions appreciate finding vegetarian and vegan-friendly
options throughout the store. The deli selection includes salads, side dishes, dips, and more.

1226 E 53RD ST. CHICAGO, IL 60615 | OPEN DAILY 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

WHY HYDE PARK

• Walkability and proximity
As a whole, Hyde Park’s walkscore is 86, the city’s 28th
most walkable neighorhood. Our communities average
to a walkscore of 91, which means you’ll be living in the
heart of it all.

• Neighborhood characteristics
Hyde Park originally jumped in popularity in the 1890’s
during the Chicago World’s Fair. For the next four
decades, the area thrived, serving as a travel destination.
Today, our neighborhood represents the pinnacle of
architectural excellence from the last three centuries.

• Culture and community
Hyde Park is a true melting pot of all different people in
all walks of life. Hyde Parkers are known for being
eccentric, inviting, and friendly. Places you frequent will
know you by name, and you will see friends and familiar
faces on your walk to the grocery store.

HYDE PARK HAPPENINGS

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Hyde Park Farmers Market Hyde Park Brew Fest 57th St. Art Festival
Thursdays, June–October early June early June

The perfect lunch break: Part beer fest, street fest Support local artists while
fresh produce, artisan and food fest with hip hop scoring some unique gifts
breads, and live music. and House music. and apartment decor.

789

4th on 53rd Parade & Picnic Silver Room Block Party Hyde Park Jazz Fest
end of September
July 4 mid-July

Hyde Park’s favorite Cultural party celebrating Two-day festival featuring
tradition: “the parade our diversity as a unifier of the finest local and global
where everyone marches.” our community. jazz artists.

PACKING FOR HYDE PARK

Congratulations on your upcoming move With changing weather, you’ll need good
to Hyde Park! Before you zip your suitcase footwear, too. Pack waterproof shoes, such
shut, take a few tips from our residents as galoshes, for rainy springtime weather
who have been in your shoes. as well as warm winter boots for snowy,
In a city notorious for its sporadic weather, slushy conditions.
residents advise bringing clothing that During the summers, the city can get
can be easily layered, such as sweaters, tee steamy, so don’t forget your sandals! Hyde
shirts cardigans, light jackets, raincoats, Park is a very walkable neighborhood, so
and warm winter coats. They also advise investing in a good pair of walking shoes
bringing scarves, gloves and hats. will serve you well, too.

ITEMS TO BRING:

• bicycle • bumper protector • wagon or cart
Ask about our bike If you plan on driving, After grabbing
program if you don’t parallel parking (even if groceries, you’ll be
have one! only done sparingly) will glad you have one of
likely result in scrapes these on the trip back
• basic tool set on your bumper without to your apartment.
A hammer, finishing nails, a protector. • rolling laundry basket
and a simple screwdriver • air conditioning unit Trips to the landry
can be purchased for Many residents find room become much
~$10 at Ace Hardware affordable used window easier with wheels!
in Lake Park Plaza. units on online
marketplace

EXPECTED WEATHER Summer
June–August
Winter Average High: 80º F | 27º C
December–February Average Low: 68º F | 20º C
Average High: 35º F | 2º C
Average Low: 25º F | -4º C Autumn
September–November
Spring Average High: 62º F | 17º C
March–May Average Low: 50º F | 10º C
Average High: 56º F | 13º C
Average Low: 43º F | 6º C

LIVING ROOM DINING AREA
Your living room may be outfitted with a Your apartment will feature a square dining
sofa, lounge chair, ottoman, coffee table, table and up to 3 dining chairs, dependant on
media console, and end table. your apartment size.

MOVING MADE EASY

Regardless of how far you’re moving from, getting furniture
in your apartment can be tricky. It’s heavy, it sometimes
requires more than one person, and buying everything you
need can get expensive!
Thankfully, Ivy Residences offers
furnished apartments that make your move into our
community as simple as possible. On your move-in day, your
apartment already has all furniture in place and assembled.
Unpack your suitcase, kick off your shoes, and relax! We’ve
taken care of the rest.

BEDROOM CUSTOM FIT
Sleep easy on a full-size mattress with bed Your apartment is outfitted with living room
set, two dresser drawers (underneath your furniture based on what fits best. This allows
bed or stackable), a desk, and swivel chair. your apartment to feel most spacious.

YOUR NEW HOME AWAITS

Adjusting to a new apartment and a new THANK YOU
neighborhood takes time. That’s normal!
Trust us, Hyde Park will start to feel more A sincere thanks to the
like home very soon. sources below for images
If you are moving from abroad, American used throughout this guide:
culture will differ from yours. Here are some
differences you may experience: 1 Chicago Magazine/Peter Ranvestel
2 Marco Verch (Flickr)
• Our community is quite friendly, but we 3 Mercato
tend to keep our doors and windows 4 DNAInfo/Sam Cholke
closed and locked at night and when 5 CUSP Magazine
leaving home. We recommend you make 6 57th St. Arts Fair (Facebook)
this your habit, too. 7 DNAInfo/Sam Cholke
• Be sure to keep your belongings inside 8 Southeast Chicago Commission
your apartment and deposit your trash 9 Chicago.gov
directly into the dumpsters outside.
• Be gentle with everything in your
apartment. You are responsible for any
damage to floors, walls, doors, and
appliances.
• Be sure to bike in designated lanes and to
secure it with a lock at all bike racks,
even in bike rooms.

For more information, call
Ivy Residences at:

773-570-9433