Cincinnati’s Crown Jewel: Hyde Park

Hyde Park has long been a magnate community in Cincinnati for people from many walks of life wanting to live, go to school, shop, eat and play amongst abundant green spaces, parks, shops, restaurants and turn-of-the-last century homes set amongst lush 100+ year old flora and fauna. At less than 5 miles from downtown Cincinnati, Hyde Park offers those who choose to live and visit here terrific proximity to the center-city as well as easy access to other destinations including the Greater Cincinnati airport, Northern Kentucky and popular outlying suburbs. Think of Hyde Park as a picturesque one-of-a-kind “cityburb” and you’ve got the picture.

Hyde Park was incorporated in 1896. The founding of this community was lead by a group of prosperous citizens who wanted to design a community that would preserve natural and architectural beauty and provide a peaceful place for Cincinnatian’s to call home. Little has changed from then to now as Hyde Parkers to this day enjoy pleasant and historic surroundings especially perfect for a lifestyle that includes walking to and from home to schools, places of worship, shopping, dining, parks and the like.

Idyllic Hyde Park Square is the heart of this community. The center of “The Square” (Erie Avenue between Edwards and Michigan) is defined by an island park in the middle of Erie Boulevard featuring lawns and landscaped areas as well as historic Kilgore Fountain. Residents and visitors alike find this spot great for sitting on a bench to enjoy a Graeter’s ice cream cone, relaxing after a great breakfast at The Echo, communing with neighbors (and their happy hounds) or just taking in the sights. Surrounding the Square are over 100 specialty shops and boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, coffee shops, banks, salons, real estate agencies and all fashion of independent business and merchant dedicated to offering one-of-a-kind merchandise and a unique patron experience.

Hyde Park Square also features many events that never cease to delight including the annual Hyde Park Art Show (celebrating its 46th year) that takes place the first Sunday in October (October 2, 2011 10:00-5:00). This is the largest juried show in the Midwest which features over 200 artists from around the area and across the country. The Hyde Park Farmers Market takes place every Sunday 9:30-1:30 – June through September on Erie Avenue between Edwards Road & Michigan Avenue and May & October at the US Bank parking lot/3424 Edwards Road. The Hyde Park Farmers Market features locally grown produce and prepared delectables. The annual Hyde Park Blast which features children’s and adult running races, a nationally ranked cycling race and a spectacular street party is June 25, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to midnight. The annual Hyde Park Square Sidewalk Sale
is August 19, 20 and 21 and the annual Hyde Park Holiday Tree Lighting event
with carriage rides, Santa arriving on one of Hyde Park’s Fire Engines, carolers and more --- a treat for one-and-all - takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving
(November 25th).

Though many consider Hyde Park to be one of the most desirable, prestigious and safe neighborhoods to live in the city, it’s worth noting that there is a true diversity in Hyde Park housing ranging from multi-million-dollar river-view estates to mid-range family homes to starter homes as well as a wide variety of home and apartment rental opportunities. As well, Hyde Park features wonderful condominium living including the LEED-certified contemporary condominium residences 1 block east of Hyde Park Square dubbed 2801 Erie as well as others including, but not limited to, The Regency, The Madison House, Michigan Terrace, Gloucester Square and many others. Even now when the news about housing values isn’t always comforting, Hyde Park enjoys notable housing quality, value stability and location, location, location! For more information visit www.digs-home.com, www.comey.com, www.sibcycline.com or www.cbws.com

Hyde Park is also home to some of Cincinnati’s finest academically successful public and private schools in the region including The Summit Country Day School, St. Mary School, Kilgour School (a Cincinnati Public School with a rating of “Academic Excellent with Distinction”) and others. While Singles, DINKS and Empty-Nesters alike all enjoy the Hyde Park neighborhood lifestyle, these and other schools in our community make family living here all the more worthwhile. For more information visit www.cincyschoolzone.com