Kenwood

Kenwood is where Chicago's Gilded Age millionaires built their mansions, and the blocks between 47th and 51st still hold some of the largest single-family homes in the city, including the Obama residence. North Kenwood adds greystone rows and new infill, while the neighborhood shares a border and institutions with Hyde Park to its south.

The Metra Electric line stops at 47th and 51st/53rd, running downtown in about 15 minutes, and the 6 Jackson Park Express bus is the lakefront workhorse. Housing spans mansion to condo, with prices still modest relative to the architecture. Kenwood suits buyers who want the grandest housing stock per dollar in Chicago and proximity to the University of Chicago without the student density.

Kenwood offers moderate transit access: a single car per household is usually sufficient. One car typically covers the gap that transit leaves.

With a Walk Score of 74, Kenwood is "Very Walkable": most errands can be accomplished on foot.

At roughly $12,000/year for 1 car, transportation is a moderate line item in Kenwood's true cost. The neighborhood is served by the Metra line.