North Kenwood-Oakland

About the Neighborhood
Known as President Barack Obama’s home neighborhood, Kenwood-Oakland is a history buff’s dream with architecturally diverse mansions and famous residents. Along with a growing commercial district, Kenwood-Oakland has established itself as a center for the arts. Community design and art galleries supply residents with venues to exhibit their creative talents and educational opportunities to fine tune those artistic skills. Close to the lake and within easy commuting distance to the Loop, Indiana and the University of Chicago, the North Kenwood-Oakland region is a prime location. The neighborhood provides access to great cultural outlets and open spaces like the Museum of Science and Industry, Jackson Park, the South Shore Cultural Center and a variety of public beaches.

Neighborhood Events and Attractions
President Barack Obama's Home - 5046 S. Greenwood Ave. - when not at the White House, America's 44th President, Barack Obama lives here. Though a beautiful example of historic Kenwood homes, don’t plan on getting too close; the Secret Service will stop you! Bob’s Bike Hike and Chicago Neighborhood Tour offers a historic Kenwood and Hyde Park tour of the gorgeous Southside lakefront, the University of Chicago campus and other notable icons who reside in President Barack Obama's neighborhood.  

Washington Park serves as a recreation hub for North Kenwood - Oakland and the surrounding communities. Attractions include: Fountain of Time, the famed 102- long sculpture built around a large reflecting pool, which was created by Lorado Taft in 1922; DuSable Museum of African American History; an aquatic center boasting a 36-foot waterslide; Bynum Island, Refectory; and the National Guard Armory.

JazzCity concerts present something for everyone—from jazz masters Von Freeman and Willie Pickens to a jazz and basketball improvisation with a hip hop poet, from classic big bands to a tribute to Chicago’s poet/lyricist Oscar Brown Jr.

Schools
Kenwood Academy High School, Cambridge School of Chicago, University of Chicago Elementary Charter School

Shopping
Shops in Kenwood-Oakland are numerous and span the spectrum from gifts to clothing to housewares. Walking into Sensual Steps, you will find contemporary and quality women's shoes and accessories by American and Italian designers. Gornee Shop features original African style designs for men and women, as well as wholesale fabrics imported from Senegal and Guyana. Fort Smith offers affordable clothing, jewelry and accessory for picking shoppers.

Local grocers include a Treasure Island, Save-A-Lot Foods and Co-Op.

Restaurants and Nightlife
North Kenwood-Oakland is well known for its cuisine. Ain't She Sweet Café sandwich shop serves its own signature food as well as desserts. Calypso Café offers a true Caribbean island cuisine. Bonjour Bakery Café offers a variety of breads and sandwiches.

Apart from dining and shopping North Kenwood-Oakland is home to the famous blues club Checkerboard Lounge, upscale dining and full service bar at places like Park 52 and home to bowling lanes, billiards and arcades at Seven Ten Lanes.

Fitness Centers
YMCA, Ballys Total Fitness, Lotus Living Wholeness

Salons
Yehia Hair Design Inc, Beauty Plus