From urban and semi-commercial areas to homes nestled in the woods along Turtle Pond Parkway, Hyde Park reflects the diverse housing stock of many other neighborhoods in the city. Set on the southwestern edge of Boston proper, it’s a gateway to the commuter rail system from the west, with two lines serving the area, as well as the Amtrak corridor. Hyde Park’s subdistricts, as in many other Boston communities, have distinct personalities. Fairmount Hill has many grand Victorians, Stonybrook and Readville with their more modest single-family homes and greenspace, while Cleary Square, Riverside Square and the River Street corridor have a mix of multi-families, newer-construction townhouses and larger condo and apartment buildings. Hyde Park Ave. transitions from retail on its eastern edge to a more commercial stretch with many well-established businesses and manufacturing facilities, and then back to a residential mix.
Dining and Shopping
There are so many options, especially in Cleary Square and adjacent Logan Square, where you will find an eclectic mix of dining and shopping, everything from sandwiches and pizza to more upscale choices. Some favorites include Anthony’s Bacaro, purveyor of authentic Italian cuisine, from small plates to full dinners. A little bit outside of the “Square”, be sure not to miss ZAZ Restaurant, a modern café serving internationally inspired soul food, sandwiches and salads. And last but not least, on the Dedham side of River Street, Tutto Italiano, a family owned-and-operated Salumeria with groceries imported from Italy, meats, pastas and sauces cooked inhouse, and offered to its fortunate customers, along with plenty of recipes and stories from the old country! Logan Square is known for its eclectic collection of shops and services, including Switch, Hyde Park’s Artists Cooperative that has ongoing shows, openings and a stunning variety of local art.
Entertainment
With so much to do in the local area you will have difficulty choosing! The annual calendar includes multiple festivals in neighboring communities as well as Open Studios, outdoor music and Farmers’ Markets. Specific to Hyde Park entertainment is the famous Riverside Theatre Works, now in its 37th season, which is a non-profit community theatre school offering classes in performing arts and musical instruments as well as staged performances! Something you will certainly want to check out!
Parks and Recreation
There are too many wonderful options for outdoor enjoyment to list them all but a few of the most popular are Stony Brook Reservation, a 475-acre woodland park open year-round with a variety of recreation facilities including hiking and biking trails, fishing, soccer and ball fields, and the recently updated Bajko ice skating rink and Olsen Pool and Spray Deck. Parks lining Truman Parkway offer tennis courts and outdoor movies as well. Just over the Milton line, residents enjoy hiking the Great Blue Hill, with the world-famous Trailside Museum nestled at its foot, and skiing the Hill every winter. Interesting fact: the transmitters for Boston’s public television station, WGBH, are located atop the Great Blue Hill! And of course, the Thomas M. Menino YMCA, with its recent renovations and sunlit pool, is a year-round recreational resource.
Commute
Hyde Park is extremely convenient for getting around and offers two commuter rail lines, the Franklin and the Providence/Stoughton line. There are also multiple bus routes which run to Forest Hills station and the Orange line to downtown Boston. You have easy access by vehicle to Route 138 which will take you to I-95 North and South and to I-93.