CTU is set in Chicago’s culturally rich and ethnically diverse neighborhood of Hyde Park, which enjoys a tradition of social activism, political leadership, and dynamic community life. Hyde Park is recognized as one of the most successful racially and economically integrated urban communities in the United States.

On the shore of Lake Michigan, just south of downtown, Hyde Park is an energetic, cosmopolitan community anchored by the University of Chicago. With tree-lined streets, gracious old homes, and the stately buildings of the University, this Hyde Park neighborhood has the feel of an historic Midwestern town  It is also one of the most religiously diverse areas of Chicago with churches of most major Christian denominations, several synagogues, a mosque, and Hindu and Buddhist places of worship.

The neighborhood is also home to the Hyde Park Cluster of theological schools, six schools which enjoy a national reputation for excellence in theological education and resources.  The cluster includes: Catholic Theological Union, Chicago Theological Seminary (United Church of Christ), the Divinity School of the University of Chicago, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, McCormick Theological Seminary (Presbyterian), and Meadville/Lombard Theological School (Unitarian).

Hyde Park, which Money Magazine rates “one of the best places to live in the nation,” has a lively downtown with bookstores, cafes, shops, and an amazing range of restaurants (Caribbean, French, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, southern, Thai, Vietnamese). Vibrant cultural life abounds through the DuSable Museum of African-American History, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Oriental Institute Museum, the Smart Museum of Art, the Court Theater, Hyde Park’s renowned bookstores, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House. Public transportation to downtown Chicago and the two major airports is just blocks from CTU.