Yes, I am a U of C alumnus and I actually preferred Hyde Park AND Uptown to Wicker Park (I spent three months in the latter living in a rectory). Uptown was an odd amalgam of Russians, Vietnamese, Nigerians, Gays, with elderly Swedes and Appalachian whites to round out the mix. Close to the Red Line and I only paid $360(!) a month for my tiny studio. I actually worked as a Republican poll watcher for the '98 election.
I left Hyde Park in early nineties. I went back there a couple of times and seems like Hyde Park hasn't changed that much. Property value has gone up, but not much in new construction. Still has the eye sore project on 55th St, kids still go to Jimmy's, but there appears to be a new bowling alley and a new gym.