Gold Coast Neighborhood - Downtown Chicago - Near North Side
One of the most recognized neighborhoods in downtown Chicago, the Gold Coast is home to the John Hancock building, Navy Pier, and the Water Tower shops. Gold Coast real estate is made up of walk-up condos and high-rises, although exclusive single-family homes also line the streets leading east to west in this popular borough.
The Gold Coast is a located within the area known as the Near North Side that encompasses approximately 2.7 square miles of Chicago real estate and includes such neighborhoods as River North, the Magnificent Mile, Old Town, and Streeterville. Often considered the most affluent of Chicago’s neighborhoods, the Gold Coast boasts stunning views of Lake Michigan in the high-rises that border Lake Shore Drive. Stretching inland from the lake is a variety of mid- and low-rise 19 th century brownstones, built during a period of mass construction by wealthy Chicago families at the later part of the century. The 1890’s surge in Gold Coast real estate began with the construction of Lake Shore Drive’s first mansion by renowned hotelier, Potter Palmer, owner of the Palmer Hotel. Following his lead, Chicago’s elite began constructing the large homes that now offer apartments, townhomes and condominiums.
Although the borders of the neighborhood are not exact, homebuyers interested in buying Gold Coast real estate should look between North Avenue to the north, Oak Street to the South, and Dearborn Parkway to the West.
Several building offer luxury Gold Coast condos is also home to the Palmolive Building, which will soon house 100 ultra-luxury condominiums with breathtaking views. Units start at $2 million. The Pinnacle at 21 E. Huron, designed by world renowned architect, Lucien Lagrange, and the neighboring Fordham at 101 E. Erie offer chic luxury two, three, and four bedroom condos and penthouses. 900 N. Michigan houses a bevy of fine dining and luxury shops below its 47 one-, two-, and three-bedroom distinctive residences.
Part of the appeal of the Gold Coast is certainly its proximity to some of the world’s most acclaimed shopping and restaurants. Steps away from the Magnificent Mile, the Gold Coast offers its own array of entertainment and dining options. Home to nearly 180 restaurants and 80 bars and clubs, the Gold Coast is a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike. Oak Street, considered the Rodeo Drive of the Midwest, is at the epicenter of activity with its designer boutiques and many fine dining choices.
The 33 galleries and 7 museums that are sprinkled throughout the Gold Coast satisfy the eclectic cultural tastes of Chicago art fans. The Museum of Contemporary Art, the Loyola University Museum of Art, and the Chicago History Museum attract visitors from all over the world. In addition, the Drury Lane Theater, the newly renovated Lookingglass Theater, and the Ruth Page Center for the Arts provide live performances weekly.
The Gold Coast is served by the William B. Ogden School (K-8), the private Francis Xavier Wards Catholic School, the magnet school O.A. Thorp Scholastic Academy, the Latin School of Chicago (K-12), the Francis W. Parker School (K-12), and Lincoln Park High School. In addition, Loyola, DePaul, and Northwestern Universities along with the University of Chicago all have campuses located in the Gold Coast.
Three CTA bus routes run throughout the Gold Coast, and the CTA Red line stops at Chicago and State Streets. Street parking can be difficult for this neighborhood, so most buyers choose to purchase parking in their buildings. Taxis are easily available in this neighborhood at all hours.
