Gold Coast, Chicago area is a favorite tourist destination as well as a popular, if expensive, area to call home.
Hugging the shoreline of Lake Michigan on the near north side of
Chicago, the Gold Coast is filled with lakeside ambience, trendy boutiques, small eateries, and renowned restaurants. Its boundaries are North Boulevard, Lake Shore Drive, and Oak Street on the south, and Clark Street to the west.
The 114-acre historic neighborhood was once considered the second-most affluent address in the nation, only surpassed by Manhattan's Upper East Side. It includes a mix of stately mansions, restored row houses, and high-rise luxury apartments and condominiums.
Reputation
Established just after Chicago's great fire in the latter part of the 19th Century, Gold Coast was designated a national historic district in 1978.
Its steak houses are legendary, but you can also find Gold Coast Dogs at several convenient locations. Gold Coast offers shopping to the world’s finest brands, but you'll also find trendy, funky small boutiques where you don't have to spend a fortune. The Miracle Mile and Streeterville share the history of the area and add to the neighborhood's feel.
Hot Spots
There's no end of possibilities for both day and nighttime fun. The Lincoln Park Zoo is just to the north. The incredible John Hancock Tower is located just across the line in Streeterville, as is the Chicago Water Tower. Drink in the views of lake, river and city, and don’t forget to pay a visit to world-famous The Second City Comedy Club.
Safety
With 12 violent crimes and 163 property crimes reported annually, Gold Coast is safer than 46 percent of neighborhoods in the U.S.
A private neighborhood patrol supplement police protection on summer weekends to help keep residents and visitors safe.
Convenience
Recent neighborhood improvements, including a stoplight installed at Burton and Lake Shore Drive, have reduced the number of traffic accidents, and increased commuting ease for both drivers and pedestrians. If you want to park your car, you can walk along wide boulevards or the CTA will whisk you almost anywhere you want to go in the city.
Types of Homes
The
single family homes of Gold Coast will cost a pretty penny, but there are also loft apartments, studios and
condominiums carved out of historic buildings if you want to make this neighborhood your home. Fine examples of historic Italianate architecture, in addition to Queen Anne, Modern, Art Deco, Tudor, and Romanesque styles offer plenty of options.
