Home to the Magnificent Mile, Lakeshore Drive, and Astor Street, the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago boasts it all: history, affluence, booming business, and a fast-paced life style. The neighborhood is considered one of Chicago and the nation's wealthier neighborhoods, but rents are affordable even though single-family homes tend to the higher end of the housing market.
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Though the neighborhood is only 114 acres, its population rests at just over 21,000, giving it a population density of around 64,000. The area is home to a large population of young professionals, but the median age is 41, and the slightly older population lends a well-established, mature quality to the neighborhood.
The largest age group in the population is 30 to 34 year-olds, and while the population of minors is small compared to the rest of Chicago, the 0- to 4-year-old age group is the second largest, making it appear that many of the area's younger professionals have chosen the neighborhood to start their families. Only 5% of the 14,641 households have children, however.
Because the population of minors above the age of 5 is smaller than normal, the thriving schools are not as densely packed with students but are extremely successful and well-regarded.
The adult population is remarkably well educated, a fact that is not surprising considering the affluence of the neighborhood. A whopping 41.6% of the population holds a bachelor's degree while another 36.8% holds a graduate degree, which, together, includes over three-quarters of the population.
The median income in the Gold Coast neighborhood is around $75,000, much higher than Chicago proper's median income. The average income is even higher, one of the highest in the nation, in fact, at almost $140,000. The largest part of the population earns between $75,000 and $100,000 with the second and third largest portions of the population earning between $100,000 and $125,000 and between $150,000 and $200,000.
Housing values are high in the area. The median house value is between $250,000 and $300,000 with many detached, single-family homes priced in the millions. Renting is a much more affordable option, however, for newcomers who want all that the Gold Coast neighborhood has to offer without the massive investment in a home. While rent is higher than Chicago proper's average, the median apartment rate for one bedroom is around $2000, but plenty of apartments go for less.
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Dining in the Gold Coast ranges from quick bites at Starbucks or Burrito Beach to luxurious experiences at Balsan or Devon Seafood Grill. Pizza lovers can't pass up real Chicago-style pizza at Gino's or other pizzerias in the area. For the budget-conscious or those in a hurry, plenty of fast food restaurants can be found nearby, as well. Nightlife in Gold Coast offers a little something for everyone, from upbeat clubs to low-key restaurants.
Although Gold Coast consists of high rises and closely packed homes and buildings, nature lovers can still get their nature fix at one of many of the area's nearby parks. Oak Park Beach offers great places to tan or watch volleyball tournaments all summer long while Lake Shore Park is the perfect place to go for a run, catch a game of baseball, or take the kids to play on the playground.
The climate in Gold Coast Chicago is affected by its proximity to the lake. Summer temperatures are moderate, ranging from the upper 60s to the 90s, occasionally reaching 100. Winter temperatures range from sub-zero temperatures to mid-thirties, but winds off the lake cause bitterly cold windchills. Chicago is not called the Windy City for nothing.
Though the lifestyle is fast paced in Gold Coast, residents experience a true neighborly vibe. Older generations mixed with younger ones gives a truly mature but vibrant feeling to the region, and everything residents need is within walking distance. The neighborhood is a great option for newcomers who want all the experiences a city has to offer without feeling isolated in a crowd.
Culture lovers have it all in the Gold Coast--art, music, theater. Every year, the Gold Coast neighborhood co-hosts the Gold Coast River North Art Fair at Grant Park. Three hundred or more artists come to show off and sell their creations, and art aficionados can purchase unique originals for mere dollars or thousands. The art fair also features live music, delicious food, and fun art activities for the kiddos.
The Gold Coast houses Red Orchid Theater, an innovative theater company. Theater-goers can watch new plays such as Craig Wright's Mistakes Were Made or revived older, but relevant plays such as Sam Shepard's Simpatico.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is also located in the Gold Coast area. It runs exhibits of modern and contemporary art. Its permanent collection includes pieces by Andy Warhol and Kara Walker. It is home to pieces from a variety of artistic genres, including surrealism and minimalism.
Book lovers can visit the 100+ years-old Newberry Library, which is home to over 1.5 million books. Its shelves include works by modern authors like Sherwood Anderson or Fanny Butcher. It also boasts an impressive collection of historically significant works such as Shakespeare's First Folio and correspondence by Thomas Jefferson.
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Gold Coast Chicago is home to the Magnificent Mile, which offers one of the premier shopping experiences in the city. Shoppers can purchase clothing at national chains like Ann Taylor or independent boutiques like George Greene. Pet lovers can spoil their pets with gourmet treats from Tails in the City. Shoe lovers can shop for unique one-of-a-kind treasures at Hanig's Footwear. Shoppers looking to take a break from running from store to store can get a load of their feet with pedicures or massages at one of the area's luxury spas.
Lakeshore Drive borders the Gold Coast neighborhood along Lake Michigan, and, while Gold Coast is one of the wealthiest neighborhood in the country, East Lakeshore Drive is even wealthier with a median income of over $500,000. The area consists of several luxury high-rise apartment buildings and a posh hotel.
Gold Coast Chicago is the perfect place for young professionals to make their start, for young families looking for a safe neighborhood with top-of-the-line schools, or mature white-collar workers who want to live near one of the nation's largest business districts.
