The Gold Coast consists mostly of high-rise apartment buildings on Lake Shore Drive, facing Lake Michigan, but also includes low-rise residential blocks, inland. As with many neighborhoods, its exact borders are subject to dispute; but, generally they extend from North Avenue, south, to Division Street and west to LaSalle Street; and, it also includes the areas east of State Street, south, to Oak Street and east of Michigan Avenue, south, to Delaware Place.
The Gold Coast became the home of the super-rich in 1885, when Potter Palmer, former dry goods merchant and owner of the Palmer House hotel, built a fanciful castle on Lake Shore Drive. Over the next few decades, Chicago’s elite gradually migrated from Prairie Avenue to their new homes north of the Loop.
Along almost every boulevard of the Gold Coast, upscale boutiques and shops have opened up. Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Hermès, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Cartier SA, Van Cleef & Arpels, Yves Saint Laurent, Harry Winston, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, DKNY, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Stuart Weitzman, Rolex, Max Mara, Vera Wang, Jimmy Choo, Versace, Paul Stuart, Betsey Johnson, and Lilly Pulitzer are just a few of the dozens of designers that have locations in the exclusive neighborhood. Also, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bentley, Porsche, and Bugatti have dealership locations in the Gold Coast.
The “Gold Coast Historic District” was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 30, 1978. Gold Coast is zoned to the following Chicago Public Schools schools: Ogden School, and Lincoln Park High School.
Gold Coast, Chicago: Classic Elegance and Luxury Living
The Gold Coast is one of Chicago’s most iconic and prestigious neighborhoods, known for its tree-lined streets, historic mansions, luxury high-rises, and proximity to Lake Michigan. Located just north of downtown, the Gold Coast offers a unique blend of classic elegance and modern convenience, making it one of the city’s most desirable places to live.
Why Choose the Gold Coast?
Prime Location: Nestled along the shoreline of Lake Michigan and just steps away from the Magnificent Mile, the Gold Coast boasts a prime location. Residents enjoy easy access to downtown, the lakefront, shopping, dining, and entertainment options, all within a short walking distance.
Historic Charm and Architecture: The Gold Coast is renowned for its historic architecture, featuring stately mansions, brownstones, and row houses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these homes have been meticulously preserved, adding a sense of timeless elegance to the neighborhood’s character.
Luxury Lifestyle: This neighborhood offers a luxurious lifestyle with an array of upscale shopping boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and chic cafes. From high-end fashion on Oak Street to gourmet dining on Rush Street, the Gold Coast provides a sophisticated urban experience.
Proximity to the Lakefront: The neighborhood is just steps away from Oak Street Beach and the Lakefront Trail, offering residents easy access to outdoor activities like jogging, cycling, and sunbathing. The scenic views of Lake Michigan add to the neighborhood’s appeal.
Exclusive Amenities: The Gold Coast features a range of luxury high-rise buildings with exclusive amenities, including 24-hour concierge services, rooftop pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, private parking, and more. These properties provide a modern, comfortable lifestyle in a historic setting.
Vibrant Community: With its mix of young professionals, families, and retirees, the Gold Coast offers a vibrant and diverse community. The neighborhood is also home to several cultural institutions, including the Newberry Library and the International Museum of Surgical Science.
Real Estate in the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast offers a diverse range of real estate options, from luxury high-rise condominiums to historic mansions and charming brownstones. Here’s an overview of typical price ranges for different property types:
- Studio and One-Bedroom Condos: Prices typically range from $300,000 to $600,000. Smaller, older units may start around $300,000, while larger, more updated units closer to Lake Michigan or featuring luxury amenities can reach $600,000 or more.
- Two-Bedroom Condos: Generally priced between $600,000 and $1.5 million. Location, views, building amenities, and interior upgrades significantly influence pricing.
- Three-Bedroom Condos and Penthouses: Prices range from $1.5 million to over $4 million. Larger, luxury condos with premium features, expansive views, and exclusive amenities tend to command higher prices.
- Historic Mansions and Single-Family Homes: Prices start around $2.5 million for smaller homes or those needing renovation, while larger, fully restored historic mansions can exceed $10 million.
- Luxury High-Rise Condominiums: Prices for high-end condos in luxury buildings range from $700,000 for smaller units to over $5 million for spacious penthouses with premium lake views and amenities.
Community Highlights
- Neighborhood Vibe: Elegant, historic, and upscale with a vibrant urban atmosphere.
- Walkability: Highly walkable, with easy access to public transport, lakefront, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
- Notable Landmarks: Oak Street Beach, Goudy Square Park, Newberry Library, International Museum of Surgical Science.
- Schools: Served by several well-regarded public and private schools, making it an attractive choice for families.