Tourists of course know Michigan Avenue in Chicago as the best stretch of the city to stroll and shop. But real estate agents and those looking to buy a condo in Chicago also know Michigan Avenue as one of the most convenient neighborhoods in the Near North Side. Living in a high rise condo building near Michigan Avenue puts you literally in the middle of everything that Chicago is known for– close to the industry of downtown, the shopping and sights of the Magnificent Mile, and the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Plus, you’ll inevitably have some of the best views of the Chicago skyline.
Shopping on Michigan Avenue
Michigan Avenue’s chief attraction, and the element that has made it a travel destination, is its shopping. The mile of Michigan Ave. noted as the “Magnificent Mile” is filled with stores ranging from huge bargain bazaars like Forever 21 and H&M, to new international chains like Zara, to the outposts of some of fashion’s biggest brands like Ralph Lauren, Ferragamo and Michael Kors. On the north end of the Mag Mile, you’ll find the 900 Shops, a shopping center with department store shopping and upscale boutiques. Similarly, Water Tower Place just a block away is packed with all of the offerings a traditional mall in the heart of the best shopping in town.
Making a trip to experience this kind of shopping is nice, but when you live near Michigan Avenue in a residential tower on the Near East Side, you can regularly frequent the best shopping around town.
Where to Eat on Michigan Avenue
All that shopping have you hungry? Well, Michigan Avenue is made to be convenient for tourists and luckily, that makes it a great place to live near, too. Eateries high and low line the avenue, not to mention the dining options of several famous hotels. The Drake, the W, the Peninsula, the Intercontinental, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Palmer House Hilton all sit on or near the Michigan Avenue, which is good for their guests but great for downtown residents who can frequent their award-winning restaurants and bars.
Also, on the avenue is President Obama’s favorite Chicago restaurant, where he and Michelle often had their date nights– Spiaggia. Chef Tony Mantuano serves up perfect, high end Italian fare at his restaurant and its little sister, Cafe Spiaggia. He’s also a James Beard award winner and finalist on the TV show Top Chef Masters. Nearby on the avenue is a local and tourist favorite, Grand Luxe Cafe– the upscale American restaurant is known for great desserts like its molten chocolate cake. Finally, for a truly Chicago dining experience, eat atop the John Hancock tower at the Signature Room. On the 95th floor, not only do you get a beautiful dining room, world class service and fabulous food, but also views of four states on a clear day.
In addition to its shopping and food, living close to Chicago’s Michigan Avenue gives you the convenience and added value built into its touristy amenities. It is easily accessible by many kinds of public transit, it has great seasonal happenings like the lighting and ice skating rink during the winter holidays, and it’s connected to all the sights of Chicago you might want to see, like the Art Institute, Millennium Park, the Water Tower building. It’s a quick trip from the Magnificent Mile to Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, as well as Soldier Field and the Field Museum.
Visiting the area is fun vacation for many people across the nation, and living there is a vacation everyday. See the appeal of Michigan Avenue living for yourself by expanding your real estate search to this well known Chicago destination.
Tags: chicago condos, chicago neighborhoods, luxury chicago real estate, michigan avenue condos, michigan avenue dining, michigan avenue real estate, michigan avenue shopping, neighborhood guides
