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.

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Some of the most desired real estate in the city has to be Gold Coast Chicago condos. The Gold Coast neighborhood is known for its luxury high-rise condos, beach access, storied history and beautiful architecture. Even if you don’t choose to live in the Gold Coast, anyone who lives the luxury lifestyle knows the area and its offerings.

Gold Coast History and Architecture

The history of the Gold Coast area is integral to its exclusivity. It has been one of the select places to live in Chicago since the city’s origination. Now, the area is defined by its borders on North Avenue and Division Street on the north, Lake Michigan on the east, Chicago Avenue on the south and Clark and Franklin Streets on the west.

During the late 1800s and after the great Chicago fire, the area began to see the mansions of many wealthy Chicago families because of its proximity to Lake Shore Drive and the beach. A neighborhood of prominent families and recognizable homes made the area’s real estate highly valued. Potter Palmer and James Charnley, two of the richest men in the country in the late 1800s, built mansions in the area. The Charnley-Persky House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan, still stands and you can tour the historic home.

While there are still some single-family homes in the area, the real estate in the neighborhood now consists mostly of luxury condos, high-rise developments and townhomes. One of the most affluent neighborhoods in the country, it is a very safe, beautiful and comfortable place to live in Chicago.

Gold Coast Attractions: Food, Shopping and Oak Street Beach

With affluent residents and highly-priced homes, you can expect that incredible shopping will follow. From luxury brand locations to upscale boutiques, the Gold Coast is a known shopping destination in Chicago. Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Prada, Gucci, Chanel and Harry Winston are just some of the recognizable names you’ll find in the Gold Coast.

For food, you can eat at Oprah’s favorite fine dining location, Table Fifty-Two. Chef Art Smith brings upscale class to Southern soul food in a perfect mix of taste and flavor. Tavern On Rush is another well-known name on the Chicago dining scene, located in the Gold Coast. Rated the best outdoor dining in Chicago, you can dine on traditional American and steakhouse-style cuisine in the famous eatery. Stop by Luxbar for a weekend brunch or after work– it’s known for amazing cocktails, an upscale atmosphere and the quality of service to go with it. While you’ll find mostly upscale dining in the Gold Coast area, you won’t find anything to complain about.

And finally, Oak Street Beach is wonderful in the spring and summer, but beach paths and public parks make it a great asset all year round. Whether you are a runner, biker or just an admirer of nature, immediate access to the beach and waterfront adds value to the real estate and lifestyle of the Gold Coast.

Luxury, prime location and a sense of cache means that the Gold Coast is a good place to live in or near. If you are seeking the luxury lifestyle in Chicago, you’ll want to have access to the famous neighborhood from your own condo or townhome.

Nowadays, River North is one of the hottest ‘hoods in Chicago. Famous for its art galleries and nightlife, it has had one of the largest population booms of all Chicago neighborhoods in recent years.

In fact, according to the Chicago Tribune, “The Near North Chicago neighborhood has 25,000 new residents occupying 10,000 new housing units built since 2000. Along with them have come offices, hotels, eateries, clubs, art galleries and shops. The central location makes whatever isn’t there an easy walk or cab ride away.”

But real estate in this Chicago neighborhood hasn’t always been so desirable. Keep reading to find out more about the history of the area and what it has going on now.

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