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Chicago Gold Coast Real Estate Listings For Sale

Chicago's Gold Coast real estate ranks among the most exclusive to be found within the Windy City. Without a doubt, it is one of the most affluent Chicago neighborhoods. Chicago's Gold Coast real estate for sale ranges from singles and young families to retired empty-nesters. People are drawn to this area because of the historic atmosphere, the fabulous nightlife, the one-of-a-kind shopping experience, and the spectacular views of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan. Chicago's Gold Coast real estate is bounded by North Avenue, Division Street, Chicago Avenue, and Lake Michigan. Read more about Gold Coast Chicago Condos and Homes.

 Contact Ted Guarnero for more information about Chicago Gold Coast real estate for sale.

Gold Coast Listings

All Listings	$100,000 - $200,000	$200,000 - $300,000
$300,000 - $400,000	$400,000 - $500,000	$500,000 - $600,000
$600,000 - $700,000	$700,000 - $800,000	$800,000 - $900,000
$900,000 - $1,000,000	Over $1,000,000

More about Chicago Gold Coast real estate unveiled

For those in search of a “city that never sleeps” type of neighborhood, the wannabe’s” dream!   On the surface the Chicago's Gold Coast appears a historic gem: an area rich with culture and qualities more elite than any other Chicago neighborhood  lined with street after street of high-rise condominium towers, those in search of that true luxury living lifestyle shall look no further than the Gold Coast.

In addition to making for a great history lesson and to supplying some of the best residential dwellings, the Gold Coast boasts a plethora of fine restaurants, infinite shopping opportunities, various public transportation routes, and enough bars and nightclubs to make one not even want to leave the bustling ‘hood! 

From unstoppable daytime crowds to plenty of Oak St. beach action, the Gold Coast remains one of the most vibrant areas of the entire city.  On any given day, whether January or July, the Gold Coast real estate is, without a doubt, any prospective renter or buyer’s paradise. Alas, let the boredom vanish: the Gold Coast will ensure the folks remain lively, youthful, and entertained.

Gold Coast Chicago Real Estate History

After the Great Fire of 1871, local millionaire Potter Palmer left the devastated South Side to build a new home in the less-developed region north of the river.  Chicago’s wealthy inhabitants had long resided south of town along Prairie Avenue, but Palmer always had his eye on Chicago Gold Coast real estate and was quietly buying up parcels there even before the fire struck Chicago. In the wake of disaster, he saw his chance and capitalized on the opportunity.

The need to dispose of charred rubble by the ton proved a convenient way to extend the city into the lake, using landfill to create a brand new lakefront.  Seizing the opportunity, Palmer ordered a lakeside marsh filled in along what is now a stretch of North Lake Shore Drive, and there, on virgin ground, he built his Xanadu:  a 42-room, Gothic mansion which was nearly as much a castle in appearance as character.  Palmer planted his standard on the North Shore—a gold standard no less.  It was not long before he was joined by the remainder of Chicago’s upper crust, and the exclusive character of the new community has held sway ever since Palmer took the lead.  One hundred years later, the Chicago's Gold Coast real estate market still ranked as the one of America’s most affluent neighborhoods, second only to the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Noteworthy Area: Chicago's Astor Street District

The corridor between North and Division, which is essentially the heart of the Gold Coast real estate, was originally dubbed the Astor Street District in the late 1890s.  Honoring the illustrious John Jacob Astor, a staggeringly successful New York real estate investor—a multibillionaire by today’s standards—the name was a lure to the city’s elite, shedding its radiance on all who earned the privilege to live within this area.  As more people sought a plot in the prized community, colossal mansions gave way to narrower town homes, and it was not long before construction began moving in the only direction left to go:  up!  So, it is that today the Gold Coast Chicago neighborhood has matured into a heady blend of historic mansions, distinctive row houses, and towering high-rises which overlook Lake Shore Drive and Lincoln Park. 

Along quiet, verdant streets lined with stately homes, the Astor Street District still evokes the grandeur of bygone days.  Though the Palmer Mansion was demolished in 1950, many superb examples of Victorian Era architecture remain, such as the Charnley-Persky House on North Astor, which was an early collaboration between Louis Sullivan and a promising young draftsman named Frank Lloyd Wright.  This monument today provides an apt abode for the Society of Architectural Historians. You may think you have stumbled into a Dickens novel when you view the Archbishop Residence, a sprawling mansion on North State Parkway dating back to the 1880s, which is the oldest remaining home in the Gold Coast. Its many gables and balconies, chimneys, turrets and towers are indicative of the Queen Anne design, one of the dominant architectural styles you will see here, along with the rounded arches and conical roofs of the Romanesque school and the formal, classical symmetry of Georgian Revivals.

Gold Coast Chicago Condos and Homes

Those interested in living within a historic area of Chicago complete with all of the bells and whistles should look no farther than the Gold Coast real estate. Many of the homes here represent stunning examples of quality architecture. The Gold Coast has a unique collection of mansions, row houses and apartments, with some constructions ranging back to the 19th century.  Astor Street, in particular, has a beautiful collection of historical homes in a variety of revival styles.

Like Gold Coast Real Estate? Then Check Out River North Real Estate For Sale Here!

Gold Coast Chicago Culture & Entertainment 

The Gold Coast is neither cocooned in the past nor strictly defined by its tranquil residential areas.  There is plenty of high-end commerce, culture and entertainment to keep things lively.  

Along with the Streeterville Chicago neighborhood, the Gold Coast can lay claim to the shopping mecca of North Michigan Avenue—the “Magnificent Mile”—with its upscale retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. 

Still, to some, shopping in true Gold Coast style is a more discriminating, sophisticated affair, and you will find it centered on East Oak Street.  Literally off the beaten path of Michigan Avenue, East Oak boasts a haven of haute couture, salons and spas, high-end clothiers, designer studios, and avant garde boutiques specializing in that one-of-a-kind fashion find.

Art galleries abound here, too, as well as in River North to the west; therefore, it is hardly surprising that the Gold Coast Art Fair is one of the city’s most popular summer events.  This 3-day affair, renowned as the “Granddaddy” of American art festivals, has been attracting artists from around the world since 1957.  Its unflagging popularity places it among the top 25 festivals within the U.S.

Gold Coast Chicago Restaurants

Dining options are diverse and plentiful, notably around Rush Street, which has long relished its reputation for exuberant nightlife.  But there is more going on here than just signature dance clubs such as Mother’s and Butch McGuire’s located on the bustling Division St.  The restaurant options are abundant and fabulous, particularly when it comes to Italian fare—Carmine’s  comes to mind—and exceptional steakhouses such as Gibson’s and Tavern on Rush.  Other notable restaurants which attract various crowds are Le Colonial, Lux Bar, Blue Agave, P.J. Clarke's, and the newly opened location of the Gold Coast Chicago restaurant, Lou Malnatti's.

Restaurants by Street
Chestnut Street
Mike Ditka's Restaurant  100 E Chestnut St    (312) 587-8989

Rush Street
Carmine's: A Rosebud Restaurant  1043 N Rush St    (312) 988-7676
Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse  1028 N Rush St    (312) 266-8999
Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish Lounge  1024 N Rush St    (312) 640-0999
Le Colonial  937 N Rush St    (312) 255-0088
Rosebud on Rush  720 N. Rush St    (312) 266-6444
Tavern on Rush  1031 N Rush St    (312) 664-9600        

State Street
Ra Sushi  1139 N State St     (312) 274-0011       

                                         

Gold Coast Chicago Hot Spots

After-dinner watering holes are hardly in short supply either, ranging from the tragically hip to the classically cool. Whether you prefer dancing between cocktails at Proof, digging jazz riffs at the BackRoom, or mellowing over martinis at Jilly’s Piano Bar, there is surely a venue suitable for every taste, style, and preference.  Let us also not forget to mention the ever-popular Division Street where thristy patrons can visit Finn McCool's, Lodgebar, Shenannigan's, Mother's Too, Bootlegger's, and The Cedar Hotel, and Leg Room.  Division Street surely will appeal to all ages, tastes, styles, and bar preferences.

Rush Street represents the Gold Coast’s young and wild side.  Similar to a chapter in any good book, Rush Street is only a small part of a long, unfolding story.  The Gold Coast has a sterling reputation to uphold, one that has been well-served by the Gold Coast Neighbors Association, a group devoted to the preservation and beautification of this extraordinary community for over 50 years. 

Just about anyone can celebrate on Rush Street, and the Mag Mile is a magnet for any type of shopper. However, these streets represent only the outer edges of the Gold Coast where the restless world races by on a daily basis.  The commotion quickly fades once you delve into the heart of the Gold Coast neighborhood, when you stroll past stately homes, a venerable library here, a museum or academy there, elegant townhouses, arching trees sprinkling sunlight over the streets, and history’s omniscient whisper in the air.  The clamor of the city, the glamour of the lakefront, and the contentment of these quiet streets, which are all steeped in tradition, abide the many facets of Chicago’s Gold Coast.

Bars and Nightclubs by Street  
Division Street                          
Butch Mcguire's  20 West Division St    (312) 337-9080
Finn McCool's Irish Sports Pub  15 West Division St    (312) 337-4349
Mother's Too  14 W Division St    (312) 266-7444
Original Mother's  26 W Division St    (312) 642-7251
She-nannigans House of Beer  16 W Division St    (312) 642-2344
The Lodge  21 W Division St    (312) 642-4406

Elm Street
Hang-Uppe  14 W Elm St    (312) 337-0561

Rush Street
Jilly’s Piano Bar  1007 N Rush St    (312) 664-1001

State Street
Hunt Club 1100 N State St (312) 988-7887
McFadden's Saloon & Restaurant 1206 N State Pkwy (312) 475-9450
P.J. Clarke's 1204 N State Pkwy (312) 664-1650

Gold Coast Chicago Shopping

Perhaps one of the best cities in the world for shopping, Chicago proudly claims the Magnificent Mile as its own street of pure shopping amazingness.  Whether you are a Gold Coast Chicago resident, a suburban dweller, or an out-of-town guest, the “Mag Mile” surely appeals to all tastes, styles, ages, and walks of life.

From Bloomingdale’s to Niketown, the Magnificent Mile is every shopper’s paradise.  For the sophisticated, chic female, upscale retail locations such as Louis Vuitton, Club Monaco, MaxMara, Stuart Weitzman, Coach, Gucci, and Kenneth Cole stand perfectly along these 8 blocks.  For those not looking to completely break the bank, the 900 N. Michigan shops, located in a multi-level mall, offer a variety of fashions suitable for everyone in the family.  And what would be magnificent about a mile without the world’s best department stores?  Shoppers will surely appreciate Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom.  Yet, not to worry bargain hunters:  check out Filene’s Basement and H&M for that great deal!

From luxury brand names to local boutiques, Oak Street is a shopping destination not to be missed!  Luxury brands such as Kate Spade, Barney’s New York, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Chanel, and Juicy Couture line the lively street.  High-end designer boutiques such as the Denim Lounge, Jil Sander, Furla, Belle Vie Bridal Couture also call Oak Street their home. 

 

The Bottom Line

Whether new to the city or purchasing your 5^th condo in the wonderful city of Chicago, we intend to educate you about the neighborhoods in order to ensure you choose the neighborhood that suits you!  As you may be aware, each Chicago neighborhood varies from the next, and thus, we feel that a key element to your success as a resident in this city is to become acclimated to your neighborhood as quickly as possible.  While the vast amount of Chicago neighborhoods boast similarities, in reality, there are not two neighborhoods exactly alike!  So, find that restaurant your friend recommended, check out the closest hotel for your in-town guests, or map out your next adventure on the CTA.  If the Gold Coast neighborhood is where you choose to reside, then welcome home!  We think you'll like it

Contact Ted Guarnero for more information about Chicago Gold Coast real estate @ 312-810-6693

The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity program of Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. Real Estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Baird & Warner are marked with the Broker Reciprocity logo or the Broker Reciprocity thumbnail logo (a little black house) and detailed information about them includes the names of the listing brokers. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. The information being provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Copyright © 2012 Midwest Real Estate Data LLC

Listing information last updated on May 22nd, 2012 at 2:00am.

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