Apartments in Gold Coast Chicago

Historic High-Rise Buildings and the Ultimate Luxury in Chicago’s Gold Coast

As part of the city of Chicago’s north side, the Gold Coast Historic District’s perimeters are North Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street and Clark Street. In 1882, after the Great Chicago Fire, a millionaire by the name of Potter Palmer had a swamp area filled--this became Lake Shore Drive--and then built the Palmer Mansion, a veritable castle with 42 rooms. Shortly thereafter other wealthy Chicagoans joined Palmer in the area, and it became the wealthiest neighborhood in Chicago. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Today the Gold Coast is a mix of mansions, high-rise buildings and row houses.

Who Lives There

The Gold Coast neighborhood has a total population of 7,565 people and the median age of the residents is 36. Of those, 37.88% have a bachelor’s degree and a significant 56.34% of households are childless. The average income is $149,900. Rent prices are around $1500 per month for a studio apartment, $3255 per month for a two bedroom and over $5000 per month for a three bedroom unit.

Places of Interest

As you walk through the Gold Coast neighborhood you will find the Charnley-Perskey House Museum, designed by Louis Sullivan and his apprentice Frank Lloyd Wright. Tours are available by appointment. The Museum of Contemporary Art, founded in 1967, is a venue for performances and original exhibitions. In warm weather months the Oak Street Beach is a wonderful place to enjoy the sun, watch volleyball or just gaze into the water. East Lakeshore Drive and the Magnificent Mile are not included in the Gold Coast’s historic designation but generally are considered part of the neighborhood. If you like to shop, the Magnificent Mile is the place to be. Anchored by three large vertical malls called 900 North Shops, Water Tower Place and The Shops at North Bridge, shopping has never been so fun. The restaurants are too numerous to name and there is food for every taste and pocketbook.