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Gold Coast

Gold Coast

4.4
$641,318 Average Value
$388 Average Price per Sq Ft
86 Homes For Sale

The grandeur of the Gold Coast

Developed in the late 19th century by a handful of Chicago’s most elite families, the Gold Coast has certainly retained its grandeur over the decades. “It’s a fabulous location just north of the city, right along the lake,” says Cyd Archer, a 30-year resident and Broker with @properties, the city's number one brokerage. “You’ve got older buildings with beautiful views of the lake, historic townhomes and larger estates. You can walk everywhere. There are organic farmer’s markets and concerts; I mean, you don’t even have to leave the neighborhood if you don’t want to.” Adorned with greenery just blocks from Lincoln Park and Oak Street Beach, the Gold Coast is considerably one of Chicago’s elite communities.

Gold Coast is full of high-rise condos with waterfront views of Lake Michigan.
Gold Coast is full of high-rise condos with waterfront views of Lake Michigan.
Lincoln Park Zoo has an expansive campus that Gold Coast residents love to explore.
Lincoln Park Zoo has an expansive campus that Gold Coast residents love to explore.
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Historic rowhomes with conservatories for streets

Chicago’s Gold Coast offers a refined combination of ornate rowhomes and high-rise condominiums. Many single-family properties were constructed in the late 19th century, flaunting stone and brick façades in Richardsonian Romanesque and Queen Anne styles. Behind their wrought iron gates, lush and well-maintained gardens accompany shrubs and trees, turning residential streets into miniature conservatories. These rowhomes are typically priced between $1 million and $7 million, with higher-end builds exceeding 9,000 square feet. “A few of the blocks are landmark districts, meaning they can’t be altered, which is really nice,” Archer says. Meanwhile, the wide price range of condominiums is almost entirely dependent on square footage, proximity to Lake Michigan and additional amenities like balconies, rooftop patios and fireplaces. Homebuyers may find 2,000-square-foot options for $190,000, while those with 4,000 square feet and beyond can reach well above $1 million.

Gold Coast features many condo buildings that have amazing views of the lake.
Gold Coast features many condo buildings that have amazing views of the lake.
There are many historic single family homes in the Gold Coast neighborhood.
There are many historic single family homes in the Gold Coast neighborhood.
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Skylight brunches and/or late-night cravings

La Colombe Coffee Roasters may be a local favorite, but the Gold Coast is also home to a handful of critically acclaimed brunch spots that visitors swear by. Blue Door Kitchen and Garden is a farm-to-table institution led by Art Smith—the former chef of Oprah Winfrey—whose vision is driven by fresh, seasonal produce. The posh ambiance of 3 Arts Club Café is situated inside of Restoration Hardware. Under the glow of a skylit garden, guests dine from a curated menu of artisanal American fare. Of course, Chicagoans can still enjoy the grittiness of a late-night craving at Dublin’s Bar & Grill, open 365 days a year until 4 a.m. The Oak Street District is well-known for its collection of luxury houses like Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel. Though the average errand run can be had along Division Street at Jewel-Osco or Target Grocery.

Butch McGuire's is one of the oldest bars in Gold Coast with a great atmosphere.
Butch McGuire's is one of the oldest bars in Gold Coast with a great atmosphere.
Three Arts Club is a great place to get lunch in Gold Coast.
Three Arts Club is a great place to get lunch in Gold Coast.
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All the splendor of a festival in The Loop

The Porchlight Music Theater is an occasional hub for plays and off-Broadway shows. But residents of the Gold Coast are just 2 miles from the splendor of a festival in The Loop. Chicago’s Blues and Jazz Festivals, alongside Lollapalooza, attract hundreds of thousands of music fans to The Loop every year, while Taste of Chicago remains the city’s largest festival overall. The scent of hot chocolate and sweet roasted nuts envelops Daley Plaza during the holiday season as guests flock to the Christkindlemarket. Back home, “Aster Street has a block party every year open for residents,” Archer says. “Down on Division Street, they have summer markets with fruits, vegetables and flowers. The Old Town Art Festival has been going on for about 50 years, and in the winter, they light up the zoo for families.”

With three stages and over 250 artist, Blues Fest is one of Chicagos best summertime events.
With three stages and over 250 artist, Blues Fest is one of Chicagos best summertime events.
Old Town Art Fair takes place on Wells Street and features a large number of artists.
Old Town Art Fair takes place on Wells Street and features a large number of artists.
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Public education with Chicago Public Schools

Families are zoned for the Chicago Public School District 299, beginning at Ogden International School. The East and Jenner campuses enroll kindergarten through eighth-grade students, altogether earning a grade of B-minus on Niche. Those graduating from Ogden’s Middle School are automatically eligible to attend the high school, also known as West Campus. With a B on Niche, this magnet school for the arts ranks ninth in the state among other public arts high schools. Students can also enroll at Lincoln Park High School, offering more than 60 clubs and organizations with an A on Niche.

Ogden International School of Chicago
Ogden International School of Chicago
Lincoln Park High School main grand four pillar entrance, Chicago, IL.
Lincoln Park High School main grand four pillar entrance, Chicago, IL.
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Mere walking distance from Lake Michigan’s shoreline

Arguably, the biggest draw to the Gold Coast is its proximity to Lake Michigan, often appreciated on warm days at Oak Street Beach. There, the towering Chicago skyline contrasts expansive views of the water, where guests can enjoy the sandy dunes or walk a few blocks north to Concrete Beach for sturdier ground. The Lakefront Trail is a go-to for walkers and cyclists, extending 19 miles along the shore. “Where the Gold Coast ends, Lincoln Park begins—it’s one of the busiest parks in the United States,” Archer explains. “They have baseball diamonds and soccer fields, the zoo, lagoons, a history museum. There’s all kinds of stuff to do there.” The Lincoln Park Conservatory boasts a plethora of unique species of flora, while the zoo attracts millions of visitors each year.

Residents can head east from River North to The Lakefront Trail.
Residents can head east from River North to The Lakefront Trail.
Oak St beach at the North end of Mag Mile is a great place to catch some sun in the summer.
Oak St beach at the North end of Mag Mile is a great place to catch some sun in the summer.
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Ditching the car for CTA’s Red Line

Owning a personal vehicle is the opposite of convenient on the Gold Coast. “You really don’t need a car,” Archer says. You can walk everywhere. There are buses that’ll take you downtown, plus the elevated trains and the subway. There’s permitted parking on the street, but not nearly enough for everyone who lives here.” A Ventra Card secures easy access to the Red Line, where the closest L station is Clark/Division. CTA also provides 24-hour subway train service, while bus stops line Lake Shore Drive, Clark, Division and Rush Street. Many also opt for ridesharing or taxi service. Residents can expect a 45-minute to hour-long commute to both Chicago Midway International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Northwestern Memorial Hospital serves as the closest emergency room, just a mile south on Michigan Avenue.

Gold Coast
Gold Coast
Gold Coast
Gold Coast
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Dana Chesser
Written By
Dana Chesser
Evan Brightfield
Photography Contributed By
Evan Brightfield
Ennis Warlick
Video By
Ennis Warlick

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago Midway International

21 min drive

Bus

Lake Shore & Cedar

Bus

State & Bellevue

Bus

State & Elm

Bus

Lake Shore & Division

Bus

Lake Shore & Schiller

Bus

Division & Dearborn

Bus

Lake Shore & Oak

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.4 12 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
5/9/2017 Niche Review
Living in the gold coast is amazing because of there is so much to do, places to eat, and shop. It's also an ideal place to live because you don't need a car to go anywhere, everything is in walking distance from your house. There are lots of museums, movie theaters, shopping centers and now the worlds biggest Starbucks will be coming soon.
5.0 Current Resident
7/31/2019 Niche Review
Gold Coast is the heart of Chicago, you are close to amazing restaurants, shopping, great hospitals, schools, easy access to public transportation, and the highway.
5.0 Current Resident
4/29/2020 Niche Review
The Gold Coast neighborhood is steeped in history, evident in the architecture of its stately homes. There is also a comfort in the constant bustle of commercial activity surrounding the residences.
Are you familiar with the Gold Coast neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Gold Coast US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Gold Coast Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$550,000
Median Sale Price
$507,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$2,650,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,251,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$495,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
517
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
13%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$388

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
4,950
Number of Homes for Sale
86
Median Year Built
1968
Months of Supply
2.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,385
Significantly above the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,071
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,784
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
859
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
524
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,613

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Jan 11
    11am - 1pm

    1520 N Dearborn Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60610

    $3,895,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 7,065 Sq Ft
    • 1520 N Dearborn Pkwy
    • New 3 days ago

    Step inside this masterfully restored circa 1898 Gold Coast home where historic architecture blends seamlessly with contemporary updates, creating a rare, truly move-in-ready residence on iconic Dearborn Street. Tall ceilings, restored original details, and beautifully updated spaces define every level of this home. The formal living room offers a bay window with original stained glass, a gas

    Carrie McCormick @properties Christie's International Real Estate

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  • Saturday, Jan 10
    11am - 2pm

    1550 N Lake Shore Dr Unit 2A, Chicago, IL 60610

    $429,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,327 Sq Ft
    • 1550 N Lake Shore Dr
    • Unit 2A
    • New 28 days ago

    Experience refined city living in this rare A-tier 2 bed / 2 bath condo showcasing stunning lake and park views from every room. Recently renovated with a fresh, modern design, this residence features a European-inspired kitchen with sleek cabinetry, premium finishes, and an open layout ideal for both relaxing and entertaining. Located in a full-amenity building that has recently undergone major

    Nicholas Ceko RE/MAX Premier

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  • Saturday, Jan 10
    12 - 2pm

    73 E Elm St Unit 3A, Chicago, IL 60611

    $539,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,600 Sq Ft
    • 73 E Elm St
    • Unit 3A
    • New 3 days ago

    Be awed by this beautiful two-bedroom, two-bathroom vintage home located in the elegant McNally Quinn boutique elevator building, circa 1930. Stepping into the home, you are immediately greeted by its exquisite vintage details, including a formal entry with barreled ceilings, original doors and hardware, gorgeous parquet stained floors, meticulous crown moldings, chair rails, and arched doorways.

    Brenda Mauldin Baird & Warner

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
16,230
Median Age
46
Population Density
93 ppl/acre
Population under 18
12.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
30.3%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$119,761
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$159,364

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.9%
College Graduates
84.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
43.6%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
40''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

83 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

94 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

88 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Gold Coast