North Astor St, Near North Side

Chicago’s “Gold Coast” got its name from the huge population of the affluent who moved here beginning in 1882 with Potter Palmer (of the Palmer House hotel fame). Bounded by North Avenue on the north, Oak Street on the south, Clark Street to the west, and Lake Shore Drive to the east, the area was designated an historic district in 1978.

It’s a very quaint looking area of narrow tree-lined streets, and a mix of old urban mansions, townhomes, and older (circa 1970s) high-rise condos. It is also the site of the Hugh Hefner’s “Playboy” mansion. Although Hef moved out in 1974 for the confines of sunny California, the mansion remains and has been converted to – what else – condos. One recently sold for over $2 million dollars. Ironically, the mansion is only a few blocks down the street from the Cardinal’s residence.

Most of the local shops, stores and restaurants are centered at and near the intersection of State and Division streets, and along its western border – Clark Street. And it’s only a short walk or bus/taxi ride to the adjacent neighborhoods of the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue), Old Town, River North, and Lincoln Park.

The Gold Coast’s residents are mostly seniors and retirees. However, the area has managed to attract a healthy share of urban professionals and young families. But it is still quite the enclave of the affluent. After all, it was dubbed the Gold Coast for a reason.