June 2019 | Chicago Luxury Condos for Sale | Luxury Living Chicago Realty

Streeterville Vs. Gold Coast — Where Should You Live?

Posted on June 25, 2019June 26, 2019 by LLCR Staff

When looking for a premier neighborhood in downtown Chicago, both Streeterville and Gold Coast offer promising options.

Each area boasts a phenomenal location and luxury living, which means deciding on the best neighborhood comes down to personal preference.

The Luxury Living team is here to help compare Streeterville vs. Gold Coast to help you determine the most suitable spot to call home.

Highlights of Each Neighborhood

Streeterville- Bounded by the Chicago River, the Magnificent Mile, and Lake Michigan, Streeterville finds itself smack dab in the middle of Chicago’s hottest landmarks.

The neighborhood also houses many well-respected establishments, including Northwestern University Downtown Campus, University of Chicago Gleacher Center, NBC Tower, Northwestern Hospital, and Lurie Children’s Hospital.

With such a competitive location, it’s no surprise that Streeterville is a happening place. The neighborhood is full of working professionals, students, and visitors working, studying, and residing.

Gold Coast- Located directly North of Streeterville along the lake, the Gold Coast neighborhood is a bit quieter and more residential.

Strolling through the charming and affluent neighborhood, you’ll find a great mix of historic mansions, modern high-rise apartments, upscale shopping, and exquisite dining.

What Makes Each Unique

The Streeterville neighborhood is unique for its surplus of notorious Windy City Attractions.

Right Along the Lake, sits the infamous Navy Pier where you can find popular activities like the Centennial Wheel and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Boat tours and cruises also depart daily from the Pier during the suitable seasons.

With the Magnificent Mile located right along the West edge of the neighborhood, Streeterville offers some of the most high-end retail in the city, from Saks Fifth Avenue to Gucci.

Streeterville also offers an unrivaled and quirky history. The story of the neighborhood’s growth revolves all around Captain George Streeter’s attempt to claim, sell, and tax a sandbar off the Chicago Harbor. While his efforts were disrupted, his legacy remains.

While Streeterville provides its fair share of luxury living, Gold Coast is known for its affluence. It currently ranks as the seventh wealthiest urban areas in the country.

In 1978 the Gold Coast Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places to preserve the area’s notable history, dating back to the early 1800s. This historic district is bounded by North Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street, and Lake Street.

How to See Homes in Each Area

If you’re interested in checking out these vibrant neighborhoods, you can find updated available listings on the Luxury Living Site.

For in-person property visits, you can also connect with an experienced and licensed broker to arrange a tour.

The Streeterville vs.Gold Coast competition is one only you can judge. Determine which area wins your neighborhood needs today!

What You Should Know About Streeterville Safety

Posted on June 20, 2019June 20, 2019 by LLCR Staff

The Streeterville neighborhood, situated between Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile, boasts one of downtown Chicago’s premier locations.

With over 32,000 residents calling Streeterville home, it is no surprise that this vibrant area prioritizes keeping the entire area safe.

Learn how Streeterville safety remains a focus for the neighborhood.

What the Walkability is like in Streeterville

While Chicago as a whole ranks as the 6th most walkable large city in the United States, the Streeterville area reflects this incredible walkability.

One of the greatest perks of living in Streeterville is easy access to some of the Windy City’s best shopping, dining, at attractions.

Anywhere in Streeterville guarantees proximity to The Mag Mile, Chicago’s largest shopping district. Here you can find some of the best retail, restaurants, museums, and hotels in the city.

While Streeterville is extremely pedestrian friendly, there are other easily accessible modes of transportation.

Throughout the neighborhood, you can find multiple bus routes, taxis, and Divvy bike stations.

How People can Learn More About Crime Rates

Understanding the crime in your neighborhood may be important for heightened awareness and taking appropriate preventative measures.

Trulia provides an interactive map and updated list of current crime data and safety trends in Streeterville based on police crime reports.

Neighborhood Scouts also paints a broader picture of Streeterville safety and crime by looking at annual crime rates.

Crime trends can change quickly, so it is crucial to stay informed.

How to Feel Safer in the City

Streeterville safety is at the forefront of the neighborhood’s priorities.

Along with an increased police presence, a large part of the Streeterville community is also coming together to promote neighborhood safety.

Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR), diligently serves the community in various capacities, including the implementation of a Safety and Well-Being Task Force, which secures public safety for the entire neighborhood.

In addition to taking part in the community efforts, you can feel safer in the neighborhood by taking your own precautions.

Always stay aware and keep your belongings close to you.

When walking around the neighborhood after hours, it’s smart to stay on well-lit paths, remain attentive to your surroundings, and leave your earbuds at home.

You can also check out these apps designed to help keep you safe when walking home at night.

Whether you live in Streeterville or you are considering relocating to this vibrant neighborhood, rest assured that Streeterville safety remains a continual priority for the entire area.

Streeterville Restaurants to Try This Week

Posted on June 13, 2019June 13, 2019 by LLCR Staff

While the Streeterville neighborhood is often known for its quirky history, incredible waterfront location, and upscale shopping along the Magnificent Mile, it turns out that the dining in this area also earns some bragging rights.

Whether you are looking for a quick and easy bite or a dining experience with all of the bells and whistles, Streeterville restaurants have it all.

New Restaurants to Try

It is no surprise that new Streeterville restaurants have hit the scene to keep up with ongoing neighborhood development.

The Lettuce Entertain You Enterprise recently welcomed Mr. Maki to Streeterville, and the neighborhood could not be more excited. This new concept is built around maki rolls and the Japanese combo meal known as teishoku, a home-style meal commonly served at local eateries in Japan.

Robert’s Pizza Dough and Co. has also recently reopened and pizza aficionados are thrilled. Located within the River East Art Center, this gourmet pizzeria has nearly tripled in size with 142 seats. Thankfully the menu and vibe haven’t changed, meaning you can still find the same delicious pizza creations and lively energy inside.

Where to go for a Fancy Dinner

If you are looking to make reservations at a top-notch Streeterville restaurant, you are in luck.

Whether you are in need of a celebratory evening or a perfect date night, the Capital Grille is the place for dinner. This sophisticated steakhouse offers delicious dry aged steaks and world-class wines within a refined and romantic setting.

Expand your palate at Les Nomades, a high-end French cuisine surrounded by flower-filled brownstone, throw pillow-lined banquettes, and cozy fireplaces. The Michelin Guide highly praises this charming restaurant right in the heart of Streeterville and visitors agree.

For breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan over dinner, check out Riva Crabhouse. As Navy Pier’s only seafood restaurant on the waterfront, this beautiful Streeterville restaurant is worth a visit.

Where to go for a Casual Night with Friends

While Streeterville boasts its fair share of fine dining, the lively neighborhood also offers plenty of casual restaurants.

Spend an enjoyable evening sipping on a cocktail and sharing gourmet grub at Streeterville Social, the stylish rooftop at Loews Chicago Hotel. Grab a table or cozy lounge chairs and soak up the beautiful city skyline. The daily happy hour is also a huge plus.

If you’re looking for a night to let loose, bring your game and appetite over to Pinstripes. This modern dining spot offers tasty American-Italian fare along with bowling and bocce- quite the combo!

Take advantage of the many Streeterville restaurants and enjoy dinner with your family or friends out in this vibrant neighborhood!

All About Streeterville’s History

Posted on June 11, 2019June 13, 2019 by LLCR Staff

Along with its competitive waterfront location, breathtaking views, and unbeatable shopping, Streeterville, Chicago also boasts a unique and quirky past.

Discover the Streeterville history that transformed the neighborhood into what it is today.

How Streeterville Became a Neighborhood

Before Streeterville became a thriving place to reside and visit, the area was nothing more than water and sand.

Everything began to change when Captain George Streeter made his way up to Chicago with his wife Maria in the late 1800s.

While taking their boat out on Lake Michigan, a bad storm hit and drifted them to a sandbar off the Chicago harbor, where he decided to claim as his own.

Shortly after, as the area began to grow, Streeter found an unusual way to make a profit and began turning the sandbar into a public garbage disposal. This waste pile up led to the establishment of a shantytown leaving wealthy neighbors angry and concerned that their property values would decline.

Eventually, millionaire Kellogg Fairbank filed a suit against Streeter claiming he was the real owner of the area. Despite his legal obligation to leave the sandbar, the captain refused to relinquish the land and instead raised an army and set up a blockade in a final attempt to save what he believed was “his property.”

While Captain Streeter’s efforts were unsuccessful and quickly terminated by the police, his legacy remains in the neighborhood’s name.

How it Got to Where it is Today

Streeterville experienced its first significant growth spurt following the economic boom of the 1920s, which brought new wealth and development to the district.

The opening of the Michigan Avenue Bridge in 1921 elevated the neighborhood as the city’s prime real estate. Within a couple of years, Northwestern’s downtown campus was completed, a luxury shopping district was established on North Michigan Avenue, and investors introduced luxury hotels along Lake Shore Drive.

The second construction boom hit Streeterville following World War II. In a city-wide effort to pursue urban renewal, a local developer named Arthur Rubloff led the revitalization of North Michigan Avenue under the banner of “The Magnificent Mile.” This project’s success led to a reinvigorated investment in the neighborhood.

Streeterville has since continued to develop and attract more businesses, residents, and tourists.

Where You Can Find Historic Spots

You can get a taste of Streeterville’s history scattered throughout the neighborhood.

A few blocks from the Chicago River, on the corner of McClurg Court and Grand Avenue, you’ll find Captain George Streeter in the form of an eight-foot-tall bronze sculpture.

Along the Magnificent Mile, sits the iconic Chicago Water Tower, built in 1869, making it the second oldest water tower in the country. Initially constructed to house a water pump to draw water from Lake Michigan, the building now serves as a Chicago Office of Tourism art gallery.

These spots, along with many others, serve as a reminder of the unusual, yet remarkable Streeterville history that transformed the now flourishing neighborhood.

River North Condos You Need to See

Posted on June 7, 2019 by Katie Dickemann

As one of Chicago’s liveliest neighborhoods, River North has much to offer- from some of the best nightlife and shopping to the largest concentration of restaurants and art galleries in the Windy City.

If you’re considering making this vibrant neighborhood home, then it may be time to start hunting for the perfect place to live.

The Luxury Living team is here to help you find the best River North Condos on the market.

Where to Find River North condos

The River North neighborhood is located directly north of the Loop and north and east of the Chicago River.

Throughout the community area, buyers can find a great mix of residences, from beautiful new builds to old warehouses repurposed into trendy lofts.

A high concentration of luxury condos and high-rises can be found on the west side of River North, although more luxury buildings have been making appearances throughout the neighborhood.

The Luxury Living site offers an interactive map featuring premier River North condo listings that are currently on the market.

Unique Amenities or Locations

Many of the luxury River North condos offer both competitive location and impressive amenities.

If you are looking for property along the water with unobstructed views of Lake Michigan, there are plenty of options right along Lake Shore Drive.

Consider living in a two-bedroom at 1150 North Lake Shore Drive #24H in the perfect penthouse residence, fully rehabbed and move-in ready. The beautiful building features a bike room/bike trails, door person, exercise room, storage, on-site manager/engineer, party room, sundeck, receiving room, service elevator, valet, and cleaners.

A few minutes closer to the Loop, with all of the same amenities and lakeside perks, 900 Lake Shore Drive #1509 also offers a stunning and recently renovated space to call home within the historic Miles van der Rohe building.

If you prefer to be in the heart of all the action, consider 55 East Erie Street #1906. This rarely available luxurious one-bedroom is steps away from fantastic shopping at Michigan Mile and incredible restaurants and bars along Rush Street.

If you’re looking for a two-bedroom in the same phenomenal area, check out 21 East Huron Street #1507. This desirable open-floor plan corner is a rare find in the city. You will also find 24-hour door staff, fitness center, indoor pool + spa, massage room, movie theater, on-site management, receiving room, fantastic dog run, desirable first-floor parking available.

How to Tour Them

If you are ready to see some of these River North condos for yourself, set up an in-person tour today.

Connect with an experienced and licensed broker who can help narrow down suitable condos and arrange a property viewing.

Don’t let the opportunity pass you by and begin your search for the perfect River North condo today!

Month: June 2019