Let’s take a look at Old Town vs. Gold Coast.

Old Town vs. Gold Coast

Both Chicago neighborhoods offer unique advantages and living experiences.

Neighborhood Overviews

Old Town sits directly south of Lincoln Park, bounded by Division Street to the south, North Avenue to the north, Clybourn Avenue to the east, and Larrabee Street to the west.

The residential neighborhood features Victorian-era buildings, brick alleyways and narrow, tree-lined streets. Old Town boasts fantastic public transit options and impressive weekend itineraries, including hot dining spots, bars, and comedy clubs. The community provides undeniable energy, attracting plenty of young and vibrant residents.

Gold Coast sits directly east of Old Town right along Lake Michigan and is roughly bounded by North Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street, and Clark Street. This picturesque and affluent neighborhood offers the same charm as Old Town, with a bit more luxury. It also feels a bit quieter and laidback than the Old Town area.

History

Old Town is one of Chicago’s most historically rich and lively areas and is home to some of the city’s oldest buildings.

German-Catholic immigrants began settling into the Old Town neighborhood in the 1850s. They began farming cabbage, potatoes, and celery in the area, earning it the nickname “the cabbage patch,” which stuck until the early 1900s.

Old Town is one of the only areas in Chicago to survive the Old Town Fire. Afterward, it began to grow, initially attracting many artists and even playing a part in World War II. After the war, the area was known as “North Town” and began hosting art fairs called “Old Town Holiday.” Eventually, the name evolved into its current name, “Old Town.”

In the late 1800s, The Gold Coast neighborhood was called the Astor Street District, after John Jacob Astor.  While Astor never actually resided in Chicago, his achievement as one of the wealthiest men in the United States at the time earned him recognition and an entire neighborhood named after him. 

This name helped to attract other wealthy families and individuals to the area. Potter Palmer was among these wealthy people who also played an instrumental role in developing the Gold Coast. 

After the Chicago Fire in the late 1800s, Potter purchased a large amount of land and eventually converted the swampy land into a strip of desirable property along the Lake, now known as Lake Shore Drive.

Dining & Nightlife

While Old Town and Gold Coast both offer excellent evenings out, both give off different vibes.

Gold Coast is known for its upscale dining and drinking options, especially around Rush Street. Popular restaurants in this area include Tavern on Rush, Carmines, and Lux Bar.

The dining scene in Old Town feels a bit more laid back, often attracting a younger crowd. Many popular bars and restaurants line Well Street, including the Vig and Happy Camper. Most of the bars in this area stay open pretty late on weeknights. 

Shopping & Activities

The Gold Coast area is a popular activity in and of itself, as many people enjoy sunbathing on Oak Street Beach, touring the original Playboy Mansion, and shopping the day away.

Gold Coast’s shopping scene is one of luxury. Along Oak Street, the neighborhood’s retail hub, you’ll find some of the city’s most upscale shopping, with high-end brands like Hermes, Barney, Jimmy Choo, and Tory Burch.

A day in Old Town is well spent visiting the Chicago History Museum, seeing a show at Second City or Zanie’s Comedy Bar, or lounging at North Avenue Beach. In June, the Old Town Art Fair and the Wells Street Art Festival become hot events for the neighborhood.

When it comes to Old Town Shopping, this area is known for its small boutiques along Wells Street.

Where to Live

Consider these luxury condo units within the charming Gold Coast Area:

• 505 N McClurg Court #606–  This one-bedroom offers over 1,000 square feet, floor-to-ceiling windows, and unprecedented water and city views.
• 40 W Schiller Stree #1B– This tastefully renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex is situated at one of the neighborhood’s most picturesque intersections.

If you’re drawn to the Old Town neighborhood, check out these condos for sale:

• 88 W Schiller Street #1209L- This spacious Northwest corner unit offers a spacious one-bedroom with a huge balcony for killer views and plenty of sunlight. 
• 70 W Burton Pl #2204– Located steps from Wells Street, this sunny east-facing one-bedroom delivers an open floor plan with city and lake views.

With more insight into Old Town vs. Gold Coast, be sure to connect with a Luxury Living Chicago Realty expert who can match your goals to the right neighborhood.

Still searching for the right neighborhood fit? Check out our Chicago neighborhood comparison guide below.