Deciding between Streeterville vs. Gold Coast isn’t a simple choice. Both Chicago neighborhoods provide phenomenal living experiences.

Streeterville vs. Gold Coast

We’ll look at distinctions between the two for more insight into life within each neighborhood.

Overview of Neighborhoods

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 houses many well-respected establishments, including Northwestern University Downtown Campus, 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.

Located directly North of Streeterville along the lake, the Gold Coast neighborhood is treasured for its residential charm, stately homes, and connection to the past.

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.

History

Both Streeterville and Gold Coast have intriguing pasts.

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

Streeterville’s name comes from the infamous Captain George Streeter, a man whose crazy life directly shaped the outcome of the Streeterville neighborhood we know today. Over a decade after the Great Fire in 1871, the area that is now known as Streeterville was still recovering, and Lake Michigan became a dumping ground for contractors trying to clean up.

Around this time, Streeter used some of the “waste” to set up a sand bar Shanty in Lake Michigan. For 40-years a dramatic battle unfolded among Streeter, the City of Chicago, and the real owner of the land, millionaire Kellogg Fairbank, for the rights of the land.

In the end, Captain Streeter’s efforts to keep the land were unsuccessful, but his legacy remains in the neighborhood’s name.

In the late 1800s, The Gold Coast neighborhood was initially 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 attract wealthy families and individuals to the area, including Potter Palmer, 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.

Shopping & Activities

You never have to worry about looking for ways to spend weekend itineraries in Streeterville. Some of Chicago’s most prominent attractions are located in the neighborhood, including the iconic Navy Pier. Here you can soak up a unique city view from the Centennial Wheel, enjoy a scenic river cruise, or wind down to live entertainment. 

Popular spots beyond the pier include Ohio Street Beach, the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art, and the 360 Chicago observation deck on the top of the John Hancock Tower, as well as many prime dining and nightlife hotspots.

If you’re interested in some retail therapy, Streeterville has the fix. Given that Streeterville is home to part of the “Magnificent Mile,” shopping is a popular activity in this area. Along this mile, you’ll find world-renowned brands, from Tiffiany Co. to Gucci. You’ll also find more budget-friendly shops along Michigan Ave, like Columbia and H&M.  As you shop, be sure to grab a drink from the multi-story Starbucks Reserve.

While Gold Coast also delivers fun activities, the scene feels a bit more low-key.

Common Gold Coast activities include sunbathing on Oak Street Beach, touring the original Playboy Mansion, shopping the day away, and checking out some local bars.

This area may not have the “Mag Mile,” but it certainly does not lack designer stores and luxury boutiques. Stroll along Oak Street and you’ll find some of the city’s most upscale shopping, including Hermes, Barney, Jimmy Choo, and Tory Burch.

Properties Available

If you’re drawn to the energy and convenience that Streeterville provides, consider living in one of these luxury condos:

• 512 N McClurg Court #509– This impressive studio boasts a phenomenal location, skyline views, and a quiet space for those looking for a less noisy option.
• 55 E Erie Street #4403– For more space, check out this three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath unit with floor-to-ceiling windows within the heart of the Cathedral District.

There are also fantastic condos recently available in 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 Street #1B– This tastefully renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex is situated at one of the neighborhood’s most picturesque intersections.

To see these condos for yourself or to continue deciding between Streeterville vs. Gold Coast, connect with a Luxury Living Chicago Realty expert who can match your goals to the right neighborhood.

Still searching for your perfect neighborhood fit? Follow the link below to compare some of the other top Chicago neighborhoods!