About the Near North Chicago neighborhoods of Gold Coast, Streeterville, River North and Old Town. 

With its many affluent neighborhoods, the Near North Side of Chicago offers many sought-after real estate options located north of the Loop and the Chicago River. This community puts residents close to the downtown business district and countless recreation and entertainment opportunities.

Near North Side encompasses a distinctive blend of neighborhoods renowned for the quality of life they provide residents such as the Gold Coast, Streeterville, River North, and Old Town communities.

The Gold Coast is one of the wealthiest communities in Chicago, including the residential blocks west of North Lake Shore Drive to LaSalle Street and running between Oak Street on the south to North Avenue as it's north border.  In 1885, Potter Palmer built his mansion of North Lake Shore Drive and the migration of the city's elite citizens from South Prairie Avenue  to the Gold Coast gained momentum.  A neighborhood of primarily high rise and mid rise apartments and condos, as well as historic row houses and architecturally significant residences, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 30, 1978.  The Gold Coast is home to many upscale stores and boutiques as well as great restaurants and entertainment on and around Rush Street.

Some of Chicago's most expensive real estate can be found in Streeterville. Named after George Wellington "Cap" Streeter, a squatter who arrived in Chicago in 1886.  He encouraged contractors to dump their rubble and backfill where he had run his steamboat onto a sandbar near East Superior Street. Eventually, the landfill grew and connected his steamboat to the shore.  He named the landmass an independent "United States District of Lake Michigan" and declared it not subject to the laws of Illinois or Chicago.  It became a red light district, and the fight for control of the land continued until his death in 1921.  Streeterville is now an exclusive district that includes some of the city's tallest skyscrapers on the blocks between Lake Michigan and Michigan Avenue. Streeterville is also home to many of the city's most visited destinations including shopping along The Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, Water Tower Place and the Drake Hotel. Other landmarks such as the Chicago Tribune Tower, Northwestern University Medical Center, John Hancock Center, Museum of Contemporary Art and the Palmolive Building are situated in Streeterville.

River North, which is located between State Street and the Chicago River, is a flourishing neighborhood that mixes residential lofts and condos and commercial properties for a pleasant variety of possibilities. River North is also referred to as “The River North Gallery District” for being one of few communities in the country with such a large concentration of art galleries. Entertainment venues, popular nightclubs and restaurants also contribute to the cultural diversity found in River North, which share blocks with residential high rises.

The neighborhood of Old Town emulates Chicago's early history with many Victorian-era buildings and a street pattern that predates the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. This charming community has welcomed several waves of immigrants onto its streets before developing into the elite neighborhood it is today with historic churches, galleries and other shops scattered around residential properties.

Education lends another layer to the cultural fabric of the Near North Side. The prestigious Northwestern University has several schools located at the downtown campus, and the influx of students contributes to the area's unique character. The neighborhoods in this district are served by Chicago Public Schools as well as many esteemed private institutions. With all the opportunities available in Chicago's Near North Side, it is not difficult to see why residents choose to live, work and play here. If you are interested in buying or selling Near North Side, Chicago real estate, The Breen Elia Team will use their knowledge of Chicago City Homes to guide you successfully through your transaction. As top Downtown Chicago and Near North REALTORS®, Karen Breen Elia and Louis M. Elia are dedicated to providing buyers and sellers with personal expertise and quality service.

Near North Links

City of Chicago 
Chicago Transit Authority 
Chicago Park District
Northwestern University 
John Hancock Observatory  
The Magnificent Mile    
Washington Square Park 
Navy Pier 
The Drake Hotel