The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Gold Coast

June 1, 2017

Brought to you by Chicago’s Best Gold Coast Movers

The Gold Coast has its name for a reason. Located just north of Streeterville, with a vibe that’s a little more subdued, the neighborhood is known for its luxury housing and high-end stores. Historic brownstone homes are side-by-side with more recent high-rises on shady, impeccably landscaped streets, while designer retailers are mingled with one-of-a-kind boutiques. Amenities abound, along with restaurants, bars and cafes, and it’s easy to access any other place in the city when you’re looking for a different kind of atmosphere. As your Gold Coast movers, we’ll be sure you’re settled in the neighborhood on time and with no hassle.

Of the 66,000 people or so who live in the Gold Coast, females outnumber males by about 6,000. Many people, though not all, live on their own. Some families live here, and residents’ median age is 37. Most adults have at least a bachelor’s degree. The average yearly income for a Gold Coast household is well above $100k.

The Gold Coast, as it stands now, started growing shortly after the Chicago Fire of 1871. Over the years that followed, especially after Lake Shore Drive opened in 1875, several prominent Chicagoans of the time used the land to build both their own homes and further businesses. The area quickly developed to the capacity it maintains today.

Now you’ve got the gist, here are some highlights—and basics—we found to help you start your best Gold Coast life.

Things to Do in Gold Coast

• Lakefront Trail: Walking, biking, jogging through beach and park space.
• Lake Shore Park: 6 acres of facilities, just up in Streeterville.
• Washington Square Park: Fountain, flowerbeds and paths.
• Newberry Library: Free to the public, lectures and events.
• Division Street Farmers Market: Weekends, May through October.
• 3 Arts Club Cafe: Restoration Hardware in historic space, with restaurant.
• Richard E. Driehaus Museum: Interior decoration collections.
• Astor Street District: Original 19th century mansions.

Best Restaurants in Gold Coast

• Pizza: Lou Malnati’s. Local-based chain. Delivers.
  1120 N State St. | (312) 725-7777
• Thai: Garlic Chili Thai Cuisine. Fresh ingredients. Delivers.
  1232 N LaSalle Dr. | (312) 255-1717
• Classic Italian: Mario’s Table. Cozy neighborhood space.
  21 W. Goethe St. | (312) 944-0199
• Hip Italian: Eduardo’s Enoteca. Unique small plates, pizzas, wine and cocktails.
  1212 N Dearborn St. | (312) 337-4490
• Asian: Jellyfish. A full sensory experience.
  1009 N Rush St. | (312) 660-3111
• Sushi: RA Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant. Creative menu and happy hour specials.
  1139 N State St. | (312) 274-0011
• Tacos: Velvet Taco. Straight out of Texas: all kinds of flavors.
  1110 N State St. | (312) 763-2654
• Steak: Gibson’s Steakhouse and Bar. Quiet, classy vibe. Shares kitchen with Hugo’s.
  1028 North Rush St. | (312) 266-8999
• Seafood: Hugo’s Frog Bar and Fish House. Jazzy and upbeat. Shares kitchen with Gibson’s.
  1024 N Rush St. | (312) 640-0999
• Brunch and More: Hash House A Go Go. “Twisted farm food.”
  1212 N State St. | (312) 202-0994
• Day-to-Evening: Tavern on Rush. Full menu by day, lively lounge at night.
  1031 Rush St. | (312) 664-9600
• Late Night: Five Faces. Sandwiches, burritos and more. Cash only.
  10 W Division St. |  (312) 642-7837

Best Bars in Gold Coast

• Cocktails: Sparrow. Cuban inspired. Intimate lounge setting.
  12 West Elm St. | (312) 725-0732
• Music: Zebra Lounge. Upscale piano bar.
  1220 N State St. | (312) 642-5140
• High-End: Pump Room. Go to see and be seen.
  1301 N State St. | (312) 787.3700
• Casual: Hopsmith Tavern. Drink specials and bar food.
  15 W Division St. | (312) 600-9816
• Dancing: Original Mother’s. Theme nights and shows.
  26 W Division St. | (312) 642-7251
• Low Key: Mother’s Too. Basement venue, live acoustic music.
  14 W Division St. | (312) 266-7444
• After Hours: Hangge Uppe. Two (sticky) floors, open until 5am.
  14 W Elm St. | (312) 337-0561
• Quiet: 3rd Coast Cafe & Wine Bar. Full food and coffee menu.
  1260 N Dearborn St. | (312) 649-0730

Grocery Stores in Gold Coast

• Treasure Island Foods: “European style” local chain.
  75 W Elm St. | (312) 440-1144
• Potash Markets: Food upstairs, hardware store downstairs.
  1525 N Clark St. | (312) 337-7537

Coffee Shops in Gold Coast

• Starbucks: Several.
• Le Pain Quotidien: Also serves food, baked goods, alcohol.
  10 E Delaware Pl. | (312) 380-6665
• Argo Tea Cafe: For a break from designer shopping.
  819 N Rush St. | (312) 546-4718
• Dollop Coffee Co.: Sandwiches and baked goods.
  860 N Dewitt Pl. | (312) 600-6346

Pet Parks in Gold Coast

• Lake Shore Park: Dog friendly areas.
  808 N. Lake Shore Dr. | Daily 6am-11pm

Gyms in Gold Coast

• FFC Gold Coast: Equipment, classes, pool, spa and deck.
  1030 N Clark St #600 | (312) 944-1030
• Equinox Gold Coast: Classes, pool and spa.
  900 N Michigan Ave. | (312) 254-2500
• Exhale Chicago – Gold Coast: Specialty classes and spa services.
  945 N State St. | (312) 753-6500

Gold Coast Local Post Office and Delivery

• United States Postal Service
  540 N Dearborn St. | M-F 8:30am-6pm, Sat. 9am-3pm, Sun. 10am-2pm 
• UPS
  47 W Division St. | M-F 8am-7pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 12-5pm

Dry Cleaners in Gold Coast

• Sheen Cleaners

  1542 N Clark St.| M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 7am-6pm
• Dearborn Cleaners

  1847 S Blue Island Ave. | M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 7am-6pm
• Dutch 2 Cleaners
  11 E Elm St. |  M-F 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-5pm

Parking in Gold Coast

• Contact Ward 2 for resident parking information

This has been a tiny sampling of the great things you’ll experience at your new Gold Coast home. As a seasoned Gold Coast moving company, we’ve learned all about the staples and cool places in the area. We’re happy to share more!

As you’re planning your big move, cross one major thing off your to-do list, and book Gold Coast movers who’ll a take load of stress off your mind. Call us at New City Moving, and we’ll help you move safely, smoothly, and on-schedule, so you can settle right in and start living your greatest Gold Coast life.

Learn More About Moving in Chicago

• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Hyde Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Irving Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Lakeview
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Lincoln Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Lincoln Square

Page Updated on November 16, 2018