Gold Coast

The Gold Coast, as its name implies, is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the country, although you don't need to be filthy rich to live here.  Yes, architecturally magnificent, historic mansions can be found in spades along Astor, Goethe, and Schiller streets, and, yes, gorgeous condominium buildings create a veritable fortress around Lake Shore Drive, but there's also an abundance of affordable apartments, primarily in high-rises of recent vintage and mid-rises of older vintage.

The Gold Coast is home to the top half of the Magnificent Mile, which includes such heavies as Water Tower Place, the John Hancock Building, the Drake Hotel, and the Four Seasons.  The gold coast is also home to Walton and Oak streets, with their upscale boutiques.  Wander north on Rush Street, though, and you'll soon find yourself in the shark's den known as "the Viagra Triangle," where you're never too old to wear a wedding band for protection.  You'll find the notorious steak and seafood houses here, like Hugo's Frog Bar, Gibson's, Morton's, and Carmine's Clam Bar, as well as other dens of drinking and merry-making.  Keep walking through the Gold Coast and you'll soon reach Division Street, with its famed bars and nightclubs, perfect for rowdy sailors, singles, tourists, and anyone else trying to taste Mardi Gras year-round in Chicago.