Renting a Luxury Apartment in the Near North Area? Here is some local information about the area:

With its desirable location off Lake Michigan, all of the pocket neighborhoods of the Near North area have an opportunity to enjoy boating and swimming. The stretch of beaches and parks along the shore, offer many opportunities for running, rollerblading, biking, strolling and more - all with the beautiful skyline in view. Streeterville, along the Magnificent Mile of Michigan Avenue, has some of the world's most fashionable shops, restaurants, museums, theaters and more, just steps away. Lakeshore East offers easy access to Chicago's Millenium Park as well as the lakefront and the Loop business district. Gold Coast is home to Rush and Division streets and the exclusive boutiques, restaurants and clubs that make the immediate area one of the most vibrant places in the city. River North features many independent art galleries that rival New York's SoHo neighborhood. It also features the world famous Merchandise Mart, an essential destination for interior designers and architects.

Distinctive Housing in the Near North area of Chicago

In Streeterville, new and vintage high-rise and mid-rise condominiums or co-ops are prevalent. The Gold Coast is home to many exclusive single-family homes, but vintage and modern condominiums, and co-ops are most common. River North features loft residences converted from old warehouses, new townhomes and mid-rise condominiums. People who live in neighborhoods in and around downtown Chicago have many different occupations and lifestyles. They may live in lakefront high-rises with spectacular views or occupy spacious, dramatic loft spaces. But when they go out to work or play, all of them can probably walk rather than ride or drive.

For recreation, the focus is on the lakefront. Oak Street Beach, Grant Park, Lincoln Park and the harbors are pleasures for all Chicagoans. The city's great museums, as well as indoor tennis courts, swimming pools and health clubs abound. And for those whose idea of recreation tends toward food, drink and entertainment, there's plenty of that, too.

Streeterville

Named after the legendary George Wellington Streeter, who fought to claim the more than 150 acres of landfill along the lake shore from the river to East Lake Shore Drive, this area is home to landmarks such as the old Chicago Water Tower, the John Hancock Center, and the elegant old Drake Hotel. It is a Mecca for shoppers since it includes Water Tower Place and borders along Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile to the west. It's also to Northwestern University's School of Law and Medical Center, and both Chicago's CBS and NBC TV affiliates. High rise apartments, luxury hotels and even new lofts and apartments near North Pier and Navy Pier make up the residential mix. Lying between the lake and the north end of Michigan Avenue, Streeterville is urban living at its most sophisticated, with offices, the most fashionable shops, four-star restaurants, theaters and more just steps away. New and vintage high-rise and mid-rise condominiums or co-ops are the prevalent housing, and the Museum of Contemporary Art and the downtown campus and medical center of Northwestern University are neighbors.

Gold Coast

Traveling north, the Gold Coast picks up where Streeterville leaves off. The landmark stretch of East Lake Shore Drive (an extension of Oak Street east of Michigan Avenue) is a natural dividing line since it follows the curve of Lake Michigan where Lake Shore Drive extends north from Oak Street. The Gold Coast stretches as far west as Clark Street and north to North Avenue, where Lincoln Park begins. High rises, mansions and brownstones make up this lovely neighborhood, truly one of Chicago's most beautiful residential areas, and still only minutes from downtown and the Loop. The Gold Coast is one of Chicago's most prestigious residential districts. Although very exclusive single-family homes occasionally are available on fabled Astor Street and neighboring streets, apartments here generally comes in the form of condominiums, both vintage and modern, and co-ops and condominiums. Many Gold Coast residents decide not to own a car, since everything from Neiman Marcus to the best hot dog stand in the city is within walking distance.

River North

Immediately north of the Loop and Merchandise Mart, River North is bursting with residential development, as well as galleries, boutiques and design studios. Former warehouses have been converted to loft residences, and new townhome developments and mid-rise condominium buildings are attracting urban dwellers who love the proximity to the financial district, North Michigan Avenue shopping and many of the city's best restaurants.