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Neighborhood comparison
Two of Chicago’s most-searched rental neighborhoods, side by side — compared on rent, commute, walkability, and vibe, updated from live availability.
| Metric | Gold Coast | Old Town |
|---|---|---|
| Median studio | $2,370✓ | $2,688 |
| Median 1-bed | $3,192✓ | $3,391 |
| Median 2-bed | $4,710✓ | $4,893 |
| Walk Score | 98✓ | 96 |
| Transit Score | 92✓ | 89 |
| Bike Score | 78 | 82✓ |
| Commute to the Loop | 15 min CTA · 15 min bike✓ | 18 min CTA · 16 min bike |
| Vibe | Upscale, Historic, Lakefront, Walkable | Historic, Neighborhood feel, Nightlife, Central |
| Best for | Renters who want a polished, upscale, walkable lakefront life. | Renters who want character and quiet without leaving the core. |
| Buildings available now | 8✓ | 4 |
Median asking rent and building counts from current availability. Updated daily.
Gold Coast8 availableThe Gold Coast is a historic lakefront neighborhood on Chicago's Near North Side, known for its landmarked greystones, Oak Street boutiques, Rush Street dining, and Oak Street Beach a block from the Magnificent Mile.
Best for: Renters who want a polished, upscale, walkable lakefront life.
Old Town4 availableOld Town is a historic Near North Side neighborhood known for its 19th-century streets, the Wells Street strip of bars and cafes, and Second City — a charming, walkable pocket minutes from downtown and the lakefront.
Best for: Renters who want character and quiet without leaving the core.
Gold Coast suits renters who want a polished, upscale, walkable lakefront life.
Old Town suits renters who want character and quiet without leaving the core.
On the numbers, Gold Coast is the cheaper of the two on a one-bedroom ($3,192 vs. $3,391), and Gold Coast is closer to the Loop (15 vs. 18 min by CTA).
Questions
Old Town is the pricier of the two on a one-bedroom (median $3,391 vs. $3,192), from current availability.
Gold Coast — about 15 minutes by CTA versus 18 from Old Town.
Choose Gold Coast if you want renters who want a polished, upscale, walkable lakefront life. Choose Old Town if you want renters who want character and quiet without leaving the core.
Tell a licensed local locator what you’re after and we’ll send hand-picked matches in both Gold Coast and Old Town — plus the current deals.