Streeterville

What is it like to live in Streeterville, Chicago?

Streeterville is surrounded by water on three sides, which gives it more light and more breeze than the rest of downtown. Michigan Avenue shopping is the west border. The lakefront path, Ohio Street Beach and Navy Pier are the east. In between are hotels, restaurants, Lake Shore Park and the hospitals and classrooms of Northwestern's Chicago campus. Summer brings visitors and fireworks. Winter is quieter and windier, and the views are just as good.

What kinds of homes are in Streeterville?

Almost entirely high-rises: condos, apartments and a handful of prewar co-ops along East Lake Shore Drive. Buildings span every decade from the 1920s to today, so floor plans, ceiling heights, assessments and amenities are all over the map. Views carry a real premium, and so does a deeded parking space.

How do you get around?

The CTA Red Line stops at Chicago and at Grand, on State Street just west of the neighborhood. Buses run along Michigan Avenue, Chicago Avenue and Lake Shore Drive. The Loop is across the river, and the Lakefront Trail starts at your door.

Streeterville fun facts

• The neighborhood is named for George "Cap" Streeter, who said his boat ran aground on a sandbar here in the 1880s. He then claimed 186 acres of new landfill as his own "District of Lake Michigan."
• Streeter pressed that claim for decades. The courts finally ruled against him in 1918.
• The tower at 875 North Michigan Avenue, long known as the John Hancock Center, stands 1,127 feet tall.
• Streeterville is part of the official Near North Side community area.

Thinking about buying or selling in Streeterville?

I'm Megan Sullivan with Compass. Two units with the same view can carry very different monthly costs. I'll help you compare the whole number, building by building, so the view doesn't do all the talking.