Best place to retire: Streeterville
Pros: In the center of the city; some of Chicago's best shopping and dining
Cons: More expensive.
Real estate: A two-bedroom condo here costs about $500,000.
If you must be in the center of things, check out a section of the Gold Coast called Streeterville. Located primarily east of Michigan Avenue and west of Navy Pier, the neighborhood has tree-lined streets yet sits at the foot of some of Chicago's best shopping and dining.The area also boasts a high concentration of medical facilities, anchored by Northwestern University's medical school and hospital. That's where Bob Wilson goes for doctor visits. He hops a bus that stops practically at his front door.
Stress-free living and a 14th-floor lake view have turned the Wilsons into committed city folk. "I like not having to shovel snow," says Karin, "and we're not so high that everything looks like a speck of dust."
See complete data and interactive map for Chicago
Public transportation maps: Bus | Subway/Rail
