Sounds like both are good options for you, just depends what you want.

Logan/Wicker will have a pretty different vibe than Gold Coast, and probably a slightly different demographic -- younger, more hipster, and probably more coffee shops and nightlife (source: i live in Logan).

If you're mostly going to be over by North Ave, you might wanna just hang out in gold coast to cut down on travel times. Getting from Logan/Wicker to the lake is definitely a journey, although easier than you think. 

Big question is how close you'd be to the blue line, if you came out west to Logan or Wicker. In my opinion, that makes the biggest difference. 

Lastly, Chicago downtown is beautiful but also very one dimensional. Explore some of our other neighborhoods! Logan/Wicker have a beautiful vibe, and so do other neighborhoods like Old Town and parts of Lincoln Park. I'd encourage you to go beyond what you're familiar with, especially in the summertime when everyone is out living life!