35 Total Listings Found

Chicago IL Apartments

Apartment Rentals in Chicago, IL

As the third-largest city in the United States, Chicago, IL has every type of apartment housing imaginable. From older brownstones in historic neighborhoods to gleaming skycrapers in the downtown area to repurposed warehouses and office buildings in former industrial areas, this vibrant city has it all. If you're looking for an apartment in Chicago, though, it's important to keep a few things in mind.

Location is Value

Chicago grew up along the shore of Lake Michigan, and many of its most attractive neighborhoods today are clustered close to the water. Many of the tens of thousands of new apartment units that have sprung up in the city recently are located along the Purple and Red Lines within a mile of the lake. These buildings undoubtedly offer convenience and on-site amenities, but be aware that you will pay for it if you choose to sign a lease here. Rents along the lake, a region nicknamed the "Gold Coast," can be up to double what you'd pay for similar apartments elsewhere in the city.

In a city like Chicago, rent isn't the only apartment-related expense for which you'll be responsible each month. If your building has off-street parking, that may be included in your rent, but otherwise you'll likely have to pay the city for a residential parking permit that entitles you to street-park in your neighborhood. Also, be sure to ask your new landlord if utilities are included in your rent. Chicago's cold winters can make for high heating bills come January and February.

Quality of Life

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, many of which feature world-class parks and cultural institutions. In addition to the Lincoln Park Zoo and other cultural attractions on the city's North Side, Chicago's lakefront is home to attractions like Navy Pier and the Field Museum. Apartments within walking distance of these institutions are among the most desirable in the city. If you're worried about cost, just use one of the many free Chicago-specific apartment-finder publications that can be found online or in restaurants and coffee shops around town to find a roommate!