Many of the best apartments in Chicago come equipped with unique amenities, easy access to outdoor spaces and are near some of the best dining and shopping.
Chicago is one of the cities that has experienced a decrease in one-bedroom rent prices over the past year. The average rent for a one-bedroom in Chicago is currently $2,120, down 14.1 percent from last year. The average rent for a two-bedroom is $2,934, a decrease of 8 percent from last year.
If moving in or around Chicago is on your to-do list this year, here are 25 of the best apartments for rent in Chicago.
25. Madison Park Apartments
Madison Park Apartments are near Lake Michigan, one mile to the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry. Located in Kenwood, it’s pet-friendly with unique and spacious floor plans. One- and two-bedroom apartments come cable-ready.
It’s easy to get around without a car. Grocery shops are near, as well as public transportation. For those with a car or who need parking, parking is available in the building’s adjoining lot.
24. Hyde Park West Apartments
Studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments or the three- or four-bedroom townhome are available at Hyde Park West Apartments. These Hyde Park properties come equipped with air conditioning, cable-ready and on-site management. The apartments feature a large courtyard while the townhomes offer private backyards.
Public transportation is conveniently available at each end of the block while Washington Park is literally at the front door. Also, the University of Chicago campus is just a few blocks away.
23. Dearborn Plaza Apartments
Studios in this Gold Coast apartment building come with solid oak cabinet kitchens and thermal windows. A rooftop deck shows off incredible views of the city.
It’s near supermarkets, a few bus lines, the Clark/Division Red Line which is just three stops to the Loop, walking distance to the lakefront trail, two blocks from Oak Street Beach and a number of different restaurants and bars to visit, from fine dining to casual.
On-site management and maintenance help handle issues as they arise. It’s an affordable option for those who want easy access to all Chicago has to offer without the high price tag.
22. The Seville Apartments
The Seville Apartments are in East Rogers Park. Built in 1927 and made of solid concrete, this makes the units sound-proof. Most don’t need a car since the apartments are close to the Red Line, a Metra stop and three bus stops.
The building includes 24-hour on-duty staff and key card entry, is cable ready and some utilities come included in the rent for the studios and one-bedroom units.
It’s a historic nine-story building for those who like historic details like wood paneling and intricate ceiling designs.
21. The Draper
The Draper in New Chinatown (or Uptown, as most people know the neighborhood along Argyle and near Broadway) is a sleek addition to this neighborhood best known for its Asian cuisine and live entertainment attractions.
The former office building, built in the 1950s, is now swanky apartments inspired by its mid-century design. In addition to dozens of restaurants within walking distance, the building offers residents a multi-level fitness center, an all-season rooftop lounge with a kitchenette, a rooftop pool, a tiki lounge, a media room and bike storage as well as garage parking.
20. Lake Meadows
Located within walking distance to the lakefront trail and bike paths, the beach, Burnham Skate Park and Lake Meadows Park, residents of Lake Meadows apartments in South Shore are fewer than four miles from downtown Chicago.
Free basic cable, free parking and complimentary coffee service are among the unique amenities available to those who call Lake Meadows home. Select units have upgraded kitchens and baths and the building includes a laundry facility and on-site dry cleaners.
19. Lincoln Park Plaza
Located in the trendy and busy Lincoln Park neighborhood on Chicago’s north side, Lincoln Park Plaza is within walking distance to Lake Michigan beaches and the lakefront trail, a driving range and mini-golf course and Lincoln Park Zoo.
Within Lincoln Park Plaza is a fitness center and bike storage. Each of the one- and two-bedroom units features vaulted ceilings to enjoy skyline views and the kitchens feature a dishwasher and stainless steel appliances.
18. Reside on Jackson
Reside on Jackson is in the West Loop. Amenities include 24/7 concierge services, a pet spa, roof deck with community grills and Bosch five-burner gas range.
Whether it’s a one-, two-, or three-bedroom unit, the luxury apartment building is within walking distance to the Medical District, the CTA Blue Line and the Loop.
17. The Chicagoan
Want to walk to Water Tower and the Magnificent Mile? Those who live in The Chicagoan in the Near North Side can. They also have free password-protected Wi-Fi throughout the building. There is a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, electric car charging stations in the garage and 360-degree views of the city.
One-, two- and three-bedroom units with open floor plans make it easy to make the apartments your own while having easy access to some of the best shopping and attractions in the city.
16. Prairie Shores Apartments
Renovated and classic studio, one-, two-, and three- and four-bedroom apartments with spacious layouts and expansive closets await residents in this Bronzeville apartment building — just steps away from Lake Michigan.
The pet-friendly property also has a dog play park for your furry friends and there is a fitness center for humans.
Buses are nearby, make it easy and convenient to get downtown within 20-30 minutes, depending on the mode of transportation.
15. 7340 Hoyne
Residents of 7340 Hoyne in Rogers Park appreciate easy access to Lake Michigan and several nearby parks, including Indian Boundary Park, a 13-acre park tucked away in the neighborhood. Its Tudor-style field house offers art, music and dance lessons for both adults and children.
One-, two-, and three-bedroom units come with a large eat-in kitchen, stainless steel appliances and an in-unit washer and dryer.
For those who work or attend Loyola University in Chicago, it’s conveniently located to St. Francis Hospital, the university campus, Red Line as well as several bus lines.
14. 73rd Street Apartments
Within walking distance to Rainbow Beach Park and the South Shore Cultural Center, which includes a nine-hole golf course in addition to cultural programming, 73rd Street Apartments in South Shore is also near Hyde Park and downtown Chicago.
All in all, the 20-story building offers studios, one- and two-bedroom units with on-site storage, covered parking and a laundry facility.
13. Teresa Roldan Apartments
For those 55 years old or better, there is the five-story Teresa Roldan Apartments is near East Humboldt Park and West Town. It is near downtown Chicago and close to shops, restaurants and parks.
Parking is available in the covered parking garage on a first-come, first-serve basis. For those who prefer public transportation, the Western Blue Line is close.
Each unit comes cable-ready and offers extra storage and some have their own patios. On-site laundry and on-site management and maintenance are also convenient. Studios and one-bedroom units are available, too.
12. SKY55
With skyline and Lake Michigan views, SKY55 on in the South Loop on the Near South Side is luxury living at its best. Options include one- and two-bedroom apartments, including some penthouse units.
There is high-speed internet access, an in-unit washer and dryer, dishwasher and stainless steel appliances. A cardio fitness center available 24 hours, swimming pool and hot tub are among the many features, too.
Thanks to its location, it’s within walking distance to the Museum Campus, lakefront trail and public transportation.
11. Granville Court Apartments
Granville Court Apartments is on three acres of land in the West Ridge neighborhood, between Rogers Park and Edgewater.
Close to Loyola University and Lake Michigan, it’s also just a mile to Lake Shore Drive and three miles to the Edens Expressway (I-94). For those who love the outdoors, it’s also near 89-acre Warren Park which offers a number of programs as well as a nine-hole course and golf putting practice area and Emerson Park in neighboring Skokie which offers tennis courts.
Residents enjoy a laundry facility, assigned parking and high-speed internet access among the amenities.
10. Farwell Apartments
Those who live in the Farwell Apartments in Rogers Park are close to the beach and Loyola University. They can also enjoy the programming at Indian Boundary Park.
Studio, one- and two-bedroom smoke-free apartments feature hardwood floors, ceiling fans and oversized closets. There is an on-site laundry facility and it’s important to note that pets are not permitted.
Nearby public transit and free indoor bicycle parking make it easy to get around without a car.
9. Wellington Apartments
Those who love the action of East Lakeview but don’t need a lot of space might like Wellington Apartments. It offers studio and one-bedroom units that maximize their square footage. Updated kitchens and baths, hardwood flooring and air conditioning are part of this building’s amenities and parking is available for an additional fee.
The location is great, too. Right off Sheridan Road, residents can walk to some of the best restaurants, nightlife entertainment, beach, lakefront path and the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory.
Luckily, DePaul University is not far and public transportation is plentiful so it’s not hard to get around without needing a car.
8. South Shore Beach Apartments
Residents enjoy panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan when living in South Shore Beach Apartments. This 34-story property, with the beach practically at its entrance, greets residents and guests in a beautiful lobby before hopping in an elevator to enjoy cable-ready units with oversized closets, ceiling fans and air conditioning.
For those with a car, above-ground covered parking is available. Plus, a 24-hour door attendant is always on-hand for any assistance needed!
7. Palmer Place Apartments
A traditional and vintage style brick apartment building, Palmer Place Apartments in Logan Square is a gated and controlled-access walk-up near Palmer Square Park which features a running track and playground. The close-knit community can often be seen with picnic baskets and blankets on the park lawn, enjoying a lazy weekend afternoon.
As a bonus, the large apartments oversee a pretty landscaped courtyard. All units come cable-ready and include a laundry facility.
6. 4701 North Beacon Apartments
Uptown has great restaurants, bars and entertainment options. These are within reach when living at 4701 North Beacon Apartments. The Uptown apartments are near Montrose Beach and Montrose Dog Beach. Around the corner is Chase Park with tennis courts and a six-lane outdoor pool.
These studio units have hardwood floors, oversized closets and a laundry facility, too.
5. Regents Park
The studios, one-, two- and three- and four-bedroom units in this Hyde Park/Kenwood luxury high-rise lakefront apartment community are near the Museum of Science and Industry, ever-popular Promontory Point, the lakefront trail, University of Chicago, downtown Hyde Park and the Hyde Park Farmers Market. Among the many luxury amenities include a rooftop garden, bike storage, indoor swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center and media center. Plus, there is also an in-unit washer and dryer, on-site dry cleaning as well as an on-site restaurant.
4. 40 East Oak Vintage Apartments
Located in the heart of Gold Coast, at Oak and Rush streets, some of the best high-end shopping in the city and within walking distance to the shops and restaurants of the Magnificent Mile and along Rush Street, fine and casual dining, and popular Oak Street
Beach and the lakefront trail, 40 East Oak Vintage Apartments may offer vintage and classic details. The upgraded studio and one-bedroom apartments offer new features, too.
Also, residents enjoy a 24-hour door attendant, cable and high-speed internet, Lake Michigan and city skyline views, a rooftop sundeck and more.
3. The Pavilion
The Pavilion has easy access and resort amenities. Located near O’Hare Airport on the northwest side of the city, which is about 15 miles and 40 minutes driving time to downtown Chicago, it’s also just two miles to the airport, making it very convenient for those who live or work near the airport.
Still, for those who need access to other parts of the city, the Cumberland Blue Line is a 20-minute walk and takes riders to O’Hare Airport as well as downtown and the expressway entrance is just a couple of blocks away.
Besides accessibility, the amenities for any of the eight configurations of studios, one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom units include a free state-of-the-art fitness center, racquetball and tennis courts, swimming pool, business center, conference room, free outdoor parking and more.
2. Millennium Park Plaza
Literally across the street from Millennium Park in The Loop, Millennium Park Plaza’s studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are a hop, skip and a jump from free summer concerts at Pritzker Pavilion, the Art Institute of Chicago, lakefront path, the Lurie Garden and more.
Residents can enjoy an in-unit washer and dryer, fitness center and glass-domed rooftop lap among the many luxury amenities. For those who want luxury downtown high-rise living without the luxury price tag, Millennium Park Plaza is worth considering.
1. Lawson House
For those who need a convenient and affordable place just minutes from the Magnificent Mile and on the Near North Side, the Lawson House offers SRO (Single Room Occupancy) furnished rooms. Some rooms have a private bathroom while others share a community bathroom. Free heat, water and electricity make the monthly rent stretch farther.
There is easy access to public transportation including the CTA Red Line and bus stops, and Lakeshore Drive, the Kennedy Expressway and Dan Ryan are within minutes away. Also, free internet access in the lounge is available.
Best apartments in Chicago
There are thousands of apartments in Chicago. Each is a neighborhood with its own unique amenities near different attractions. The best apartments in Chicago are the ones that check off all the marks on your checklist. Luckily it is easy to find apartments for rent in Chicago that will be perfect for your lifestyle and budget.
