A Guide to the Best Apartment Buildings in Chicago
There’s no shortage of great places to live in Chicago, Illinois, but do you know what the different neighborhoods have to offer? What about the good things in life? Do you know what amenities are available in newer, upscale apartment buildings?
Finding the best apartment buildings in Chicago will take a little effort because luxury apartments in Chicago are plentiful. Whether you want a lovely place in Lakeview or on The Loop, you have all sorts of choices that you can check out. Here’s our guide to finding the best apartment buildings in Chicago.
1. Coeval Chicago
Found in the South Loop neighborhood, Coeval Apartments are amongst Chicago’s premiere apartment offerings, and, surprisingly, they are among the more affordable luxury apartments in the city. From a studio apartment all of the way up to 2 bedroom apartments with a den, potential tenants are sure to find a floor plan that is going to be ideal for them.
The 9-foot-tall ceilings, contemporary look, and beautiful windows make these apartments look and feel as unique as you are. The architects that designed Coeval put a lot of effort into making sure that everything is both practical and sophisticated.
Every unit in the Coeval building has a washer and dryer, a smart thermostat, multiple stainless-steel appliances, cable and high-speed internet capabilities, and various other innovations that make each apartment as modern as possible.
Coeval Chicago (cont.)
Whatever conveniences a resident may need, Coeval has worked to include in its amenities. South Loop’s largest exterior terrace with fire pits and grill stations, as well as an additional rooftop terrace boasting breathtaking skyline views, invite you to entertain guests or just provide a space to relax. A fully-equipped fitness center (including Peloton bikes) keeps you in shape and a dog run keeps your pal healthy and happy. And don’t forget the niceties like on-demand dry cleaning and bike storage.
Coeval is also a great place to live if you enjoy taking in the culture and education of Chicago’s Museum Campus, which is where three of Chicago’s biggest museums are located. For folks moving from New York City to Chicago and worried about missing Central Park, the hundreds of green acres in Grant Park are nearby as well as Soldier’s Field (home of the Bears). Historical districts, jazz clubs, and crowd-pleasing restaurants are among the South Loop entertainment options that residents can enjoy just outside of the Coeval doors.
2. Imprint Apartments
Imprint Apartments, found at 717 South Clark Street in Printer’s Row, is a new set of luxury apartments that is currently looking for tenants. Finished in 2020, these rentals have multiple floor plans with one-bedroom and two-bedroom options for a rental.
Close to the financial district, theaters, shopping, and more, Imprint has all sorts of amenities including a 5th-floor green space, 24-hour concierge, indoor and outdoor lounges, co-work spaces, and even a library.
One of the biggest features of Imprint is that they offer pet-friendly rentals, and offer that same level of luxury to the pets that live in the building. In particular, they have a pet grooming station on-site, and there’s a covered open-air private dog run that you can use to give your furry friend some much-needed exercise.
Every apartment has floor to ceiling windows, quartz countertops, walk-in closets, huge bathrooms, and 9-foot ceilings. Every unit is also wired for high-speed internet, which is not included in rent. As expected, these Printer’s Row apartments are quite popular, especially with their proximity to The Loop.
3. Milieu Apartments
The West Loop’s Milleu Apartments are pet-friendly luxury apartments that have all of the modern conveniences that a modern Chicagoan wants and needs for their space. Each unit has a washer and dryer, stainless steel appliances, and Smart Technology for thermostats and other amenities.
Every resident at Milleu lives a life of comfort and enjoyment because of the sheer number of amenities included with the monthly rent. Fire pits, a library, a media room, outdoor hammocks, a private barista, and indoor and outdoor fitness spaces are just a few of the options that tenants have for their day-to-day life.
One of the big perks of Milleu is its proximity to Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) routes. You’re just a few blocks away from several public transit stations, including the world-famous Union Station. And, renters that live here don’t have far to go if you need to fly out of either Chicago airport.
4. The Draper
Located in Uptown Chicago, the Draper Apartments are found in a mid-century office building that was converted to beautiful luxury apartment rentals. With a nod to the original 1950’s architecture, these attractive, modern apartments have some of the best first-class amenities that you’ll find in Chicago apartment buildings.
The rooftop is filled with all sorts of enjoyable amenities, including a terrace, BBQ grills, fire pits, an outdoor pool, and more. Then, inside of the building includes a fitness center, a media room, and bike rooms. With 11 stories containing 354 apartments, these attractive units are designed for the modern Chicagoan.
With their location in uptown Chicago, tenants are not far from many of the well-known biking trails in Chicago, including the Lakefront Trail. This makes it easy for bikers to spend time outdoors and to get where they need to go, in the city or outside of it. If one of your reasons to move to Chicago is because of easy access to public transit, The Draper is not far from several train stations and bus stops.
5. Four50 Belmont Apartments
The Four50 Belmont, newly constructed in the Chicago neighborhood of Lakeview, is designed for the eco-conscious resident. Standing out with its smart design and contemporary finishes, The Four50 Belmont Apartments are truly a unique offering amongst Chicago’s rental opportunities.
The interior of every apartment is warm and welcoming due to the wide plank flooring, private balcony, and generously sized windows that allow in every bit of light that they can. The high concrete, exposed ceilings add to the warm feeling by allowing more natural light into the unit as well.
Just a few hundred feet from Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive, residents can take a walk on the lakefront beach at any time of day or night. Or, they can enjoy the 18th-floor terrace (which has a lounge, outdoor fitness area, and entertaining space) and check out the amazing city view of the Chicago skyline.
You’re also not far from the Lincoln Park neighborhood; it’s less than a mile away when walking as the crow flies. The Lincoln Park Zoo is a hop, skip, and a jump away, and there are all sorts of green spaces (including the neighborhood’s namesake, Lincoln Park) that visitors can enjoy when they visit this part of the city.
6. Wolf Point East Apartments
River North’s exclusive Wolf Point East Apartments are at the confluence of the Chicago River’s 3 branches (Main, North, and South). This high-rise building sits in a perfect location, allowing tenants to get a panoramic view of both the river and downtown Chicago.
Generously sized closets, custom shelving, fast internet, and floor-to-ceiling windows are some of the superstars in each of the units in the Wolf Point apartments. Plus, they’re pet friendly, so pet owners can rent from them as well. Dogs and cats require an additional deposit and may also require rent payments, depending on their size.
As with many luxury apartment buildings in Chicago, you’ll find concierge services, private parking spaces, keyless entry systems, and a wide array of other amenities inside and around the building. This, plus the proximity to the Chicago Riverwalk, makes it an excellent spot for future Chicagoans who don’t want to choose between living in Chicago vs. the suburbs.
7. The Jax Apartments
The Jax West Loop Apartment rentals are at the intersection of downtown, Greektown, and University Village. With a rooftop lounge that is well-known and loved by visitors and residents alike, The Jax has been getting a lot of attention as one of the premier luxury apartment buildings currently leasing units in this part of the city.
The Jax has 166 units inside of the apartment building. Plus, it has a lovely 24-hour fitness center on-site, which makes it easy for residents to build up a sweat and stay ahead of their fitness needs. There is also a specialized outdoor dog area so that you can help your pups get their energy out when they need to do so.
One of the big selling points of The Jax is the access to Restaurant Row at nearby West Randolph Street. With famous restaurants like La Sardine, Girl & the Goat, The Allis at Soho House, and The Loyalist, there are all sorts of great places to choose from when you want to go out and eat and enjoy the nightlife.
8. The Porte Apartments
The Porte Apartments are another set of luxury apartments found in the West Loop, which has become one of Chicago’s most prominent neighborhoods. With all sorts of social lounges and job opportunities, this part of the Windy City is hopping with excitement and continuing to grow and expand all of the time.
With studio apartments or one, two, and three-bedroom luxury apartments, there are a lot of options to choose from at Porte. The appearance of these apartments is quite chic, making it simple for contemporary Chicago resident to show off their style.
Amenities here include concierge services, a rooftop deck, a game room, co-working spaces, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. Plus, you’re just a short walk from the well-loved shops on West Madison Street.
9. The Ardus
Located in the beautiful River North neighborhood, this set of two apartment buildings (with a skyway in the middle) is a renovated warehouse connected to a new addition. The result is a stunning new building with loft ceilings, huge windows, and one of the most popular new apartment buildings in the city.
Every apartment at The Ardus has floor to ceiling windows, in-unit appliances (including a washer and dryer), large walk-in closets, and more. The flooring is a combination of wood and concrete and has a stunning appearance.
Amenities include a roof deck, fire pits, lounge areas, a game room, a community kitchen, and a fitness center with a yoga studio room. There is also a coffee shop located right next door, in case someone needs a cup of Joe while they’re running to work in the morning.
10. The Duncan Loft Apartments
Located near Skinner Park in the West Loop, the Duncan Loft Apartments are a vintage brick loft building that used to house the community YMCA. When renovated, it became the home to 260 brand new apartments available for rent.
Using the layout of the YMCA’s original architecture and connected property, Duncan Loft has multiple outdoor lawn spaces, courtyards, and terraces for residents to enjoy. The original indoor pool, basketball court, and indoor tracks were all renovated as well, and are available for tenants to utilize.
The Duncan Loft only offers one-bedroom and studio apartments, and each one is lovingly renovated with custom cabinets, rain showers, stylish kitchens, and more. The exposed brick in each unit adds to the beautiful design of the space, making it among the most unique luxury apartment buildings in the city.
Getting Started With Your Apartment Search
Is it worth moving to Chicago? Most people say yes, especially when they start viewing options for a great high-rise apartment, penthouse, or another luxury apartment. You deserve to have a great rental, and you want to make sure that you find what you need out of a luxury rental. Affordable real estate options in the city are plentiful, and the amenities that they offer are some of the best in the country for their price point.
As you figure out how to find an apartment in Chicago, you’ll want to look at these buildings, among dozens of others in locations like Streeterville, Old Town, and more. Research the options you have available throughout the city and you’re sure to find the best luxury apartment for your needs.