Chicago Apartments for Rent
Market Summary for Chicago, IL
$45The City by the Lake. The City of Broad Shoulders. The Windy City. However you know this city, Chicago is the 3rd largest in the United States, the most visited in the Midwest, and truly one of the world's greatest. Home to some of the finest architecture in the country, the birthplace of jazz and the blues, and the epicenter of improvisational and theatrical comedy, Chi Town is rightfully proud. Home to Loyola University Chicago, Columbia College Chicago, University of Chicago, DePaul University and more, Chicago is also a major college town. This exceptionally diverse city struts its stuff, but is neither unfriendly nor superficial. The sky is truly the limit in this town, and you're sure to feel as grand as a Chicago skyscraper as you look out at beautiful Lake Michigan and begin your adventure here in your new apartment.
The best way to get to know Chicago is by exploring its unique neighborhoods as you search for apartments for rent. Soak up the distinct culture of each hood, and you'll understand why its residents take great pride in their section of the city. You may need to fuel up with a slice of Chicago-style deep dish pizza or the perfect hot dog, but don't you dare ask for ketchup. This city is not only renowned for world-class cuisine, but for history and culture too.
Most Popular Neighborhoods
All Neighborhoods
Where to go
Art Institute of Chicago, Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park Zoo, Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago Theatre, Grant Park, Chicago Cultural Center, Navy Pier, Sears Tower.
What to wear
You've undoubtedly heard that Chicago winters are cold. They are indeed. Summer in this city is not appreciably hotter than the East Coast, but it is typically very humid, and you may experience thunderstorms. The best months for average temperatures tend to be May through September. Prepare yourself for lots of rain in August.
How to get around
Chicago is a city of motion, and navigating it is pretty easy. The public transit is cheap, efficient and safe. The CTA train system is called the L, which serves over 140 stations throughout the city. Each line is a different color.
If you have a car, avoid driving downtown as parking garages are expensive and no one enjoys traffic. Chicago embraces a passionate biking culture, and features a user friendly bike path along the shore of Lake Michigan if that's your game.
Tips for finding apartments for rent in Chicago
Flats are typically brick buildings comprised of two apartments. If you're going to rent an apartment, April 1st and October 1st are the traditional moving days in this city, but not all landlords adhere to this standard. Your landlord is always required to put your deposit in a separate account from your rent payment account so that you earn interest. He/she must attach a summary of the portion of the Municipal Code that addresses the area where you are looking for apartments for rent. Your landlord will typically pay for water, sewage and garbage pickup, but most places will require that you pay for your electricity.
Check out the heating system because again, Chicago can be bitterly cold in the winter. Sometimes heat is included, but not always.
Neighborhoods closer to downtown will typically be safer, cleaner and consequently more expensive. The Near North Side tends to be the priciest area, whereas neighborhoods in the South Side tend to have more cheap apartments for rent.
Explore apartments for rent near colleges in Chicago, including Northwestern off campus housing, University of Chicago off campus housing, and Loyola University of Chicago off campus housing.
Chicago is the major economic and employment hub of Illinois, and is considered one of the world’s top global financial centers. It has a history of successful industry, telecommunications and infrastructure, and that continues to this day. A prime example is the O’Hare International Airport, which is the second busiest airport in the world. Or engineering companies such as internationally-known CTLGroup and locally-grown Urban Lab (which recently won the History Channel City of the Future competition). Chicago is also one of the most diversified economies. Local tech companies such as Braintree, kCura, One North Interactive, NowSecure, and Raise are some of the best places to work. As is STATS, the world’s leading sports technology, data and content company. The largest employers are the county, city, state, and national government. Other top employers include Advocate Health System, JPMorgan Chase, University of Chicago, United Continental Holdings, AT&T Illinois, Abbott Laboratories, and Presence Health.
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Frequently asked questions about Chicago, IL
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