Finding an apartment in Chicago can be challenging. Between choosing a neighborhood that fits your vibe and deciding on a manageable commute— selecting an actual apartment can be a headache! With so many units to choose from, you’re probably wondering how to find an apartment in Chicago. With this guide, you’ll be able to skip the stress, find a place, and start exploring your new home!
Related: AptAmigo’s Best New Apartment Buildings in 2021
Apartment Hunting in Chicago
Chicago is one of the United States’ most competitive rental markets, but there is a right way—and a wrong way—to apartment hunt in Chicago!
Despite its humble industrial beginnings, Chicago is now home to many luxury apartments, condos, high-rise, and mid-rise housing options. The Windy City offers thousands of units with a wide range of features. From floor-to-ceiling windows and luxury penthouses to quaint walk-ups and renovated lofts, Chicago has something for everyone. If you’re wondering how to find a place that fits your lifestyle perfectly and checks all your boxes, read on for how to find an apartment in Chicago!
Chicago Apartment Locators
In a rental market as competitive as Chicago, brokers, locators, and real estate professionals have become the preferred way to find an apartment!
Apartment locators are an emerging service that provides done-for-you apartment hunting. With this service, you’ll get a dedicated local expert who is committed to helping you find your dream space with no stress or cost to you! Because of their expert knowledge of the city and buildings, they can help you find the area that fits your lifestyle flawlessly. All you need to do is reach out and let them know your preferences. Then, utilizing their local insight and apartment expertise, they’ll narrow down the units that are a perfect fit for you. Once you choose your favorites from the list, they’ll schedule an entire day of tours to your top buildings and even provide the Lyfts/Ubers. The best part? This service is 100% free!
Avoid unnecessary headaches in your apartment hunt and read our 6 reasons to avoid Chicago apartment brokers. Apartment hunting doesn’t always have to be a pain, as long as you read up on what to avoid beforehand.
The #1 apartment locating service in Chicago, AptAmigo, has helped thousands of happy clients find their dream apartment!
Which Chicago Neighborhood Should You Live in?
There are many Chicago neighborhoods, each with their own vibe and appeal. Whether you care more about green space and pet-friendly living or a state-of-the-art gym facility in a bustling area, there’s a space that’s perfect for you. It’s worth reading up on the different neighborhoods beforehand to see which fits you best.
Still not sure which neighborhood you should live in? Reach out to one of our local experts and we can help point you in the right direction.
Popular Chicago Neighborhoods
River North
Live here if: you want the bustling energy of fellow grinders to energize and inspire you. Located just north of downtown, this neighborhood is meant for both hard work and hard play. It is an opportune area for making business connections by day and stopping by a happening restaurant for a cocktail by night.
South Loop
Live here if: you want an exciting and artistic vibe while also being in the heart of popular attractions! This neighborhood houses a plethora of museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago, so you’ll always have something to do here. This area is perfect if you’re looking for a lively, buzzing district to call home.
Lincoln Park
Live here if: you want a quaint and friendly neighborhood that is teeming with locally sourced and sustainable food and shopping choices. Constantly hosting pop-up bars and art shows, Lincoln Park cultivates a sense of eclectic artistry while also providing a lot of fun and unique experiences. Plus the Lincoln Park Zoo always has free entry, which is a great way to spend the afternoon at any time of the year!
Determine What You Can Afford
Help narrow down your search by calculating what you can afford! In order to find out what your budget is, check out our guide here.
If you want to live in a luxury building that’s outside of your reasonable price range, there are other ways to make it work! A simple fix is to find roommates. With local postings from other Chicagoans looking for the right fit as well, it’s a great opportunity to lock down that beautiful high rise apartment while also making connections!
Insider Tip: Look for the best apartment deals in Chicago! Many buildings offer 1, 2, or even 3 months of free rent to fill up vacant units. Using our exclusive portal, we’ve researched and selected the best deals each month and made them available to you!
Move-In To Your New Place!
Now that you know how to find an apartment in Chicago, it’s time for the fun part: moving in! We have tons of tips and tricks to help you move into your new space and make it your own! Whether you want to make the most of your trendy, open-concept loft space or decorate your studio apartment to maximize the space, we’ve got you covered. You’ll be featured on Apartment Therapy’s Instagram in no time!
Get Started Today
AptAmigo is your one-stop-shop for all your apartment hunting needs! With local insight, expert industry knowledge, and access to the best deals in Chicago— finding your dream apartment has never been easier. So let us do the hard work while you kick back, relax, and unwind in The Windy City!
