Hunting for an apartment in the Windy City? With 100 neighborhoods and 77 official community areas, Chicago offers vast living experiences for renters. From lakeside communities to downtown high-rise buildings, it can be challenging to navigate the Chicago apartment rental market.
Below is a guide on the best neighborhoods in Chicago to rent an apartment to help you decide the right place to live.
10 Best Neighborhoods in Chicago to Rent an Apartment: Key Neighborhood Highlights, Common Amenities, & Average Rental Prices
Here are our recommendations on the top 10 best neighborhoods in Chicago to rent, their commonly found apartment amenities, and average rental prices.
1. Lincoln Park: Best For Parkside Apartments Near Lakefront Trails
As one of the most popular Chicago neighborhoods on the North Side, Lincoln Park is known for its natural and scenic landscapes. It has the largest park in the city with nearly 1,200 acres, 15,000 trees, and massive native habitats. Lincoln Park also sits on the Lake Michigan shoreline with the Lakefront Trail, offering 18-mile waterfront paths.
The average cost of rent in Lincoln Park is $2,438, with the following commonly found property amenities:
•Modern mid-rise apartments with tree-lined walking paths and lakeside trails
•Lakefront communities with courtyard buildings near public transitÂ
•Pet-friendly apartments near parks and beaches
Whether you have an active lifestyle or want easy access to outdoor recreation in the city, Lincoln Park is like an urban green oasis.
2. Lakeview: Best for Lakefront Living Near Entertainment
Sitting along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Lakeview brings waterfront living in the city. The Lakefront Trail also connects to this neighborhood, offering active recreational areas for all skill levels. There are several connecting beaches and dining spots where you can soak in lakeside and cityscape views.Â
In addition to lakeside activities, Lakeview has entertainment and shopping destinations. The Belmont Theater District is one of the largest theater hubs in the city, with over 20 venues within walking distance. The Southport Corridor is a major retail district near Wrigley Field, where you can catch a Chicago Cubs game then go shopping.Â
The average cost of rent in Lakeview is $2,217, with the following commonly found property amenities:
•Lakeside properties near beaches and lakefront trails
•Renovated vintage courtyard apartmentsÂ
•Walkable locations near CTA stations, grocery stores, and entertainment
Whether you’re a beach, sports, or theater enthusiast, Lakeview has a blend of lakeside living experiences for renters.
3. River North: Best For Short Downtown Commutes & Luxury Apartments
As one of the most bustling areas of Chicago, River North offers a fast-paced lifestyle. From a popular nightlife scene to the luxury Magnificent Mile shopping district and the Chicago Riverwalk, it’s a vibrant neighborhood. River North is within walking distance of the downtown Central Business District, with plenty of public transit access that makes commuting short and easy.
The average cost of rent in River North is $3,479 due to its prime location, with the following commonly found property amenities:
•High-rise apartments with rooftop lounges, fitness centers, and resident clubs
•Mixed-use buildings with ground-floor dining or retail
•Penthouse luxury and converted warehouse apartments
River North is best for renters who prioritize short downtown work commutes, upscale amenities, and nonstop city access.
4. Wicker Park: Best for Creative Neighborhood Living Near Nightlife
Known as one of Chicago’s trendiest neighborhoods, Wicker Park has an energetic nightlife, vibrant art scene, and independent businesses. These include live music venues, vintage shops, art galleries, and late-night dining that appeal to apartment renters who want more than a quieter place to sleep.
The average cost of rent in Wicker Park is $2,973, with the following commonly found property amenities:
•Loft-style apartments in small apartment buildingsÂ
•Renovated apartments in vintage buildings with exposed brick, hardwood floors, and private balconies
•Communities near restaurants, bars, and music venues
Wicker Park is a popular option for apartment renters who want to live near some of the city’s most social and creative areas.
5. Hyde Park: Best for Near Campus Renting at a Lower Price Point
Located near the stunning University of Chicago, Hyde Park has a college town-like feel on the South Side with many activities and convenient public transit access. From the Gothic-style contemporary campus architecture to the lakefront Promontory Point park and 61st St Farmers Market, there are plenty of things to do as a resident.Â
The average cost of rent in Hyde Park is $1,806, with the following commonly found property amenities:
•Student-friendly studios, one-bedroom, and roommate-style apartments
•Apartments near college campuses, museums, parks, and public transit
•Vintage buildings with affordable pricing
Hyde Park is one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago to rent an apartment as a budget-conscious resident because of its affordability, diverse attractions, and campus proximity.
6. The Loop: Best for Upscale Downtown Living Near Work & Transit
Located in downtown Chicago, The Loop is a hotspot for diverse businesses. The Central Business District is a massive business hub with tech offices, government buildings, hotels, and more.Â
In addition to a bustling corporate area, The Loop is home to several parks and shopping destinations. From Grant Park, which hosts several Chicago festivals like Lollapalooza, to Millennium Park’s iconic Cloud Gate landmark (“The Bean”), this neighborhood still offers a work-life balance.
The average cost of rent in The Loop is $3,073 because of its premier location, with the following commonly found property amenities:
•Luxury skyscrapers with skyline views
•Walkable neighborhoods near the CTA, Metra, office towers, and shopping corridors
•Modern apartments with fitness centers, coworking spaces, and on-site services
The Loop is ideal for renters who want to live in a downtown upscale apartment near work, transit, parks, and entertainment.Â
7. Logan Square: Best for Artsy Neighborhood Living
Logan Square offers a creative lifestyle that feels more residential. It’s known for its murals, galleries, music venues, and locally-owned restaurants. The CTA Blue Line also gives convenient access to other parts of the city at a lower cost than other downtown and luxury North Side neighborhoods.
The average cost of rent in Logan Square is $2,244, with the following commonly found property amenities:
•Walk-up apartments in vintage courtyard buildings
•Communities near local dining and entertainment
•Properties near boulevards, parks, bike routes, and CTA access
Logan Square is popular among renters who want an artsy neighborhood with slightly more breathing room.
8. Rogers Park: Best for Budget-Friendly Apartments Near the Lake
Rogers Park is located on the North Side along the Lake Michigan shoreline, offering lakefront apartments at a lower price point. It has multiple beaches, parks, and public transit, giving you convenient access to outdoor recreation.
The average cost of rent in Rogers Park is $1,512, with the following commonly found property amenities:
•Lower-cost mid-rise apartments with studio, one-bedroom, and multiple-bedroom floorplans
•Vintage lakefront rental communities in courtyard buildings
•Apartments near beaches, college campuses, and CTA Red Line access
Rogers Park is practical for renters who want lakefront access, public transit, and nearby parks at a lower average rent.
9. Gold Coast: Best for Luxury Lakefront Living
If you prefer luxurious lakefront apartment living in Chicago, Gold Coast is exactly that. It’s one of the most affluent neighborhoods along the Lake Michigan shoreline, known for its high-end shopping, historic architecture, and fine dining.
The average cost of rent in Gold Coast is $2,714, with the following commonly found property amenities:
•Upscale high-rise apartments with lake or cityscape views
•Renovated historic rentals with on-site door staff, elevators, and full services
•Apartments near lakefront paths, retail, and dining
Gold Coast is sought after for renters who want a refined neighborhood with lakefront proximity, upscale dining, and premium apartment amenities.
10. Streeterville: Best for Fast-Paced Lakeside Living Near Chicago Landmarks
Located near several popular Chicago destinations, Streeterville is best for a faster lifestyle. These include Navy Pier, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Ohio Street Beach, which attracts visitors and locals from all over. Streeterville is perfectly nestled between the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, offering coastal city living.
The average cost of rent in Streeterville is $3,331 because of its iconic landmarks, with the following commonly found property amenities:
•Lakefront high-rise buildings with skyline or water views
•Luxury communities with door attendants, fitness centers, and resident lounges
•Walkable locations near shopping, dining, businesses, and entertainment
Streeterville is practical for renters who want quick access to lakefront attractions, major hospitals, downtown employers, and the Northwestern University Chicago campus.
Find Your Best Chicago Neighborhood to Rent an Apartment With TLC Management Co.
Finding your best Chicago neighborhood to rent an apartment depends on your budget, lifestyle, and preferred amenities.Â
At TLC Management Co, we have over 30 Chicagoland properties, each with unique conveniences and living experiences, including:
•Lakefront communities with private beach access and pet-friendly policies
•Renovated apartments with oversized windows, walk-in closets, and private balconies
•24-hour fitness centers, bicycle storage, and close public transit access
Whether you prefer a quieter waterfront apartment or a modern mid-rise building, we have the local expertise to find you the perfect place to live.
View our Chicago apartment properties or contact us at info@chicagorentals.com to schedule your tour today!
