Apartments for Rent in Chicago, IL(20,236 Rentals)

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Chicago's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about Chicago and the best places to live with original content written by our Chicago, IL Local Expert Nicole Harms

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Chicago, IL Local Guide

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Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

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Chicago Overview

Chicago is one of the largest and liveliest cities in the United States with a thriving economy, an active nightlife and some of the world's most historic buildings and landmarks making it a very popular place to call home. The school system and metropolitan offerings make Chicago one of the best places to live in the Midwest in addition to being a premiere tourist destination. The options for cheap apartments in Chicago as well as rental homes, condos, and townhomes in the area make it a renters dream come true.

What is the history of Chicago?

The city of Chicago was founded in the 1780s and officially incorporated as a city in 1837. The area was originally settled by the Potawatomi Native Americans before French and American explorer Jean Baptiste Point du Sable came to the area. He is known as the one who founded Chicago, first as a township and then as a city. The city name comes from the indigenous word shikaakwa, which translates roughly to wild garlic.

How is the weather in Chicago?

Chicago has earned its nickname as “the windy city.” The summers in Chicago are often hot and humid, often exceeding 90 degrees. Winter is cold and windy with a significant amount of snow. Fortunately, the fall and spring seasons are more mild, offering balmy temperatures and nice, cool breezes.

How do I get around town?

Many Chicago residents take the L and use the metro station in favor of having their own vehicles as parking on the street can be difficult in some of the city's busier districts. Chicago is home to the O'Hare International Airport, the second busiest airport in the world. Amtrak, freight rail and numerous Greyhound bus lines running through the city make it easy for residents to get around affordably.

What is the Chicago commute like?

There are seven main expressways and four auxillary interstate highways that run through the city. Chicago interstates are frequently known by their names rather than numbers, such as the Kennedy Expressway, which serves locals residing in apartments near O'Hare International Airport all the way to those who call Downtown area rentals home. The Jane Addams Memorial Tollway runs from the Kennedy Expressway through the city's northwest suburbs. The Dan Ryan Expressway interchanges with Interstate 57 and features many local express lanes to facilitate the heavy traffic Chicago is known for.

What are the local media outlets?

Chicago's most popular television broadcasting stations are WBBM, WMAQ and WFLD, each of which is operated by one of the major national networks, such as CBS, Fox and NBC. “The Chicago Tribune” and the “Chicago Sun-Times” are the largest print publications, featuring world-class news and updates on the city and the world in general. WBBM and WSCR radio are two of the most popular radio broadcast stations, featuring a variety of music and talk show content.

Why live in Chicago, IL?

With its numerous shops and local cuisine, a bustling nightlife, a strong economy and an efficient if busy transportation system, Chicago is truly the gem of the Midwest. While school districts vary from one area to the next, Chicago is a hub for some of the world's best schools, universities and hospitals, making it an ideal place to settle down. As home to some of the leading universities in the world, Chicago offers plenty of opportunities for its residents to grow up, get an education and find work in its diverse and thriving economy.

What Chicago landmarks should I see?

Chicago is home to multiple skyscrapers, including the Home Insurance Building, the Trump International Hotel and Tower, and the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. The University of Chicago has received respect and awards from around the world, and the replica of Daniel Chester French's “Statue of the Republic” draws many tourists.

What is there to do around Chicago?

Tourists come from around the world to witness the natural beauty of the Chicago River as it intersects with Lake Michigan. Take a ferry or boat ride on the river for a splendid view of the city's skyline. The Magnificent Mile rentals have access to a variety of upscale stores and business as the area serves as Chicago's own Rodeo Drive. The Chicago Opera Theater offers a variety of live performances to enjoy all year long. Many tourists simply enjoy wandering around Chicago's livelier neighborhoods, such as Lincoln Park and South Loop. With a view of Lake Michigan, a busy business district and cultural offerings such as Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum, it's no wonder that South Loop has become a major tourist destination in the area.

Any annual festivals or Chicago events to know?

The Grant Park Music Festival series draws thousands of classical music lovers from around the world. The annual Taste of Chicago Festival is held in Grant Park, featuring a vast offering of food from around the world. The festival is the world's largest food festival and it takes place over five days, giving guests plenty of time to sample from the various vendors.

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

There are a variety of vacation opportunities both within Chicago and within a short drive. Many vacationers choose the Millennium Park in downtown Chicago for its unique overhead architecture and the many convenient hotels and restaurants located nearby. The city of Geneva, located just an hour away from Chicago, is a go-to vacation spot with the natural beauty of Island Park and old-time paddle boating. Grand Beach, Michigan offers a great vacation destination for Illinois residents looking to enjoy the beauty of the shore.

Where is the best place to move in Chicago?

Chicago is full of great neighborhoods, ranging from the unique and contemporary to the historical. Apartments in Bucktown provide renters with one of the most modern and vibrant neighborhoods in Chicago and in the United States in general. A hub of immigration, Bucktown is home to a diverse culture and unique architecture. Bucktown also features some of the most convenient transportation in the city and a diverse economy. Hyde park rentals offer a world-famous neighborhood that is known as the home of United States President Barack Obama. Hyde Park is also home to the University of Chicago and has produced two 2013 Nobel Prize award winners. Lincoln Park is another famous area, known for its fashionable residents and upscale stores. Lincoln Park has the intimate feel of a college town with a variety of nightclubs and restaurants to choose from. This is the ideal neighborhood for anyone who doesn't want to use a car to navigate the city. Streeterville is a more upscale district with a lot to do and many great options in available luxury apartments. The city features numerous luxury apartment complexes and condominiums with their own movie theaters, golf clubs, convenience stores, hotels and gyms. For the upwardly mobile Chicago resident looking to invest in a growing area, Streeterville is ideal. Roscoe Village is a hip area that runs more like a village than a city. This small but pleasant community is home to many of Chicago's young families and features a picturesque landscape of trees, brick walkups and flowers. Whichever of Chicago's many neighborhoods you choose, there is a fun and unique place where everyone belongs.

Being the most densely populated cultural and financial powerhouse in Illinois where commuting is made a cinch by foot, bike or train makes living in Chicago apartments a more and more popular choice with each passing day. Lovingly referred to as Chicagoland, the area boasts some of the nation's most prestigious museums, events and attractions for locals. From arts and culture to fun and play, finding your new home among the many perfect available options of apartments in Chicago can be the key to getting the most out of living here.

As your apartment shopping guide it's our goal to help you find the perfect place by providing you with the best apartments in and around Chicago with the high-resolution photos, prices, amenities and floor plan information you need to find your new abode. Whether you are looking for studio apartments or 2 bedroom apartments to places with pools or that allow pets, we have exactly what you're looking in our Chicago Apartment Living Guide.

With a variety of areas around Chicago that host fantastic apartment communities, choosing the right location can be the primary key to getting the most out of living here. Work downtown and looking to live in the lap of luxury? You might consider taking a look at the chic, luxury apartments in the Chicago Loop area and close to all of the action.

If you and your roommates want to find yourselves in a multi-bedroom apartment in a unique, diverse area close enough to the action, but a little out of downtown you might take a look at some of the more affordable apartment listings in Wicker Park, Near West Side or Lincoln Park. Or - perhaps you're looking to move the family out of downtown completely to a tree-lined, tight-knit, family-friendly neighborhood like Forest Glen. Regardless of where you'd like to live there are plenty of available listings all over the Chicago waiting for you here at ApartmentHomeLiving.com.

No matter which area of Chi-town you've found a top-notch apartment, the things to get out of the apartment and enjoy are seemingly limitless. Start with a view from a-top the Willis Tower Skydeck which offers amazing views of the city and nostalgia to boot! Rare local treats combine with national favorites to yield a winning combination of flavors for foodies found within footsteps from apartments all over Chicago. Celebrate a special occasion with a night at Navy Pier and on a moonlit meal cruise or have a few pints of local brews like Goose Island and dance the night away at one of the hundreds of hot spots to get a real taste of Chicago nightlife.

It's no secret that living in Chicago puts you in the thick of Windy City excitement. So what are you waiting for? Let us help you find the perfect new place among the over 400 great Chicago apartments for rent available on ApartmentHomeLiving.com!

Chicago, IL
Population: 2,705,994

Ranked #3

in US Census Population by City

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Chicago, IL

Ranked #1

Among cities in Illinois for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Chicago, IL Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Chicago, IL

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Getting Around Chicago, IL

Walk Score®

83 / 100

Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

77 / 100

Very Bikeable

Biking is convenient for most trips

Transit Score®

66 / 100

Good Transit

Many nearby public transportation options

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago

How much are Studio apartments in Chicago?

There are currently 2,540 Studio Apartments in Chicago with rent ranges from $530 to $8,978 with an average price of $2,053.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Chicago Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Chicago ranges from $588 to $13,639 with an average monthly rent of $2,592.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Chicago cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Chicago range from $710 to $92,810. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $3,316.

How expensive are Chicago Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 3,411 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Chicago on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $750 to $38,481 - averaging $4,204 for the location.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

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A Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Chicago

Written by: Nicole Harms

I’m Nicole, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Chicago, IL. As a resident of the Chicago area for over 20 years, I’ve learned which neighborhoods are great and which are best avoided.

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