A Local Expert's Top Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in Chicago
With world-class museums lining its streets, Chicago is a place people go to learn. It’s not surprising, therefore, that it’s also home to multiple colleges and universities with national and global reputations. I find that the many educational opportunities in Chicago add to its appeal as a metro area. Not only that, but these schools offer arts and sports opportunities for non-students. Yet, if you’re going to make one of these schools your college home, you will need to find safe and affordable student apartments. This guide will tell you where to look.
Chicago State University
Known for its green, park-like campus, Chicago State University stands in stark contrast to the city that surrounds it. I’ve found it quite relaxing to step foot on campus, yet students still enjoy the amenities of the city within a short walk or bus ride from campus. Located on the city’s far south side in the Roseland community area, the school’s considered the city’s most affordable public university. If you’re making Chicago State University your academic home, you’ll find several neighborhoods nearby with available apartments.
Roseland
Roseland stands out for two reasons. First, it’s the neighborhood where the university resides, so it’s close. Second, it has a large number of rentals in multiple sizes and for multiple budgets. From townhomes and single-family homes to studio apartments, you’ll find something here to fit your needs. I’ve found the northern part of the neighborhood to be quieter than the southern areas, and you’ll have the benefit of easy access to the Red Line.
Chatham
Chatham’s food scene shines, so if you’re interested in a neighborhood known for its local eateries, this one will be great. Soul food is common here, but you may want to start your mornings with a trip to Dat Donut. If you’re lucky, you just might end up in an apartment owned by Al Capone or another infamous Chicago historical figure. Chatham’s architecture, particularly in the Bungalow District, makes it distinctive, and as an art lover, I appreciate the murals throughout this district. When you need to get around, you’ll find two “L” Red Line stations in the neighborhood.
Burnside
Burnside is the smallest neighborhood in the city, and for many students, this makes it a quieter, safer option close to campus. This neighborhood is mostly residential. You won’t head here for dinner or shopping, but it’s close enough to Chatham to make access to those features easy. It’s quiet, with affordable apartments and homes to rent. You’ll even find kids playing outside. For rental options, you’ll find studio and one-bedroom apartments common here.
Columbia College Chicago
Columbia College Chicago is a private university with over 150 majors and a strong focus on liberal arts and business. Located on Michigan Avenue, it’s near the Lakefront, the Art Institute, and many of the museums and parks that make downtown famous. Though this school has a high acceptance rate, it carries a solid reputation for its creative arts programs. This highly diverse school is in one of the most affluent areas of the city, and that can make affordable apartments hard to find, but there are several distinctive neighborhoods to consider.
Grant Park
High-rise apartments with luxurious lobbies and lakeside views are what you’ll find in Grant Park. This area is highly walkable or bikeable, and I typically see students walking alongside business professionals and tourists when I head here. It’s also close to the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium, as well as multiple shopping districts. Easily jump on the Red, Green, or Orange lines from one of the many transit stations conveniently located here. While affordability won’t be easy to find, ease and convenience is commonplace in Grant Park.
Lakeshore East
If you want to live near the lake, Lakeshore East is where to hunt for apartments. Again, this is an upscale neighborhood, so affordability isn’t what you’ll find. What you will find is high-rises with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Downtown Chicago, the lakefront, and the many parks. When I walk through Lakeshore East, it seems like it’s a carefully planned neighborhood, with residential, commercial, and entertainment all woven into the design. This neighborhood sits on the northeastern part of Chicago’s Loop and is home to several of the tallest buildings in the city. Its parks are distinctive, too, and one of my favorite times to visit is in the spring when the tulips are in bloom in Lake Shore East Park.
River North
The lakefront isn’t the only water in Chicago. River North sits along the Chicago River, and many apartments here boast stunning views of the waterway and the downtown. It’s another costly neighborhood with high-rise apartments, but many of the buildings feature not only living spaces but also amenities like gyms and concierge services. I’ve found this neighborhood comes alive at night with its nightclubs and lounges that create a thriving nightlife scene.
De Paul University – Lincon Park Campus
Imagine going to school with Lake Michigan and one of the world’s most famous parks as your backyard. This is what De Paul University’s Lincoln Park Campus offers. Sitting north of downtown, this school has a traditional university feel, with quads, a large campus footprint, and a growing student body. The Colleges of Education, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and Science and Health are located here, and it also has a School of Music and Theatre School for the performing arts students.
Goose Island
I find the history of Goose Island fascinating. This artificial area of land sits in the middle of the Chicago River’s north branch and the North Branch Canal. In recent years, developers have transformed this once-industrial space into a thriving mixed-use development, with attractive high-rise apartments. Because of the history of the island, many of the apartments are in redeveloped warehouses, giving a gritty, urban vibe to the spaces. One challenge of living here, however, is the lack of access. To get on and off the island, you’ll have to head to one of its bridges, which can get a little congested during heavy travel times. However, the ambiance and relative safety of Goose Island may make up for a little inconvenience.
Near North Side
Chicago’s Near North Side is also convenient to De Paul University’s Lincoln Park Campus. When many tourists think of Chicago, this is the area they think about. The Wrigley Building and other iconic skyscrapers are located here, as are Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile with its boutiques and shops. What I like about visiting the Near North Side is the fact that the area is always buzzing with activity. From early morning commuters to nightlife, there’s always something to do. Stately row houses and townhouses make up the majority of the rental options in this district, and several work well as student apartments for university students.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park isn’t just a park. It’s an entire neighborhood I truly enjoy visiting due to the many interesting things to see and do. If you’re shopping for apartments near De Paul University, you can’t get much closer than Lincoln Park, where the school sits. High-rises, including historic ones, are the most common type of rental here. It’s not uncommon to see students sprawled out on the lawn in the park with their school books, enjoying the lakefront while studying together.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois Institute of Technology is the tech school of choice for Chicago college students. Known for its technological innovation, this institution is among the 22 elite schools in the Association of Independent Technological Universities. If you’re studying tech and want to study in Chicago, this is where to do it. Illinois Institute of Technology sits near the West Loop and not far from the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park. It’s also across the street from Union Station, so the entire city is highly accessible from this campus. If you’re searching for apartments for students near Illinois Institute of Technology, these neighborhoods are a good option.
Pilsen
In Pilsen, you’ll find industrial chic and row house apartments for rent near Illinois Institute of Technology, as well as a few mixed-use buildings with student housing options above shops and restaurants, including several prestigious award-winners. Forbes named this one of the coolest neighborhoods in Chicago, and it’s easy to see why with the color and music you’ll experience here. Visiting for one of the Second Friday art crawls is one of my favorite things to do, and Harrison Park really comes alive during Dia de los Muertos.
Bronzeville
Bronzeville has an interesting mix of upscale and affordable apartments, working for students on most budgets. This area’s known for its African-American culture and history, and you can explore the art and food of this group during a visit. I particularly appreciate the many parades and festivals here, like the African-American parade in August. It’s also packed with historic landmarks highlighting the Great Migration and other important African-American cultural events. When you’re done exploring the culture, you’ll want to visit the Turner Haus Brewery for locally brewed beer.
South Loop
As home to the museum Campus, South Loop is a neighborhood I frequent often. Yet it’s not just the museums that draw me here. The sound of jazz music wafting from local clubs, the many restaurants dotting the sidewalks, and the charm of Prairie Avenue and Motor Row’s historic properties are also a major draw. After a visit to SUE at the Field Museum, you may find me at the Duneyrr Fermenta Brewery enjoying drinks with a friend. Of course, with so many tourist attractions, this region is full of public transit options, making it an ideal place to look for Chicago apartments near the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Northeastern Illinois University
Highly diverse and far-reaching, Northeastern Illinois University has majors for just about everyone. It has multiple campuses throughout the Chicago area, but the main one is in North Park. From here, you can walk the halls of historic buildings that have stood in Chicago for over 150 years while earning a degree in anything from teaching to tech. If you are looking for Chicago apartments near Northeastern Illinois University, check out these neighborhoods.
Old Irving Park
Bungalows and Victorian mansions line the streets of Old Irving Park, one of Chicago’s most memorable historic neighborhoods. Here you’ll find buildings that were built before the infamous Chicago Fire. In the midst of the historic opulence are a handful of Chicago apartments near Northeastern Illinois University that work well for students. For a unique experience on the weekends, catch an immersive, interactive show at Windy City Playhouse.
Lincoln Square
In your search for student apartments, being near a trendy bookstore is a must, and you’ll find that at Book Cellar in Lincoln Square. This bookstore and café mix-up is a popular hangout spot for Northeastern students, and it clearly shows the charm of the neighborhood. I particularly love the cobblestone streets of Lincoln Avenue, which is a great place to take your computer, find a coffee shop, and get some work done. Student housing options range between historic Victorian homes transformed into apartments and modern lofts and studios with upgraded amenities.
Portage Park
Named for Portage Park, a popular wedding venue and hangout spot for students, this neighborhood is home to the Six Corners shopping district, a hot spot for both entertainment and rental homes. The Portage Theater is a great place to catch some entertainment close to home. I find the vibe her distinctive because of the large Polish population, making it a great place to grab some ethnic food between classes.
