If you’re looking for luxury apartments in Chicago and wondering when to start your search or how much to budget for your move, here’s everything you need to know before getting started!
Timing your search depends on whether you’re looking to live in a managed high rise or a privately owned condo. In general, managed buildings will start to have availability about 60 days out and privately owned condos tend to pop up within 30 days of their availability date. Managed high rises tend to offer the beset pricing and concessions (like rent credits or a month free) for vacant units more often than they do for units coming up later. However, luxury apartments in Chicago tend to rent pretty quickly, so you don’t want to wait too long and risk having limited availability. All in all, the best time to look for an apartment in Chicago is about 45 days out from your move date if you want the maximum number of options and the best pricing.
Managed high rises tend to have lower costs associated with moving than privately owned condos because they’ll often do a small administrative fee (about $400-500) and no security deposit or move in fees. Often times, the administrative fee can be credited back to your rent account if you apply within 24-48 hours of first touring the unit.
Privately owned condos tend to ask for a security deposit (about one month of rent), a move in fee (usually about $300-750), and first months rent.
In some cities like New York or Boston, it’s customary to pay a broker fee. Renters are often happy to learn that there are no costs associated with working with a broker for renters in Chicago.
Both managed high rise units and privately owned units will ask for an application fee, usually ranging around $50-65.
All in all, it tends to cost about $500-600 plus your first month of rent to move into an apartment in a managed high rise and it tends to cost about two months of rent plus about $400-800 to move into a privately owned condo. Of course, these numbers are averages and will vary depending on the landlord.
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It’s no mystery why both Chicago and Boston are two of the most popular cities in the country. Both have vibrant cultures, stunning outdoor public amenities, and are rich with history. If you’re thinking of moving to Chicago from Boston, here are some of the main similarities and differences between the two cities.
Water
Although Chicago doesn’t have an ocean like Boston, water is no less a part of Chicago culture. The Riverwalk is a popular place to stroll, run, dine, and gather year round. In the warmer months, the Chicago lakefront is the place to be. You’ll find Chicagoans playing beach volleyball on North Avenue Beach, dining at Castaways or The Shore Club, doing sunrise yoga at Oak Street Beach in summer mornings, biking and running on the lakefront trail, and boating in and around the Play Pen.
Weather
The weather in Chicago isn’t much different than in Boston. Both cities get roughly 200 days of sunshine per year and have average summer highs of 83 degrees and winter lows of exactly 19.2 degrees. The only main difference is the amount of precipitation. Chicago gets about 25% less snow and rain than Boston.
Local pride
On the whole, residents of both Chicago and Boston share a noticeable sense of pride around their city. From our sports teams (no matter how good…or bad… they are), to our quirky traditions (i.e. dyeing the river green and not putting ketchup on hot dogs), and our incorrect names for landmarks (like refusing to call the Willis Tower anything other than “The Sears” or calling Cloudgate “The Bean”), Chicagoans from all backgrounds bond over a shared sense of love for the city.
The iconic Cloudgate installation at Millennium Park is almost solely referred to as “The Bean”
Both cities also have a big culture around their history and folklore. Just like Boston is rich with early American culture, Chicago has an iconic history of its own. The world’s fair, great Chicago fire of 1871, and Daniel Burnham’s artful design of downtown are all staples of Chicago history.
Cost of Living
Upon moving to Chicago from Boston, Bostonians are often pleasantly surprised by the fact that rents and cost of living are, on average, lower in Chicago than they are in Boston. As of May 2022, data showed that rents in Boston are around 27% higher than in Chicago.
Getting Around
Chicago also has a more intricate and built-out public transit system than Boston. Between the CTA’s “L” train lines and bus routes, you can get to nearly every part of the city. If you’re trying to find your way around downtown Chicago, you can check train and bus times and routes by entering your starting location and destination then selecting the train icon on Google Maps.
Elevated train tracks around the Loop, called “The L” by locals
Are you considering moving to Chicago from Boston and looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown Chicago? Contact us today! We are now offering both in person and virtual apartment tours.
Click here if you’re looking for information on buying a condo or home in Chicago.
If you’ve spent time in downtown Chicago’s Loop around the holiday season, you know there’s something undeniably special in the air. November means holiday festivities are ramping up and we couldn’t be happier! Here are some annual favorites to kick off the holiday season.
Thanksgiving Day Parade
Head to State Street in the Loop on November 25th to catch the Thanksgiving Day Parade. This beloved Chicago tradition started in the 1930s to lift spirits at the height of the Great Depression and has been an annual staple ever since! The parade will run 8-11am from Ida B. Wells to Randolph Street. Stick around afterward for performances all day long!
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Each year throughout November and December, Michigan Avenue is sprinkled with holiday lights. The annual lights make their first appearance on Friday, November 19th at the Mag Mile Lights Festival, with the lighting of the iconic, towering tree in Millennium Park followed by a ballet performance and fireworks. Stick around the following day where the fun continues with ice skating, photos with Santa, and a live DJ, followed by the Festival of Lights parade that evening.
Christkindl Market
The Christkindl Market, inspired by German tradition, takes place annually at Daley Plaza in the Loop. Peruse handcrafted, specialty goods, start your holiday shopping, and grab a souvenir mug of spiced wine to sip while you wait in line for the beloved annual ornament shop. Christkindl Market will be open November 19th through December 24th.
Looking for luxury apartments for rent in the Loop near downtown Chicago? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to guide you in your search and answer your questions. We are now offering in person, self guided, and virtual apartment tours. Be sure to ask about move in specials, including free rent concessions!
Now that Chicago is in phase four of reopening from COVID-19, there’s even more to do while socially distancing. Phase four allows reopening of museums and zoos, both outdoor and indoor seating at restaurants, tourist attractions, and the reopening of movie theaters and live performance venues. Here are some of the attractions that are now open near downtown Chicago for your entertainment!
Chicago Architecture Center, Wendella, Chicago Lakefront Cruises, and Shoreline Site Seeing have all resumed their boat tours. Hear expertly trained docents share fascinating stories about Chicago’s history, interesting details about over 50 of the buildings that line the Chicago River,  and how Chicago from being a small settlement to one of the world’s largest and most prominent cities in the span of 100 years. If you visit the Chicago Architecture Center and book through them, you’ll save on admission!
Lincoln Park is now open near downtown Chicago! Lincoln Park Zoo is home to 200 unique species of wildlife from around the world. Enjoy strolling the zoo’s winding paths surrounded by the tranquil setting of trees, ponds, and glimpses of the city. Upcoming events hosted by Lincoln Park Zoo include virtual penguin feeding, virtual haunted history tours, and Zoo Nights, where you can enjoy fall decor, food, and beverage by Levy Restaurants on Saturdays, all of which run through October 31st. Lincoln Park Zoo admission is still free of charge but to limit the number of people on site, the zoo is requiring online reservations ahead of time.
Chicago offers one of the richest cultural scenes in the world and the extensive list of museums, across many mediums, is a big reason why! The Art Institute, Museum of Science and Industry, and Shedd Aquarium are now all open and require tickets in advance. The Field Museum, American Writer’s Museum, and Museum of Photography are open and offering tickets at the door. The Museum of Contemporary Art is open on weekends only with limited hours. If you’re looking for things to do or places now open near downtown Chicago, start by checking out one of Chicago’s many museums!
Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown Chicago? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to provide you with more information. We are now offering virtual and in person tours. Be sure to ask about move in specials!
Looking for things to do in downtown Chicago this weekend? From Lincoln Park to the South Loop’s Museum Campus, here are some great ways to enjoy what downtown living has to offer!
Spice Up Your Morning Yoga
Looking for mix up your Saturday morning yoga practice? Get more grounded at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park. Every Saturday morning at 8:30am, join all varieties of butterflies in the Butterfly Haven for butterfly yoga. Tickets are $15 in advance.
Courtesy of Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Elevate your yoga practice (to about 1,000 feet) with a 60 minute vinyasa style class in the 94th floor Hancock Observatory in Gold Coast. Stop by every Saturday or Sunday at 9am to take in unobstructed views of the downtown Chicago skyline and lakefront. Bring your own mat to class. Tickets are $18 in advance and include a day pass to the observatory.
Fall Festival at Maggie Daley Park
Fall is in the air! Head to Maggie Daley Park of Michigan Avenue in the Loop for this free outdoor event, 12pm to 5pm on Saturday, October 19th. Enjoy games, crafts, and fare along the skating ribbon. Afterward, head to the Arts in the Dark parade on State Street.
Courtesy of Eventbrite
Imagine the Moon Sky Show at Adler Planetarium
This show is the Adler’s newest addition and explores how the moon has been the inspiration for human creativity. The run time is 30 minutes and tickets can be purchased here.
Lit & Luz Festival of Language, Literature, and Art
This annual festival at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Gold Coast celebrates the cultural exchange between writers and visual artists from Mexico City and Chicago. Stop by Saturday, October 19th for readings, artist talks, performances, showcases, and a magazine finale to conclude the event.
Courtesy of Lit & Luz Festival
Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown Chicago? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!
It’s officially fall! Although summer may be technically over, there’s no shortage of festivals in downtown Chicago this weekend. Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor live music or all the gourmet you’re your heart desires, these Chicago festivals won’t disappoint!
World Music Festival
Courtesy of World Music Fest
This week enjoy live music by 50 artists from over 20 countries across multiple venues at the 21st annual World Music Festival. The eleven day event will run through Sunday, September 29thand is free to attend. With participating venues in multiple neighborhoods, including Navy Pier, Pritzker Pavillion, Old Town School of Folk Music, Concord Hall in Logan Square, Beverly Art Center, and more, the World Music Festival is a great way to see the city. Click here for the official program.
Chicago Gourmet
Courtesy of Chicago Gourmet
Chicago Gourmet, presented by Bon Appetit, features over 250 Chicago restaurants, chefs, and international breweries. From tastings to book signings, this event is a foodie’s dream come true. Rick Bayless and Stephanie Izard will be among featured talent in attendance. The main event will take place on Saturday, September 28thfrom 12pm to 6pm and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm at Millennium Park. However, there will be after parties, additional showcases, and other off-site gourmet events throughout the weekend. Click here for the full schedule, packages, tickets, and list of events.
Courtesy of Chicago Gourmet
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Stop by the 13thannual Hyde Park Jazz Festival to enjoy live performances from over 36 artists. The 14 stages around the neighborhood will showcase local Chicago artists as well as national and international talent. The event will run on Saturday, September 28thand Sunday the 29thfrom 1pm to 10:30pm. Click herefor the full lineup. No tickets are required.
Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown Chicago? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!
Looking to keep your workout fresh? Whether you’re in River North, West Loop, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, the Loop, or Gold Coast, these downtown Chicago boutique fitness studios will never let you get too comfortable or bored in your workout.
Solidcore
Courtesy of Solidcore
This megaformer class is different each time and is sure to keep you on your toes (or elbows and knees if you need a little rest from holding the seemingly endless planks in this class). Solidcore aims to target your slow twitch muscle fibers with slow, high resistance movements. Solidcore has downtown Chicago locations in the retail spaces of The Hudson in River North, 1611 West Division in Wicker Park, and 727 West Madison in West Loop. Click here to get your first two classes at a discounted rate (save $25).
Chill Chicago
Courtesy of Susan Moskop/Chicago Tribune
Retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago city life in the tranquil oasis of Chill Chicago. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the chic, soft-loft, bright, and minimalist aesthetic, lots of craft candles, and given a cup of tea by the friendly desk staff. Unwind by the waterfall fountain or with a short massage before yoga class. The dimly lit yoga studio is a perfect place to decompress. Stay for a 30 minute guided meditation session following select yoga classes and be sure to check out the unique “chilling” swings after class. Chill Chicago is located on Kinzie Street near Merchandise Mart in River North.
RowHouse
Courtesy of Rowhouse
For those of you who are a little “out-spun” from enjoying the last few years’ boom of new spin studios, RowHouse offers something new in a similar SoulCycle type atmosphere. RowHouse has locations in the retail spaces of 1225 Old Town on Wells in Old Town and The Parker Fulton Market in West Loop. Click here to try a free workout class!
Cycle Bar
For those of you who are still “riding” the wave of trendy spin studios, be sure to check out Cycle Bar. You’ll enjoy all the best parts of spin class (like the great leg and cardio workout, awesome playlists, and cool lighting) with the added “bar” bonus. The weighted bar is used to make sure you get in a solid upper body workout while spinning. Cycle Bar is located in the ground level retail space at Exhibit on Superior in River North and The Parker Fulton Market in West Loop. Get your first unlimited week for $29Â here.
Sweat
Courtesy of @Sweatfitnessstudios
HIIT all the muscle groups at Sweat! These high intensity interval training sessions are a total body workout. The 8 exercise circuit makes the hour fly by and feel like you got a killer workout by the end. Sweat has locations in the SoNo area of Lincoln Park and in Gold Coast. Click here to get your first class at a discounted rate.
Looking to live near one of these awesome downtown Chicago boutique fitness studios? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!
Downtown Chicago is known for its world class architecture and was rated the Best Big City by Conde Nast, for the 2nd time. Here are a few iconic must-see buildings near downtown.
Looking for luxury apartments for rent near John Hancock Center? Click here!
Merchandise Mart
At 4 million square feet, Merchandise Mart is so large that it even has its own zip code! Although Merchandise Mart was built in the 1930s, today it is home to many cutting-edge technology companies, including the start-up incubator, 1871. Merchandise Mart tenants love the convenience of having direct access to the CTA brown and purple line trains…as well as an awesome food court!
The Chicago Loop Alliance also launched, Art on theMart, where iconic art work is projected onto the 2.5 acres of Merchandise Mart’s exterior. See the video below!
Looking for luxury apartments for rent near Merchandise Mart? Click here!
Willis Tower
The Willis Tower, still often referred to as the Sears Tower by locals, was completed in 1973 and at 1729 feet to the tip of its antenna, held the title of the world’s tallest building for many years. The Willis Tower is currently undergoing a $500 million renovation that will include an expansion of the Skydeck, a popular tourist attraction that allows visitors to see unparalleled views of Chicago and the surrounding area.
Looking for luxury apartments for rent near Willis Tower? Click here!
Aon Center
The Aon Center was completed in 1973 and originally known as the Standard Oil Building. The facade was originally wrapped in Italian marbled, rumored to cost more to import than the marble, itself cost. However, when the marble began to deteriorate and break off it was deemed structurally unsafe. Today the Aon Center is clad in white granite.
Looking for luxury apartments for rent near the Aon Center? Click here!
Tribune Tower
This Neo-Gothic skyscraper was designed by John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood and won a competition held by the Chicago Tribune newspaper in 1922. The Tribune Tower’s exterior includes fragments of other iconic buildings around the world including Angkor Wat, the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Pyramids. The building was purchased by CIM Group and Chicago based Golub & Co in August of 2016.
Looking for luxury apartments for rent near Tribune Tower? Click here!
The Rookery Building
The Rookery Building, one of the oldest downtown buildings in Chicago, Â was designed in the 1880s by the prolific Burnham & Root architecture firm. The lobby was renovated by the legendary architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, in 1905. The Rookery Building is known for its grand spiral staircase and glassy atrium.
Looking for luxury apartments for rent near The Rookery Building? Click here!
Thompson Center
Like The Rookery Building, the Thompson Center is known for its glassy atrium and eye-catching lobby. This postmodern building was designed in 1985 by Helmut Jahn and is home to many local and state government offices, direct access to the CTA blue, brown, orange, green, and purple line trains.
Looking for downtown Chicago luxury apartments for rent near the Thompson Center? Click here!
By Sophie Morrison
As the highly-anticipated, new addition to Chicago’s South Loop, One Grant Park will be the tallest tower constructed on the southside of Chicago. Joining the list of famous architecture that makes up the Chicago skyline, this 829 ft. development will be a marvel to behold!
Courtesy of Crescent Heights
Designed by Rafael Vinoly, notable New York architect, One Grant Park will be a 792-unit, modern highrise. Along with this skyscraper, there will also be a Phase II and III of this development—a 648-unit structure and a 100-unit townhouse building, complete with a public park.
Vinoly at the One Grant Park proposal, 2015
Expected to open in early 2019, One Grant Park and its stepped, modular design will complement and pay homage to Chicago’s tallest building, the 110-story Willis Tower. As one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in the city, the South Loop welcomes its newest addition.
Courtesy of Curbed Chicago
Next time you’re near the South Loop, explore South Lake Shore Drive and South Wabash Streets for the best nightlife options. South Lake Shore Drive has a plethora of shopping, bars, and the main attraction of the South Loop—the Museum Campus, featuring the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum. Additionally, South Wabash Avenue offers many fine dining experiences for you to choose from. Furthermore, with Soldier Field conveniently located nearby, you can also catch a Bears game!
Looking for Downtown Chicago luxury apartments near the South Loop? Give us a call today! We’d be happy to keep you in the loop!
Ashley Lemaine
DAC Contributor
