Apartments in Chicago

Chicago is the third-largest city in the country, with a population of 2.7 million, and a metro area encompassing 10 million. Situated on the banks of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, the city grew rapidly grew from a quiet portage point and fur trading outpost in 1833 (population: 200) into an industrial powerhouse and the center of American railway transportation. Home to the first skyscraper, the first Ferris wheel, and the one-time tallest building in the world, Chicago has long been a locus for innovation, education, and culture. It’s a famously diverse city: From its days as a haven for Eastern European immigrants, to its decades as the endpoint for many southern African Americans during the Great Migration, to its current embrace of Mexican immigrants calling the city home, Chicago has long welcomed cultures from around the world. Such diversity, combined with stable infrastructure, a diversified economy, and multiple world-class institutions of higher learning (The University of Chicago and Northwestern, among others) has contributed to a vibrant local culture, home to some of the world’s best restaurants, museums, music, and literature. Chicago’s nickname might be the “Second City,” but that doesn’t keep it from being one of the world’s most important centers for business, culture, and the arts.

When to Search

October is a great time to start apartment hunting in Chicago, and with so many neighborhoods to choose from, you’ll want extra time to explore your options in each. After the busy renting season in summer, prices tend to drop and the competition gets a little less fierce. But with a market as large as Chicago’s, thereare tons of great options available every month of the year. Searching for an apartment can be tough. That's why we scour the web to get all best listings around town. And our team of local experts verify the quality and accuracy of those listings to make sure that you have the best prices, images and information available. So unlike searching for an apartment on Craigslist, you can be sure that Rentable’s apartment listings are safe, trustworthy and accurate.

Staying in the Know

Chicago is an immense city with neighborhoods that each have a distinct personality, so be sure to do your homework before signing a lease. Although the suburbs provide a great option for those seeking a yard and quiet, the commute to downtown can be a feat in city traffic. To figure out where would be the best spot to focus your search, do a test run of your daily commute from a few areas you’re considering.

Life in Chicago