Renters looking for one-bedroom apartments in Chicago may already have a particular neighborhood in mind during their apartment search. In that scenario, they might want to know which neighborhoods in Chicago are the most expensive places to rent a one-bedroom apartment and which Chicago neighborhoods are the most affordable for one-bedroom apartments. If the ideal location is still undetermined, then their apartment search could be decided solely on the cost of the rent.
Most Expensive Chicago Neighborhoods for 1 Bedroom Apartments In 2020
Median 1 bedroom rental price = $2,200
Old Town is a popular spot among Chicago renters due to its healthy variety of small businesses, eclectic dining options, and numerous nightlife spots. The Wells Street Corridor is a major draw for renters in Old Town and surrounding neighborhoods. The vibe is vintage at a glance (and the name should give some idea here), but there is plenty of new construction and luxury apartments for rent in Old Town. Renters in this pocket of Chicago can easily navigate to neighboring ‘hoods such as Lincoln Park, the Gold Coast, and River North.
Median 1 bedroom apartment rental price = $2,450
Chicago’s reputation as a foodie paradise continued to grow with 25 Michelin-starred eateries and many more acclaimed restaurants. The nexus of the city’s electric dining scene is the West Loop. The transforming neighborhood was an afterthought for decades while the focus was on the core business district in the Loop. Still, the West Loop has carved out a prized spot ever since several large corporations left their office campuses in the suburbs and moved into West Loop offices. The influx of corporate tenants into the West Loop also brought in apartment renters wanting shorter commute times, and this movement fueled the trendy restaurant scene. When it comes to shrinking the commute and getting the most out of neighborhood amenities such as world-class dining options, the West Loop is a prime spot to begin the apartment search.
Median 1 bedroom apartment rental price = $2,600
Ranking at the top of the list for most expensive one-bedroom apartments in 2020 is the River North neighborhood. What’s driving the higher costs of renting in this downtown-adjacent neighborhood? The abundance of high amenity buildings and spectacular condos for rent with world-class views of the city’s iconic skyline and the Chicago River will help push the rents skyward. There are plenty of buildings with amenities explicitly targeted at dog owners. Newly built properties that cater exclusively to renters, such as the new towers rising at Wolf Point, are taking a page from surrounding condo buildings by constructing luxe and comfortable homes with the flexibility of leasing instead of owning the unit. And included with the higher rent, apartment dwellers should expect an array of sweet amenities like outdoor swimming pools and state-of-the-art fitness centers.
Most Affordable Chicago Neighborhoods for 1 Bedroom Apartments In 2020
Median 1 bedroom rental price = $1,063
Nestled at the northern edge of Chicago is the Rogers Park neighborhood. And while it may be a bit of a hike to get to from downtown (about 10 miles north of Grant Park), this neighborhood is still quite accessible thanks to 24/7 service on the CTA Red line and many other bus routes. Lake Shore Drive meets its northern terminus before Rogers Park, so drivers will have to contend with local traffic before and after merging onto the Drive. But on the bright side, apartment renters in Rogers Park get unrivaled access to the gorgeous lakefront. Rogers Park apartments are usually among the city’s most affordable, and one-bedroom apartments in Rogers Park offer a lot of bang for the buck with the natural asset of Lake Michigan practically at their doorstep.
Median 1 bedroom apartment = $1,075
Renters seeking a tranquil neighborhood populated mainly by apartments and single-family homes should look at Lincoln Square. This Far Northside neighborhood presents considerable savings on one-bedroom apartment rents, but it also provides a hefty serving of pleasant neighborhood amenities on top of its affordability. The CTA Brown line runs through the heart of the neighborhood and several CTA bus routes, so getting around town is possible via public transportation. Lincoln Square is supremely walkable, too. Renters in Lincoln Square apartments can walk to the pedestrian-friendly square, located along N. Lincoln Ave, and appreciate its small-town vibe and many small businesses up close.
Median 1 bedroom apartment rental price = $1,125
Apartments in West Ridge are close to a wide array of neighborhood amenities. There are gorgeous parks, a golf course, shopping centers, restaurants, and many beautiful homes to admire while walking around the quiet side streets of West Ridge. The main thoroughfare for dining and shopping is W. Devon Ave, home to a robust assortment of south Asian cuisine and one of the city’s largest grocery stores dedicated to carrying Indian produce and goods. Apartment renters in West Ridge can also enjoy a few unique seasonal activities from this far north side location. The largest city park in the neighborhood contains an ice skating rink during the winter months, and the sledding hill is a popular draw for residents of West Ridge whenever it snows.
