How to Live Closer to Chicago's Local Favorites in 2021

The term essential businesses became a fixture in many apartment renters’ vocabulary prior to 2021. These Chicago apartments are located within walking distance of local businesses that are considered essential in many ways, whether it’s time to stock up on a grocery run or just get a cup of coffee and step out of the apartment for respite during the day. Explore the apartments near local favorites that keep Chicago going and see how your next place can deliver all the conveniences of city living within minutes.

Wicker Park Apartments Help Renters Find Local Faves 

1611 West Division Apartments

These efficient apartments are so close to numerous takeout options and it’d be nigh impossible to list them all here; but any time that renters at these Wicker Park apartments need a caffeine fix or a quick bite, there are no fewer than half a dozen options within a one-block radius. Not bad! Combine that with the apartment building’s proximity to local favorite Foxtrot Market, which rewards frequent shoppers with a perks program, and there’s little necessity to trek outside their neighborhood for essential shopping trips.

the Milwood

Everything that Wicker Park renters love about this vibrant neighborhood is within reach from these fashionably renovated apartments at 1422 N. Milwaukee Ave. Renters will have their choice among the popular takeout spots along Milwaukee Ave, from taco joints like Antique Taco and Big Star to convenient coffee shops like Stan’s Donuts and a very accessible Wormhole Coffee outpost.

Renters Love Ravenswood for Its Charm & Neighborhood Vibe

Ravenswood Vista

These affordable Ravenswood apartments are within walking distance of the Metra, CTA Brown line and a long list of restaurants near the Montrose Station. Renters can get to the ever-popular Mariano’s at Lawrence and Ravenswood in mere minutes if they’re stocking up for a grocery run.

Berteau Manor

This location is great for renters who want more access to the Ravenswood corridor, which includes plenty of coffee shops, restaurants and a few of the north side’s most celebrated microbreweries. Grocery options nearby include the Trader Joe’s on N. Lincoln Ave and the Mariano’s at Lawrence and Ravenswood.

Plenty of Local Options Within Reach of Lakeview Apartments

Lakeview 3200

It’s tough to imagine a more convenient spot than living (almost) on top of a Target if you need to shop for home goods or groceries. But there are ample options for fans of local fare in this Lakeview spot; a 10-minute stroll takes renters to Intelligentsia Coffee, Kanela’s Breakfast Club or Ann Sather’s Lakeview location. Breakfast and brunch lovers are covered at this spot, but there are plenty of ingredients for DIY Mimosas at Binny’s Beverage Depot and there’s one of those just down the road from Lakeview 3200.

517-525 West Brompton

Nature and all of its splendor is supremely close to these East Lakeview apartments. As nourishing as walks through the park are for the soul, they can’t fill up your stomach. That’s where the convenient grocery stores come into play: renters can stroll to either Jewel-Osco or Whole Foods from this location within minutes. 

Grace and Sheffield Lofts

The Wrigleyville, Buena Park, Northalsted and East Lakeview neighborhoods all converge near these bright loft apartments. And even for those renters who don’t follow the Chicago Cubs and could care less about baseball, the neighborhood near Wrigley Field has tons to offer from the dining and takeout standpoint. Check out Uncommon Ground on N. Clark St for some of the city’s finest farm-to-table fare or walk to the large Whole Foods on N. Broadway to make meals at home.

Gold Coast and Streeterville Apartments Deliver the City to Your Door

100 West Chestnut

These Gold Coast apartments are close to restaurants that have kicked their takeout and delivery game into overdrive. The abundance of apartments and condos for the neighborhood means that more people are prone to ask, “What can I pick up for dinner tonight?” Renters who need to grab something for the kitchen or simply want to break up the routine while working from home can easily walk to both Potash Market and Foxtrot Market from these apartments.

Axis Apartments

The views are world-class from this Streeterville apartment building but the shopping and dining scene can be very down-to-earth for renters who call Axis home. There’s the conveniently located Whole Foods Market and a Bockwinkel's market just down the road, but there are also delightful takeout spots that offer everything from Indian food to Chicago-style pizza within a couple of blocks.

750 North Rush

The Gold Coast isn’t all about flagship retail and luxury brands (although those can be nice to have right outside your front door). Renters who don’t fancy cooking every night of the week will find a plethora of trusty takeout spots that range from celebrated cuisine to quick bites. There are convenient spots very close to these apartments to stock the pantry as well. Locals love being walking distance from favorites like Foxtrot Market and Trader Joe’s.