South Loop Chicago Apartments

The South Loop is a neighborhood in Downtown Chicago, just south of the Chicago Loop, as its name describes. Lake Michigan lies east of the neighborhood with many cultural destinations at its shore, including Grant Park, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. Chicago’s South Loop is located south of W Ida B. Wells Dr, east of the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90), and north of W 18th and the Stevenson Expressway (I-55). South Loop, Chicago is adjacent to Printer's Row, Dearborn Park, West Loop, Chicago Loop, University Village, Pilsen, Bronzeville, Chinatown, and Bridgeport.

South Loop apartments are in a neighborhood filled with Chicago history.  Chicago crime boss Al Capone was one of the most notorious gangsters in U.S. history. He and his henchmen made their money primarily by bootlegging and operating casinos and speakeasies in the Roaring Twenties. He was on Chicago's first "most wanted" list, and he became the face of 1920s American gangster violence. After Johnny Torrio retired from the mob, Capone set up shop in Rooms 406 to 410 of the Metropole Hotel, one of at least five of his business headquarters. Chicago apartment renters in the South Loop can pass by the address at 2300 South Michigan Avenue during a stroll through this Capone-free neighborhood today.

View more History in South Loop

When renters are seeking Downtown Chicago apartments, they should consider South Loop Chicago. Renters searching for new construction or luxury South Loop apartments will have plenty of choices in the South Loop, where a construction boom has resulted in plenty of new high-rise buildings going up in the past decade. The Chicago skyline views from South Loop apartments are some of the finest in town, and renters seeking out enviable views can revel in the abundance of breathtaking Lake Michigan views.

South Loop renters will likely find rentals that tap into Chicago's reputation for skyscrapers. Many of the apartments for rent in the South Loop are high-rises, and some of the newest buildings to go up in the South Loop break the 500-ft barrier with plenty of room to spare. The current tallest apartment building in the South Loop checks in at an impressive 896 feet tall. Renters who want a more vertical lifestyle should check out the South Loop.

Many Chicagoans rent in this neighborhood to select quality South Loop apartments. Walking to work or nearby museums, theaters, restaurants, and entertainment is a huge bonus for residents. Living in South Loop apartments also places renters within a mile of Chinatown, an area rich with fantastic dining options and plentiful parks. 

The shore of Lake Michigan defines the eastern edge of the South Loop Chicago neighborhood. One prominent destination along the shore that South Loop apartment renters may want to get familiar with is Northerly Island. This lake-fill land was initially used as a very tiny private airfield. Still, it was shut down by former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and subsequently converted into a nature preserve and concert venue. Renters in the South Loop can walk to this outdoor music venue to catch performances by national headlining tours and local acts. 

South Loop, Chicago has more than 23,400 residents, and the median income is $110,000 according to 2020 Census data. The median age in the South Loop neighborhood is 34, and 85% of residents do not have children. Additionally, 58% of South Loop homes are occupied by renters. These statistics suggest many affluent, young professionals reside in the neighborhood, likely due to its proximity to the city center and its many amenities.

Just like the rest of the city, South Loop, Chicago experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. The average winter temperatures range from 21 to 46 degrees, and it snows mostly from December through March, with an average of 10 inches of snow in February and 7.5 inches in January. Temperatures can dip below zero, so renters should prepare their winter wardrobes. Spring brings temperatures ranging from an average of 42 to 70 degrees, while summer temperatures range from 62 to 82 degrees on average. Summers can get very hot and humid, so renters should consider whether they need central air conditioning. Fall temperatures in the South Loop neighborhood average between 40 and 70 degrees. Overall, the neighborhood experiences cold winters with moderate to warm temperatures during the rest of the year.

Local Shopping and Dining

Chicago's South Loop neighborhood boasts a diverse array of shopping and dining options. Roosevelt Road from I-90 to South Clark Street is a convenient area for shopping, with stores like ULTA, Whole Foods, and Home Depot. The neighborhood also features an impressive culinary scene, with notable restaurants such as MingHin Cuisine, Apolonia, Umai Japanese Kitchen & Sushi, Flo & Santos, and Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen. Whether you're in the mood for international cuisine or classic deli fare, the South Loop has something for everyone.

Best Restaurants in South Loop, Chicago

• Eleven City Diner 
• MingHin Cuisine 
• Apolonia 
• Umai Japanese Kitchen & Sushi 
• Flo & Santos 
• Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen 
• Lowcountry 
• Chicago Curry House 
• Haidilao Hot Pot 
• AO Hawaiian Hideout 
• The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
• Cafe Bionda
• Moody Tongue
• Yolk

Best Coffee Shops in South Loop, Chicago

• HERO Coffee Bar
• TeaPotBrew Bakery
• Spoke & Bird Cafe
• Cafecito
• Sweet Bean
• Overflow Coffee Bar
• Little Branch Cafe

Best Bars in South Loop, Chicago

• Reggie’s Chicago
• VU Rooftop Bar
• Half Sour
• First Draft
• Kasey’s Tavern
• M Lounge
• Moody Tongue

Entertainment and Recreational Activities

South Loop offers numerous activities to keep you entertained. These include visiting popular attractions such as the Field Museum, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Museum of Contemporary Photography, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and The Lyric Opera of Chicago. You can even walk to the Art Institute of Chicago from South Loop apartments.

Parks in South Loop, Chicago

• Fred Anderson Dog Park
• Webster Park
• Coliseum Park
• Grant Park
• Arvey Field
• Millennium Park
• Grant Park Skate Park
• Northerly Island
• Mark Twain Park
• Cotton Tail Park

Attractions and Museums in South Loop, Chicago

• Field Museum
• Adler Planetarium
• Shedd Aquarium
• Museum of Contemporary Photography
• Glessner House Museum
• Spertus Museum

The South Loop neighborhood in Chicago boasts convenient transportation access with multiple options available for commuters. The neighborhood is home to CTA ‘L’ stations Roosevelt and Harrison, providing easy access to the Red, Orange, and Green lines. Additionally, there are several bus routes that run through the South Loop neighborhood, such as the #1, #3, and #4 buses. Commuters can also take advantage of the neighborhood's close proximity to Lake Shore Drive and major expressways. The abundance of transportation options in the South Loop make it an ideal location for those who need to get around the city quickly and efficiently.

Access to Highways in the South Loop

• Lake Shore Drive (U.S. Route 41) to the east
• Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/I-94) to the west
• Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) to the north 
• Stevenson Expressway (I-55) to the south

CTA Bus Routes in the South Loop

• 1 Bronzeville/Union Station
• 3 King Drive
• 4 Cottage Grove
• 12 Roosevelt
• 18 16th/18th
• 21 Cermak
• 24 Wentworth
• 29 State
• 62 Archer
• 192 U. of Chicago Hospitals Express
• 146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express

Metra Train Stops in the South Loop

• LaSalle Street Station (Rock Island)
• Museum Campus/11th Street (Metra Electric)
• 18th Street (Metra Electric)
• McCormick Place (Metra Electric)

Distance to the Loop & Other Notable Locations

South Loop, Chicago, is strategically located close to several notable landmarks. Soldier Field, the home of the Chicago Bears, is within walking distance, as is Grant Park, one of the city's most popular destinations for outdoor activities and events. The Museum Campus, which includes the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium, is just a short walk or ride away from South Loop apartments. Additionally, the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the world's most renowned art museums, and Navy Pier, a popular tourist destination, are just a quick trip north from the South Loop.

• Soldier Field - located in South Loop
• The Loop - 1 mile north
• Millennium Park - 1.4 miles north
• Navy Pier - 2.5 miles north
• Guaranteed Rate Field - 2.7 miles south
• United Center - 3.3 miles northwest
• Lincoln Park Zoo - 3.7 miles north
• Wrigley Field - 6 miles north
• University of Chicago - 6 miles south
• Museum of Science and Industry - 6.5 miles southeast
• Midway International Airport - 9 miles southwest
• O’Hare International Airport - 18.7 miles northwest

Parking in South Loop, Chicago

Due to its proximity to downtown, South Loop parking can be limited and expensive. It's important to plan ahead and budget accordingly. The South Loop neighborhood does have many paid parking lots and garages. Finding a free parking spot, however, can be a challenge. South Loop apartment renters who don’t want to spend their time circling the block should consider apartments with designated parking or find a parking spot to rent near their building. 

Public, Private, and Charter Schools

• South Loop Elementary School
• Village Leadership Academy
• Old St. Mary's Catholic School
• Jones College Prep School
• South Loop Montessori School
• GEMS World Academy
• St Ignatius School
• Second City Day School
• Innervision International School
• Whitney Young Magnet High School
• British International School - South Loop Campus

University, College, and Other Higher Learning Institutions

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago
• East-West University
• Roosevelt University
• Chicago Kent College of Law
• National Louis University
• DePaul University
• Loop Campus
• ESL School Chicago
• American Academy of Art College
• the University of Illinois at Chicago
• Columbia College
• City College of Chicago
• Robert Morris University

Overview of the Real Estate Market

It's generally easy to find South Loop studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. A 3 bedroom and four-bedroom apartment will be less prevalent during winter. However, there are usually some good larger layouts in the spring, summer, and fall months.

Popular Apartment Buildings in South Loop, Chicago

• Astoria Tower Chicago Apartments
• Coeval Apartments
• NEMA Chicago Apartments
• River City Apartments
• Astoria Tower Apartments
• Roosevelt Collection Loft Apartments
• Sentral Michigan Avenue Apartments
• Arrive LEX Apartments
• Paragon Apartments
• Eleven40 Apartments
• 1000 South Clark Apartments
• 1001 South State Apartments
• One 333 Apartments
• 777 South State Apartments
• 1401 South State Apartments
• Alta Roosevelt Apartments
• Amli 900 Apartments
• Sky55 Apartments
• Alta Grand Central Apartments