North Harbor Drive

Part of the allure of a downtown apartment is in the lifestyle it promises. While perks like the 6,000 some restaurants in the Chicago area, and the late-night bar scene, may be the initial source of attraction, what really makes Chicago so appealing is convenience. Unlike other American cities, like New York or Washington D.C, which have been plagued by price hikes and overpopulation, Chicago apartments for rent provide the opportunity for renters to live in the heart of the Windy City without having to lower their expectations or their standard of living. Read below to learn more about convenience that comes with living downtown.

Live a Car Free Existence

From the advertising community to the financial district, the Loop serves as the hub for nearly every major industry operating in Chicago—and for renters downtown, the time saved on workday commutes is invaluable.

Downtown renters also reduce their auto-dependency thanks in part to easy access of all of the city’s major train lines, which can bring you down to the heart of Lincoln Park, Bucktown, or Wrigleyville in a matter of minutes; all for a mere $86.00 a month.

But just because you don’t need to own a car doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have to have access to one. A number of Chicago apartments have special access to the car-sharing program, I-Go, which allows residents to rent cars when they need them for a fraction of the cost of insurance and gasoline.

Learn in the Cultural Hub of the Midwest

The cultural benefits of a metropolitan upbringing are invaluable regardless of the age group. This is especially true for downtown residents, who live and work around some of the world’s most renowned museums and art galleries. Of the many museums in the downtown area, the most popular may the Field Museum, which also serves as the permanent home of Sue, the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex ever discovered. Other permanent exhibitions include artifacts from ancient American civilizations, an extensive fossil catalogue, and a sprawling exhibit that details the many ecosystems that make up our planet.

Art lovers will find their fix at the Chicago Art Institute. Home to some of the world’s most famous contemporary paintings and sculptures, patrons of the Chicago Art Institute have the opportunity to view the masterworks of Picasso, Monet, Matisse, and Gerhard Richter, among many others. In addition to the exhibits, the Art Institute also holds lectures, gallery talks, and concerts throughout the year.

The Parks of Downtown Chicago: Sanctuaries in the City

Green spaces like Lakeshore East, Millennium Park, and Grant Park, in the downtown area have a reputation that’s on par with the city’s iconic skyline. More than just the grounds for the Jazz Fest, Blues Fest, the Taste of Chicago, and other events, the parks downtown offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.  From reflection gardens, to yoga classes, the parks downtown provide relaxation and rejuvenation for Chicagoans free of charge.

Ultimately, it’s Chicago’s ability to pair Midwestern charm with the expediency of a metropolitan life that that makes it so popular.