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5 Best Places to Rent a Home in Chicago in 2025

Read Time: 7 min read

Thinking about renting in Chicago? As one of the best cities for young professionals, Chicago is home to a large population of renters thanks to its affordable rent prices, low crime rates, and variety of things to do. Check out the best places to rent a home in Chicago!

Neighborhood Edgewater Hyde Park Lakeview Logan Square Near West Side
Median Monthly Rent $1,289 $1,300 $1,744 $1,336 $1,568
Safer than % of Chicago Neighborhoods 77% 58% 71% 60% 31%
Renter Occupied Home Rate 62% 68% 54% 63% 57%
Unemployment Rate 2.5% 4.0% 2.9% 3.2% 6.1%

Edgewater

  • Home Price: $1,289 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 77% of Chicago neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Homes: 62%
  • Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, retirees

Known as one of the best areas in Chicago, Edgewater is filled with a blend of brick townhouses, condos, and high-rise apartments that overlook Lake Michigan. Because this Windy City neighborhood is right on the shoreline, Edgewater is home to some of the best beaches in Chicago like Osterman Beach and Foster Beach, and offers plenty of green space as well! You’ll have tons of fun things to do in Chicago that are within easy walking distance of your rental home, thanks to Edgewater’s many parks, the vibrant Edgewater Theatre District, diverse restaurants and bars, and unique Edgewater vintage stores like the Broadway Antique Market and Green Element Resale in the Edgewater Vintage Shopping District. Students will also love living in Edgewater, as Loyola University Chicago is located on the north end of the neighborhood!

Things to Do in Edgewater

Go for a stroll or bike ride while taking in waterfront views on the 18-mile side-by-side pedestrian and bike trails on the multi-use Lakefront Trail. Dip your toes in the sand or kayak on the waters of Lake Michigan at Lane Beach. Learn more about Nordic culture and traditions by exploring exhibits like the We Are America exhibit on Swedish immigration at the Swedish American Museum. Get tickets to an on or off-broadway musical or play at the Edge Theater. Start your morning with Brioche French Toast, a Verde Omelet, or Smoked Salmon Scramble at A Taste of Heaven. Order modern entrees like Pork Bao, Little Burgers, or Waldorf Salad from Little Bad Wolf. Try Ethiopian cuisine like the Meat Sampler for Two, Kay Wat, or Kitfo at Ethiopian Diamond Restaurant & Bar. Or try Vietnamese options like Pasteur’s Signature Beef Steak, Curry Chicken, or Cochinchin from Simply Pasteur.

 

Hyde Park

  • Home Price: $1,300 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 58% of Chicago neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Homes: 68%
  • Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Packed with well-known Chicago attractions and unique architecture, Hyde Park is a perfect Windy City neighborhood for families, students, and more! Here, you’ll find rental homes like contemporary luxury apartments and brick townhomes within walking distance of the University of Chicago and landmarks like the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum. You’ll never run out of things to do in this Chicago neighborhood—and if you love spending time outside, you can find plenty of outdoor activities and green space in Hyde Park at 57th Street Beach or just outside the neighborhood at one of the biggest and best parks in Chicago, Washington Park!

Things to Do in Hyde Park

Let the little ones play on the playground or walk through the community flower garden at Nichols Park. Play a round of golf, have a picnic, exercise at the fitness center, or marvel at the green spaces on Wooded Island in Jackson Park. Attend a local theatre production at the Court Theatre or check out over 12,000 contemporary and modern art pieces at Smart Museum of Art within the University of Chicago. Take a self-guided outdoor tour of a prominent prairie-style home that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright at the Frederick C. Robie House. Try Italian dishes like a Napoli Calzoni, Spaghetti Al Cartoccio, or Ravioli Al Tartufo at Nella. Order sandwiches like the Chicken Pesto or sushi rolls like the Chicago Fire and Drunken Tiger at The Sit Down Cafe & Sushi Bar. Feast on Short Rib, Pork Steak, or Fish & Grits at Virtue Restaurant & Bar. Or spend an afternoon out on the patio tasting dishes like the Gnoccheria, Pennoni, or Tonno at Ascione Bistro.

 

Lakeview

  • Home Price: $1,744 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 71% of Chicago neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Homes: 54%
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families

Home to LGBTQ-friendly areas in Chicago like Wrigleyville and Boystown, Lakeview–also known as Northalsted in parts–is a hot spot for young adults looking to live in the cultural heart of Chicago’s North Side. It’s also home to iconic and historic Wrigley Field, where the famed Chicago Cubs (MLB) play! With tree-lined streets, modern apartments, a vibrant nightlife scene, and convenient outdoor recreation along the banks of Lake Michigan at fun places like Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best places to rent in Chicago. On top of that, it’s easy to get around in this area! Lakeview is extremely walkable, bike-friendly, and offers quick access to the Red and Brown lines of the L!

Things to Do in Lakeview

Tee off on the 9-hole course that runs parallel to Lake Michigan for a picturesque golf game at Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course. Listen to a variety of indie and alternative bands perform at Metro. Shop for the latest in jerseys and memorabilia for the Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), Chicago Bulls (NBA), Chicago Bears (NFL), and Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) at Wrigleyville Sports. Shop for women’s clothing, shoes, bags, or jewelry at Krista K Boutique. Begin your morning with Chicken & Waffle, a Breakfast Burrito, or a Southwest Omelette at the Breakfast House. Watch sports on TV while dining on an RBI Burger, BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, or Boneless Wings at Rizzo’s Bar & Inn. Catch a drag show and enjoy the Bubbles & Brunch Package to get entrees like the RBF Sandwich, Poppyseed Chicken Salad, or Bird’s the Word with a signature cocktail at Roscoe’s Tavern in Boystown. Or unwind with drinks like a Blackberry Song, Pastime Paradise, or Slow Like Honey while listening to live music at Schubas/Tied House.

 

Logan Square

  • Home Price: $1,336 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 60% of Chicago neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Homes: 63%
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Thanks to its numerous theaters, art galleries, street art, and music venues, Logan Square is one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago for artists and musicians. There’s always something going on here, whether that’s along North Milwaukee Avenue—the area’s main commercial strip—or at local parks like Palmer Square Park. As far as housing goes, those looking to live in Logan Square can find anything from cozy family-friendly bungalows to urban Chicago apartments surrounded by green spaces and distinct bohemian architecture.

Things to Do in Logan Square

Attend poetry readings, concerts, and more at the public gathering space in a historic building, Comfort Station. See local and touring bands while sampling whiskeys and bourbons from an extensive menu at The Burlington Bar. Get tickets to see classic films and new releases or attend events like monthly themed Late Nights at the Logan Theatre. Enroll in a Private Paint Class or attend a Private Art Party at ArtSpace Chicago. Stop by for brunch and order a Galette, Shakshuka, or Dough Boat at the Bungalow by Middle Brow. Dig into Mexican dishes like a Crunch Tostada, L’Patron Tacos, or Carne Asada/Steak Burrito at L’Patron. Savor the Parson’s Fried Chicken Sandwich, Shrimp Basket, or Parson’s Burger for dinner at Parson’s Chicken and Fish. Or kick back at an urban-rustic Chicago bar offering a large selection of craft drinks like the Fast Talker, Olive Branch, or Doorman at Scofflaw.

 

Near West Side

  • Home Price: $1,568 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 31% of Chicago neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Homes: 57%
  • Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Near West Side is a popular Chicago neighborhood encompassing West Loop in the heart of the city as well as Greektown, offering all kinds of options for renting in Chicago like high-rise luxury apartments and brick townhouses. Home to the University of Illinois Chicago campus and the Illinois Medical District—the largest urban healthcare district in the U.S.—this is an ideal neighborhood for young professionals, university staff, and healthcare workers. Plus, if you’re a sports fan, you can catch the Chicago Bulls (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) at United Center within this Chicago neighborhood!

Things to Do in Near West Side

Experience unique interactive and multi-sensory exhibits at the WNDR Museum. Go swimming or exercise in the fitness center in the community center at Fosco Park. See over 18,000 paintings and sculptures highlighting Mexican culture, including exhibitions like Dia de Muertos, Where the Past Is Present, at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Learn about Jane Addams, the first woman in America to win a Nobel Peace Prize, at a museum she founded, the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. Start your morning with a Smoked Salmon Bagel Plate, Veggie Frittata, or Cinnamon Roll Waffles at Stax Cafe. Fill up on classic Italian favorites like Chicken Parmigiana, Gnocchi, or Fettuccini Alfredo at Pompei. Find Greektown restaurants in Chicago offering traditional favorites like Homemade Gyros, Kontosouvli, and Chicken Riganati at Greek Islands. Or pop into Kurimu to satisfy your sweet tooth with desserts like Crushed Oreo Ice Cream, Pocky Ice Cream, or Pearl Boba Ice Cream.

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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes

Mike Beutler

About Mike Beutler

Mike Beutler is a writer and digital content specialist who transitioned to self storage in 2020 after several years in the airline industry. His travels cultivated a passion for exploring cities across the U.S. and abroad and inspired him to learn more about practical insights for urban living. With 14 moves under his belt, both locally and cross-country, he also has a passion for minimalism and organization, and sharing tips to help others make any space feel like home while staying organized.