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Best Places to Rent a Home in Chicago

Thinking about renting in Chicago? With affordable rent prices, low crime rates, and close proximity to fun things to do, these are the five best places to rent a home in Chicago!

Edgewater

Walkup Apartment in Edgewater, Chicago. Photo by Instagram user @jpugh248

Photo via @jpugh248

  • Home Price: $990 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 77% of Chicago neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Homes: 67%
  • Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Known as one of Chicago’s most affluent areas, Edgewater is filled with a blend of brick townhouses, condos, and high-rise apartments that overlook Lake Michigan. Because the neighborhood is right on the shoreline, Edgewater is home to beautiful beaches and offers plenty of green space. You’ll also have tons of things to do within walking distance of your rental home, thanks to the Edgewater’s many parks, vibrant theater district, diverse restaurants and bars, and unique antique shops. 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 out for a stroll, ride a bike, or take in the beautiful waterfront views on the 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail. Dip your toes in the sand or cruise the waters of Lake Michigan while kayaking at Lane Beach. Learn more about Nordic culture and traditions by exploring exhibits at the Swedish American Museum. Spend the day shopping at the Broadway Antique Market or Green Element Resale in the Edgewater Vintage Shopping District. Get tickets to a musical or play at the Edge Theater. Find world-class vintage clothing and jewelry by visiting Chicago Vintage and Jewelry. Start your morning with a Caramel Apple French Toast, a Verde Omelet, or a Salmon Scramble at A Taste of Heaven. Listen to live music, compete in trivia night, or order handcrafted pizzas like Phil’s Cheesecake Pizza at the Rewired Pizza Cafe & Bar. Or grab a seat at Little Bad Wolf and enjoy a Wolf Burger paired with a Third Coast Old Ale or any of their 100+ beers!

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Hyde Park

Exterior of the 5252 Apartments in Hyde Park, Chicago. Photo by Instagram user @5252apartments

Photo via @5252apartments

  • Home Price: $1,105 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 58% of Chicago neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Homes: 65%
  • Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Packed with well-known monuments and unique architecture, Hyde Park is a historic neighborhood and cultural hub in Chicago. 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 Museum of Science and Industry. 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 at nearby 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, or exercise at the fitness center at Jackson Park. Attend a local production at the Court Theatre within the University of Chicago. Take a tour of the Frederick C. Robie House, a prominent prairie-style home that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Check out over 12,000 contemporary and modern art pieces at Smart Museum of Art. Try Italian dishes like a Nopli Sub or Ravioli al Tartufo at Nella. Feast on Short Ribs, Pork Steak, or Walleye at Virtue Restaurant & Bar. Or spend an afternoon out on the patio sipping on cocktails like the Park Old Fashioned, Free Bird, or Spritz Italicus at Ascione Bistro.

Lakeview

Exterior of the Van Der Rohe Apartment Building in Lakeview, Chicago. Photo by Instagram user @groupfox

Photo via @groupfox

  • Home Price: $1,364 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Chicago neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Homes: 64%
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families

Home to the LGBTQ-friendly areas of Wrigleyville and Boystown, Lakeview is a hot spot for young adults looking to live in the cultural heart of Chicago’s North Side. With tree-lined streets, modern apartments, a vibrant nightlife scene, and convenient outdoor recreation along the banks of Lake Michigan, it’s easy to see why this is a desirable Chicago neighborhood for renters. 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

Cheer on the Chicago Cubs (MLB) by catching a baseball game at Wrigley Field. Tee off on the 9-hole Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course overlooking Lake Michigan. Listen to a variety of indie and alternative bands perform at Metro. Head to Landmark Century Centre Cinema to see everything from independent films to blockbusters on the big screen. Shop for women’s clothing, shoes, or jewelry at Krista K Boutique. Begin your morning with Chicken and Waffles, a Breakfast Burrito, or a Southwest Omelette at the Breakfast House. Watch sports on TV while dining at Rizzo’s Bar & Inn, where you can order Tulum Street Tacos, a BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich or Boneless Wings. Catch a drag show and enjoy brunch with a signature cocktail like a Blood Orange Bliss or Prickly Pear Margarita at Roscoe’s Tavern in Boystown. Or unwind with drinks like a Schubas Old Fashioned or Goslings Ginger Beer while listening to live music at Schubas Tavern and Tied House.

Logan Square

  • Home Price: $1,162 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Chicago neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Homes: 63%
  • Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families

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 rent in this neighborhood can find anything from cozy family-friendly bungalows to urban apartments surrounded by green spaces and distinct bohemian architecture.

Things to Do in Logan Square

Attend poetry readings, concerts, and more at Comfort Station. Peruse art prints, posters, and other creations from emerging local and national artists at Galerie F. 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 at the Logan Theatre. Enroll in an art class or attend a Paint and Sip night at ArtSpace Chicago. Stop by the Bungalow by Middle Brow for brunch and order a Grilled Cheese or Chickpea Melt. Dig into Mexican dishes like a Crunch Tostada or Carne Asada Burrito at L’Patron. Savor the Fried Chicken Sandwich or Parson’s Burger for dinner at Parson’s Chicken and Fish. Or kick back at Scofflaw, an urban-rustic bar offering a large selection of drinks like Rose or a Goose Island Oktoberfest.

Near West Side

Exterior of New Condos in Near West Side, Chicago. Photo by Instagram user @kelseymayher

Photo via @kelseymayher

  • Home Price: $1,209 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 18% of Chicago neighborhoods
  • Renter-Occupied Homes: 64%
  • Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families

Near West Side is a popular Chicago neighborhood encompassing West Loop in the heart of the city, offering all kinds of rental home options from high-rise luxury apartments to 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 college students, 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 the neighborhood!

Things to Do in Near West Side

Visit the WNDR Museum to experience unique interactive and multi-sensory exhibits. Head over to the Fosco Park community center to go swimming or exercise in the fitness center. See over 18,000 paintings and sculptures highlighting Mexican culture at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Check out the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum to learn more about its founder Jane Addams, the first woman in America to win a Nobel Peace Prize. Go shopping at stores like Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx at The Maxwell. 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, Linguini, or Fettuccini Alfredo at Pompei. Or pop into Kurimu to satisfy your sweet tooth with desserts like Crushed Oreo Ice Cream or Pearl Boba Ice Cream.

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