Understanding Chicago Apartment Sizes and Options
1 bedroom apartments for rent in chicago come in various sizes and configurations. Chicago's diverse housing stock offers everything from spacious loft-style units to compact high-rise apartments, each with unique characteristics.
Quick Chicago Apartment Size Guide:
- Average 1-bedroom size: 700-750 square feet
- Studio apartments: 465-527 square feet
- 2-bedroom apartments: Typically 850+ square feet
- Common building types: High-rise towers, mid-rise buildings, classic walk-ups, courtyard buildings
- Typical features: Hardwood floors, updated kitchens, in-unit or shared laundry, balconies/patios
Chicago's apartment market reflects its rich architectural history and modern development. You'll find everything from converted historic lofts to sleek new constructions with resort-style amenities. The city's neighborhoods each offer distinct character, from the lakefront high-rises of Lakeview to the classic walk-ups of Bucktown.
"Taking something old and rehabbing it with care to make something new is an art," as one property description notes about Chicago's approach to historic building conversions. This blend of old charm and modern convenience defines much of Chicago's rental market.
Understanding apartment sizes helps narrow your search and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle, whether you're drawn to a garden unit or a luxury apartment with skyline views.
What to Expect: Common Features and Amenities
When searching for 1 bedroom apartments for rent in chicago, we find a fantastic array of features and amenities designed to improve daily life. From garden units to luxury high-rises, there's something for everyone.
In-Unit Features
Inside, we often find a blend of classic Chicago charm and modern conveniences. Many apartments boast beautiful hardwood floors, and updated kitchens are common, often with stainless steel appliances, granite or quartz countertops, and sometimes a kitchen island. In-unit laundry is an increasingly popular and convenient feature.
Ample closet space, including walk-in closets, helps with organization. Some apartments offer luxurious bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs or separate showers. Other desirable features include high ceilings, individual climate control, electronic keyless entries, and private balconies or patios for a personal outdoor retreat.
Building Amenities
Building amenities often transform a living space into a community. Fitness centers, sometimes with yoga studios, help residents stay active at home. Resident lounges and club rooms provide spaces to relax or entertain. Coveted rooftop decks and sky lounges offer breathtaking skyline views, sometimes with grills and fire pits.
Pet-friendly buildings are abundant, often with dog parks or pet wash stations. Secure package rooms ensure safe deliveries, and some buildings offer unique conveniences like on-site car rentals.
Modern buildings may include co-working areas, screening rooms, or demonstration kitchens. Essential services like 24/7 door staff, on-site management, and maintenance teams ensure a comfortable living experience.
Building Amenities Chicago Luxury Apartments
Exploring Chicago's Neighborhoods for Your Apartment Search
Chicago is a city of distinct neighborhoods. When searching for 1 bedroom apartments for rent in chicago, understanding these areas helps find the right match for our lifestyle.
Vibrant & Lively North Side Hubs
The North Side blends urban energy and lakefront beauty, offering some of the most dynamic living experiences in the city.
Lakeview pulses with activity, offering easy access to the Lakefront Trail and the electric atmosphere of Wrigley Field. The neighborhood has a mix of boutiques, restaurants, and cultural venues like the Belmont Theater District. Housing options range from luxury high-rise buildings with lake views to charming courtyard buildings.
Modern One Bedroom Apartments in Chicago
Just south, Lincoln Park balances urban convenience and green space. The neighborhood is known for its expansive park and the free Lincoln Park Zoo. It has a strong community feel, with craft breweries and live music on Lincoln Avenue, and also offers excellent public transit access.
Trendy & Artistic Enclaves
For those who appreciate creativity, Chicago's West Side neighborhoods offer a different flavor of city living.
Bucktown is known for its thriving arts scene, with live music venues, galleries, and unique shops. The dining scene is equally creative. The area features classic Chicago walk-ups, including charming garden units.
Wicker Park shares Bucktown's artistic DNA, with historic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and a strong sense of community.
Busy Downtown & The Loop
Living in the heart of Chicago means embracing the full urban experience.
The Loop is home to landmarks like Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the Theater District. Living here means world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment are at your doorstep. Apartments are often in converted historic lofts or modern high-rises with incredible city views.
The South Loop extends this energy, offering proximity to the Museum Campus, Soldier Field, and the lakefront. The area features luxury units in historic buildings with great amenities.
Modern Apartments in Chicago Take a Virtual Tour
Historic Charm in Uptown
Uptown offers a seamless blend of history and modern living.
This area is known for its historic theaters, music venues, and Montrose Beach. Its architectural diversity includes classic buildings and beautifully renovated properties. Many historic buildings, like former banks, have been converted into modern apartments, preserving original details.
The Teller House Apartments is a prime example of this thoughtful renovation. This luxury community in a transformed historic bank building offers sophisticated designs with historic character. Located in the heart of Uptown, residents are close to theaters and cultural attractions and can choose from one and two-bedroom floorplans.
Chicago Apartments in Uptown Explore the Neighborhood
Navigating Chicago: Transportation, Parking, and Laundry
When searching for 1 bedroom apartments for rent in chicago, everyday logistics like transportation are as important as the apartment's layout or amenities.
Mastering Public Transit
Chicago's impressive public transportation system allows many residents to live car-free. The CTA 'L' Trains are the system's backbone, with color-coded lines connecting neighborhoods and running to the airports. We've found apartments just a 7-minute walk from a Blue Line station or a 14-minute stroll from Belmont Station, which serves three lines.
The CTA Buses complement the 'L' system, while Metra Commuter Rail serves the suburbs. The Ventra app modernizes the experience, handling payments, arrival tracking, and route planning from your phone.
Learn more at the Chicago Transit Authority
Walk & Bike Scores in Chicago
Walk Score, Transit Score, and Bike Score are valuable tools that measure how easily we can live car-free. Many neighborhoods are a "Walker's Paradise" (Walk Score 90+), like Bucktown (95) and Lincoln Park (94), meaning most errands can be done on foot.
Transit Scores in the 70s and 80s indicate "Excellent Transit." Chicago is also a "Biker's Paradise." Bucktown (Bike Score 93) and Lincoln Park (89) are great for cyclists. The Divvy bike-sharing program and the scenic Lakefront Trail improve the experience.
The Reality of Parking and Laundry
Parking requires planning. Street parking often requires a permit. Many buildings offer garage or underground parking, sometimes included with rent. It's best to clarify availability and costs early in the search.
Laundry options vary. In-unit laundry is the most convenient. Otherwise, buildings usually have shared laundry rooms. Some older buildings may require using a nearby laundromat.
Essential Logistics for Renting 1 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Chicago
When considering 1 bedroom apartments for rent in chicago, it's crucial to ask what utilities are included in the rent, as this significantly impacts monthly expenses.
Understanding Utility Responsibilities
Some apartments offer all-inclusive arrangements, covering gas, water, electricity, heat, trash, and even internet, which simplifies budgeting. More commonly, there's a mixed arrangement where water and trash may be included, while electricity, internet, and cable are separate. Gas might be partially included. Always ask for a clear breakdown during a tour to avoid surprise bills and compare options fairly.
Electricity estimates are provided by WattBuy
Common Pet Policies in Chicago Rentals
For pet owners, understanding policies is crucial. Chicago has many pet-friendly buildings, but rules vary. Most pet-friendly properties state if they allow cats, dogs, or both, and there may be breed or weight restrictions for dogs. Expect a one-time pet fee and/or monthly pet rent. Buildings commonly have a two-pet limit. Many buildings also offer pet amenities like dog parks and wash stations.
Considering Furnished and Historic Options for 1 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Chicago
Chicago's rental market offers unique options beyond standard unfurnished apartments.
Furnished apartments are a move-in-ready option, ideal for corporate relocations or those who prefer not to buy furniture. They often come fully equipped, sometimes including workspaces and entertainment systems.
Furnished Apartments in Chicago
Historic apartments blend original architectural details like exposed brick with contemporary finishes and modern conveniences like in-unit laundry, offering a unique mix of charm and comfort.
The Teller House Apartments in Uptown exemplifies this approach. This transformed historic bank building combines rich history with contemporary design and amenities, preserving architectural heritage while creating functional, modern homes.
Chicago Historic Apartments for Rent
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicago Apartments
When exploring 1 bedroom apartments for rent in chicago, some questions are common. Here are answers to help your search.
What is the typical size of a 1-bedroom apartment in Chicago?
The typical 1 bedroom apartment in chicago is 700-750 square feet. However, the feel of the space depends heavily on the layout and building type. An open-plan loft feels different from a high-rise unit. Classic walk-ups offer charm, while modern buildings maximize efficiency. A well-designed layout is more important than raw square footage for making a space feel functional.
What's the difference between a garden unit and a regular apartment?
A garden unit is on the ground or a partially below-grade level. The main differences from upper-floor units are accessibility and natural light. While some can be darker, well-designed units can be surprisingly bright. Perks often include a private entrance and easy access to outdoor spaces. They are a great option for those who value convenience and accessibility.
Are short-term leases common for 1-bedroom apartments in Chicago?
While a 12-month lease is standard for 1 bedroom apartments for rent in chicago, flexible options exist. Some properties offer terms from 3 to 13 months. Shorter leases are common for furnished or corporate housing but may have higher monthly rates. Subletting is another possibility, with landlord approval. It's best to be upfront about your timeline needs when searching.
Find The Teller House Apartments by Flats®
In the heart of Uptown Chicago, The Teller House is a lovingly restored historic bank building. We've preserved its architectural character while creating sophisticated, modern living spaces. You'll immediately sense the unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury that defines our community.
Our modern one and two-bedroom floorplans are designed for daily life, featuring conveniences like in-unit laundry. We are also a pet-friendly community, welcoming your furry family members.
Community life comes alive with our amenities. The rooftop deck offers stunning views, the resident lounge is perfect for socializing, and the fitness center helps you stay active. A secure package room ensures your deliveries are safe.
Living in Uptown puts you in one of Chicago's most culturally rich neighborhoods. You'll be steps from prominent theatres, cultural attractions, a vibrant arts scene, and the lakefront.
View All Floorplans Schedule a Tour Explore Uptown Neighborhood
Conclusion
Finding your ideal 1 bedroom apartments for rent in chicago is an exciting journey. Chicago's rental market offers something for everyone, from cozy garden units to stunning high-rise apartments.
The best apartment is about finding a place where you can thrive. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant energy of Downtown, the artistic spirit of Bucktown, or the historic charm of Uptown, Chicago has a neighborhood for you.
Consider what matters in your daily routine: amenities like in-unit laundry, a fitness center, or a rooftop deck. Also, factor in transportation needs, whether you'll use public transit or require parking.
At The Teller House in Uptown, our 1 bedroom apartments for rent in chicago represent a perfect marriage of historic charm and modern luxury. Living in our transformed historic bank building means you're part of Chicago's story, surrounded by the culture that makes Uptown vibrant.
We'd love to show you what makes The Teller House different. Find how we've honored our building's history while creating modern living spaces for today's lifestyle.
