The heart of downtown Chicago is known as the “Chicago Loop”. The main reason is that the Chicago “L”, or the Chicago metro for those who aren’t Chicagoans, forms a loop around a 35-block area. This is the closest thing you can get to the Windy City’s Manhattan or Wall Street.

What Can You Expect When Looking for Condos for Rent in the Chicago South Loop?

The “Loop”, as you would expect from most central business districts of any major city, is mostly a concrete jungle filled with office towers. It is home to the third tallest building in North America, the Willis Tower (second before the completion of Central Park Tower, NY). Now, don’t expect this place to show up if your search queries include terms like, south loop apartments under $1,500, “affordable south loop apartments” etc. With an average rent in the South Loop of Chicago of $1,810 for a 1-bedroom apartment, the area is one of the more expensive ones in the city.

Though it is well-established that the Loop is a high-end commercial area, it is easy to find apartments for rent in the Chicago south loop. The South Loop is one of the best residential spots near in location to the “Chicago Loop”.

What is the Chicago South Loop Neighborhood Like?

The South Loop is one of those areas that is forever shifting and transforming itself into something different than what it was a decade ago. The constant arrival of bright, talented students and office workers from around the world and the country surely adds to that energy. The South Loop offers a combination of amenities and serenity unmatched by most urban neighborhoods anywhere in the United States! It is home to one of the best restaurant scenes in the city, front row access to Grant Park (Chicago’s Front Yard), and the city's most famous museums.

There is something for everyone in the South Loop neighborhood.


Nature

Nature lovers will adore the South Loop’s proximity to Lake Michigan and Northerly Island (home to the Adler Planetarium).

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Art & Culture

The east side of South Loop is bounded by the 57=acre Millenium Campus, which hosts amazing museums like the Field Museum of Natural History. McCormick Place has a convention center that hosts the Chicago Auto Show, i.e. the nation’s largest auto show.


Sports

If you are a sports fan, you will love the Chicago South Loop. The Chicago Bears Soldier Field (one of the oldest NFL fields) is located in the South Loop.

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Food

If you are a fan of Chinese food, the South Loop is bordered by the city’s Chinatown. Getting an authentic dim sum or green tea is a constant activity amongst “Sloopers” (South Loopers). And we have only just scratched the surface!

Should I rent an apartment in the Chicago South Loop?

Renting a condo on Chicago’s South Loop should definitely be on your mind if you can afford it. You can’t help but have the best downtown living experience here in all of Chicago. More than 1,400 luxury apartment units hit the market between the Prairie District, traditional South Loop and the new Southbank area of the neighborhood. Things have obviously been a little slow during the COVID pandemic in regards to people moving in, but with things soon getting back to normal, this is the perfect opportunity if you are keen on renting a condo on Chicago’s South Loop.

Lastly, here are some of the best South Loop apartments to take a look at.


  1. 1. Coeval: What makes Coeval unique is that it’s a mid-rise condo. Standing 16 stories tall with 261 units, the building maintains a sleek, low-key presence, but it holds its own when compared with other high-rise additions to the South Loop. Here you have luxury amenity spaces designed with a true sense of urban Zen! Nestled west of Chicago's 57-acre museum campus, the apartments boast proximity to fine dining, public transportation, ample shopping, and the beautiful Lake Michigan.

  2. 2. Essex on the Park: Perched on the edge of Grant Park and completed in 2019, this ultra-luxury community stands 56 stories tall and has 479 units. They range from studios to 4 bedrooms. Each apartment home features plank flooring, an upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and floor-to-ceiling windows! Essex on the Park provides what can be considered a true getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Windy City, while still being downtown.

  3. 3. Nema: NEMA is located on the south end of Grant Park and was also completed in 2019. This luxury high-rise stands at 76 stories tall, and is currently the tallest residential tower in Chicago! This building houses a mind-boggling, 800 apartments that range from studios to 4 bedrooms and over 70,000 square feet of amenities. Furthermore, residents have access to a wide range of services and conveniences such as a 75’ indoor lap pool, golf simulator, basketball and racquetball court, movie theater, and sundeck! NEMA truly is the place to search when looking for the best apartments in the South Loop of Chicago.

  4. 4. The Paragon: 500 apartments spread across 47 stories. The Paragon features everything from studios to 3 bedroom apartments, with a deluxe amenity package for its residents. Also opened in 2019, each apartment home at the Paragon offers floor-to-ceiling windows, stainless steel appliances, ample closet spaces, and an in-unit washer and dryer.

About ApartmentLove – Houses for Rent USA

ApartmentLove.com is an apartment finder website committed to helping you find the rental of your dreams; one that suits your lifestyle and budget. Renting has never been easier.

As a rental website, we do not currently offer any condos for sale in the South Loop of Chicago. We do however offer all types of unit types for rent in cities across the United States. Whether you are looking for cheap studio apartments in downtown Chicago or any other type of unit in another city; with our vast database of listings, there is no need to search for Chicago South Loop apartments on Craigslist. We make it easy for you to find what you are looking for on ApartmentLove.com!

Published: June 07, 2021