10 tips for finding an apartment in Chicago
In the past, finding an apartment in Chicago used to be extremely easy. That were an abundance of beautiful and affordable apartments everywhere you looked. But, things changed once the recession took hold. Many decided to move into rentals instead of owning property, which made the Chicago rental market extremely competitive.
If you have your heart set on moving to Chicago, how do you go about finding an apartment fit for purpose? To help you find exactly what you are looking for, we have put together our top 10 tips to help you find your Chicago rental apartment.
Know what you want
Knowing what type of apartment you want to rent in Chicago should be the foundations of your search. Do you want a studio apartment near to the metro? Or are you looking for a duplex? Having a good idea about how many bedrooms you will need will be your starting point.
Other things to think about our whether you want a furnished or unfurnished apartment? The types of amenities that you want to have nearby. And the neighborhood that appeals to you most. You should also think about noise pollution, traffic and parking options.
Are you happy to be on a main street? Or would you prefer somewhere more suburban? Do you have pets or children? If yes, you will want somewhere near a park or open green spaces. As soon as you know what type of Chicago apartment rental you want, you can start narrowing things down.
Start the search as soon as possible
The majority of people find that starting their Chicago apartment search 60 to 90 days in advance is ideal. Any longer than this and landlords may not want to wait for you to move in. Any sooner than this and you seriously limit the number of possibilities available to you.
It doesn’t hurt to start searching 6 months in advance to get an idea of Chicago apartment rental prices. This also gives you time to narrow down the neighborhoods that you are interested in. Approximately 60 to 90 days before you intend to move, you can start viewing apartments before making your mind up.
One of the best places to get a better understanding of the chicago rental market and average prices is Hunter Properties. The website lets you choose the apartment type and neighborhood you’re interested in. You can also find a lot of useful information about renting the best apartments in Chicago.
Think about the time of year
As is true with many aspects of the Chicago property market, the time of year you start searching is important. In Chicago, the busiest moving time is during summer. This is when you will find more apartments entering the market. However, this is also when competition heats up.
Fall and winter are the least competitive months for Chicago rental properties. With less competition you are able to spend more time looking around and comparing apartments. That’s not to say that you can’t find the perfect apartment during the summer months.
Talk to the locals
Nobody knows a neighborhood quite like the locals do. If you have the time, you will be able to find a Facebook group for the area that you are interested in. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that many may deem to be personal. Feel free to ask about local rental prices, local amenities and what the local community is like.
If you have a specific apartment in mind already, talk to the neighbors. Sometimes, an area that you perceive to be no good may actually be perfect and vice versa. If you truly want to know what a neighborhood and the local chicago rental market is like, then the locals will be more than happy to tell you.
Use an apartment rental agency
If you have spent hours scouring the internet and local adverts with no luck, consider using an apartment rental agency. Dedicated Chicago apartment rental portals, such as Hunter Properties are also a fantastic way to find an apartment.
One of the great things about using an apartment rental agency is that they will find you your apartment for free. While this may sound too good to be true, the fee they charge is actually taken from the landlord. This is the perfect option for those who don’t have time to look for themselves or have hit a brick wall.
Avoid hesitating
As we have already mentioned earlier on in this article, the Chicago rental market is extremely competitive. If you find an apartment that you absolutely love, don’t hesitate. if you love it, you can almost guarantee that someone else will too. while it may be tempting to hold back and shop around, this might lose you the apartment of your dreams.
With that said, don’t jump in feet first. Make sure you genuinely feel that it is the right place for you. If you find yourself switching and changing your mind, then it may not be the apartment for you. One thing is certain though. And that is that with Chicago rental apartments, blink and you’ll miss them.
Think outside of the box
While you may have an area of Chicago in mind, think outside the box. There are many neighborhoods that are underestimated and offer some beautiful apartments on a budget. In fact, savings can be significant. It also pays to shop around when it comes to the number of rooms that you want.
It may come as a surprise to some, but sometimes a one-bedroom apartment can work out cheaper than a studio apartment. If you need a three-bedroom apartment, you may find a two-bed apartment in Chicago with a dining room that can be converted into a third bedroom. Try to open your mind and see the potential of apartments and neighborhoods that you wouldn’t normally consider.
Visit the area
The best way to get a feel for the local chicago rental market is to visit it in person. Understanding the neighborhood, the local amenities and public transport links helps you workout if the apartment you were interested in is good value for money. Another benefit of visiting the area in person is that you may find other properties being marketed.
One thing that makes visiting the area a good idea is that you eliminate photoshopped images. You get to get a feel of what the area is really like and whether it is suitable for you. You should never rent an apartment without first seeing it in person.
Know your budget
When searching for the perfect Chicago rental apartment, you should know your budget. When working out your budget, try to take into account any rates and fees that you will need to pay. Hunter Properties has apartments starting from $695 a month.
In Chicago, property prices can vary depending on the neighborhood that you want to live in. Setting a realistic budget makes it easy to find an apartment that you can afford. There is nothing worse than renting an apartment and struggling to meet the rental payments.
As an example, a three-bedroom apartment in Lakeview will typically cost between $1800 to $2,300. A studio apartment in North Greenview will typically start at around $695 a month. Know your budget and stick to it to avoid any possible complications.
The best Chicago apartment rentals
Hunter Properties has more than 2,500 vintage and modern apartments spread across many of Chicago’s most desirable neighborhoods. You are able to pay your rent via the online portal, leaving an electronic footprint that keeps you safe and secure.
Now you know the top 10 tips for finding the perfect apartment to rent in Chicago and what to expect from the chicago rental market. Hopefully, this will help you well on your way to living exactly where you want to. The opportunities are endless and your perfect apartment is just a click away.
