How to Rent a Cheap Apartment in Chicago
Chicago is one of the largest metropolitan cities in the U.S. and it can be challenging to find a reasonably priced apartment in a safe location. If you're relocating or moving to the Windy City, here's how to find a great apartment at low cost.
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Things You'll Need
- Internet connection
- Chicago road/travel map
- Local newspapers
- Driver's license
- Money for a security deposit
Instructions
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Pick your neighborhood. Visit the Chicago Neighborhood & City Guide to find information on different neighborhoods and local attractions. This is a valuable resource for locating specific information about each area.
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Check listings on Chicago Lofts. Lofts are the perfect way to enjoy spacious and comfortable living in the city, and Chicago is home to hundreds of buildings with low-priced loft apartments. Filter your search easily by entering in your price range and area.
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Check the Chicago Craigslist. Craigslist listings feature both independent landlords and apartment complex availabilities in the city. Enter a price range and number of bedrooms to filter your search.
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Visit Move.com. Here you'll find listings with tours of available apartments, and move in specials for some of Chicago's top locations. It's easy to find a wide range of homes and apartments that fit your budget with a simple search.
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Look at listings in local newspapers. The Chicago Reader is a popular place for apartment listings, and you can find a number of great locations. Use the search features to filter by neighborhood or zip code online for an easy search.
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Visit Rent.com. This free search offers you a large selection of cheap apartments and also extends a bonus for signing a lease through the website. It's easy to look at floorplans, amenities lists at a glance, or take a virtual tour.
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Tips & Warnings
Online listings are updated daily, so check up on the latest availability as often as possible.
Check the sublet/temporary section of Chicago Craigslist for last-minute deals.
Signing a lease mid-month may get you a discount for newly available apartments.
Be prepared to put down one month's rent as a security deposit.
Dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago will offer extreme discounts; be cautious about the neighborhood you select.
Always learn as much as possible about an area before moving, especially if you have young kids.
