The West Loop neighborhood of Chicago has transformed over the past decade from an industrial district into one of the city’s trendiest and most vibrant areas. It’s home to a flourishing culinary scene, eclectic shops, and a lively nightlife, making it an ideal spot for renters looking for a blend of urban living and community charm. If you’re eyeing this dynamic neighborhood but worried about the cost, we’ve got good news. There are plenty of affordable apartment options in the West Loop that cater to various budgets without compromising on quality.
740 W. Fulton
Where most modern high-rises come with sky-high prices, 740 W. Fulton offers interested residents of the West Loop with an option that’s as affordable as it is modern. The 14-story complex comprises 132 units with floor plans of various sizes. They were completed in 2007, so even the suites that haven’t been updated yet are in line with what you’d find in an average condo today. Prices start at around $3,500 per month and go up with the addition of more bedrooms and square footage. Whatever you pay, rest assured that a few common features come standard – stone countertops, stainless steel appliances, high ceilings, and huge windows through which east-facing suites have an unobstructed view of the city skyline. As for what there is to do on-site and nearby, 740 W. Fulton is a boredom-free zone. Amenities include an exercise room and a business lounge, while nearby attractions such as the Restaurant Row on Randolph Street, the United Center, Union Park, and Skinner Park are within walking distance.
123 N. Desplaines
The Catalyst Apartments is often labeled as a ‘luxury’ building, which leads many buyers to assume it’s out of their price range. A significant number of the 200-plus units in this building have rental prices below $2,500. If that still seems like a lot, just wait until you hear what comes with it – 24-hour door service, a rooftop fitness center, a resident club room, a tech center, a demonstration kitchen, a rooftop pool, fire pits and grilling stations, a private dog run and pet wash station, a bike storage area, and a dry-cleaning facility. Keep in mind those are just the amenities. Individual units have been designed to include sophisticated features like hardwood floors, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and floor-to-ceiling windows. 123 N. Desplaines’ address within the West Loop is ideal for walkers and riders alike. The community is only a few minutes away from Ogilvy Transportation Center, Metra Market, Whole Foods Market, and Heritage Green Park.
659 W. Randolph
Discover modern urban living at its finest at 659 W Randolph St, also known as R+D 659. This attractive 2008 building is ideally located just east of the expressway, mere steps from the popular Restaurant Row on Randolph Street. R+D 659 offers an impressive array of amenities, including 24-hour door staff, an outdoor pool, a sundeck complete with grills, a fully-equipped fitness center, a convenient party room, on-site dry cleaning services, a dog run, and ample bike storage. All 237 well-appointed condos feature contemporary finishes that cater to modern tastes. Expect to find stylish concrete ceilings, sleek hardwood floors, and elegant granite countertops throughout. The kitchens and bathrooms are designed with both form and function in mind. As an added bonus, many units boast private balconies – perfect for taking in the vibrant city views. This West Loop community has a variety of floor plans priced to suit budgets of all kinds.
1249 W. Madison
Madison Throop Place is a new ‘luxury’ rental property in Chicago’s West Loop, but its prices are much more affordable than you’d expect. The boutique building offers high-end finishes in every unit, including quartz countertops, bamboo floors, and gourmet kitchens equipped with stainless steel Bosch appliances for as low as a few hundred thousand dollars. Of course, the more you spend, the more space you get. Not that buyers get much choice. Any one of the 72 units here is unlikely to sit on the market long. Who wouldn’t put an offer in when you can get so much in one package? 1249 W. Madison’s location is already a major perk, while its fitness center, rooftop deck, secure parking, and on-site dog run really seal the deal.
1224 W. Van Buren
Any affordable loft in the heart of Chicago’s sought-after West Loop neighborhood is going to be worth your time as a renter. But 1224 W. Van Buren specifically stands out in terms of overall value. Otherwise known as VB 1224, this building was completed in 2004 and stands eight stories tall. Its Multi-bedroom units range from $300,000 to over $600,000 dollars. That’s an extremely good deal considering that virtually every floor plan is over 1,000 square feet in size. It’s an even better bargain when you factor in each unit’s interior features, which include hardwood floors, Euro kitchen cabinets, quartz or granite countertops, and stainless appliances. There are also plenty of spectacular amenities to take advantage of at 1224 W. Van Buren, such as a fitness center, a yoga studio, and a rooftop deck.
