5 Amenities you don’t want to miss living in Chicago

If you’re new to the city or just relocating to another part of town, be sure not to miss the best of urban living in Chicago.

Most renters know exactly what they want in a new place and are ready to pay a premium to get those coveted amenities. Developers have become responsive to the residents’ lifestyle needs and most new buildings and communities provide a wide array of boutique features to satisfy the most pretentious tastes. Here are some keywords referring to desirable home attributes you should look for when skimming through ads searching for a new home.

Stunning views. What an apartment overlooks significantly beefs up its profile. Whether you get a view of the Navy Pier, the Chicago River, Lincoln Park or Lake Michigan, they are all equally impressive. Evenings are infused with a special charm when on the rooftop patio of the Astoria Tower, a superb apartment community with breathtaking lake and city views in Chicago’s South Loop.  Apartments with a view usually come with floor-to-ceiling windows, rooftop decks and gardens, business centers as well as on-site spas, everything a busy professional would need to enjoy urban living at its best.

Views from Astoria Towers. Image via Rent Cafe

Hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances. There’s an undeniable appeal of living in a Gold Coast penthouse suite boasting majestic views of the lake, especially when the interior is as good as its surroundings. New apartment homes or renovated units are most often equipped with modern features, updated kitchens and bathrooms, walk-in closets, energy-efficient appliances, in-unit dish washers and hardwood flooring.

The Morgan At Loyola Station. Image via Rent Cafe

Smart living. In today’s society, smart and tech go hand in hand. Tech offerings are no longer an option but a must-have for properties that want to stay ahead of the curve and retain quality residents. Tenants expect to be able to pay their rent online or from their smartphones, have access to an online portal for submitting and checking work orders and have in-unit free wireless signals available for their laptops, iPods and iPads.

Convenient parking. Before closing on a lease, be sure you consider your parking options. An apartment complex showing off topnotch amenities should offer a covered parking bay, a garage attached to the building, or at least an assigned spot right outside your apartment door.

Professional environment. Reliable management staff, concierge services, controlled access, security cameras as well as 24-hour maintenance are essential features of a first-class property.

What other amenities would you expect in a premium apartment building?