Blown Away by High Rent Prices in the Windy City? Check Out what Chicago Suburbs Have to Offer — for Less!

Chicago is home to championship-winning sports teams, a great variety of architectural styles, and the world headquarters of Fortune 500 companies such as Boeing and Groupon (!).  Maybe you’re even lucky enough to have landed a job working in the heart of the city, known as the Loop, and now you’re looking for a great place to live.

According to Yardi Matrix, the average rent in the city is a staggering $1,647; in the Loop that’ll get you, at best, a cozy studio apartment.  If the apartment of your dreams has just a little more room than that — but you’re on a budget — take a look at what the Chicagoland suburbs have to offer.  With an average rent of $1,115 and easy access to public transportation, apartments in the ‘burbs have a lot to offer.  See for yourself!

Evanston

Commute time to downtown Chicago: 31 minutes (12.7 mi)
Best find:  Main Station Apartments, from $1,147 for a 1-bed, 1-bath apartment (check availability).
Perks: walking distance to CTA and Metra public transportation, additional storage space included, close to Lake Michigan.

Evanston is on the north side of Cook County and is best known as the home of the elite Northwestern University.  It’s no surprise that the overall feel of the city is classy and well-educated, with eclectic shopping districts, restaurants of every variety, as well as several museums.

With an easy commute of 30 minutes — whether driving or on the train — and a location convenient to transportation and entertainment options, the Main Station Apartments are a great choice for people who work in the city but want the amenities of the suburbs.

From $1,147 for a 1-bed, 1-bath unit at the Main Station Apartments. Image via RentCafe

Lombard

Commute time to downtown Chicago:  39 minutes (23 mi)
Best find: Legacy at Martin’s Point, from $1,179 for a 1-bed, 1-bath to $1,274 for a 2-bed, 2-bath apartment (check availability)
Perks: resort-style pool and clubhouse; extra storage; short-term leases available

Directly west of the city in DuPage County, the village of Lombard is a true American hometown, with events like the Lilac Time Art and Craft Fair in the spring and classic cars at Cruise Nights every Saturday in the summer.  While it may seem far from downtown Chicago, Lombard is a short 45-minute train ride for commuters, and Legacy at Martin’s Point is only four miles from the station.

From $1,179 for a 1-bed, 1-bath apartment at Legacy at Martin’s Point. Image via RentCafe

Oak Park

Commute time to downtown Chicago: 20 minutes (9.1 mi)
Best find: 1116 Washington, from $1,075 for a 1-bed, 1-bath, with studio and 2-bed, 1-bath options (check availability)
Perks:  newly renovated with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and modern kitchen/bathroom design; pets allowed

Less than 10 miles from the Loop, Oak Park has one of the most richly diverse communities in the Chicagoland area. Architecture lovers flock to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, while bibliophiles take the opportunity to visit the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway.

The apartments at 1116 Washington are a short 2-3 block walk to both the “L” and Metra rail lines, and close enough to the city to make driving a breeze.

From $1,075 for a 1-bed, 1-bath apartment at 1116 Washington. Image via RentCafe

Naperville

Commute time to downtown Chicago: 53 minutes (37 mi)
Best find:  River Run at Naperville, from $1,245 for a 1-bed, 1-bath to $1,893 for a 3-bed, 2-bath (check availability)
Perks: private garage; dog park; clubhouse with cardio equipment and swimming pool.

Right in the center of DuPage County, Naperville is an ideal location for those who want to work in the city while living closer to nature.  Residents can be seen strolling the Riverwalk, catching a view of the Chicago skyline from the top of Moser Tower, or kayaking at the Paddleboat Quarry.

While the drive to the Loop from Naperville would be a little far for most commuters, River Run at Naperville is only seven miles from the Metra train station, where the ride is an easy 30 minutes into the city.

From $1,245 for a 1-bed, 1-bath apartment at River Run at Naperville. Image via RentCafe

No matter what kind of apartment you’re looking for in and around the Windy City, Chicago and its suburbs have something for everyone. Find your next home on RentCafe.