An Agent’s Guide to the Best Apartment Buildings in Chicago (2025 Edition)

Want to know one of the best things about living in Chicago? It’s a city so vibrant and diverse that there’s truly something for everyone when it comes to finding home. Maybe you’re after an apartment with skyline views that make you pause and take it all in. Or a walkable neighborhood filled with cozy coffee shops, independent boutiques, and that unmistakable sense of community. Or maybe you’re craving something a little more high-energy and urban. Whatever your vibe, you’ll find it here — in one of the best apartment buildings in Chicago.

That’s exactly why we’ve pulled together this list of the city’s most impressive luxury residences. Because at Luxury Living Chicago, helping people find home isn’t just what we do — it’s what we know. Our agents have toured nearly every high-rise in the city, walked the neighborhoods block by block, and leased units in buildings we know inside and out. Some of us have even lived in them.

This guide isn’t a roundup based on listings and floor plans. It’s a curated collection of Chicago’s standout luxury buildings, handpicked by our team of agents who live and breathe the city’s rental scene. Whether you’re relocating to Chicago or just ready to upgrade your view, consider this your inside look at the best of the best.

Not sure where to start? — Our team has helped thousands of renters find their perfect match, and we’d love to help you do the same. Reach out today for personalized guidance on the best luxury apartments in Chicago.

One Bennett Park: A Design-Led Standout

When we talk about the best apartment buildings in Chicago, One Bennett Park is always in the conversation, and for good reason. Broker Associate Olivia Tennison puts it best: “These buildings were constructed with another level of detail and a clear sense of perspective.” It’s true — this isn’t your average luxury high-rise.

One Bennett Park, located in the lively Streeterville neighborhood, blends classic architectural elegance with high-rise sophistication, delivering timeless style and a boutique feel, all nestled steps from the lakefront. From the moment you enter, you can feel the understated luxury: soft lighting, refined finishes, and a sense of calm that’s hard to find in the city.

Who it’s best for: Renters who gravitate toward fine design, serene lake views, and a home that feels more like a private residence than a downtown rental. One Bennett Park residents enjoy amenities like a state-of-the-art fitness center, rooftop deck, and a sauna/steamroom. Available units include one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments as well as 4-bedroom penthouses.

Wolf Point East: A Fan Favorite That Never Fades

Ask around our team, and Wolf Point East (affectionately known in our office as WPE) is bound to come up as one of the best apartment buildings in Chicago. Mollie Posch calls it her “all-time fave in the city,” and she’s not alone. Shilan Afshani says, “Its elegance, impeccable design, and rich Chicago history make it truly one of a kind.”

WPE combines stunning river and skyline views with unmatched amenities and a sleek, modern aesthetic. With instant access to River North and The Loop, it offers that ideal mix of connection and calm. Whether you’re starting your Chicago chapter or upgrading your address, WPE fits effortlessly into your lifestyle.

Who it’s best for: Design-forward professionals, new Chicagoans, and renters seeking a vibrant high-rise experience with character. WPE offers its residents a range of high-end amenities, including a private river walk patio, an on-site dog spa and dog run, and a golf simulator. Floor plans at WPE span from studios and convertible spaces up to 3-bedroom apartments and 1-bedroom penthouses. 

The Sinclair: Subtle Luxury with a Neighborhood Vibe

There’s something refreshingly consistent about The Sinclair. Broker Associate Kate Samuelson summed it up with a simple but telling compliment: “The staff is friendly, the smell is amazing, and it’s always spotless.” That attention to detail shows up everywhere, from the pristine lobby to the warm, attentive staff.

The building, located in the elegant Gold Coast neighborhood, delivers grown-up luxury that doesn’t try too hard. Its fitness center is a major highlight, rivaled only by the sleek pool and beautifully curated lounge. The apartments themselves are polished and well-appointed, ideal for those who appreciate thoughtful design without excess.

Who it’s best for: Professionals and downsizers looking for laid-back elegance in a Gold Coast-meets-Old-Town setting. Available units at the Sinclair include 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments. 

Norweta: Resort-Style Living in Lincoln Park

Tucked into a quiet corner of Lincoln Park, Norweta offers something rare: a resort-like escape without leaving the city. Director of Portfolio Leasing Tuti Ballazhi calls the pool “simply spectacular,” and says it really is a private oasis, with lush landscaping and cozy fire pits.

But Norweta’s magic goes beyond the surface. The layouts are generous, the finishes warm and modern, and the overall vibe is tranquil and welcoming. It’s a community where you’ll know your neighbors and actually want to hang out in the common spaces.

Who it’s best for: Remote workers, growing families, and anyone who values calm, space, and greenery, without giving up city perks. At Norweta, you’ll find thoughtful amenities like on-site coffee service, a business center, and a beautiful private courtyard. Available floor plans at Norweta include 4-bedroom penthouses.

The Saint Grand: Where Work-from-Home Meets Lakefront Luxury

No list of the best apartment buildings in Chicago would be complete without The Saint Grand. Marketing Manager Lindsay Huth nails it: “The 1 bed + den layouts are a game-changer.” The Saint Grand (another Streeterville standout) anticipates what modern renters really want: smart layouts, flexible spaces, and stylish comfort with views for days.

Every unit is wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows that enhance your connection to the city. Add in private balconies in select units, a rooftop pool deck lined with cabanas, and seamless access to the lakefront and the Magnificent Mile, and you’ve got a home that elevates both work and play.

Who it’s best for: Hybrid workers, students, urban adventurers, and those who crave a lifestyle that feels effortless and exciting. Available units at The Saint Grand include studios, convertible spaces, one-bedroom, one-bedroom + den, and two-bedroom apartments.

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The Elizabeth: Stylish Comfort in Fulton Market

Right in the heart of Chicago’s culinary capital (Fulton Market), The Elizabeth rounds out our picks for the best apartment buildings in Chicago. It’s a building that blends fresh design with an inviting sense of comfort. Portfolio Leasing Manager Edwin Nieves puts it simply: “What’s not to love?”

Inside, you’ll find expansive windows, earthy tones, and refined finishes that feel both modern and warm. Outside your front door? West Loop’s best restaurants, shops, and coffee spots are all a short walk away. With curated amenities like a rooftop retreat and cozy lounges, The Elizabeth offers a peaceful pause in the middle of the action.

Who it’s best for: West Loop regulars, neighborhood explorers, and anyone looking to pair lifestyle with location. Floor plans at The Elizabeth include everything from studios and one-bedroom apartments to two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments.

Find the Best Apartment Buildings in Chicago For You with Luxury Living

Chicago’s skyline may be iconic, but no two apartment buildings — or renters — are exactly alike. Whether you’re drawn to riverfront serenity, lakefront luxury, or neighborhood charm, your perfect home is out there. And we know how to find it.

At Luxury Living, we don’t just match you with listings; we curate your home search based on what you value most, from layout and lighting to location and lifestyle. We’ve walked these buildings ourselves, know which units get the best natural light, and can help you navigate the market with confidence.

Want help finding your perfect fit? Our team knows every floor plan, finish, and amenity in the best apartment buildings in Chicago — and we’d love to help you find home. Contact us today.day to start exploring the best luxury apartments in the city.