Downtown Living Done Right: The Best Apartments with Easy Access to the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier

Downtown Chicago is well-known for being a neighborhood where you can grab your morning coffee along the Riverwalk, stroll to world-class shopping on the Magnificent Mile, and end your day with sunset views over Navy Pier. For renters who crave both energy and elegance, downtown is the city’s most coveted address.

This is where skyline-facing balconies, resort-style amenities, and walk-everywhere convenience come together. And with so many luxury apartments in downtown Chicago offering instant access to Michigan Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, and the lakefront trail, finding the right building can feel like its own full-time job.

That’s where Luxury Living comes in. We specialize in helping renters uncover the best high-rise apartments in downtown Chicago; the ones that pair unbeatable views with the kind of modern comforts that elevate daily life.

Looking for high-rise apartments in downtown Chicago that put you steps from the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier? Our team can curate options tailored to your lifestyle — reach out to start your search today.

Why Downtown Chicago Defines Luxury Living

Downtown Chicago isn’t just the city’s core; it’s a lifestyle built around convenience, culture, and connection.

Here, you’re surrounded by Michelin-star dining, premier shopping, iconic architecture, and endless waterfront recreation. Whether you’re jogging the Lakefront Trail, catching after-work drinks on Hubbard Street, or shopping along Michigan Avenue, everything feels close, easy, and elevated.

Professionals love the short commute to major employers in the Loop, Streeterville, and River North. City lovers appreciate being at the intersection of parks, museums, theaters, and skyline views. And with luxury high-rises lining the downtown streets, residents enjoy modern design, floor-to-ceiling windows, and amenities that feel like hotel living, all wrapped into one address.

The Best Luxury Apartments in Downtown Chicago

The Saint Grand — Where Streeterville Meets the Magnificent Mile

Streeterville sits at the threshold of everything: Lake Michigan on one side, the Magnificent Mile on the other, and the hum of culture weaving between them. The Saint Grand captures that duality beautifully. Sunlit interiors feel polished yet warm, while the rooftop pool and lounges open to skyline views that make summer nights feel cinematic.

Residents love its balance — the ability to step into the energy of Michigan Avenue or unwind along the water, all without ever straying far from home. With convertibles, one-bedrooms, and two-bedroom residences, the building is ideal for professionals who want both city excitement and lakeshore calm in equal measure.

500 North Lake Shore Drive — Lakefront Sophistication with Iconic Views

Some buildings are made for people who look up first. 500 Lake Shore Drive is that kind of place. Oversized windows frame the city and lake like artwork, and each unit comes with high-end finishes and stainless steel appliances.

Inside, every detail feels intentional: a resort-style pool, pet-friendly services, and an on-site coffee bar that makes mornings feel unhurried. Its location — tucked against the shoreline but minutes from the city’s cultural core — makes it the perfect bridge between serenity and accessibility. Studios through two-bedroom layouts give residents a variety of ways to call this lakefront gem home.

The Streeter — Elevated Living in the Heart of Streeterville

If the Saint Grand is about balance and 500 LSD is about atmosphere, The Streeter is about momentum — that uniquely downtown feeling of having everything at your feet. Within minutes, you can shop the Mag Mile, jog the Lakefront Trail, or stroll toward the glow of Navy Pier.

Inside, residents enjoy a rooftop pool and sundeck, a contemporary fitness center, and lounges designed for connection and quiet moments alike. With layouts ranging from picturesque studios to spacious penthouse-level residences, The Streeter is ideal for renters who want to live in the middle of Chicago’s most iconic pocket of downtown life.

Downtown Living Perks That Go Beyond the View

Of course, downtown living is more than skyline postcards and lakefront breezes; it’s the rhythm of a neighborhood that puts everything within reach. Here, “running an errand” can mean popping down to Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, grabbing lunch on the Riverwalk, or window-shopping your way down Michigan Avenue. It’s not just convenient. It’s energizing.

Dining can take you from Michelin-starred tasting menus at RPM Seafood to a casual bowl of ramen on a Wednesday night. Cultural moments happen naturally: an exhibition at the MCA after work, fireworks from Navy Pier on a summer evening, or a weekend stroll through Millennium Park. With CTA access, bike lanes, and walkable blocks, the neighborhood is built for people who want to stay connected without relying on a car.

And when you come home? Many downtown high-rises offer amenities that feel like a vacation built into your weekday routine — concierge services, co-working lounges, fitness studios, rooftop pools, and outdoor terraces that turn ordinary nights into something special.

If you’re relocating, our Chicago Relocation Guide can help you compare neighborhoods, costs, and must-see options before you arrive.

Experience Luxury Apartment Living in Downtown Chicago

Downtown Chicago offers a lifestyle that blends sophistication, convenience, and breathtaking views, all in one endlessly walkable, vibrant location. From quiet lakefront mornings to city-lit nights, there’s truly no place like it. 

At Luxury Living, our team partners with apartment seekers from all walks of life. We pair deep neighborhood knowledge with complementary, concierge-level service to help you find the building, floor plan, and location that feel like the perfect fit.
Whether you’re envisioning skyline views, lakeshore energy, or the convenience of Michigan Avenue, we’re here to guide you home. Start your search for luxury apartments in downtown Chicago with Luxury Living today.