Chicago’s apartment market offers no shortage of beautiful options, especially in sought-after neighborhoods like Gold Coast, River North, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park. But what happens when you’re apartment hunting and every listing seems perfect? Prioritizing features becomes key to finding the space that truly fits your needs, both now and in the future.
Step 1: Define Your Non-Negotiables
Start by identifying the features that are absolutely essential to your lifestyle. This could include:
- Location – Proximity to work, school, or public transit
- Size – Number of bedrooms or specific square footage
- Pet Policy – If you have or plan to get a pet
- Lease Term – Flexibility for short- or long-term plans
These non-negotiables act as a filter so you can quickly narrow down your list, even when multiple apartments look appealing.
Step 2: Rank “Nice-to-Have” Amenities
Once your essentials are locked in, create a secondary list of amenities that would enhance your living experience. This may include:
- Rooftop deck or balcony for outdoor space
- On-site fitness center for easy workouts
- Smart home features like keyless entry or climate control
- Indoor or outdoor pool for the sunny season
By ranking these in order of importance, you’ll have an easier time making a decision if two properties are otherwise equal.
Step 3: Consider Your Daily Routine
Walk through your typical day and think about which features would make life easier. For example:
- If you work remotely, high-speed internet access and a quiet environment might outweigh other perks.
- If you commute, proximity to public transit could save hours each week.
- If you’re active, on-site bike storage or nearby running trails might tip the scale.
Step 4: Weigh Long-Term Value
Some features have long-term benefits that may not be obvious at first. Energy-efficient appliances, for example, could reduce utility bills over time. A building with strong maintenance support can also save you headaches in the future.
Step 5: Tour and Compare in Person
Even if listings look identical online, visiting in person often reveals subtle differences in layout, natural light, and noise levels. Bring a checklist so you can score each apartment on your top priorities and see which consistently ranks higher.
Find Your Perfect Fit with PPM Apartments
At PPM Apartments, we offer properties across Chicago’s most desirable neighborhoods, each with a variety of layouts, amenities, and styles to suit different priorities. Whether you value rooftop views in the Gold Coast, lakefront access in Lakeview, vibrant nightlife in River North, or green space in Lincoln Park, we can help you match your must-haves to the right apartment.
Browse our Chicago apartments today and find the home that checks every box on your list.
