Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and a major center of culture, commerce and education in the midwestern United States. Young professionals and families are attracted to the city's industry, availability of jobs and cultural events. Apartments in Chicago are available in all areas and in all price ranges, and are relatively easy to find in comparison to the cutthroat markets of New York City and Los Angeles. Apartment hunting in Chicago can be made easier with the use of several online, print and in-person search methods.
Search online listings. One of the most popular sources for apartment listings in Chicago is Craigslist. There, you can search long-term apartment rentals, temporary or sublets or room shares in apartments. Postings include neighborhoods and prices to allow you to narrow your search immediately. You also have the option to post a "housing wanted" listing to find other roommates or subletters to find you.
Use the bulletin board method. If you are located in Chicago, hit the streets to look for apartment listings. Popular places for flyers are on bulletin boards in laundromats, grocery stores and coffee shops. Walk around your desired Chicago neighborhood, check out bulletin boards and look for "for rent" signs at the same time.
Network with Chicagoans. Send an email to your contacts in Chicago--friends, colleagues, family, or acquaintances. Mention that you are looking for an apartment in Chicago and politely request that everyone keep an eye out for possible places. You might consider including neighborhood and price specifications to narrow the search. Chances are, someone on your list of contacts or one of their connections knows of a free apartment or one that is about to come on the market. With this method, you might also get word of apartments before the general public.
Search print listings. The Chicago Tribune is Chicago's main newspaper and includes print listings of apartments for rent and for sale. You might also consider searching for apartments in the Chicago Sun-Times or the Chicago Daily Herald.
Hire an agent. If you do not have the time or inclination to search through listings and attend countless apartment viewings, you can enlist the services of a real estate agent. The agent will ask you for information about your budget, location preferences and specifications for your ideal apartment. He or she will then line up showings for you and help you navigate the application process and documentation.
