Southern California’s luxury real estate market never sleeps. But this past year, it collectively caught its breath.
Luxury sales slowed down in 2023 — a combination of soaring interest rates, a newly introduced “mansion tax” and an inevitable drop-off from a pandemic market when megamansions flipped like hotcakes.
In 2022, there were 17 home sales above $50 million and 48 over $30 million in L.A. County, according to the Multiple Listing Service. In 2023, there were only five sales over $50 million and 23 over $30 million.
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But even in a down year, there were still plenty of headlines. Jay-Z and Beyoncé set the all-time price record in the state of California, while other celebrities sold homes and left L.A. just in time to avoid paying taxes under Measure ULA.
Here are the top sales of the year.
$200 million
History was made in May when Jay-Z and Beyoncé shattered California’s price record, paying $200 million for a concrete compound in Malibu.
The L-shaped house, which topped the previous record of $177 million, looks more like an airplane hangar or supervillain’s lair than a home. It was built by Tadao Ando, a decorated Japanese architect who also designed a home for Kanye West a few miles down the coast. Ando brought in 7,645 cubic yards of concrete to erect the 40,000-square-foot home.
It never officially hit the market, so photos are scarce. The property is perched above Malibu’s Paradise Cove and features concrete hallways and walls of glass that open to a swimming pool and lawn overlooking the ocean.
$60.85 million
Another power couple — Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck — claimed the second-highest home purchase of the year when they shelled out $60.85 million for a five-acre spread in Beverly Crest. High interest rates weren’t a problem; they didn’t need a 30-year-fixed. The pair paid in cash.
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The deal marked the end of a year-long house hunt for Lopez and Affleck, and the house boasts an array of amenities that few other mega-mansions can match. Across 38,000 square feet are 12 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, 15 fireplaces, a movie theater, wine cellar, nail salon and sauna, as well as a 5,000-square-foot sports facility with a boxing ring and pickleball court.
The $60.85-million sale actually came at a discount; the home originally hit the market with a gargantuan price tag of $135 million.
$55 million
Some scratched their heads when Mark Wahlberg unloaded his Beverly Park mega-mansion for $55 million in February. The movie star spent years designing the French-inspired palace, and he originally asked $87.5 million when he first listed it in 2022.
But Wahlberg was a motivated seller. He moved to Nevada last year, and by selling the home in February, he avoided Measure ULA, a transfer tax that took effect April 1 and would’ve charged a 5.5% tax on the sale. At $55 million, Wahlberg’s tax bill would’ve been more than $3 million.
The European-inspired showplace is truly one of a kind, featuring amenities such as a five-hole golf course, driving range, grotto-style swimming pool and skate park. Wahlberg, a native of Massachusetts, also added a Boston Celtics-themed basketball court during his stay.
$52.056 million
Malibu’s second entry on this list comes via attorney Stuart Liner and his wife, Stephanie Hershey Liner, who sold their beach house on Point Dume for just over $52 million.
The Liners have made a fortune flipping houses over the years, including doubling their money on a house they bought from actor Danny DeVito. They scored a hefty profit here as well; records show they paid $21.758 million for the oceanfront home in 2020 before extensively remodeling the place.
The 6,000-square-foot house comes with a swimming pool and tennis court. It sold to Tom van Loben Sels, a partner at Bay Area tax firm Apercen Partners.
$52 million
For years, Villa Firenze was a cautionary tale, an extravagant reminder that while fortunes can be won in Southern California’s lucrative real estate market, you have to be strategic in how you sell to truly cash in.
Hungarian billionaire Steven Udvar-Hazy was not. The airplane mogul built the Italian-inspired mansion in 1998 and listed it for $165 million in 2017, which at the time was one of the most ambitious asking prices in California history.
Clearly overpriced, the house sat on the market for years until it was auctioned off for $51 million in 2021 to biotech entrepreneur Roy Eddleman, who, for some reason, tried the same thing as Udvar-Hazy.
Eddleman quickly attempted to flip the house for a massive profit, putting it back onto the market for $120 million just a year after he bought it. Unsurprisingly, there were no takers, and he died before it sold.
His estate slashed the price on the luxurious villa, which features 40-foot palm trees, 20-foot ceilings and a two-story library complete with a secret passageway that leads to a bedroom and bar.
After a year of price cuts, it finally sold in February for $52 million, just $1 million more than Eddleman paid for it at auction two years prior.
To the native Wintu people it was Bohem Puyuik, the “Big Rise,” and no wonder. Mt. Shasta towered above everything else, her loins delivering the natural springs and snowmelt that birthed a great river.
The Sacramento River provided such an abundance of food that the Wintu and many neighboring tribes — the Pit River, Yana, Nomlaki and others — had little to fight over. They thrived in pre-colonial times, on waters that ran silver with salmon, forests thick with game and oaks heavy with acorns.
But centuries of disease, virtual enslavement and murder wrought by European and American invaders scrambled the harmony that once reigned along the Upper Sacramento River.
Today, three tribes here are locked in a bloodless war. At issue is a proposal by one Indigenous group to expand and relocate its casino and whether the flashy new gambling hall, hotel and entertainment center would honor — or desecrate — the past.
The casino envisioned by the Redding Rancheria and its 422 members would rise nine stories on 232 acresalong Interstate 5. The rancheria — home to descendants from three historic tribes — began planning the development nearly two decades ago, envisioning a regional magnet for tourists and gamblers.
But the proposal has been buffeted by influential opponents, including the city of Redding, neighborhood groups and the billionaire next door — who happens to be the largest private landowner in America. The naysayers list a cavalcade of complaints against the new Win-River casino complex, saying it would despoil prime farmland, exacerbate traffic, increase police and fire protection costs and threaten native fish in the Sacramento River.
Those complaints have helped stall, but not kill, the project, whose fate rests almost solely in the hands of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C. And now the BIA’s obscure bureaucrats have been confronted with an explosive new charge from two neighboring tribes: that construction of the casino would desecrate what the tribes say should be hallowed ground — the site of an 1846 rampage by the U.S. Cavalry that historians say probably killed hundreds of Native people.
The Sacramento River massacre has not received the attention of other atrocities of America’s westward expansion, such as the one in 1890 at Wounded Knee, S.D., where U.S. troops killed as many as 300 Lakota people. Estimates of the carnage, recorded over the decades from witness accounts and oral tradition, range from 150 to 1,000 men, women and children slaughtered along the banks of the Sacramento River.
If the higher estimates of the death toll are correct, it would rank as one of the largest single mass killings of Indigenous people in American history.
“In my heart, I find it hard to believe that there are Wintu people that are willing to build a casino on … the blood-soaked dirt of the massacre site,” Gary Rickard, chair of the Wintu Tribe of Northern California, told a state Assembly committee in August. “There are dozens of other places along the I-5 corridor and the Sacramento River.”
Redding Rancheria Chair Jack Potter Jr., himself part Wintu, called the claim that his tribe would build its casino on the massacre grounds “a slander that will not be easily forgotten.” He told state lawmakers that the real massacre site is miles away. Rancheria leaders said their opponents have manufactured the controversy for a less honorable reason: to block what would be a sparkling new competitor.
“Gaming in Indian country can be a tide that raises all of our canoes,” insisted Potter, who appeared at times to fight back tears as he spoke at the Sacramento hearing. “We should not battle against one another, in that spirit.”
Column One
A showcase for compelling storytelling from the Los Angeles Times.
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Friendships that go back decades and tribal ties of a century or more have been imperiled by the casino furor. Native people normally aligned against a hostile or indifferent U.S. government — “We’re all the children of genocide,” as one elder put it — have watched sadly as their conflicts turn inward.
It’s a dynamic that has played out before. Robbed of their ancestral lands, tribes now sometimes fight when one tries to claim new territory, often as a base for a lucrative modern endeavor: gambling.
The friction is exacerbated by the peculiar history of the Redding Rancheria — and by opponents’ eleventh-hour invocation of the Sacramento River massacre, 19 years after the rancheria began to assemble parcels for the project.
The Redding Rancheria refers to a nearly 31-acre stretch of land near the south end of Redding that the federal government bought in 1922 for “homeless Indians” who came to the area as seasonal workers for ranches and orchards. The rancheria sits in a relatively obscure location compared with the interstate-adjacent site of the proposed casino, more than three miles by car to the northeast.
In 1939, the Wintu, Pit River, Yana and other Indigenous peoples formed a rancheria government. It was recognized by the United States. But in 1958, an act of Congress “terminated” recognition of multiple California groups, including the Redding Rancheria, in an attempt to force Indians to disperse into the general population. It took a landmark 1983 court settlement to formally restore recognition of 17 rancherias, including the one in Redding.
The result is that there are Redding Rancheria members with Wintu blood, like Potter, 52, who firmly support the casino, while other Wintu descendants who are not descended from the original rancheria families, like Rickard, 78, adamantly oppose it. Rickard grew up with Jack Potter Sr. and has known his son since he was a boy.
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Cordiality prevails, at least outwardly, when Rickard and Potter meet today. But the bad blood between their groups has become fierce, exacerbated by the yawning wealth disparity between the rancheria and the Northern Wintu.
Rancheria members have thrived largely because of the success of their existing Win-River Resort & Casino, which operates 550 slot machines, a dozen table games, an 84-room hotel and an RV park.
The complex is the biggest income producer for the rancheria, which also owns a Hilton Garden Inn and a marijuana dispensary in Shasta County. Sources familiar with the tribe said each enrolled member receives a monthly “per capita” payment of at least $4,000 and perhaps as high as $6,000.
The rancheria’s chief executive, Pitt River descendant Tracy Edwards, 54, declined to discuss the amount of the payments.
That income, along with health clinics and other benefits, makes the Redding Rancheria members the envy of Indigenous groups with comparatively paltry assets. Rickard’s Northern Wintu claims roughly 560 certified members, but like many groups across America, the tribe has been laboring for years and still has not received formal recognition from the U.S. government. That means the tribe can’t put land into trust, a prerequisite to casino development and also a shield against federal, state and local taxes.
“We don’t have the resources in order to obtain the things we need,” said Shawna Garcia, the Northern Wintu’s cultural resources administrator. “We don’t have the revenue to assist our members with things like college, housing and other assistance.”
Historians and ethnographers say the Wintu were the predominant tribe around the site proposed for the casino complex, an expanse of meadow and scrubland that locals dub the Strawberry Fields because of its agricultural history. And Rickard questioned why the “pure-blood Wintu people” he represents have been left to struggle, while the rancheria — representing an amalgamation of tribal groups — stands poised to create an even bigger cash cow with its new casino.
Rancheria leaders like Edwards, a UC Davis-trained lawyer, have emphasized how the tribal group has supported Native and non-Native people, both as one of the largest employers in Shasta County and through its charitable foundation.
In just one year, 2018, the rancheria said it gave more than $1.2 million to community organizations, helping serve the homeless and victims of the Carr fire. During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rancheria donated $5,000 each to 60 businesses struggling to stay afloat.
At a cost of $150 million, the rancheria’s new casino would feature 1,200 slot machines — more than double the number at its current casino — and with 250 rooms, the new casino hotel would be more than triple the size of the existing hotel. The tribal group has pledged to close its current Win-River casino when the new one opens.
The rancheria’s outsized community presence has created substantial goodwill around Redding, but a portion of residents have stepped forward — via petitions and ballot measures — to express disdain for large developments they feel could harm the rural character of their community.
Among the more powerful opponents is Archie Aldis “Red” Emmerson, president of logging giant Sierra Pacific Industries, whose sprawling estate looms along the Sacramento River, just south of the casino site.
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In 2020, an Emmerson-allied company purchased property from the city of Redding that included a portion of a road that would be the north entry to the casino site and created an easement that would have barred access to the rancheria land for all but agricultural purposes. The easement effectively would have thwarted the casino by blocking vehicle access to the development.
But in 2022, a Shasta County Superior Court judge voided the deal, saying that in selling the land (for just $3,000 to the billionaire) the city had violated its “own processes, procedures and the relevant law.” The ruling nullified the easement, preserving the rancheria’s unrestricted access to the property.
The Redding City Council and neighboring homeowners have maintained their opposition to the project for years, while a new conservative majority on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors recently reversed the county’s earlier objections. The supervisors supported the casino, despite admonitions from the sheriff, fire chief and county counsel that the agreement with the rancheria did not provide sufficient compensation to cover the increased costs of serving the big development.
The rancheria agreed to make one-time payments totaling $3.6 million to support Shasta County, the Sheriff’s Department and fire and emergency services. That initial infusion would be supplemented by recurring payments: $1,000 for each police service call and $10,000 for each fire/emergency service call.
No issue has unsettled intra-tribal relations, though, like the debate flowing out of the terrible events along the Sacramento River 177 years ago.
Oral histories of the Wintu and neighboring tribes recall how Native families and elders had gathered along the river known as the Big Water each year in early April for the spring salmon run. Traditionally, the season signaled rebirth.
But Capt. John C. Fremont had other ideas.
Fremont diverted his men from their ordered assignment: completing land surveys in the Rocky Mountains. The Americans instead went adventuring to California, where, in the spring of 1846, they responded to sketchy claims from settlers that they were endangered.
About 70 buckskin-clad white men set upon the Native people, the locals far outgunned by the invaders, each toting a Hawken rifle, two pistols and a butcher knife, according to UCLA historian Benjamin Madley‘s detailed account of the massacre.
The horsemen completed their grisly work with such evident pride that legendary frontiersman Kit Carson later bragged that the coordinated assault had been “a perfect butchery.”
The massacre marked the beginning of “a transitional period between the Hispanic tradition of assimilating and exploiting Indigenous peoples and the Anglo-American pattern of killing or removing them,” according to Madley’s “An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe.”
Fremont (later a U.S. senator from California and a Republican presidential candidate) would say that his party attacked the natives because of reports of an “imminent attack” upon settlers. But the “battle” was one-sided, with the federal troops suffering no known casualties. Afterward, according to Madley’s account, Fremont’s men feasted on the Native people’s larder of fresh salmon.
In the nearly two centuries since, the tragedy would be more forgotten than remembered. There is no historical marker around Redding noting the event.
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The Wintu people believed to have been the principal victims have preserved memories of the mass killing in their oral history. But no ceremony marks the atrocity. And at the Wintu cultural resource center in Shasta Lake City, a wall-size timeline of the group’s history makes no mention of the 1846 bloodshed.
There’s also the now-pressing question — pushed to the fore by the casino feud — about precisely where the massacre occurred. The Northern Wintu and another outspoken opponent, the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, insist that the Strawberry Fields property was a key location in the atrocity.
The Paskenta commissioned a study by a retired anthropologist from Cal State Sacramento that drew on research from the late 1800s by a linguist from the Smithsonian Institution who, in turn, got much of his information from a Wintu elder who survived the massacre. The report, by Dorothea Theodoratus and a colleague, said that the “center” of the massacre was “opposite the mouth of Clear Creek” in the Sacramento River, a point roughly two miles south of the proposed casino location.
But other accounts from participants and witnesses said Fremont’s soldiers chased down victims after the initial assault, leaving the exact range of the bloodshed unknown. The Theodoratus report says that six villages, including two on the proposed casino property, were so thoroughly intermingled that all “would have had some direct involvement with that massacre.”
Andrew Alejandre, chair of the Paskenta Band, told the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee in August that his tribe is seeking to have the state and federal governments designate the Strawberry Fields a sacred site, off-limits to development. Alejandre, 35, said his tribe vehemently opposes building a casino “on top of men, women, children and elders. The spirit of these ancestors … Let them rest!”
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In rebuttal, Potter and rancheria CEO Edwards note that during the many years that they and others have pursued developments in the region, the rival tribes never mentioned the massacre. Divisive fights over a proposed auto mall and a sports complex (both scrapped) came and went without any discussion about desecration of a mass grave site.
“I would never disrespect the remains of my ancestors,” Potter said.
Fifty miles south of Redding in rural Corning, the 288-member Paskenta Band opened the Rolling Hills Casino and Resort two decades ago. The luxe gaming hall is just one part of an economic surge by the tribe, which has also opened an equestrian complex, an 18–hole golf course, a 1,400-acre gun and hunting center and a 3,000-person amphitheater, where Snoop Dogg performed in May.
Potter charged that the fight over the historic massacre is really a ploy by the flourishing Paskenta to squelch the Redding Rancheria’s hopes for a shimmering destination casino “because of the mistaken belief that it … will cut into the profits of their gaming facilities.”
Paskenta’s Alejandre, a designer who once ran a clothing company, denied that is the case.
While representatives for the Paskenta and Northern Wintu tribes bashed the casino proposal at the August hearing, representatives of at least eightother California tribes argued in support of the Redding Rancheria. One said the Redding group had proved itself a good steward of cultural resources.
Another speaker at the hearing was Miranda Edwards, the 28-year-old daughter of the rancheria CEO. The Stanford-educated Edwards and her mother spoke about the importance of moving the tribal group forward for the “Seventh Generation,” future descendants whose livelihoods must be planned for today.
“We work hard every day to provide for this rural community and make it the best that we can for everyone that lives there,” Miranda Edwards told legislators. “It’s disheartening to hear from those that choose not to see that. But it will not stop our work.”
Potter, the rancheria’s chairman, had a sardonic take on the dispute.
“We always talk about crabs in a pot,” Potter said. “We are like all these crabs, stuck in a pot. When one tries to get out of the pot, all the others reach up and pull him back in.”
Will arguments about the Sacramento River massacre sway the final outcome of the Redding Rancheria’s casino quest? A BIA spokesman said only that “these issues are under review.” Nearly two centuries after representatives of the U.S. military decimated a civilization here, the federal government still retains ultimate authority over the fate of Native people.
Watch L.A. Times Today at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News 1 on Channel 1 or live stream on the Spectrum News App. Palos Verdes Peninsula and Orange County viewers can watch on Cox Systems on channel 99.
It’s notoriously exhausting to find housing in L.A., but landing a place in La La Land is always worth the endeavor. To expedite the process for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best apartments in Los Angeles, all of which offer amazing amenities and an unparalleled city experience.
Whether you’re looking for towering luxury complexes, lowkey Hollywood bungalows or something in between, we’ve got you covered.
Here are the top 25 apartments to rent in Los Angeles.
Situated in one of L.A.’s most beloved neighborhoods, Radius Koreatown offers some pretty sweet amenities. Here, you’ll have in-unit laundry, pristine hardwood floors, incredible city views, a gym and a pet grooming service at your disposal.
Plus, Radius is also within walking distance to the Wilshire / Normandie and Wilshire / Vermont Los Angeles Metro subway stops, as well as unique bars and Korean restaurants.
To begin, tucked between iconic neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Koreatown, CitiZen offers spacious, sunlit floor plans overlooking Virgil Village’s burgeoning creative scene.
Equipped with amenities like a swimming pool, fitness center, private balconies and coffee club, this community offers Angelenos a mix of luxury and affordability that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Yes, the average one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles will run you $2,976. However, CitiZen offers two-bedroom floor plans starting at $2,890 per month.
This massive, glittering highrise is aptly named — one-bedroom floor plans start at, well, almost $10,000 per month. Tucked away at the edge of Beverly Hills and Century City, these luxury apartments not only come furnished upon request but also boast amenities like basketball courts, a swimming pool, business center, tennis courts, sauna, barbecue area and clubhouse.
Nestled in the very heart of Koreatown, The Vermont is hard to miss. This sprawling glass highrise offers Angelenos everything they might need, including a swimming pool, a newly renovated interior and a rooftop lounge. Also, cats and dogs are welcome here, too (with a $500 deposit per pet).
First off, with views overlooking Koreatown and the Hollywood Hills, St. Andrews Manor possesses a distinct historic charm reminiscent of the East Coast. This red brick building has a fully renovated interior and custom cabinetry to add to its charisma. Also, rental prices include all utilities, and it’s dog- and cat-friendly.
Angelenos looking to live in luxury are sure to find everything they need at the Orsini. This elegant, Mediterranean-inspired building offers studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments boasting nine-foot ceilings and private balconies to boot.
Situated between Downtown and Echo Park, it’s hard to beat the Orsini’s location. Tenants can easily stroll up Sunset to grab a cappuccino at Eightfold Coffee, drive Downtown to restaurants and bars or catch a baseball game at Dodger Stadium.
Located in L.A.’s Westwood neighborhood, the Den on Levering is the perfect mix of modern luxury and Westside charm. The Den offers residents decks with sprawling views. Also, the fireplaces and sophisticated granite countertops are a perfect addition. Plus, it’s minutes from the University of California Los Angeles and Westwood Village, hugging the 10 and 405 freeways for easy access to the city.
The Glendon is another Westside luxury apartment complex, boasting amenities like an edgeless infinity pool and walk-in closets. Also, and don’t forget to check out the stunning courtyard — it is home to a soothing trickling fountain, plus elegant outdoor foliage.
Located in the northern section of Hollywood, Fleur de Lis, built in the 1930s, is a true Art Deco gem. This beautiful building consists of two duplex penthouse apartments, as well as studios and one-bedroom floor plans. Utilities come included in the rental price at Fleur de Lis.
Steps away from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Havenhurst is slightly reminiscent of Parisian apartments, complete with an elegant courtyard and water fountain. The Havenhurst offers affordability at the heart of Hollywood’s hustle and bustle, making it perfect for those looking to explore L.A.’s extraordinary entertainment scene.
Spacious and modern, Junction 4121’s floor plans are streaming with light trickling over the Hollywood Hills. New hardwood flooring and Instagram-worthy appliances are just some of the perks of living in this swanky apartment complex; it’s located in Silver Lake, one of L.A.’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Be aware that the price here is much steeper than average (a one-bedroom will run you between $3,109 and $4,027 a month).
If you want to live in La La Land à la Zooey Deschanel, look no further. Much of the hit series “New Girl” was filmed at Binford Lofts, an industrial warehouse-turned-loft in the middle of the Arts District. Exposed brick, concrete beams and open floor plans give these apartments their distinct flair. All in all, you will find easy access to breweries, coffee shops and art spaces here — making it the ultimate place for creatives to call home.
Barrington Plaza will make you feel like you live in a five-star resort year-round. Spacious, modern interiors complete with balconies give this Silicon Beach property its home-like touch. Additionally, check out the Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts and breakfast bar — a perfect touch to everyday living.
Surrounded by lush greenery, a swimming pool and a serene courtyard, the Fontenoy feels like Hollywood’s very own hidden garden oasis. A studio will average $1,695 per month here, while a two-bedroom penthouse suite goes for $3,050 per month.
Conveniently located near the 10 Freeway, Zoe Loft Apartments offer sophisticated, modern interiors and proximity to L.A.’s major shopping destinations, like the Grove, Platform and Beverly Center. In addition to its location, this complex also boasts a rooftop deck, expansive city views and a swimming pool.
Nature lovers will feel right at home in Rancho Los Feliz, due to it bordering the famous Griffith Park and the Los Angeles River. Canopied with lush trees and greenery, this complex also offers easy access to the Los Feliz golf course and unparalleled shopping and dining experiences in Atwater Village, too.
LEVEL Furnished Living apartments are just about the best Downtown L.A. has to offer, with open-concept floor plans, gourmet kitchens and envy-inducing city views. It’s walking distance from much of DTLA’s historic theaters, bars, restaurants and shops. Plus, it’s equipped with top-of-the-line fitness and wellness centers.
First, Park La Brea promises a proprietary blend of “luxury, recreation, culture and convenience,” and it definitely lives up to its word. Outfitted with granite countertops, parquet wood floors and a saltwater swimming pool, Park La Brea is a true Mid City gem. Plus, these apartments are right across from the Grove shopping center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
L.A. techies live large at Playa Summit, which flaunts features including soaring cathedral ceilings, an in-complex movie theater, a library, a clubhouse and fitness centers. Though Playa Summit is close to the action of Silicon Beach, it’s located in a quiet neighborhood, so you don’t have to sacrifice serenity for convenience.
Firstly, charming, tree-lined bungalows in the middle of Hollywood are just about as good as it gets. Hollywood Off Vine is just minutes away from this iconic neighborhood’s landmarks, as well as everyday necessities like restaurants, shops and parks.
Firstly, Piccadilly might as well be named the Koreatown Castle because that’s precisely what this beautiful building looks like. Complete with peaked towers and elegant archways, Piccadilly resides in Koreatown’s calmer quarters, making it a prime location for K-Towners who enjoy their peace and quiet.
Heads up, jet-setters: If you’re a frequent flyer, consider Concourse, a resort-style community close to Los Angeles International Airport. Choose from furnished or unfurnished apartments and enjoy the complex’s swimming pool, hot tub, state-of-the-art fitness center and coworking lounge. Some units are co-living suites, while others are for those flying solo.
The Barclay is yet another historic Koreatown icon. Complete with an elegant courtyard and renovated interiors, you’d never guess this building is pushing 100 years old. You can find studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans here, ranging from $1,025 to $1,795+ monthly.
The Langham Apartments are just a stone’s throw away from the Barclay. Additionally, they offer a similarly elegant, luxurious feel with a twist of affordability. Come for the Hollywood royalty-era nostalgia; stay for the views. Oh and, all utilities are included here.
North of Koreatown, Gramercy Towers apartments are the peak of classic luxury and modern comfort. All in all, one step into the building’s lobby transports you back to the roaring 20s, while the building’s spacious floor plans and sweeping city views remind you: You’re here now, and you made it to L.A.
The best apartments in Los Angeles
Life in L.A. might move fast, but there’s nothing like coming home and winding down in one of the city’s most sought-after apartments. From upscale penthouse views to historic K-Town charm, each apartment offers an extraordinary taste of SoCal city life that’s hard to find elsewhere. Find apartments for rent in Los Angeles today.
We looked at all available multifamily rental property inventory from January to June 2021 on Rent. to determine which properties with a Los Angeles mailing address are most viewed by organic internet searches. The information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein does not constitute financial advice, availability or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
You’ll find amenities galore and a wide range of communities and rent prices among the best apartments in Phoenix.
As one of the best places to live within Arizona, Phoenix has plenty to offer those on the hunt for a new home. You get a bevy of scenic views, cool amenities for those hot days and access to luxury. It’s no wonder people are looking to rent in neighborhoods across this desert city.
Whether selecting a home in a more high-end spot, gravitating toward downtown or settling into the suburbs, most of the 1.6 million inhabitants of Phoenix moved here from somewhere else. They started off their journey just like yours; each trying to find the best apartments in Phoenix to call home.
To make your search easier, here are 25 of the best apartments in Phoenix to consider.
Offering upscale living with plenty of opportunities for entertainment and relaxation, Fairways on Thunderbird has a great amenities package. In addition to a pool and spa, media center and business center, you’ve got a picnic area with barbecues to use. There’s even a clubhouse with billiards.
Close to freeways and shopping, this community offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Most floor plans also come in under the average rent price in Arizona.
One of the few green communities on best apartments in Phoenix list, North Mountain Village offers up a modern, urban feel. Along with the two playgrounds and three pool areas, you get access to a breakfast/coffee concierge when you live here.
With studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, this quiet community is pet-friendly and within walking distance to shops and restaurants. There’s even a dog park nearby.
The lush greenery and a fun stucco aesthetic at Vaseo will catch the eye of just about anybody.
On-site, you’ll find basketball courts and tennis courts for the athlete. A movie theater is there for the pop-culture fan. Complimentary charging stations for eco-vehicles make things great for the environmentally conscious. The playground and pool are also open for a little rest and recreation.
A variety of floorplans make this a dynamic community. One-bedroom and two-bedroom units vary in price. But if you live here, expect to pay a little more than the average rent rate in Arizona.
Located in the urban village of Ahwatukee, Pacific Bay Club is close to shops, boutiques and restaurants. All combined, they provide so much appeal, most residents never feel like leaving.
Pets are welcome in the one- and two-bedroom units and you’ll find a dog wash area on site. However, expect to pay a little more for the location and the extra amenities. With a variety of floorplans, most units rent for more than what you’d pay on average in the state.
Situated right near Desert Sky Mall, Del Mar Terrace is conveniently located within Phoenix. It’s a great spot to commute from. The on-site soccer field provides a unique recreational opportunity, and the onsite market and preschool make the community feel like its own little village.
One- and two-bedroom units are all within a very affordable range. Monthly rent is considerably less than the average you’d expect to pay throughout Arizona.
Plenty of trees and polished landscaping give the Villages at Metro Center a homey feel. The community is also across the street from Metro Center Mall when the shopping bug bites. Units come with covered parking and private patios or balconies. Additionally, there are three resort-inspired pools, a clubhouse and a playground
With studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units available there’s a floor plan to meet anyone’s needs. Pets are also welcome, and most units fall under the state’s average monthly rent.
A sleek and colorful aesthetic gives Novella a fun feel. The design fits the tone of the neighborhood, known for its vibrant, up-and-coming vibe and its variety of shops and restaurants.
These luxe, three-bedroom units include all the high-end amenities that come with the community. These include a barbecue area, fire pit, lounge space and pool.
The eye-catching yellow doors will draw you into the newly renovated space at Amara. Located near the downtown campus of Arizona State University, this community is also close to plenty of entertainment, shopping and dining.
New interiors and a great pool put the studio, one- and two-bedroom units in demand, and the price is right too. All units have a lower monthly rent than the state’s average.
A senior living community with a long list of amenities, Phoenix Manor is a great place to retire to. This is a smoke-free space with a dog park, two heated pools and a nine-hole putting green. Two clubhouses, a library, lounge and coffee bar round out the special spots. You’ll also find invites to social actives like bingo and dances to make it easy to get to know your neighbors.
This community is all about creating an elegant and independent lifestyle. Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units are all available. Most even price out under what the average tenant pays each month throughout the state.
An urban vibe permeates the boutique apartment complex of MODE Midtown. Another green community, living here is all about location. Nestled among the East Alvarado Historic District and Central Arts District, you’re close to so much local culture. There are art galleries, parks, boutiques and unique eateries. You’re also close to the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, the Arizona Opera and the Phoenix Theatre.
Affordable one- and two-bedroom floor plans give you plenty of space both inside and out. Large rooms and a nice-sized patio are the perfect combination for comfortable living.
A covered playground, basketball court and pet play area means every resident at San Marina can find happiness and activity. There’s also a hot tub, pool and clubhouse. It’s in West Phoenix, putting you near great shopping and dining. You’re also minutes from outlet shops and close to State Farm Stadium.
One- and two-bedroom apartments, priced well below the state’s monthly rent average, give you plenty of choices. And, none of them will take a big bite out of your budget.
Water-scape views make Riverwalk stand out in the middle of Phoenix’s desert landscapes. Close to Scottsdale, the Camelback Corridor and Papago Park, you’re never far from, excellent shopping, dining, hiking and biking. You’ve even got a golf course around the corner.
Within the community itself, you’ll have access to a 24-hour heated, Mediterranean-style pool and spa. There’s also a cabana, sand volleyball court and a playground.
Live in a little luxury with these condominiums, some of the best apartments in Phoenix.
Upscale amenities and excellent service make 59 Roosevelt another solid community to consider calling home. A resort-style pool, clubhouse and community lounge provide residents with spots to relax and socialize.
Two- and three-bedroom units feature oversized closets, stainless appliances and hardwood floors. You’re conveniently located to shopping and dining as well. Commuting is also easy via the South Mountain 202 Freeway and I-10.
If you live a more active lifestyle, consider calling Los Vecinos home. Not only will you find a playground, swimming pool and picnic area, but plenty of athletic options. Right out your door are basketball courts, a soccer field and a volleyball court. Perfect your skills in one sport or more while meeting your neighbors while you do it.
This community is also a win based on its location. It’s close to great dining, shopping and public parks as well. Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments rent below the average for the state, for an affordable find.
Twenty-four-hour customer service makes The Cove stand out as a great Phoenix find. Combining comfort with a resort lifestyle, here, luxury awaits. One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments rent with all the expected amenities.
Only blocks away from a grocery, and great dining options, you’re also within range of a lot of activity. This includes the Phoenix National Raceway, Ak-Chin Pavilion and American Family Field of Phoenix. With all the perks, rent prices are slightly higher than the state average.
Up in North Mountain, Azura is an allergen-free apartment community. It’s both pretty to look at and functional to live in. You’ll find a 24-hour fitness center, three pools, a dog park and more.
From this vantage point, you also have access to plenty of hiking trails and scenic landscapes. There’s no shortage of great pubs, bars and casual eateries as well.
Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments are affordably priced. They rent under the state average, making it possible to get coveted amenities at a great rate.
Walking distance to shopping plazas makes it a no-brainer to check out Village Square. This apartment community is in Paradise Valley. You’re close to Phoenix Mountain Preserve as well as plenty of parks with biking and hiking trails. You also have easy access to downtown.
This ideal location, coupled with amenities like a media center, business center and pool, comes at a very reasonable price. One- and two-bedroom units rent for under $1,000 a month.
A modern feel makes Rise on Thomas something a little different. With studio, one-bed and two-bedroom apartments, you have plenty of choices when picking your perfect floor plan. The community features a fitness center and swimming pool, too. You’re able to stay in shape and cool off on all those hot days without going far from home.
Rent prices are close to what you’d pay, on average, throughout Arizona. The location is also central to downtown, Biltmore Fashion Park and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Giving off more of a house vibe, the best features of Thunderbird Villas are the garages and the balcony/patio most units have. You’ll also find renovated interiors and plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.
These townhomes are in South Phoenix, an area rich in local history and culture. Two-bedroom units have starting rental prices below the state average. Rents may stretch slightly above though, based on the amenities within.
Taking all its tenants’ needs into consideration, The Curve at Melrose is full of amazing amenities. Not only that, but the look of the community is hip and modern. You’ll want to hang out in the common spaces. This is all to keep up with the vibe throughout the Melrose District. This Downtown Phoenix neighborhood is known for being vibrant, eclectic and very urban.
Specific amenities throughout the community include a business center with a conference room, a Starbucks coffee bar, valet trash service and charging stations for electronic vehicles. You’ll also find a great pool area with a hot tub, a 24-hour fitness center, a clubhouse and even complimentary beach cruiser rentals.
Living in a park-like atmosphere gives Verde Vista wide appeal. The community has two pools, a picnic and grill area and a covered playground. When the days aren’t too hot, you can also use the soccer field and basketball and volleyball courts.
Floor plans are spacious. And, everything in the studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units has gotten remodeled recently. The price is right, too, with all units renting for under $1,000.
Congregate around the fire pit at Atwater. Get to your know neighbors in this pet-friendly, recently-renovated community. There’s also 24-hour maintenance, a barbecue and picnic area, pool and conference room.
A part of the Camelback East neighborhood, living here puts you beside Squaw Peak and entitles you to amazing views. You’re also nearby some dining gems and top-notch hiking. Two- and three-bedroom options mean plenty of space and like-new amenities.
What’s not to love about Desert Star? Studio and one-bedroom apartments are affordably wrapped up with amazing amenities. Not only is there a fitness center, but also a jogging track, basketball court and tennis court. You get a pool and two jacuzzis. For the kids, there’s also a playground. It’s fun for all.
This community’s location within Deer Valley also puts you in walking distance to Turf Paradise. This horse racetrack is the third-largest sport’s attraction in the entire state. You’re also not far from great shopping and restaurants.
A nice outdoor grilling space is just the start at Boulder Creek. This community prides itself on service. You have access to a 24-hour wellness center and 24-hour emergency maintenance. You’re also located near Arizona State University, Sky Harbor Airport and the Phoenix Zoo. When nature calls, you’re across from Papago golf course and park as well.
Priced below the state’s average, you’ll find studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units for rent.
With a sleek look, Proximity 16th Street brings plenty of updates to this South Phoenix community. A smoke-free residence, you’ll find charging stations for electric vehicles as well as smart thermostats, doors and locks within each unit. There’s Wi-fi access at the resort-style pool and video doorbells, as well.
A brand-new community along the Western Canal, one of the best amenities is Bark Park, the community’s dog park. This isn’t the only pet-conscious feature though. You’ll also find in-home doggie doors that go out to private patios.
The price tag matches the perks. One-, two- and three-bedroom units all price higher than the state’s average.
Renting the best apartments in Phoenix
There are so many choices when it comes to renting in The Valley of the Sun. Make sure you come prepared when the hunt begins. No matter where you start your search, it’s an exciting process to find apartments for rent in Phoenix. This is thanks to the variety of vibrant and picturesque neighborhoods all around town.
We looked at all available multifamily rental property inventory from January to June 2021 on Rent. to determine which properties with a Phoenix mailing address are most viewed by organic internet searches. The information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein does not constitute financial advice, availability or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Salt Lake City is a vibrant city that is growing by the minute. More and more people are flocking to the Salt Lake valley, but it’s no surprise. Everyone comes to the valley for a different reason and each person has unique housing needs. Whatever your housing requirements are, there are plenty of options for you. Here are the best apartments in Salt Lake City to get you started on your hunt!
The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at Brickgate offer a combination of convenience and comfort.
A fitness center, hot tub and swimming pool make de-stressing and relaxing easy, not to mention the many nearby trails for hiking and biking. Each unit has a washer and dryer, extra storage and a renovated interior.
Located slightly further from the mountains, the Seasons at Pebble Creek has even better mountain views than other parts of the valley. These one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units have private patios, in-unit washers and dryers and new interiors.
On-site amenities include facility patrol, a pool, fitness center, business center and playground. It’s also near the freeway, giving quick access to everything else that Salt Lake City has to offer.
Cottonwood apartments are in a quaint, mellow area of the Salt Lake valley. The conveniences it offers include a neighborhood pet park, outdoor hiking trails and safety measures, such as on-site patrol and controlled access.
The functional interiors have vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets and in-unit washer and dryer connections. And community amenities include a hot tub, pool, fitness center and business center.
In the affluent Avenues neighborhood, you’ll find that the studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments of Avenue East are near beautifully preserved, historic homes and nearby mountains.
The many hiking, biking and running trails located just steps outside the property are attractive to anyone that enjoys the outdoors. Finally, like the other homes in the area, the apartments are well-maintained and have renovated interiors.
With a variety of one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans available, Liberty Commons is conveniently located in the suburbs, yet not far from the Salt Lake International Airport and downtown area.
Other conveniences are available, like direct-access garages with some apartments, an in-unit washer and dryer and extra storage.
Summerwood’s two-bedroom apartments are affordable, starting at $925, yet offer the comforts of a more expensive unit. In-unit washer and dryer connections, private balconies and oversized closets come with the apartments here, not to mention the proximity to shopping and entertainment.
Fitness options include an exercise center, tennis courts and racquetball courts. Additionally, there’s a hot tub, two outdoor pools and an indoor pool, giving plenty of room for swimming during all seasons.
In one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the valley, Liberty Village is in the center of Sugarhouse. Its studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments have granite countertops, nine-foot ceilings and all stainless steel appliances.
Liberty Village is a green community, complete with a green building certificate and on-site recycling. Also, the complex has controlled access entry and on-site patrol, providing peace of mind for residents.
A comfortable place for pets and people alike, Mountain Shadows is near a pet park in the suburbs. It has many amenities available, such as basketball courts, a business center, a fitness center and a pool.
Mountain Shadows has one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans, which include on-site patrol for the complex and options for extra storage.
Located in the vibrant, coveted neighborhood of Sugarhouse, the Vue at Sugarhouse Crossing is one of the most desirable apartment complexes in the valley. Fitting with its name, the mountains are close by and the views from the apartments are stunning.
Apart from its ideal location near Sugarhouse Park, it offers access to boutiques, unique dining and amenities like a hot tub and fitness center. Each unit features hardwood floors, a dishwasher, stainless steel appliances, a kitchen island and ceiling fans.
Donna Manor’s one- and two-bedroom plans have a little bit of everything. It’s located near shopping and restaurants and apartments include balconies where you can enjoy the incredible Utah mountain views.
Apartments come updated with luxury touches, like two-toned paint, crown molding and tiled fireplaces. There are also solar panels to reduce the cost of utilities. Also, the community clubhouse, a hot tub and sauna are available for residents to relax and de-stress.
The one- and two-bedroom floor plans at Callaway offer comfort and variety, including beautiful golf course views, high-end stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, and various amenities.
Callaway has top-tier amenities available for residents, which include two dog parks and a dog washing facility, two fitness centers, two swimming pools, a clubhouse and sports courts.
Woodside at Holladay is close to the large Murray Park and only a short drive to the mountains, giving plenty of access to outdoor activities at all times throughout the year.
The interior layout and amenities shine through at Woodside, as additional storage is available, updated kitchens include newer dishwashers and islands and there are in-unit washer and dryer connections.
Offering one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with updated kitchens, large closets and extra storage, Cedar Breaks has many perks, including beautiful mountain views from across the Salt Lake valley.
It’s minutes away from both I-215 and I-15, making travel and commuting quick and convenient. Its amenities include a fitness center, basketball court, hot tub and pool.
Apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms at Maison’s Landing have high-end upgrades in each unit, including stainless steel appliances and in-unit washer and dryer options, as well as other conveniences like carports and garages.
Maison’s Landing has incredible amenities, like free bike checkouts, a gated pet area, a pool lounge with billiards and shuffleboard, sports courts and a pool.
Ultimately, Aspen Cove is in a quiet community north of downtown. It contains two- and three-bedroom units that have luxury features, like vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, large closets with organizers included.
There are also private patios and additional private storage, making it easier to hold outdoor gatherings and store extra belongings.
Thornhill Park is in the quieter suburbs east of downtown Salt Lake City. Its facilities include a clubhouse, business center, fitness center, hot tub, pool and racquetball courts. There’s also on-site patrol to keep the complex safe.
Here at Thornhill Park, there are floor plans that are one and two bedrooms. Plus, in-unit washers and dryers, patios, balconies and new interiors.
Minutes away from historic Wheeler Farm, Boulder Hollow lies close to walking trails and canyons for outdoor recreation. These large apartments have in-unit washer and dryer connections and controlled access for added safety.
Residents can choose from anything between one- to four-bedroom apartments and townhomes, which are perfect for everyone from individuals flying solo to families of all sizes.
Stonehenge’s spacious one- and two-bedroom apartment plans include large closets, a fireplace and in-unit washer and dryer hookups. Additionally, it’s also not too far from hiking, skiing and other outdoor recreation.
Furthermore, the facilities have a pool and hot tub, fitness center, recreation room and racquetball and tennis courts, so you have everything you need and more right outside your door.
Right in between downtown Salt Lake and the University of Utah campus is The New Broadmoor. This beautiful brick building is full of character and charm and contains one- and two-bedroom apartments, with short-term leases available if needed.
These renovated apartments are all about location and are within walking distance of many shops, cafes and other dining. Plus, we have to mention plenty of downtown entertainment.
What used to be an old bowling center, the Ritz Classic was converted into studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, but kept the large 90-foot bowling pin in the parking lot as a reminder of its history.
Along with updated interiors, these apartments are close to parks, shopping and dining, and the complex itself has plenty of amenities. Fire pits, a coffee bar, electric vehicle charging stations and even a yoga studio are a few of the things residents have access to.
Near downtown and within walking distance to shopping and entertainment, Park Place at City Centre has two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments.
Plus, it includes a variety of amenities, like a barbecue area, playground for kids, fitness center, hot tub and large clubhouse.
Just off of Foothill Drive, one of the best locations in the valley is Foothill Place. A short drive from downtown and right near the mouth of Parley’s Canyon, there really isn’t a more ideal spot to settle.
These one- and two-bedroom apartments are not only close to multiple ski resorts, but the complex has a hot tub, pool and fitness center.
First of all, you have the option of a one-, two- or three-bedroom floor plan at Overlook Point. Although it isn’t in the center of the city, it is conveniently located near a shopping center in the quiet suburbs.
If shopping isn’t enough, there are basketball and tennis courts, a clubhouse and a fitness center. Also, enjoy taking a dip in the pool!
Newly renovated with large garden tubs, oversized closets and hardwood floors, Cornell Street is one of the best apartments for the price.
Their studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments start at just $720 a month and would put you within only a few minutes of downtown Salt Lake.
Finally, Towers on Main is basically the best of everything. It offers a variety of floor plans —everything from studio to 3-bedrooms. It has stellar safety features, such as alarms, controlled building access, gated access to the premises and on-site patrol.
There are pet-specific amenities, including a private dog park, making it one of the best for pet owners. In addition to pet amenities, there’s a pool, fitness center, recreation room and media center.
Don’t delay your Salt Lake City apartment hunt
Because. so many people are moving to Salt Lake City, housing may become harder and harder to come by. So don’t wait to start looking for an apartment! Snag the perfect place for you before someone else does.
We looked at all available multifamily rental property inventory from January to June 2021 on Rent. to determine which properties with a Salt Lake City mailing address are most viewed by organic internet searches. The information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein does not constitute financial advice, availability or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Nevada, known for its vibrant nightlife, entertainment industry, and desert landscapes is not only a tourist attraction but also an affordable place to live for renters. While the state capital is Carson City, the largest city is Las Vegas, home to countless casinos, luxury hotels, and a plethora of entertainment shows. Despite its glitz and glamour, Nevada offers some of the cheapest places to live, verified by our comprehensive research on cities’ population, median income, median home value, and 2-bedroom asking rent. The cheapest cities in the state according to our results include Boulder City, North Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Sun Valley, and Fernley.
Boulder City, NV
Boasting a population of just over 16,000, Boulder City is a gem in the state of Nevada. Its median income is $62,792 which, together with a median home value of $304,600, makes it a worthwhile place to live. The 2-bedroom asking rent in Boulder City is $1,290, which is considerably affordable considering the amenities offered. A drive around Boulder City will take you past historical spots like the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum, nature trails like the River Mountain Loop Trail, or the scenic Boulder City Golf Course. The city’s high score of 94.999 implies a high standard of living, making it one of the best and most affordable places to live in Nevada.
North Las Vegas, NV
North Las Vegas is another affordable city in Nevada, having a population of 247,248 and a median income of $60,972. With a median home value of $260,100 and an impressively low 2-bedroom asking rent of $1,292, North Las Vegas offers a comfortable living standard at a relatively low expense. The city is home to several attractions, such as the Aliante Nature Discovery Park and the Planetarium at the College of Southern Nevada. With an overall score of 78.3493, North Las Vegas provides a budget-friendly living destination.
Las Vegas, NV
Despite being a famous international entertainment center, Las Vegas, with a population of 644,594, is surprisingly budget-friendly for renters. It has a median home value of $279,700, balanced against a median income of $58,377. Rent for a 2-bedroom residence in the city stands at $1,460, offering access to the thriving city life, vibrant nightlife, and numerous recreational areas such as the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. With a score of 74.6125, Las Vegas certainly offers an affordable living standard, despite its world-renowned glitz and glamour.
Sun Valley, NV
Sun Valley, a suburb of Reno with a population of 21,179, is an affordable city in Nevada for renters. The median home value is $190,600 while the median income is $56,503. Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $1,635. Sun Valley is known for Sun Valley Community Park and its proximity to the Sparks Marina Park. With a score of 65.7872, Sun Valley is a great place to live, combining affordability with plenty of recreational opportunities.
Fernley, NV
Located just 30 miles east of Reno, Fernley is one of the most affordable cities in Nevada with a population of 20,616. The city’s median income is $66,525 and the median home value is $256,200. The 2-bedroom asking rent in Fernley is $1,550. Fernley offers plenty of outdoor activities with its proximity to the Pyramid Lake and Fernley Wildlife Management Area. The city’s score of 57.9801 denotes a comfortable, affordable lifestyle in a peaceful, suburban setting.
Methodology
The cheapest cities in each state were ranked based on its median home price and median asking rents for studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Prior to ranking, inputs were normalized, and weights were applied using a 1.25:1 ratio of asking rents to home prices. Data on home prices are from the U.S. Census 2016-2020 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Data on asking rents are from Rent. Cities without data for one- or two-bedroom asking rents or a population of less than 10,000 were removed from this ranking. Any other missing values were zeroed and did not impact the final score.
Chase offers consumers several travel rewards credit cards, most of which help you earn points for a trip and offer travel protections should your journey go differently than expected. These benefits can help give you peace of mind and reduce stress, especially if your trip gets canceled.
Many Chase cards offer travel coverage that includes trip cancellation insurance, among other protections. Let’s take a look at Chase trip cancellation insurance, which cards provide it and what this benefit covers.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses — such as flights, hotel reservations or a cruise — should your trip be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, such as extreme weather, an accident or a death in the family.
Coverage begins on the date you make your initial trip deposit and ends when you depart for your trip.
Chase cards that come with trip cancellation insurance
The following cards include Chase trip cancellation insurance:
Chase credit card
Trip cancellation insurance benefits
$1,500 per covered person, $6,000 per trip.
$1,500 per covered person, $6,000 per trip.
$1,500 per covered person, $6,000 per trip.
$1,500 per covered person, $6,000 per trip.
$10,000 per covered person, $20,000 per trip.
$10,000 per covered person, $20,000 per trip.
$1,500 per covered person, $6,000 per trip.
$5,000 per covered person, $10,000 per trip.
$5,000 per covered person, $10,000 per trip.
$1,500 per covered person, $6,000 per trip.
$10,000 per covered person, $20,000 per trip.
$1,500 per covered person, $6,000 per trip.
$1,500 per covered person, $6,000 per trip.
$5,000 per covered person, $10,000 per trip.
What does Chase trip cancellation insurance cover?
Chase travel insurance covers nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses such as flights, hotels, cruises, train tickets and tours — whether you book with a travel agency or directly with the travel provider.
The benefits kick in when one of the following reasons occurs:
Accidental bodily injury, sickness or loss of life experienced by you or an immediate family member.
Severe weather.
Named storm warning.
Change in military orders for you or your spouse.
A call to jury duty or a court subpoena.
Fire, flood or a burglary to your or your traveling companion’s residence.
The death or hospitalization of your or your travel companion’s host at the destination.
Doctor-imposed quarantine.
Organized strikes affecting public transportation.
Terrorist incidents or travel warnings related to terrorism.
What isn’t covered by Chase trip cancellation insurance?
Event tickets, amusement park tickets, museum entry fees and golf course expenses aren’t eligible for reimbursement unless they’re included in a prepaid travel package.
Trip cancellation benefits don’t apply to losses caused by:
A change in plans or financial circumstances.
A pre-existing medical condition.
Loss due to voluntary surrender of unused tickets, vouchers or credits.
Travel arrangements scheduled after the 26th week of pregnancy.
Being on a waitlist for a medical treatment.
Trips taken for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment.
Unwillingness to travel due to civil unrest.
Failure to obtain required visas, passports or other paperwork necessary for travel.
Commission of illegal acts.
Attempted suicide or self-inflicted injuries.
Being under the influence of drugs.
Disinclination to travel or border closures resulting from a pandemic.
Financial insolvency of the common carrier, travel agency or tour operator.
War, insurrection, rebellion or revolution (except terrorism).
Who is covered by Chase trip cancellation insurance?
As the primary cardholder, you’re covered. The trip cancellation insurance also extends to your immediate family members, including:
Parents, step-parents and/or legal guardians.
Spouses or domestic partners and their parents.
Children, including adopted children and step-children.
Grandparents and grandchildren.
Aunts and uncles.
Nieces and nephews.
Your immediate family members don’t have to be traveling with you for the benefits to apply to them as well. However, you must have used the Chase credit card that includes trip cancellation insurance to pay for their trip.
Which trips are eligible for Chase trip cancellation insurance?
Eligible trips can’t exceed 60 consecutive travel days. If your trip is longer, the coverage is still available, but the eligible prepaid nonrefundable expenses would be reimbursed as a pro-rated sum up to the first 60 days.
You must pay for all or a portion of the trip using an eligible Chase credit card or Chase Ultimate Rewards® for it to be eligible for the trip cancellation benefits. If your canceled trip results in a future credit or voucher, it won’t be covered.
How to file a trip cancellation insurance claim with Chase
To file a Chase trip cancellation insurance claim, you must contact the benefits administrator within 20 days of the cancellation. You can do this by calling the phone number listed in your credit card’s guide to benefits. If you wish to file a claim online, you can visit www.eclaimsline.com.
You’ll have to provide the following documentation within 90 days to support your claim:
Completed and signed claim form.
Travel itinerary.
Documentation confirming the reason for trip cancellation, such as medical records or a death certificate.
Credit card account statement listing the transaction related to the trip.
Copies of the cancellation and refund policies from the travel provider.
Any unused credits or vouchers.
Chase trip cancellation insurance recapped
Holding a credit card that provides travel insurance can help put your mind at ease when unexpected problems arise.
Chase’s insurance benefits cover you and your family members against expenses incurred due to trip cancellation, among other things.
However, it’s important to know what’s covered by the policy and what isn’t. Additionally, you’ll want to keep track of all documentation related to the cancellation and submit it before the deadline to receive reimbursement.
The information related to the Chase Freedom®credit card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Architect Louis Naidorf had a disastrous 80th birthday cake. In 2008, Naidorf, who designed the Capitol Records building in Hollywood, was presented with a celebration cake that had been custom-baked in the shape of his iconic cylindrical building. But the pastry soon reflected the rather substantial difference between concrete and flour.
“When the cake was brought out, it gently collapsed, and everyone applauded,” Naidorf says, laughing over the phone from his home in Santa Rosa. “It was like in one of the movies where the Capitol Records building was destroyed.” Thankfully the cake for his 95th birthday, which he celebrated last month, was more structurally sound.
Designated a historic-cultural monument in 2006, the building has long been a favorite Los Angeles landmark to demolish on film — especially for filmmaker Roland Emmerich, who blew it up with an alien spaceship in “Independence Day” and slammed it with twisters in “The Day After Tomorrow.” Yet no movie can ever write the building out of a central place in popular music history. The tower is synonymous with the illustrious Capitol Records, home of Nat King Coleand Frank Sinatra, and the American record label of Pink Floyd and the Beatles, with the latter’s stars lining the Hollywood Walk of Fame right in front of the building.
Over the last several years, the building has been illuminated in support of various sociopolitical causes. In 2020, it was lighted red to support independent music venues. Last year, during their performance in Hollywood, Duran Duran lighted the Capitol Records building blue and yellow in solidarity with Ukraine. “I think that’s excellent,” Naidorf says. “Anything that vigorously engages the public on the right side of good causes transcends other issues. I’m flattered they use the Capitol Records building. It means it has enough cachet to merit being chosen to do that.”
Like the famous landmark he designed, Louis Naidorf has of late been experiencing his own brush with stardom, with postcards from autograph seekers arriving at his door. He is flattered but doesn’t take the attention too seriously.
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“It’s obvious that if someone asks me for four signatures I’m part of trading baseball cards or something,” he says. “They are going to trade four Lou Naidorfs for one Joe Smith.”
Still, he’s surprised and somewhat baffled by the sudden burst of recognition after all these years. “I guess my name ended up on a list or something,” he shrugs.
Naidorf was just 24 years old when he designed the Capitol Records building, in 1953. It was the world’s first circular office building.
Though it was 70 years ago, he vividly recalls how he felt when he received the assignment for his first solo project. “At one level, I felt enormous anxiety that if I didn’t get a solution, very, very quickly, something terrible would happen,” he says. “On the other hand, I felt a total confidence that I could do it. So it was a crazy contradiction.”
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Naidorf notes the building’s porcelain enamel sunshades with carefully spaced gaps to play with light and shadow. These cause spiral lines to appear on the building, drawing the eye into a rhythm rather than straight up and down. “You can see Capitol Records from quite a distance and you get a first impression of its basic form and character. You have a reading of it as complete,” he says. “But the building is designed so that the closer you get to the building, you discover more details.”
What about the long-standing myth that its round shape was designed to look like a stack of records with a rooftop antenna resembling a phonograph needle? As hard as it might be to believe, the legendary story about the building is just a coincidence — an urban legend that Naidorf has tried to debunk for decades.
In fact, when his boss, Welton Becket, tasked him with the assignment, the building was simply referred to as Project X. Shrouded in secrecy, Naidorf was given little guidance for the project other than being asked to design a 13-story building on a sloped side street in Hollywood that had to be kept as cool as possible and had smaller than usual floor space. He also didn’t know for whom he was designing it. Naidorf says it was common for clients’ identities to be kept confidential during the initial planning stages of a project.
However, Naidorf relished the creative latitude. The absence of information left him unburdened by preconceived ideas. “I knew the door was open for something special. It urged me so strongly,” he says earnestly. “I felt, and I think all architects feel this way … there’s a drive to translate the mundane bare requirements that clients come in with into something that has some poetic qualities about it.”
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Naidorf then had an epiphany: The project’s requirements were “eerily resonant” with a series of circular buildings he had designed for his master’s thesis in college. “The round shape is a very efficient enclosure of space,” he says. “You get more bang for your buck.”
Not everyone agreed with his approach. Naidorf says that Capitol Records co-founder and President Glenn Wallichs became irate when Naidorf presented him with a model and drawings of a round building, and “violently rejected” the design. “He thought it was a cheap stunt designed by a young guy to make the building look like a stack of records,” Naidorf says, laughing.
Wallichs insisted that Naidorf replace the round design with plans for a rectangular building. But when both rectangular and circular designs were presented to the insurance company financing the land, Naidorf says that Wallichs was urged to proceed with the round design.
Soon after, when talk of the building housing a radio station (that never came to fruition) was raised, Naidorf fretted when he was asked to design an antenna. He was worried that it would look like a phonograph needle and cement the idea that the building was designed to look like a stack of records.
Owing to his nagging concern, Naidorf positioned the rooftop spire asymmetrically, poised to appear as if it touches the roof delicately, like “a ballerina en pointe.” He calls it the building’s “grace note.” Still, the stack-of-vinyl myth persists. Laughing, Naidorf says, “It’s the most enduring myth of all.”
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Despite his good humor, it leaves him conflicted. “The building was not designed as a cartoon or a giggle. To have it trivialized with the stack-of-records myth is annoying and dismaying,” he says. “There’s not a thing on the building that doesn’t have a solid purpose to it.”
Naidorf’s ingenuity has been especially impressive to Los Angeles-based architect Lorcan O’Herlihy, who says he has “often responded strongly to the fact and admired that here was this interesting architect [Naidorf] who was combining science and art, or artistry and technology. Welton Becket [& Associates], very much to their credit, were at a period where modernism was at its heyday and they had to come up with ideas that were new and fresh and they did it, and Lou was certainly instrumental in that. His work is extraordinary.”
Naidorf was born in Los Angeles in 1928. His father owned a shop where he made and sold women’s clothing, with Naidorf’s mother lining the garments. Owing to his father’s lack of accounting skills and business acumen, however, the business often collapsed, forcing his parents to work at a garment factory until debts could be paid off to reopen the store.
Throughout his childhood, Naidorf’s family struggled financially as they moved around, living mostly in Silver Lake and Los Feliz. With only enough money to rent studio apartments, Naidorf’s parents slept on a Murphy bed while Naidorf spent his nights on a mattress on the floor.
As a little boy, Naidorf felt drawn to buildings. When his third-grade teacher decorated the classroom with a Hawaiian vacation theme, his fascination morphed into a calling. “I asked my teacher who made the drawings and she said, ‘Naval architects.’ And then I asked her who draws the plans for houses and she said, ‘Architects.’ She told me to ask my mother to show me the floor plans that were published in the real estate section of the Sunday edition of the newspaper.
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“When I saw them, I was a goner,” he swoons. “I now knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to be an architect.”
Naidorf remembers, at age 8, designing a three-bedroom house, using a card table as a makeshift drafting table. Soon after, he began designing small towns. “It wasn’t anything brilliant, but I was learning to draw, learning to scale and learning to think in spatial terms,” he says. When he was 12 years old, Naidorf got a part-time job at a bookstore, where he spent his first two paychecks on architecture books, absorbing them until they were threadbare.
Beyond literature, Naidorf amassed a growing collection of architectural materials (T-square, rectangles, instruments for ink drawings), thanks to his bar mitzvah presents, and decided he was ready to get to work. Sanford Kent, a young architect who had just graduated from USC, hired a tenacious 13-year-old Naidorf, paying him out of his own pocket.
Naidorf says tackling the abstract problems Kent gave him at once stimulated his mind and were instrumental in forming his long-standing ethos. “It got me thinking about architecture in terms of its effect on human emotions. The key issue is, ‘How do people respond to your work, whether from a distance or by living it?’” he says.
He continued to soak up whatever he could about architecture, gearing his junior and high school classes toward studying architecture in university. He attended UC Berkeley instead of the privately funded USC, not only to leave home and expand his horizons but also because of its affordability.
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Even still, Naidorf couldn’t afford all of the program’s required materials. He borrowed airbrushes from his fellow students, who would also give him their pencil stubs instead of tossing them out. Naidorf submitted his assignments on pebble board, which was not only cheaper than illustration board but allowed him to draw on one side, flip it over and draw on the other.
In 1950, Naidorf graduated at the top of his class and got his master of architecture degree a year early. He skipped his graduation ceremony because he had a job interview the next day at Welton Becket & Associates, where he was promptly hired. Among his earliest design assignments: a tray slide for a hospital cafeteria, a clothes closet and a “Please Wait to Be Seated” sign for a restaurant.
Three years into his employment, he began working on the Capitol Records building. Naidorf says he would design it the exact same way if he were given the assignment today.
Andrew Slater, former Capitol Records president and chief executive (2001-07), attests to the building’s distinctive charm. “When you go to work every day in that building it’s like you’re going into a piece of art, and it informs your attitude … to do something with that mindset, which is great,” he says. “Even though working in the music industry is, in a sense, an industrial endeavor, you never felt like you were doing anything industrial when you walked into that building.”
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Still, Naidorf fears being perceived as a “Johnny One Note,” as he puts it. Noting the plaque bearing his name outside the building’s main entrance, he expresses gratitude but wariness “that this one modest project has to carry my whole reputation on it.”
It’s a fair point, given the magnitude of Naidorf’s notable oeuvre. It’s earned him 17 regional honor and merit awards and AIA California’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2009). His work also has been featured at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
“I know Capitol Records is always the first one people talk about and it’s a splendid, iconic building that fuses artistry and functionalism, but he’s also produced other projects over the years,” says fellow architect O’Herlihy. “The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is brilliant.”
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Naidorf designed the 3,000-seat capacity Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on the heels of the Capitol Records building, in the late 1950s. Essentially two buildings in one, it was a challenge to design a locale that functioned at once as a performance space with a sloped floor and an exhibit hall with a flat floor for sports events, banquets and trade shows.
He transformed the floor from flat to tilted using a hydraulic system that was hailed for its innovation. “I don’t think you’ll find any place that has a symphony on a Friday night and a gem show, or some kind of hobby show, on Saturday,” he says.
Formerly home to the Santa Monica Symphony Orchestrabut currently sitting vacant, the Civic Auditorium opened its doors to the public in 1958. From 1961 to 1968, it hosted the Academy Awards. It also was the site of live recordings including George Carlin’s comedy record “Class Clown” and the Eagles’ “Eagles Live,” a double LP recorded during their three-night run at the venue. It also hosted “The T.A.M.I. Show” in 1964.
In the meantime, while the Civic was still under construction, Naidorf designed the 15,000-seat capacity Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, the biggest arena in Los Angeles when it opened in 1959. (The arena was demolished in 2016 to make way for the Banc of California Stadium, now called BMO Stadium.)
Naidorf says the Sports Arena, home to various Los Angeles sports teams including the NBA’s Lakers (1960-67) and Clippers (1984-1999) and the NHL’s Kings (1967-68), was built to attract sports teams to Los Angeles, but uncertainty about whether they’d catch on meant the facility had to be viable for other purposes.
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In 1960, a year after it opened its doors, the Sports Arena hosted the first Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, where John F. Kennedy became the presidential nominee. Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) won a boxing match there in 1962. It also hosted rallies by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Dalai Lama, and saw concerts by legendary rock acts including the Grateful Dead.
Bruce Springsteen played the venue’s final concerts before the building was demolished, a three-night stint during which he dedicated his song “Wrecking Ball” to the building lovingly nicknamed “The Dump That Still Jumps.” “Well, it was pretty dumpy by the end,” Naidorf says, laughing. “Not all architecture is permanent,” he continues. “I’d rather it was demolished and some useful purpose made of the site than having it sit there old, shabby and neglected as it was.”
Naidorf’s credits also include the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the Beverly Center and the Reagan State Office Building downtown. Outside of Los Angeles, Naidorf helmed the restoration of the California State Capitol Building in Sacramento, a six-year undertaking and then the largest-ever restoration undertaken in the U.S., and he designed President Gerald Ford’s house in Rancho Mirage.
The tallest building in Arizona, the Valley National Bank building (now Chase Tower) in Phoenix, also was designed by Naidorf, as well as the Hyatt Regency Dallas and adjacent Reunion Tower, the most recognizable landmark of the city’s skyline.
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He details these and his other high-profile projects in his 2018 book “More Humane: An Architectural Memoir”, filled with photos, backstories and personal anecdotes. Flipping through its pages, one learns that Naidorf not only took risks designing his projects but even risked his job on occasion.
He writes in his memoir that in 1958, when he was designing the Humble Oil (now Exxon) headquarters in Houston, he refused to design separate locker rooms and drinking fountains for Black and white people, as the company asked him to. When he went home on that Friday night, he describes not knowing if he’d have a job the following Monday. Not only did Naidorf not lose his job, he says, but the company ceased segregating its locker rooms and drinking fountains after that.
“I realized architects have access to some of the most powerful people in the world and it is our job to bring up issues that represent social issues rather than just architectural design,” he says. “The only thing for evil to triumph is for good people to remain silent. Architects should not remain silent.”
Naidorf also understood that sometimes he was designing projects where people don’t want to be, like the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, which opened in 1988. “I felt that there were two emotions we had to contend with,” he says. “One was to lay the sense that this would be welcoming and have a more personal quality. But if you go to a hospital you want a quite contradictory thing. You want to have a sense that it’s state-of-the-art, that whatever powerful forces can cure you, they’re there.”
Instead of one medical building, which he felt would seem ominous, he designed several structures and a series of outdoor walkways to make the facility feel warm and comforting. The treatment and diagnostic part of the facility was bold, with an abundance of steel and glass. Walkways were lined with floor-to-ceiling glass to allow patients to see the outdoor courtyard, grass, trees, sky and distant views of a golf course “based on the primitive feeling you have in the hospital, which is to get out of the damn place,” he says.
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When he was out shopping a few months ago, Naidorf met a woman who mentioned that she had been in the Navy, forcing her to move around a lot when her son was battling childhood leukemia. Without knowing she was talking to the Naval Medical Center’s designer himself, she told Naidorf that it was the only hospital that didn’t scare her ill 6-year-old son, who has since made a full recovery.
“What kind of an architect…,” Naidorf says, overcome with emotion and his voice breaking, “do you have to be not to hold that as better than any design award?”
Though Naidorf had risen through Welton Becket & Associates’ ranks to become vice president, director of research and director of design, he grew increasingly unhappy after the firm’s merger with Ellerbe Associates (it was renamed Ellerbe Becket). He moved into academia full-time in 1990, spending just one day a week at the firm.
Naidorf became dean of the School of Architecture and Design at Woodbury University, earning numerous distinctions, including teacher, faculty member and administrator of the year. He was also a guest professor at UCLA, USC, Cal Poly Pomona and SCI-Arc. At his retirement ceremony in 2000, he was awarded an honorary doctorate, marking not only the end of his academic career but also his time in Los Angeles.
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Charmed by the beauty of Northern California, Naidorf moved up the coast to Santa Rosa. For the next 15 years, he continued working with Woodbury University as campus architect, designing and remodeling some of its buildings, and was invited to be a board member.
When he parted ways with Woodbury at 87 years old, it was not with the goal of taking it easy. Naidorf had other pursuits in mind, including his work with City Vision Santa Rosa revitalizing the city’s downtown area.
He also helped his close friend, Mike Harkins (who edited Naidorf’s memoir), design his new house free of charge after the 2017 Tubbs Fire burned Harkins’ home to the ground and he and his wife lost 99% of their belongings.
“Lou offered without solicitation: ‘I’d like to design your house,’” Harkins says. “To me or anyone else who knows him, it was a heartfelt offer that of course he would make, and yet so much more. One analogy might be if Eric Clapton said, ‘I’d like to play at your wedding.’ The knowledge and sensibility that comes along with a Naidorf design offering is huge, just like his heart.”
Most recently, Naidorf has been experimenting with plans for a project to help people who are unhoused.
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Naidorf has made the most of his architecture license over the last 71 years. His voice fills with pride when he reveals that he holds the earliest issued active architecture license in the state of California, obtained in 1952.
“It’s something I wanted to be since I was a little kid. My architecture license was so hard to come by. I don’t want to give it up,” he says with palpable emotion. “I don’t want to be retired. I want to be an architect until I fall over. I plan to be buried as a licensed architect.”
Of recently turning 95, he jokes that he feels like a bad vaudeville performer who soon will be pulled offstage by a hook. But Naidorf remains in remarkably good health after surviving both prostate and esophageal cancer in his 80s.
To keep his brain sharp, he does exercises including counting backward from 100 by sevens and taking IQ tests online.
As a nonagenarian, he says there is no key to living a long life. He suggests, though, that it helps to try to use it well. “It’s not how big the steak is but how tasty it is,” he says. “I think you have to seek a calling, listen for it and search for it. Find something in your life that is really yours. … Get engaged with something that’s going to scare you, something where the problems are hard. And take risks. There is no failure.”
He also notes the importance of adaptability. “I have had four marriages. I’d better be resilient,” he quips. Twice divorced and twice widowed, Naidorf has a daughter from his first marriage, four stepchildren (who call him “Dad”) from his fourth marriage, 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. An intensely private man, he’s reticent to speak publicly about his relationships and family, preferring to focus on his work.
“I remain so fascinated with architecture,” he says. “I cannot even walk past a store where somebody is putting in an electrical outlet without stopping to look in and watch it.”
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The chatty Naidorf turns summarily succinct, saying, “I certainly have had a good run.”
Within those 77 Chicago neighborhoods are also unique communities and sometimes neighborhood personalities differ by block. Moving to a brand new city or even moving within the city can be a confusing and tedious exercise.
Before you start the apartment-hunting process, it’s smart to consider your budget and what’s important to you — access to public transportation, nature, Lake Michigan, nightlife, etc.
Luckily, there are tons of amazing neighborhoods in Chicago, no matter your cash flow. We’ve rounded up a list of the median rental rates for a one-bedroom Chicago apartment in the most expensive and least expensive Chicago neighborhoods.
The most expensive Chicago neighborhoods
Part of the reason these neighborhoods are among the most expensive to rent in Chicago is due to their proximity to major attractions, the presence of new apartment buildings offering luxury amenities and their locations within walking distance to the Loop and Lake Michigan.
5. Old Town: $2,804
Source: Adam Alexander Photography Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago
It’s entirely possible to walk cobblestone streets in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, which also includes Michael’s Church, the oldest Victorian building in the neighborhood, and one of the only buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire. Since it’s one of the few areas that wasn’t destroyed by the fire, several streets are intact and not part of the Chicago street grid built after the fire.
Today, the neighborhood is an active and vibrant community filled with boutiques and restaurants along Wells Street. Improv comedy troupe The Second City sits prominently at the corner of North and Wells. The area’s charm of historic homes, and walking distance to restaurants, nightlife, Lincoln Park Zoo and Lake Michigan, among other reasons, help drive up the rental rates where one can expect to pay about $2,804 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
If those rent prices aren’t within your budget, don’t sweat it — there are plenty of other mid-price bustling neighborhoods to check out, like Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Logan Square.
4. Fulton Market: $2,842
Fulton Market Street was the meatpacking district of the city in the 1870s, when grocery shops and restauranteurs would source not only their meat but other commodities, including poultry, fish, eggs and butter. More wholesalers, including those who sold flowers, were nearby, along Randolph Street.
Today, Fulton Market’s past is barely visible since those meatpackers and food distributors have since sold their properties to make way for some of the most expensive new developments to be built in the city’s West Loop neighborhood.
While they often come with luxury amenities, a one-bedroom apartment in Fulton Market comes with a $2,842 per month price tag.
3. Streeterville: $2,939
City of Chicago Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago
Streeterville is one of Chicago’s smallest neighborhoods, but it packs some serious punch in terms of real estate. Nestled right along Navy Pier, it has easy access to the Loop, River North and Gold Coast all at once, plus some incredible views of Lake Michigan.
The Magnificent Mile shopping district is located in Streeterville, and the area is also home to both Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, so there’s a fair amount of hospital staff, both permanent and visiting, who live in this area.
High-end skyscrapers are the apartment buildings of choice in this neighborhood, and there are plenty of public transportation options within short walking distance. Expect to spend around $2,939 for a one-bedroom apartment in this tony neighborhood.
2. River North: $2,962
You know you’re in River North when you see the magnificent, mammoth Merchandise Mart and get a waft of chocolate from the nearby Blommer Chocolate Company. This is another neighborhood filled with gorgeous skyscrapers and five-star restaurants, and it has a particular edge on the posh nightclub scene. Many professionals who work in the Loop live in River North since it’s within walking distance, and its art gallery-laden streets are great for meandering on the weekends.
Many of the luxury apartment buildings in this area feature dedicated dog runs and dog parks within them since there aren’t many parks in this part of the city. A one-bedroom apartment is just shy of $3,000 per month.
1. Greektown: $3,069
Greektown in the West Loop is just a few blocks on Halsted, between the 290 Expressway (also known as the Eisenhower or the Ike) and Madison Street. It’s named Greektown because of the high concentration of Greeks who moved into the area and established restaurants and other businesses. Gyros and saganaki (the flaming cheese that’s often ordered as an appetizer at many Greek restaurants) were introduced to the United States by Chicago’s Greektown restaurants.
While there are a handful of Greek restaurants that still line the street, many of those have been replaced with luxury high-rises to accommodate the ever-growing West Loop demand for housing. Today, this small strip is among the most expensive when it comes to one-bedroom apartments — you can score a place for around $3,069 per month.
The cheapest Chicago neighborhoods
You’d think apartment rental rates would rise as you got closer to Lake Michigan, but that’s not always the case. There are plenty of deals to be found if you’re craving access to the lake or the lakefront trails. Not all of the cheapest Chicago neighborhoods are along Lake Michigan, but it’s worth checking out these, which are among the top five cheapest areas to rent in Chicago.
5. Buena Park: $1,350
Source: Park Shores
When you say Buena Park, people wonder if it’s part of Uptown or Lakeview and for good reason. This tiny enclave between Montrose Avenue and Irving Park Avenue butts up against Graceland Cemetery to the west and Lake Michigan to the east. Historic single-family homes (including some George Maher mansions along Hutchinson Street) dot the area and share the quiet neighborhood with high rises and apartment complexes.
The neighborhood has a very active neighborhood membership-based group with a website that provides updates on various neighborhood events and happenings. Buena Park often plays host to summertime concerts and movies, and the group usually organizes an annual outing to a Chicago Cubs home game since it’s within walking distance. If living in a quiet neighborhood on the city’s north side appeals to you, it’s possible to snag a one-bedroom apartment in Buena Park for around $1,350 a month.
4. South Shore: $1,146
Source: Chicago Park District Photo Courtesy of Chicago Park District
Former First Lady Michelle Obama grew up in South Shore and while that may be how most people from out of town learn of this South Side neighborhood, most locals know it for its close proximity to Lake Michigan, Rainbow Beach and Stony Island Arts Bank — an art gallery, media archive, gorgeous library and community center.
And while the namesake owner of Harold’s Chicken Shack may have left this earth, his name lives on with what many consider the best fried chicken. If that weren’t enough, the neighborhood is also home to the South Shore Cultural Center which includes a 65-acre park complete with a nine-hole golf course and tennis courts, a culinary center, a nature center and a number of cultural programming and classes.
It’s also located just south of Hyde Park and Woodlawn, where rents tend to be higher because of their proximity to the University of Chicago campus. South Shore allows residents to enjoy all the South Side has to offer at $1,146 per month for a one-bedroom.
3. West Ridge: $1,102
Source: 6200 Hoyne
West Ridge includes Devon Street and along this strip of West Devon is Little India, a colorful and vibrant community filled with Indian and Pakistani shops, bakeries, restaurants and other businesses. Come any time of the day and you’ll likely find a hub of activity and people double-parked.
To really enjoy all this area has to offer, don’t miss some of the liveliest nights during India and Pakistan’s respective independence day celebrations (in mid-August for each), as well as various multi-cultural festivals and the night before Ramadan ends.
Due to Little India’s density, there are more apartment buildings and condos near West Devon but there are many single-family homes throughout the West Ridge neighborhood. A one-bedroom apartment in this part of the city is around $1,102 per month.
2. Austin: $967
Source: 200 Central
Austin is such a large neighborhood in terms of geography that even locals differentiate their location by saying North Austin and South Austin. The West Side city also includes Columbus Park, a 140-acre park and what some consider landscape architect Jens Jensen’s finest work. Jensen’s work can also be enjoyed in nearby parks, including Garfield Park and Humboldt Park.
Residents also have easy access to the suburb Oak Park. Madison Street and Lake Street tend to have a high concentration of shopping and the area has several Chicago public transit (CTA) train stops, as well as Metra stops. The 290 Expressway, known as the Eisenhower, or the Ike to locals, runs through Austin, as well.
A one-bedroom apartment in Austin runs around $967 per month.
1. South Chicago: $700
South Chicago is located just south of South Shore and includes Steelworkers Park, a 16.5-acre park with a rock-climbing wall. Transforming this park into a beautiful nature area, complete with trees and walking paths so close to Lake Michigan is particularly impressive since it was formerly part of the U.S. Steel Complex known as South Works.
The area still boasts some of the least expensive apartments available in the city. A one-bedroom apartment runs around $700 per month in this area.
What is the average rent in Chicago?
According to our analysis, the average rent in Chicago is $2,395 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Finding your perfect Chicago neighborhood
For Chicagoans, rents vary by dramatically by neighborhood, even by block within a neighborhood and there are many reasons for these rent fluctuations. It pays to look around and talk to locals to help you find the perfect Chicago neighborhood and one that matches your personality, wants and needs. Regardless of where you land, in the Windy City, we’re all happy to live here.
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory of one-bedroom apartments. Data was pulled in August 2020 and goes back for one year. We use a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
The city is a major banking center and home to the Levine Museum of the New South. You can see Broadway productions, listen to the symphony, visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame and escape to the countryside, all in one weekend.
Like most cities, Charlotte has many different neighborhoods to choose from when you’re deciding where to live. Whether you prefer to live in the hippest neighborhoods with the best nightlife and newest restaurants or a quiet neighborhood with parks and sidewalks or something in between, you’re sure to find it Charlotte.
Here are the 15 best neighborhoods in Charlotte for renters to live in 2022.
Median 1-BR rent: $1,622
Median 2-BR rent: $2,049
Walk Score: 50/100
Uptown is the hub of the action in Charlotte. It’s where the majority of the major companies are and subsequently, where most people work. If you like restaurants, pubs and nightclubs, this is where you’ll find an endless variety of all of them. Uptown is also home to most of the city’s major sporting events.
This neighborhood has four wards. Second and Fourth Ward are mainly residential, but are walkable to the First and Third Ward, which are the commercial districts. Frazier Dog Park on the edge of the neighborhood is great for your four-legged friends, while sports fans will have plenty to do watching the Carolina Panthers play at Bank of America stadium.
Median 1-BR rent: $1,687
Median 2-BR rent: $2,357
Walk Score: 71/100
This is Charlotte’s historic showpiece. Dilworth features many renovated Victorian houses and is a registered historic district. The neighborhood is walkable and is also connected to Downtown by a streetcar line. Most of the residents are professionals and families with young children. There’s a splash pad for kids at Latta Park.
You can find plenty of cafés and shops, as well as houses here, and the Carolinas Medical Center is nearby. It’s a short commute to Uptown and Downtown, which is why this neighborhood was Charlotte’s first suburb.
Median 1-BR rent: $1,225
Median 2-BR rent: $1,350
Walk Score: 60/100
Elizabeth was Charlotte’s second streetcar suburb, and it still boasts a streetcar connection to Downtown. Many of the neighborhood’s historic homes are now popular restaurants. But don’t worry, the neighborhood still has plenty of residential housing left and it’s highly walkable, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte.
One of Charlotte’s oldest theaters, the Visulite Theater, is found in Elizabeth. Another unique feature of this neighborhood is that it borders the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, putting outdoor activities within easy reach.
Median 1-BR rent: $930
Median 2-BR rent: $1,165
Walk Score: 39/100
Located on the south side of the city just outside the city center, East Forest is a quiet, solidly middle-class neighborhood that’s mostly inhabited by young professionals and families. It ranks No. 20 on the list of the most diverse neighborhoods in Charlotte and has a very urban feel.
Though mostly residential, this neighborhood does have a good selection of restaurants and a few choices for nightlife. There are many parks and good schools. One of the biggest draws of this neighborhood is its convenience — it’s just a short drive to anywhere in the city.
Median 1-BR rent: $1,795
Median 2-BR rent: $2,108
Walk Score: 69/100
Charlotte residents call this neighborhood “NoDa.” It’s second only to South End as a draw for young and hip Charlotteans. It’s also second in the number of craft breweries and live music shows you’ll find. There’s a diverse range of restaurants, too, many of which are locally owned.
NoDa is famous as the home of the Neighborhood Theatre, which hosts acts big and small. Art galleries, small artisan shops and tattoo parlors dot the entire neighborhood. Bonus: this historic neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Median 1-BR rent: $1,119
Median 2-BR rent: $1,264
Walk Score: 25/100
Hickory Ridge is a newer suburb on the eastern side of the city. While still within the city limits and part of Charlotte, it has a suburban feel that attracts many who want to be close to city amenities while being in a quiet part of town. Many families find this neighborhood attractive because of the good schools and the number of parks.
There aren’t many options for arts and entertainment in this area. Disco Rodeo is the only nightclub within the neighborhood. One unique feature is the presence of the Charlotte Murder Mystery Company, a performing arts venue. If quiet is what you’re looking for, this is the neighborhood for you.
Median 1-BR rent: $1,012
Median 2-BR rent: $1,162
Walk Score: 33/100
This neighborhood is on the southwestern side of the city not too far from Downtown. It has a suburban look and feel despite its proximity to the city center. The biggest attraction of this neighborhood is its convenient location and its affordability, which is why it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte.
Montclaire South does have a couple of parks and nightclubs. It’s home to one of Charlotte’s many community colleges and the local Costco.
Source: Rent./Camden Ballantyne
Median 1-BR rent: $1,349
Median 2-BR rent: $1,819
Walk Score: 46/100
Ballantyne East is on the far southern end of the city. It’s a mostly residential neighborhood that’s distinctly suburban. There are some restaurants but there are few other commercial shops in the area. This neighborhood is No. 3 on the list of best places to live in all of North Carolina.
A unique feature of Ballantyne East is the presence of the Big Rock Nature Preserve, a popular local attraction. The neighborhood is also home to a public golf course and pro shop.
Median 1-BR rent: $1,059
Median 2-BR rent: $1,316
Walk Score: 27/100
This is a large neighborhood on the east side of Charlotte within easy reach of the hippest areas, such as Plaza Midwood and NoDa. It’s also not too far from the University District and Downtown. Many locals live here and commute to their jobs in other districts.
Eastside is a diverse neighborhood. It starts off with an urban feel but becomes more suburban as you move further east from the center of the city. It’s home to the Hindu Center of Charlotte and numerous parks, including Sherman Branch Mountain Biking Park.
Median 1-BR rent: $2,042
Median 2-BR rent: $2,415
Walk Score: 66/100
Myers Park is an elite, formal neighborhood by design. One of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, it’s highly sought after by both new residents and old Charlotteans alike. Here you’ll find large Tudor and Colonial-style houses with elegant gardens and tree-lined drives.
The Mint Museum Randolph features modern and contemporary art. There are several chic cafés and boutiques within walking distance. Myers Park is also home to the Wing Haven Gardens and the Discovery Nature Place Museum. The Booty Loop bike trail runs through Myers Park, too.
Median 1-BR rent: $2,801
Median 2-BR rent: $4,031
Walk Score: 71/100
Plaza Midwood was one of Charlotte’s first suburbs, back in the days when commuting meant riding a streetcar from Downtown or the banking district. Today, it combines old with new, trendy with historic and is one of the up-and-coming neighborhoods on the east side of the city.
A vibrant restaurant scene includes everything from barbecue to gastropubs. This is one of the best neighborhoods in the city if you want a range of dining options. Trendy boutiques and consignment shops are offset by dive bars and tattoo shops. Parts of the neighborhood are historic districts, while others were redeveloped. In short, it’s one of the most diverse areas of the city.
Median 1-BR rent: $1,379
Median 2-BR rent: $1,825
Walk Score: 21/100
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte occupies the heart of University City and gives it its name. This is a classic university neighborhood, with plenty of cheap restaurants and pubs. It gets loud and crowded sometimes, particularly on game days.
There’s more to this neighborhood than the school, however. Duke Energy and TIAA-CREF both have their national headquarters here. Charlotte’s light rail system terminates at the local station, making commuting to other sections of the city a breeze.
Median 1-BR rent: $1,634
Median 2-BR rent: $2,050
Walk Score: 50/100
This inner ring suburb was established right after the Second World War and consists mainly of residential housing but is within walking distance of both the SouthPark Mall and the Park Road Shopping Center.
Charlotte’s light rail line runs right to Madison Park and a bike path runs through it, making your commute to work easy. Both the Little Hope Creek and Little Sugar Creek Greenways run through and are adjacent to the neighborhood. Charlotte’s senior center is in Marion Diel Park.
Median 1-BR rent: $1,709
Median 2-BR rent: $2,489
Walk Score: 74/100
South End is a quick train ride away from Uptown, which means it’s a favorite among the professionals who work in the latter and one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte. This is currently the “hippest” area in Charlotte. Here’s where you’ll find music festivals, art shows and antique stores galore.
This neighborhood is also home to farmer’s markets, dozens of restaurants and most of the city’s craft breweries. The Atherton Mill and Market is becoming famous across the state. That not your style? You also won’t find better nightlife anywhere in Charlotte, even in Uptown.
Median 1-BR rent: $2,035
Median 2-BR rent: $2,467
Walk Score: 63/100
Located on the south end of Charlotte, Southpark is a mini version of Uptown, complete with its own array of financial firms and upscale shopping centers. It’s preferred by many young professionals, who love both the proximity to work and the wide array of shopping and dining options.
SouthPark is both popular and trendy, while still being more three-piece suit than hip. Symphony Park has an outdoor amphitheater featuring live music and entertainment. Upscale nightclubs also abound in this neighborhood.
Find the best Charlotte neighborhood for you
Are you ready to pack your bags for the big move to Charlotte but not sure what neighborhood is best for you? Check out this neighborhood quiz to help you decide. You’re sure to find the perfect place for you, given the wide variety of neighborhoods available in the city.
If you’re ready to make the move and need to find your next home, you can check out apartments for rent in Charlotte here. Enjoy the Queen City!
The rent information included in this article is based on a median calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Apartment Guide and Rent. as of November 2021 and is for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.