What Is An “Upscale” Apartment in Chicago?

In Chicago, upscale apartments near downtown typically mean in-unit laundry, high ceilings, updated kitchens, and access to amenities that go beyond a rooftop deck with a few folding chairs. The real differentiators are build quality, views, and proximity to the river or lakefront.

Neighborhoods worth looking at: River North, Streeterville, the West Loop, and the Gold Coast. Each has a distinct character. River North runs dense and social, close to restaurants and nightlife. Streeterville sits right on the lake. The West Loop draws a food-focused crowd and has seen steady rent growth. The Gold Coast offers quiet, tree-lined streets and proximity to Michigan Avenue.

River North: Still One of the Strongest Choices

River North consistently ranks among the most desirable neighborhoods for renters who want walkability and city access without sacrificing comfort. The area scores a 97 Walk Score and a perfect 100 for transit, which means you can function without a car, but the covered parking exists if you have one.

Buildings along the Chicago River carry a premium for good reason. River views from upper floors are genuinely different from what you get looking at another building across a courtyard. Natural light, open sightlines, and the visual break the water provides make a real difference in how an apartment feels day to day.

Kingsbury Plaza: River North's Riverfront Option

Kingsbury Plaza sits directly on the Chicago River in River North, and the building is laid out to take advantage of that. Units range from studios to two-bedrooms, with standard finishes that hold up well and select renovated homes that have been updated with modern touches. Balconies, in-unit laundry, and walk-in closets are standard across floor plans. The building also covers the practical amenities: covered parking with EV charging, a full fitness center, pool, and partnerships that handle things like laundry pickup and furnished move-ins.

What makes it stand out from comparable buildings is the private riverwalk. Most downtown high-rises don't have accessible green space at ground level, and this one does. It runs along the river and gives residents somewhere to walk a dog or get outside without dealing with street-level traffic. The location adds to that: downtown is a short walk across the Grand Avenue Bridge, and the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and a solid stretch of River North restaurants are all reachable on foot.

What to Compare When You're Looking

If you're touring upscale apartments near downtown Chicago, here are the details worth checking in person:

• Balcony orientation. City views and river views are not the same thing. Ask which direction the unit faces.

• Noise. River North is active. Upper floors on the interior side of a building will be quieter than street-facing units on lower floors.

• Parking. Covered, reservable parking with EV charging is a practical convenience in Chicago winters.

• Laundry. In-unit washer and dryer versus shared laundry is a bigger daily quality-of-life factor than most renters account for before signing.

• Lease flexibility. Ask about furnished options and short-term availability if your timeline isn't fixed.

Kingsbury Plaza leasing can be reached at Phone Number, or you can schedule a tour. The office is open Tuesday through Saturday.

FAQs

Is River North a good area to live without a car? 

Yes. River North carries a near-perfect walk score and a 100 transit score. Most daily errands, dining, and commuting are manageable on foot or via the CTA.

Are there pet-friendly luxury apartments near downtown Chicago? 

Several buildings in River North accommodate pets. Kingsbury Plaza is pet-friendly and has a private riverwalk, which is a practical consideration if you have a dog.

What neighborhoods have the best upscale apartments near downtown Chicago? 

River North, Streeterville, the Gold Coast, and the West Loop are the most consistent options.

The post What Are the Best Upscale Apartments Near Downtown Chicago? appeared first on Kingsbury Plaza Blog.

At Kingsbury Plaza, located at 520 N. Kingsbury Street, you don’t have to choose. Positioned beautifully along the curve of the Chicago River, this luxury high-rise bridges the gap between serene riverfront living and the high-energy lifestyle of the River North neighborhood.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your daily view or find a spot closer to work and play, here is what makes life at Kingsbury Plaza distinctly Chicago.

Elevated Interiors Designed for Modern Living

The residences at Kingsbury Plaza are crafted with an emphasis on natural light, clean lines, and expansive layouts. With options ranging from efficient studios and convertibles to spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, there’s a layout to match your rhythm.

For renters seeking the absolute finest finishes, the building's renovated apartments take urban luxury a step further. These select upgraded units feature:

• Polished Hardwood Flooring: Seamless, modern flooring runs throughout the entire living space for a clean, current aesthetic.

• Smart Temperature Controls: Effortlessly manage your environment and energy efficiency with smart thermostats.

• Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: Designed to frame stunning, panoramic vistas of the downtown skyline and the Chicago River, while bathing the interiors in natural light.

Resort-Style Amenities That Go Beyond the Basics

An apartment building in River North should feel like an extension of your lifestyle, and the amenity package at Kingsbury Plaza acts as your own private club. You don't need to leave the building to find space to recharge, workout, or entertain.

The Rooftop Pool Deck

Arguably the crown jewel of the community, the resort-style outdoor pool and sundeck offer breathtaking, uncompromised views of downtown Chicago. It’s the perfect oasis for a warm summer afternoon or winding down after work.

Luxury Fitness Center

Skip the expensive gym membership. The on-site fitness facilities feature premium Technogym equipment, a dedicated cardio space, and fitness programs and cardio classes available on demand.

Hassle-Free Parking & EV Charging

Chicago winters are tough on vehicles, which is why the covered resident parking garage is a massive perk. The garage offers reservable parking spaces and is equipped with electric vehicle (EV) charging options to keep you powered up and ready to go.

Location: The Best of River North on Your Doorstep

While the building itself offers plenty of reasons to stay inside, the immediate neighborhood is what truly seals the deal. Kingsbury Plaza boasts an envious walking profile that balances green space with nightlife:

• Tranquility and Green Space: Walk right outside to enjoy scenic strolls along Montgomery Ward Park or find yourself steps from the legendary East Bank Club.

• Dining and Nightlife: Cross the Grand Avenue Bridge and you are minutes away from Hubbard Street, home to some of the most acclaimed restaurants, cocktail lounges, and entertainment venues in the country.

• Seamless Connectivity: Whether you walk to work in the Loop or jump on nearby transit lines, commuting from 520 N. Kingsbury is entirely effortless.

Experience Kingsbury Plaza For Yourself

At Kingsbury Plaza, daily life is shaped by the pace of the river and energized by the city surrounding it. If you’re ready to experience a polished, elevated approach to Chicago living, it’s time to see it in person.

The post Waterfront Living in the Heart of the City: Why Kingsbury Plaza is River North’s Premier Address appeared first on Kingsbury Plaza Blog.