If you’ve toured apartments in Chicago lately, you’ve probably noticed something: Remote Workers Are Choosing These Buildings with laser focus. Not just for views or granite countertops, but for WiFi speed, coworking lounges, and private Zoom rooms. The shift is real, and it’s reshaping how Chicago rents and builds.
After years of covering this city’s real estate pulse, I can tell you this isn’t a trend. It’s a permanent lifestyle adjustment.
Why Remote Work Changed Chicago Apartment Demand
When remote work exploded, renters stopped asking, “How close is the train?” and started asking, “How strong is the WiFi?”
In neighborhoods like Chicago, that shift has been dramatic.
What Today’s Remote Renters Want
Remote workers prioritize:
- Dedicated coworking lounges
- Private conference rooms
- Soundproof work pods
- Rooftop seating with power outlets
- High-speed fiber internet
- Package rooms that handle daily deliveries
- Flexible lease options
In short, the building has become the office.
The Neighborhoods Remote Workers Prefer
Certain neighborhoods are seeing a surge in remote-friendly renters.
West Loop: Industrial Chic Meets Tech Comfort
West Loop used to be known for restaurants and converted warehouses. Now it’s remote worker central.
Why?
- Modern mid- and high-rise buildings
- Proximity to tech offices (for hybrid workers)
- Walkable dining scene
- Strong internet infrastructure
Typical rent ranges (2026 estimates):
- Studios: $1,900–$2,400
- One-bedroom: $2,300–$3,000
- Two-bedroom: $3,200–$4,200
Many new buildings here include full coworking floors that rival paid office memberships.
River North: High-Rise Convenience
River North remains a magnet for professionals who want skyline views and walkability.
Remote workers here choose luxury towers offering:
- Multiple conference rooms
- Reservable podcast studios
- Rooftop work terraces
- 24-hour business centers
Rent ranges:
- Studios: $1,800–$2,300
- One-bedroom: $2,200–$2,900
- Two-bedroom: $3,000–$4,000
It’s not cheap. But when your apartment doubles as your office, the math changes.
Fulton Market: The Hybrid Sweet Spot
Fulton Market attracts remote workers who want creative energy.
Former warehouse district turned innovation hub, it offers:
- Boutique-style buildings
- Design-forward interiors
- High-end coworking spaces
- Close proximity to tech employers
Remote professionals here often compare paying $2,800 for a one-bedroom versus $2,200 in a non-amenitized building plus $300–$500 monthly coworking memberships elsewhere. Many choose convenience.
What Buildings Are Offering to Win Remote Renters
The buildings that attract the most attention share one thing: intentional design for productivity.
1. Real Coworking Spaces (Not Just a Desk in the Lobby)
Developers now include:
- Dedicated coworking floors
- Phone booths
- Large meeting rooms with screens
- Printing stations
Some buildings even offer coffee bars inside coworking lounges.
2. Soundproofing and Layout
Open floor plans are nice—until your neighbor’s dog joins your Zoom call.
Remote Workers Are Choosing These Buildings that offer:
- Thicker walls
- Concrete construction
- Bedroom layouts that separate work areas
3. Flexible Lease Terms
Remote professionals sometimes relocate every 12–18 months.
Buildings offering:
- 6–9 month leases
- Transfer flexibility within portfolio properties
- Corporate housing options
are seeing strong demand.
Cost Comparison: Remote-Friendly vs Standard Buildings
Let’s break it down.
Traditional Building
- Rent: $2,000
- Internet: $70
- Coworking membership: $350
- Coffee shops (weekly work): $80
Total monthly: ~$2,500
Remote-Optimized Building
- Rent: $2,500–$2,700
- Internet included
- Coworking included
- Coffee often included
Total monthly: ~$2,600
For many renters, the difference is negligible. Convenience wins.
This is exactly why Remote Workers Are Choosing These Buildings in increasing numbers.
What Buyers Should Know
This isn’t just a renter story.
Condo buyers in buildings with:
- Business lounges
- Strong HOA management
- Updated internet infrastructure
are seeing higher resale demand.
Remote work isn’t disappearing. Buildings designed for productivity will likely retain stronger value.
Relocating to Chicago as a Remote Worker
If you’re moving from New York, Austin, or San Francisco, Chicago offers:
- Lower average rents
- Strong transit
- Walkable neighborhoods
- Lakefront access
- Modern inventory built post-2015
The sweet spot for remote-friendly luxury apartments tends to fall between $2,200 and $3,200 per month for one-bedrooms, depending on neighborhood and building class.
Summary: Why This Trend Is Here to Stay
Remote Workers Are Choosing These Buildings because the definition of “home” has evolved.
Today’s apartment must function as:
- Office
- Coffee shop
- Meeting room
- Creative studio
- Relaxation space
The buildings winning in Chicago understand that.
Developers who invest in coworking floors, strong soundproofing, and true business amenities are seeing faster lease-ups and stronger renewals.
And renters? They’re voting with their wallets.
Schedule a Tour the Smart Way
Not every building advertises its best remote-work features clearly. Some coworking lounges look impressive online but feel cramped in person.
Visit TourWithAgent.com to schedule curated apartment tours in Chicago with real availability, real pricing, and an expert agent to guide you.
