Chicago’s best West Loop / Near West apartments – public transit

We define Chicago’s “near west” neighborhoods to include the West Loop, Fulton River District and River West. You’ll find all of your major apartment options in these neighborhoods on our at-a-glance list of downtown apartments.

Our goal is to help you find the apartment that best fits your needs. Renters simply have so many differing priorities – and budget constraints – that singling out an overall best building would be a pointless exercise.

Our first posts in this series spotlighted the buildings with the best views and most convenient grocery shopping.

The West Loop / Near West neighborhoods are favored by many for their walk-to-work proximity to the Loop and River North, but they’re also well-served by public transit.

The best access to public transit will depend on where your daily commute takes you and whether you like to ride the train or the bus.

If you commute to the Loop, the Illinois Medical District, IIT or Oak Park, 180 North Jefferson has the most convenient access to the Pink and Green Line stop at Clinton St. A number of bus routes stop near the building. Left Bank is a close second for proximity to the Clinton stop.

Lake Street Lofts is a block from the new Pink and Green Line stop at Morgan St.

Presidential Towers has the best access to Metra’s Ogilvie Center for reverse-commuting to the north and northwest suburbs and also has great bus access into the Loop. Opt for the easternmost of the four towers if you’ll be riding the Metra daily.

K2 and Echelon at K Station have the most convenient access to the Blue Line for commuting to O’Hare Airport and the office corridor near O’Hare.

Chime in with a comment if you disagree with our selections.

You’ll find links to our objective, visually-rich apartment reviews of near west buildings, and links to near real-time availability checks for most of the buildings, at our downtown apartments at-a-glance list, and some tips and advice at our Guide to renting in Chicago’s near west neighborhoods.

We’ve also spotlighted the best apartments in River North, Streeterville and the South Loop.

Next topic: Close to parks, beach.

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