Find a gorgeous garden in the Windy City.
Chicago is one of those cities full of hidden gems. There’s just so much to see, and so many great places to live that if you look hard enough, you can always find what you’re looking for.
Narrowing down your ideal list of amenities isn’t easy, though. For some, it’s the high-end fitness center that clinches things. For others, a spa-like retreat is necessary to get away from the city’s activity. As you figure out what you want in your Chicago apartment, don’t discount the value of having easy access to a solid outdoor space.
To find the best courtyards and gardens in Chicago, places that will give you that perfect outdoor area, check out this list. We’ve narrowed down the top contenders for you.
Source: Rent. / The 808 Cleveland by Common
Whether you call it modern and chic or see it as an updated rock garden, this common space at The 808 Cleveland by Common has style written all over it. With separate plant beds set at different heights, you get a dynamic garden right alongside the outdoor grilling area. Small pops of color come from little shrubs and a tree or two, so it’s not just gray stones you’re getting from this garden space.
This is exactly where you want to be if living in the center of everything is important to you. This Near North Side community sits smack in the middle of Chicago’s skyscrapers, all lined up on the Magnificent Mile. Also along this stretch are boutique shops and department stores. You’re close to Navy Pier which has waterfront rides, places to eat and lake cruises.
Source: Rent. / North Harbor Tower
A centralized courtyard sits in front of North Harbor Tower. It is massive, with multiple levels of greenery and landscaping. Divided by walking paths, you’ll find a little cluster of tree stump stools, perfect for relaxing. The close-cropped bushes and trees perfectly balance the patches of lush, green lawn.
For a quieter neighborhood, settle into Near East Side. Located about 13 miles from the city center, this is a great spot to experience the natural beauty of Chicago. You can hang out in Calumet Park on Lake Michigan or stroll through the woods at the Eggers Grove Forest Preserve. It’s a great way to stay close to the city proper while ensuring you always have a more peaceful retreat waiting.
Source: Rent. / Beachside
Grow your own herbs and vegetables right at home in the garden at Beachside. These raised beds give residents the perfect-sized plot to add some really fresh produce to their everyday meals. Community gardens like this are a great way for apartment communities to provide personal green spaces for anyone missing the convenience of a backyard.
Sitting right at the water’s edge, Edgewater Beach is a popular neighborhood for many reasons. Butting up to Lake Michigan, this area boasts some amazing views. There are miles of beaches to enjoy as well as great green spaces. The social scene does well here too attracting artists, foodies and theater-goers alike.
Source: Rent. / The Residences at NewCity
It’s always nice when a functional outdoor space sits within a bunch of greenery. At The Residences at NewCity, the grilling and outdoor dining areas wind along a path between a nice urban garden of raised beds. Here you’ll find lanky trees set among healthy shrubs for an ideal area to enjoy Chicago.
Another Near North Side community, other outdoor amenities include a pool and lounge with a fire pit. There’s also a theater room with a 90-inch screen that shows late-night movies and an on-site spa. Off-property, you’re conveniently located to access plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Source: Rent. / The Maynard at 4014-22 N Central Park Ave
An expansive courtyard leads the way to the front door of The Maynard. This great space begins before the gated entrance, with large bushes and vivid grass extending to the sidewalk. Once you go through the gate, another patch of lawn sits front and center, with the building itself wrapping around three sides. Enough space is left to host a picnic, while a few trees give the area a little shade. Classic lampposts add some flair to the space as well.
Keeping it nice and chill, communities in Irving Park are surrounded by history, and old Victorian homes give the area a classic feel. Of course, you’ve got modern touches thanks to all the cafes, craft breweries and cideries. Horner Park adds a family-friendly element, with athletic fields among the greenery as well as the area’s summer farmer’s market.
Source: Rent. / Farcroft Park
You may argue this looks more alleyway than courtyard, but when you live in the city, sometimes this happens. You make do with the outdoor space you have, and Farcroft Park does an excellent job of showing off the architectural character of the building by transforming this courtyard into a grilling space. Three gas grills give many people a chance to barbecue, and plenty of seating means eating outside is always a possibility(weather permitting, of course).
Not as high on everyone’s radar as a few other Chicago neighborhoods, Rogers Park has so much going for it. It’s just steps from Lake Michigan, making water-based recreational activities very easy to come by. There’s also an impressive theater scene and plenty of amazing places to eat.
Source: Rent. / The Clark
While it is up on the roof instead of at ground level, this little purple-themed garden at The Clark is full of flowers. A combination of lavender, lilac and more creates a fragrant flower garden to arouse your senses while you take in the view of Chicago. The garden also adds to the view itself when you opt to dine al fresco. It’s located right next to the grilling area and outdoor dining spot.
What makes this Near North Side community stand out is the level of luxury you’ll attain living here. With high ceilings, large closets and plenty of amenities, this green building provides plenty of character. A stately home in a prominent neighborhood, living here puts you near famous eateries and outdoor spaces. You’re also close to Goudy Square Park with its well-known playgrounds, as well as the scenic Lakefront Trail.
Source: Rent. / The Patricians
When limited space is all you have to create a garden-like space, you improvise. At The Patricians, that means going vertical. The green space at this Lincoln Park community includes a living wall of grass in addition to lush planters full of colorful flowers. With plenty of seating among the plant life — everything from chairs to benches to loungers, there’s no shortage of opportunities to take in the view from this great outdoor space.
Plant life and greenery hold a special place across the Lincoln Park neighborhood. It’s everywhere you turn, whether you’ve discovered the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool for a moment of pure zen, or are strolling through the indoor botanical garden. There’s no shortage of lakefront space here too. This is also where one of the country’s oldest free zoos resides. There’s never a shortage of activities around here.
Source: Rent. / The Van Der Rohe Apartments
Greenery may be at a minimum across the large courtyard at The Van Der Rohe Apartments, but the space is so perfectly laid out, you don’t really need it. Just about every outdoor amenity you could possibly want is right here. From lounge chairs to soak up some sun to grills for cooking to a cabana to keep you protected from the sun, you’re set. Pops of orange and blue draw your eye to the dining tables and compliment the oversized pots holding plants throughout. This is the kind of space where you can easily spend an entire day.
Taking things back into the busy center of Chicago, this North Side community offers up an ideal location, putting you close to shops, beaches and excellent running and walking trails. On-site, you’ll find a resident lounge, 24-hour fitness center and, most importantly, a sundeck.
Source: Rent. / Park Shores
The park-like feel of the courtyard at Park Shores helps you ease out of the hustle of your day, to return home a little less stressed. Large trees loom over the entrance, with ample, green ground cover occupying most of the mulch-filled beds. Some other small plants round out the tranquil space. Combined with the red brick of the buildings, this area gives you soothing, classic vibes, making it easy to feel like you’ve fully stepped away from the urban jungle.
Laid back and full of trendy cafes, bars and jazz lounges, Uptown does an excellent job of providing a varied nightlife for its residents. Considered the city’s entertainment hub, there’s no shortage of options. It’s also where you’ll find Lake Michigan’s Montrose Beach with sand volleyball and swimming when the weather is right.
Grab an apartment with one of the best gardens in Chicago
It’s never a bad thing to live in a city with so many excellent areas to call home, but it does make it hard when you’re trying to find the perfect Chicago apartment. There are so many places to look. What helps, though, is knowing exactly what you want to get out of your next place, including that hot outdoor spot that gives you an excellent reason to stay right at home.
Featured Image Source: Rent. / The Maynard at 4014-22 N Central Park Ave
Source: rent.com