The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Coliving in Chicago: 7 Top Spots
Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods, world-class amenities, and thriving professional scene make it an irresistible destination for remote workers and digital nomads. Yet, finding flexible, community-oriented housing can be a daunting task, often involving endless apartment tours, complex lease agreements, and the challenge of building a social circle from scratch. Coliving solves this problem by offering a streamlined, all-inclusive living experience designed for modern professionals. This guide is your definitive resource for navigating the world of coliving in Chicago, eliminating the guesswork and connecting you directly with the best options available.
We’ve curated a detailed roundup of the top coliving companies and platforms, from dedicated communities like Post Chicago to comprehensive marketplaces like Coliving.com. Each entry provides a breakdown of what they offer, who they’re best for, and includes direct links to get you started. You’ll find actionable insights on pricing, amenities, and neighborhood vibes to help you make an informed decision. Since many coliving arrangements involve private rooms within a larger shared space, learning some essential tips for maximizing space in a studio apartment can help you create a more comfortable and organized personal space. Let’s dive in and find your Chicago home.
1. Post Chicago
Post Chicago offers a polished, professionally managed coliving experience in a purpose-built high-rise located in the vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood. This option is ideal for remote workers and professionals seeking hotel-like amenities and services without the commitment of a traditional apartment lease. The website is modern and user-friendly, allowing you to easily browse available units, view detailed floor plans, and even take 3D virtual tours.
What truly sets Post Chicago apart is its large-scale, all-inclusive community model. Unlike smaller, converted houses, this is a dedicated coliving building designed for seamless urban living. Their offerings range from private furnished bedrooms in shared suites to standalone studios and two-bedroom apartments, providing flexibility for different budgets and privacy needs. The platform’s transparent pricing structure often includes utilities, Wi-Fi, and weekly cleaning of common areas, simplifying your monthly budget.
Key Features & Booking Process
Booking a space is streamlined through their website. You can filter options by move-in date and lease length, with terms typically ranging from 5 to 12+ months. Keep an eye out for regular rent specials and promotions listed directly on their site.
- Amenities: Residents get access to a full suite of amenities, including a modern coworking lounge with phone booths, a state-of-the-art gym, multiple resident lounges, and a spacious outdoor terrace with grills.
- Location: Situated near the North/Clybourn CTA Red Line station, it offers excellent connectivity. Daily essentials are covered with Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Target just a short walk away.
- Community: Post Chicago curates regular community events, from social mixers to wellness activities, fostering a strong sense of connection among residents. This built-in social network is a major draw for anyone new to the city.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Unit Types | Furnished Bedrooms, Studios, 2BR Apartments |
| Lease Terms | 5–12+ months |
| Pricing | Starts around $1,500/month for a private bedroom |
| Core Inclusions | Wi-Fi, Utilities, Weekly Cleaning, Furnishings |
| Website | postchicago.com |
Pro Tip: When booking, inquire about their roommate matching process. While it’s typically random, you can sometimes specify preferences to find a better fit. This model of professional management and extensive amenities is becoming increasingly popular, and you can explore similar coliving models in major European cities to see how the trend is evolving globally.
2. Tripalink Chicago
Tripalink offers a modern, streamlined coliving experience with several purpose-built properties concentrated in Chicago’s dynamic South Loop. This platform is perfect for students, young professionals, and newcomers who want the convenience of a downtown location and predictable, all-in-one pricing. Their website provides a clear, tech-forward booking experience, showing real-time room availability, detailed floor plans, and options for online tours, making it easy to secure housing remotely.
What makes Tripalink a strong choice for coliving in Chicago is its focus on a consistent, repeatable model. Most of their offerings are private, furnished bedrooms within 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom shared suites, which fosters a close-knit, housemate-style environment within a larger, professionally managed building. This setup provides a great balance of privacy and social connection. Transparent, per-room pricing includes utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and regular cleaning of common spaces, taking the guesswork out of monthly budgeting.
Key Features & Booking Process
Booking a room with Tripalink is a straightforward online process. You can browse specific buildings, view available units for your desired move-in date, and apply directly through the platform. Lease terms are generally flexible, catering to those who may not want to commit to a standard 12-month lease.
- Amenities: Residents typically have access to building-specific amenities like modern fitness centers, rooftop decks with city views, resident lounges for work or socializing, and secure, keyless entry systems.
- Location: Their prime South Loop locations offer excellent access to the CTA Green and Red Lines, McCormick Place, and the Motor Row Historic District. This makes commuting to the Loop or other neighborhoods incredibly convenient.
- Community: Tripalink fosters a sense of community through organized resident events and shared common areas, helping newcomers connect with their neighbors and build a social circle.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Unit Types | Furnished Bedrooms in 4-Bed/3-Bath Shared Suites |
| Lease Terms | Flexible, often starting from a few months up to a year |
| Pricing | Starts around $1,300/month for a private bedroom |
| Core Inclusions | Wi-Fi, Utilities, Weekly Cleaning, Furnishings, Events |
| Website | tripalink.com/apartments/chicago/ |
Pro Tip: Because their model is so consistent (4×3 layouts), focus your search on building-specific amenities and proximity to the exact CTA station you’ll use most. Some buildings may have a better rooftop or a larger fitness center, which could be the deciding factor.
3. Bungalow – Chicago Rooms for Rent
Bungalow is a national rent-by-the-room platform that brings a modern, flexible approach to shared housing across many of Chicago’s most desirable neighborhoods. This option is perfect for those who want the home-sharing experience in an actual house or apartment rather than a large, dedicated building. The platform essentially acts as a matchmaker, connecting individuals with vetted, furnished homes and compatible roommates, all managed through a user-friendly app.
What makes Bungalow a standout choice for coliving in Chicago is its emphasis on individual leases and neighborhood diversity. Unlike traditional subletting, each resident has their own lease, which minimizes financial risk if a housemate decides to move out early. Their inventory spans areas from Wicker Park to Lakeview, offering a variety of price points and community vibes. The common areas of their homes come fully furnished, simplifying the move-in process, though bedroom furniture is often an optional add-on.
Key Features & Booking Process
The booking process is entirely digital, starting with browsing listings on their website. You can filter by neighborhood, budget, and move-in date, and even schedule virtual or in-person tours directly through the platform. The application, lease signing, and rent payments are all handled through the Bungalow app, creating a seamless experience.
- Amenities: Services typically include monthly professional cleaning of common areas, high-speed Wi-Fi, and included utilities that are split among housemates. Maintenance requests are also managed through their support system.
- Location: Bungalow offers a wide geographic spread, giving you the chance to live in authentic Chicago neighborhoods that may not have large-scale coliving buildings. This allows for a more integrated local experience.
- Community: While less structured than purpose-built communities, Bungalow facilitates roommate matching based on lifestyle preferences and provides access to a city-wide network of residents for social events.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Unit Types | Private bedrooms in shared houses and apartments |
| Lease Terms | Flexible, typically starting from 3-6 months |
| Pricing | Starts around $900/month for a private bedroom |
| Core Inclusions | Furnished Common Areas, Wi-Fi, Monthly Cleaning |
| Website | bungalow.com/live/market/chicago |
Pro Tip: When searching on Bungalow, pay close attention to the “House Rules” and “Roommate Bios” sections on each listing. This provides valuable insight into the home’s culture and helps ensure a good fit. This decentralized model is a key part of their growth, and you can discover the strategies behind promoting this kind of coliving space to understand how they attract residents.
4. June Homes – Chicago Rooms in Shared Apartments
June Homes operates as a marketplace for private rooms within shared apartments, offering a tech-driven and flexible approach to renting across Chicago. This platform is ideal for renters who prioritize speed, convenience, and a wide selection of neighborhoods. Rather than managing its own purpose-built buildings, June Homes partners with landlords citywide, providing an inventory of both furnished and unfurnished rooms ready for move-in. The website functions like a high-speed search engine for individual rooms, perfect for those needing a quick housing solution.
What distinguishes June Homes is its rapid, app-driven application and screening process. The platform is designed to get you from browsing to approved in as little as a few hours, streamlining the often tedious steps of identity and income verification. This efficiency, combined with flexible lease terms, makes it a strong contender for anyone on a tight timeline or who prefers not to commit to a traditional 12-month lease. Its broad geographical spread means you can find options for coliving in Chicago in areas from Lakeview to Pilsen, not just in central downtown hubs.
Key Features & Booking Process
Booking is done entirely online through the June Homes platform. You can browse listings, view photos, check square footage, and apply directly from the website. Their model emphasizes transparency, with per-room pricing and move-in dates clearly displayed. Be aware that user experiences can vary, as maintenance and property management are often handled by the individual landlords.
- Amenities: Amenities are property-specific and depend on the landlord and apartment building. Most listings include essentials like Wi-Fi and basic furnishings if you choose a furnished option.
- Location: One of its biggest strengths is its wide coverage across diverse Chicago neighborhoods, offering far more location variety than single-building coliving companies.
- Community: The community aspect is less structured than dedicated coliving spaces. Social interaction is organic and depends entirely on you and your direct roommates rather than organized, building-wide events.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Unit Types | Private Furnished & Unfurnished Bedrooms in Shared Apartments |
| Lease Terms | Flexible, often starting from 1 month |
| Pricing | Starts around $900/month for a private bedroom |
| Core Inclusions | Varies by listing; often includes Wi-Fi & basic utilities |
| Website | junehomes.com/residences/chicago |
Pro Tip: Read the listing details and reviews carefully, as service quality and management can differ significantly between properties. When applying, have your documents ready for upload to take full advantage of their speedy verification and booking system.
5. Coliving.com – Chicago Aggregator/Marketplace
Coliving.com operates as a global marketplace rather than a direct housing provider, aggregating available rooms and spaces from various operators across Chicago. This makes it an excellent one-stop-shop for anyone wanting to compare different neighborhoods, price points, and management styles without browsing dozens of individual websites. The platform is designed for ease of use, allowing you to filter listings by move-in date, budget, and desired amenities, making it a powerful tool for finding the right coliving in Chicago.
What sets this aggregator apart are its consumer protection features. Coliving.com offers payment protection, a price-match guarantee, and often has no booking fees, which adds a layer of security and transparency to the rental process. This model is particularly beneficial for those booking from abroad or unfamiliar with the city, as the platform acts as a trusted intermediary between you and the local housing operator. The quality and style of the coliving spaces can vary significantly since they are managed by different hosts, but the detailed listings with photos, reviews, and house rules help you make an informed decision.
Key Features & Booking Process
Booking through Coliving.com involves browsing listings, submitting a request for your chosen dates, and communicating with the host through the platform. The interface consolidates everything, including payment and lease agreements, into a single dashboard. Many listings feature 3D or video tours, which is a major plus for remote renters.
- Amenities: Since it’s a marketplace, amenities are property-specific. Listings clearly detail what’s included, from co-working areas and gyms to basic utilities and cleaning services.
- Location: The platform’s biggest strength is its city-wide coverage, with options in popular neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Logan Square, Lakeview, and the South Loop.
- Community: The sense of community depends entirely on the individual operator of the property you choose. Read reviews on the listing to get a feel for the social atmosphere.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Unit Types | Furnished Private & Shared Rooms |
| Lease Terms | 1–12+ months (highly flexible) |
| Pricing | Varies widely; starts around $900/month |
| Core Inclusions | Wi-Fi, Utilities, Furnishings (varies by listing) |
| Website | coliving.com/chicago |
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to the host’s response rate and reviews on the platform. Since quality varies, relying on feedback from past tenants is the best way to vet a potential space. This aggregator model reflects the broader appeal of flexible, community-focused living, and you can explore the reasons behind this global trend to understand its growing popularity.
6. SpareRoom – Chicago Rooms & Roommates
SpareRoom is a massive online marketplace for rooms and roommates (present in a lot of cities around the world, including London too), acting as a powerful tool for those who prefer a more DIY approach to finding shared living situations. Instead of offering a single, managed coliving brand, it provides a vast, user-generated database of available rooms across every Chicago neighborhood imaginable. This platform is perfect for individuals seeking maximum flexibility in lease terms, price points, and living arrangements, from a room in a Wicker Park three-flat to a downtown high-rise.
The platform’s strength lies in its sheer volume and variety. It connects you directly with potential roommates and landlords, giving you control over the vetting process. While many listings are traditional roommate situations, you can often find groups of professionals creating their own coliving in Chicago by renting a larger apartment together. The user-friendly interface allows you to filter by budget, move-in date, and specific neighborhood, with map views to help you pinpoint the perfect location.
Key Features & Booking Process
Finding a space on SpareRoom involves more proactive searching and communication than a formal coliving company. You create a profile, browse listings, and message users directly to inquire about rooms or team up to find a place. The platform’s internal messaging system and saved search alerts are crucial tools for staying on top of the fast-moving Chicago rental market.
- Amenities: These vary drastically from one listing to another. You might find a basic room or a luxury apartment with a full suite of building amenities; it all depends on the specific ad.
- Location: With listings citywide, from Lincoln Park to Hyde Park, you have unparalleled choice. The map-based search is essential for narrowing down options near CTA lines or specific points of interest.
- Community: The community aspect is what you make of it. You have the opportunity to interview and choose your own roommates, allowing you to build a household with people you connect with from the start.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Unit Types | Private rooms in shared apartments and houses |
| Lease Terms | Highly flexible, from month-to-month to 12+ months |
| Pricing | Varies widely, rooms can start around $700/month |
| Core Inclusions | Dependent on the specific listing; often requires coordination |
| Website | spareroom.com |
Pro Tip: Create a detailed profile highlighting your lifestyle, profession, and what you’re looking for in a roommate. A well-written profile significantly increases your response rate from quality listings. Be prepared to vet potential roommates and landlords thoroughly.
7. X (X Chicago / X Co-Living)
X Chicago offers a high-energy, social-living experience aimed at professionals who want a vibrant community integrated with extensive, club-style amenities. Located in the South Loop, this option combines traditional apartment rentals with dedicated coliving suites, creating a dynamic environment that caters to a wide range of residents. Their approach is ideal for those seeking a built-in social scene and a seamless, app-managed lifestyle in a modern high-rise.
What makes X Chicago stand out is its emphasis on a large-scale, amenity-rich community. Their furnished “rent-by-bedroom” suites typically feature a private bedroom and an ensuite bathroom, offering more privacy than many coliving setups. These suites share a common living room and kitchen, fostering connection while maintaining personal space. The entire experience, from paying rent to RSVPing for events, is managed through a dedicated app, adding a layer of modern convenience.
Key Features & Booking Process
Booking is initiated through their website by inquiring about availability, as direct online booking for coliving units is not always transparent. You’ll likely need to connect with their leasing team to get specific pricing and availability for coliving suites. A notable difference is that utilities are often sub-metered and billed separately, so your monthly cost can vary.
- Amenities: The building is packed with impressive amenities, including a massive coworking space, a professional-grade fitness studio, a rooftop pool with a bar, multiple resident lounges, and even an on-site bar and restaurant.
- Location: Situated in the South Loop, it offers great access to Grant Park, the Museum Campus, and downtown. The proximity to CTA lines makes commuting throughout the city straightforward.
- Community: X Chicago places a huge emphasis on its robust social programming. Residents can expect frequent, professionally organized events ranging from fitness classes and pool parties to networking mixers, creating an unparalleled social atmosphere.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Unit Types | Furnished Bedrooms with Ensuite Baths, Conventional Units |
| Lease Terms | Flexible; inquire for specifics |
| Pricing | Varies; requires direct inquiry for coliving rates |
| Core Inclusions | Furnishings, Bi-weekly Cleaning, Event Access, Wi-Fi |
| Website | xchicago.co |
Pro Tip: When you inquire, be sure to ask detailed questions about what the “utility package” includes versus what is sub-metered. Understanding potential variable costs for electricity and water upfront will help you budget more accurately and avoid surprises.
Coliving Providers in Chicago: 7-Point Comparison
| Item | Implementation Complexity | Resource Requirements | Expected Outcomes | Ideal Use Cases | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post Chicago | Moderate – purpose-built with managed services | High – full amenities, professional staff | High-quality urban coliving with strong community | Urban professionals seeking flexible, amenity-rich coliving | Large facility, transparent pricing, prime location |
| Tripalink Chicago | Moderate – multiple purpose-built sites | High – fitness, rooftop, keyless access | Consistent coliving experience downtown | Renters wanting modern coliving in South Loop | Clear per-room pricing, easy online booking |
| Bungalow – Chicago Rooms for Rent | Low – platform-based, vetting & leasing | Moderate – furnished homes, app payments | Flexible rentals with neighborhood diversity | Renters seeking variety and digital management | Wide coverage, flexible leases, digital process |
| June Homes – Chicago Rooms | Low – marketplace for shared apartments | Low to moderate – furnished/unfurnished rooms | Fast, flexible room rentals citywide | Renters needing quick approvals and variety | Quick screening, transparent pricing |
| Coliving.com – Chicago Marketplace | Low – aggregator with multiple operators | Low – platform with listings and protections | Broad market access with payment/security features | Renters wanting a wide choice and secure booking | One-stop comparison, consumer protections |
| SpareRoom – Chicago Rooms & Roommates | Low – DIY listing platform | Low – user-driven ads and messaging | Flexible roommate/room matching with many options | Renters seeking budget variety and roommate options | Large inventory, high posting volume |
| X (X Chicago / X Co-Living) | Moderate – branded coliving with tech platform | High – furnished suites, club amenities | Amenity-rich social coliving with strong community | Renters valuing community events and app services | Community focus, app-managed, amenity-rich |
Making Your Move: Final Thoughts on Embracing Coliving in Chicago
Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods, world-class amenities, and thriving remote work scene make it a top-tier destination for digital nomads and professionals seeking a dynamic urban experience. As we’ve explored, the landscape of coliving in Chicago offers a diverse range of options tailored to fit nearly any lifestyle, budget, or social preference. From the all-inclusive, community-focused model of Post Chicago to the expansive marketplace of Coliving.com, your ideal Windy City home is within reach.
This guide was designed to be your launchpad, moving you from curiosity to confident decision-making. We’ve dissected the unique offerings of dedicated coliving buildings, flexible leasing platforms, and roommate-matching services to give you a clear picture of the market. The key takeaway is that there is no single “best” option; the right choice is entirely dependent on your personal priorities.
Your Personal Coliving Checklist
Before you start submitting applications, take a moment to solidify what truly matters to you. Re-evaluating your needs based on the options presented will ensure you find a space that doesn’t just meet your criteria but enhances your life in Chicago.
Consider these final points to guide your selection:
- For the Social Butterfly: If building a strong, immediate community is your top priority, dedicated coliving spaces like Post Chicago and X Chicago are engineered for social interaction. Their built-in events, shared amenities, and resident portals make connecting with others seamless.
- For the Independent Explorer: Perhaps you value autonomy and simply need a flexible, furnished room in a great neighborhood. Services like June Homes and Bungalow offer the convenience of coliving without the pressure of constant structured social events.
- For the Budget-Conscious Planner: If maximizing your budget is critical, platforms like SpareRoom provide a direct line to finding affordable rooms and compatible roommates. This route requires more due diligence but often yields the most cost-effective arrangements.
- For the Indecisive Optimizer: Not sure where to start? An aggregator like Coliving.com is your best friend. It allows you to compare multiple properties, filter by your specific needs, and get a comprehensive overview of the coliving in Chicago scene all in one place.
Ultimately, choosing a coliving space is about more than just finding a place to sleep. It’s about designing a lifestyle that supports your work, fosters new connections, and allows you to immerse yourself in one of America’s greatest cities. Use the tools and insights from this article to vet your options, schedule tours (virtual or in-person), and ask targeted questions. Your Chicago adventure is waiting.
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