Great location, nice/relatively new building, some Kellogg neighbors, but not many.

Optima Views is comfortable, quiet, visually appealing, but a little dark

This apartment would be incredible but its major dings are that it contains the original appliances and is all carpet (and carpet that needs replacing) in every room except the kitchen and bathroom. That said, the rent is an incredible deal and it works really well as a 2-bedroom. As a couple it's perfect, having an en suite master, but the disparity between the two room sizes might be a bigger issue for non-couple roommates.

Some Kellogg people, good location, decent amenities, less expensive than E2

Optima Views typically runs $1,900 + for a unit. I locked down a much better deal, but with older carpets and a landlord who is a bit absent minded (e.g., used old paint which needed to be replaced two months later, orders a new dishwasher instead of a simple repair). Great location, quiet building. Not E2, but that's precisely why I like it. Also, it's two year leases so there is no surprise hike in rent.

Great location, nice units, friendly neighbors!

Mainly because of location, the rent is a little higher than average. The building is located in one of the most social places of Evanston (movie-theater, Bravo restaurant, Metra (train) station are few yards away).

My wife and I rent it off the condo owner, and went through a broker.

5 min further from campus then Optima Horizons, but a great building with lots of Kellogg students. If you can - try to get one of the units with a lake view!

Besides being close to everything in Evanston, Optima Views is one of the newest buildings in town and one of the highest, with almost 30 floors. Windows are very big, surrounding the whole apartment from the floor to the ceiling. Depending on the unit you can have awesome views to Chicago and/or the lake. Also, it has a fine gym, laundry equipment in every apartment, some units have bathroom with window, others have a walking closet. This place has been an excellent home!

I have enjoyed Optima Views. It is very nice to have a doorman who can sign for packages, and having heat and cable included are huge perks. Location-wise, it is really in the middle of everything you'd need for nights out and weekends in downtown Evanston. The walk to campus isn't horrible, but it is about 12 - 15 minutes depending on your walking speed. If you can, live on a higher floor (9 or higher) to avoid views of the parking deck that is adjacent to the building.