The Habitat Company

Have really enjoyed living in Columbus Plaza as a Booth student! The things I like best are being able to use the pedway to get to Metra (only takes ~7 minutes), and another is it’s nice not to run into people you know when you’re doing laundry, taking trash out, etc. Amenities are a little on the older side but still worth it for lower rent and more space in the unit compared to other buildings in the area. Also we have 4 massive closets including 1 walk-in! Maintenance is super responsive (<24 hours) and management is surprisingly amenable when you go talk to them.

I live with my girlfriend who works as a nurse at the hospital downtown so it makes sense for us to live downtown to avoid getting two cars (she walks, I drive). We have lived in other places downtown which are much more luxurious and less issues but we are renewing our lease at Asbury because it's the cheapest we could find for a 1 bedroom. There is plenty of space. The issues are roaches which we have had a few times and but none since getting in the habit of closing all of the drains at all times. The gym is not great at all and I rarely use it, I use Loyola gym and my girlfriend goes to workout classes elsewhere. Laundry is not in-unit so it is a little annoying to have to take all your laundry downstairs and pay for the washer and dryer. Other than that it's not bad and I think worth the price if downtown is where you have to be.

I like living outside Ann Arbor; I find it helps me to stay grounded and not become too stressed about medical school. I have a 15-minute commute to school by car, and I use the Park and Ride lots. We live on a lake and have a beautiful view of the water. This really helps with my stress levels.

Not the most luxurious living for downtown but good location. Smells like marijuana frequently. Not very sociable environment. Biggest gripe is the water bugs coming out of the drain if you don't keep the lid closed.

Have lived here for 4 years. Extremely pet friendly. Convenient distance from NMH/Feinberg. Management has sort of mailed it in over the past two years or so. No problems, just mostly useless. Door staff and maintenance are excellent.

Quiet condo building in lakeshore east

I've lived in Twin Towers for my 1L and 2L year. It's right next door to Regents but less expensive and has a better management team. I've never had an issue receiving packages because everything is delivered to a locker system or (if oversized) locked in a secure package room. There are resident events once or twice a month (usually free food or drinks, like muffins, donuts, margaritas, wine tasting) as well as a 24/7 front desk, onsite gym, community grills, and pretty reliable communal laundry machines (about $3 per wash/dry load). I also really like their system for having guests over (it's all done through an app). 172 bus, Regents express bus, and metra are all very close. Maintenance has been responsive as well, although it is an old building so I've had more issues with minor leaks/plumbing issues than other friends have had - but it generally hasn't been disruptive to my life. Old building also means you either have heat or AC, not both at the same time, so there can be some sweaty/cold days when the seasons change (but most HP buildings will have that problem). The apartments are smaller than Regents/Shoreland with less updated appliances and Twin's kitchens are small (no dishwasher or microwave), but I feel like I have all the space I need and have been comfortable -- and I have a decent amount of furniture. I looked at 20+ buildings when I was considering where to live in Hyde Park and have been happy with Twin Towers. For the price and amenities, I don't think you can get any better.

Only downside is the laundry situation

The location is amazing! Lakeshore East Park and the grocery store are nearby. Needless to say, it is in the heart of downtown Chicago so we don't have to go far to explore and have fun on the weekends. This location is also just a 5-minute walk away from the bus stop, to get on the 2 in order to come to school.

Sometimes, there can be noise issues because of the many noises that come with downtown living. Additionally, the commute to and from school takes about 45 minutes.

We have absolutely loved living in Asbury Plaza. Management, door staff, maintenance staff, everyone is friendly, supportive, and dedicated to making the residents feel like it's their home. We have a pet ferret and unlike some places in Chicago that describe themselves as pet-friendly, there aren't any "except for..." in the leases here. Southwest side of the building have great views with the building oriented diagonally across the block (haven't seen NE, but they just built One Chicago on that side of the building), floor plans are unique, kitchens are updated, gym is well maintained, and management hosts building events ~monthly including a holiday party at a nearby restaurant. The location just can't be beat. Tons of restaurants around, Red line Chicago station 1 block away, Brown/Purple ~4 blocks away, easy access to Loop lines. If you're a Northwestern student, 10min walk to the Chicago campus. Choice of grocery stores (within walking distance: Whole Foods, 2x Jewel-Osco, Aldi, Trader Joes). The only downside I can really think of is the building is either AC or heat, residents don't have control over when that switches due to Chicago heat ordinances. The building tends to run warm, so we often have our balcony door cracked throughout the winter.

I love this apartment more than either of the two I had in Hyde Park. The 2 and 6 busses makes transit between my apartment and campus a breeze.

It's the best apartment for someone that don't want attrition to get to Booth (Harper by metra and Gleacher by foot, both at the same walking distance ~8 mins).
The apartment has a great view of the river (especially for St. Pat's Day).
Lots of space and all the other perks (gym, grill area outside, package concierge, etc) - it does not have a pool

Great quiet place close to MPP

I'm happy with my decision to

This building has a number of great floor plans for couples (1BR, 1BR + Den, 2BR). All 2BR apartments have balconies. The floor to ceiling windows are great and offer phenomenal natural light and great views. Plenty of closet storage and modern appliances throughout (including in-unit W/D). The building staff is friendly and attentive. Everything from package management to maintenance requests are well done.