Renting in the Sky

Thursday was one of those non-stop days. I had my morning coffee, wrote up a contract, went to my office's sales meeting, submitted my clients' offer, showed eleven rental properties, wolfed down a Chipotle burrito bowl and met with my Park small group.

By 10 p.m., I was sound asleep, dreaming of counteroffers and rental applications.

The luxury rental market in Chicago is a peculiar one. People are paying thousands of dollars per month for a home in a high-rise, complete with pristine finishes and a modern feel. For someone who is transient, renting is surely the most sensible option. The amenities and downtown views are hard to beat.

For $3,100 a month, you can rent a two-bedroom unit in Lakeshore East -- a building where residents swim laps in the pool, workout in the fitness center, watch movies in the theater room or relax in the rooftop jacuzzi. Or, for $2,700 a month, you can get a one-bedroom palace in River North, close to the city's best bars and restaurants -- the rent price also includes use of this building's spa and wine cellar.

After six hours of these showings, I knew a blog post was coming.