Here is a practical breakdown of where to look and what to expect.

Which Chicago Neighborhoods Actually Deliver

River North

River North sits just north of the Loop and checks all three boxes without much effort. The Magnificent Mile is nearby for shopping, the restaurant scene is dense (everything from Eataly to neighborhood spots like The Purple Pig), and the nightlife is concentrated enough that you can bar-hop on foot. The CTA Red Line runs through the area, so you are not dependent on rideshares to get around.

West Loop

West Loop has become Chicago's most talked-about food neighborhood. Randolph Street alone has a stretch of highly regarded restaurants that draws people from across the city. The area has grown quickly in the last decade and now has solid residential options alongside the dining. If being close to great food is your top priority, this neighborhood is worth a serious look.

Wicker Park / Bucktown

This area has a different feel from River North. The dining scene leans toward independent spots, the shopping is boutiques and vintage stores rather than chains, and the nightlife runs toward live music and dive bars. It attracts a younger crowd and has slightly lower rents. 

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is more residential than River North but still has plenty going on along Halsted Street and Clark Street. You also get proximity to the lakefront and the park itself, which adds a lot to daily life. DePaul University keeps the area active year-round.

What to Prioritize When Touring Apartments

Once you have picked a neighborhood, these are the things that actually affect your day-to-day quality of life:

• Walk Score: Look it up before you tour. A score above 90 means most errands are on foot. This matters more than amenity lists.

• Transit proximity: A five-minute walk to a Red Line or Blue Line stop is genuinely useful. Anything further and you will feel the friction daily.

• In-unit laundry: Shared laundry facilities are not a dealbreaker, but they add up in time and inconvenience.

• Building amenities: A fitness center and rooftop or outdoor space save you money on a gym membership and give you somewhere to unwind without leaving the building.

• Guest parking: If you have people visiting regularly, find out early whether guest parking exists and what it costs.

A River North Option Worth Knowing

If River North fits what you are looking for, Asbury Plaza at 750 N Dearborn Street is positioned well. It sits between W Chicago Avenue and W Superior Street, which puts you within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile, several CTA stops, and a dense stretch of restaurants and bars.

The building offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans with private balconies, an outdoor pool, a 24/7 fitness center, and a business lounge. It has 24/7 concierge service, is pet-friendly, and includes furnished guest suites for visiting family or friends. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apartments in Chicago for someone who wants to live near dining, shopping, and nightlife?

Apartments located in River North, West Loop, Wicker Park, and Lincoln Park consistently rank highest for walkability to dining and nightlife. River North and West Loop have the densest concentration of options. 

Is a car necessary when living in downtown Chicago?

Not really. The CTA covers most of the city well, and neighborhoods like River North and West Loop have Walk Scores above 95. Many residents go months without needing a car. That said, having access to a car-share service is useful for weekend trips outside the city.

What should I look for when choosing an apartment near Chicago's nightlife?

Pay attention to what faces your unit. Street-level bars and live music venues can make a block lively at 2am in a way that is fun to visit but less fun to sleep through. If you are a light sleeper, ask which direction your bedroom windows face before signing.

The post Best Chicago Apartments for Living Near Dining, Shopping, and Nightlife appeared first on Asbury Plaza Blog.

But when it comes to the apartment layout itself, a second bedroom is only half the battle. To truly live comfortably, whether you are co-living with a roommate, setting up a dedicated hybrid work office, or welcoming out-of-town guests, a second bathroom is an absolute must-have.

Finding a true two-bedroom, two-bathroom (2-bed, 2-bath) floor plan in downtown Chicago that maximizes every square foot can be surprisingly difficult. Many buildings compromise on room sizes or clip the second bathroom down to a tiny powder room.

If you want an expansive, masterfully designed 2-bed, 2-bath oasis right in the heart of River North, your search ends at Asbury Plaza.

Why a True 2-Bed, 2-Bath Layout Changes Everything

Upgrading to a full second bathroom does more than just eliminate morning scheduling conflicts. It completely shifts how you utilize your home:

• Flawless Roommate Synergy: Sharing a single bathroom with a roommate instantly introduces friction. A dual-bathroom setup provides total privacy, giving each resident their own self-care sanctuary.

• The Ultimate Guest Setup: When friends or family visit, they shouldn't have to walk through your primary bedroom to use the facilities. A second full bathroom ensures your guests feel accommodated and independent.

• A Fully Functional Work-From-Home Haven: If you use your second bedroom as an office, having an adjacent bathroom makes your daytime workspace entirely self-contained, keeping your primary bedroom a strictly private zone for relaxation.

What to Demand Beyond the Floor Plan

A great layout is a baseline, but the best downtown living experiences are defined by what happens right outside your bedroom door. When you are scouting locations in River North, make sure your list includes these premium structural details and amenities:

• Private Outdoor Space: Downtown living can feel confined without fresh air. Look for buildings that offer private balconies with spectacular, unobstructed skyline views.

• Unmatched Walkability & Transit: You shouldn't have to rely on a car for daily life. Your home should be a "Walker’s Paradise" situated just blocks from grocery stores, fitness boutiques, and major transit hubs like the CTA Red Line.

• Comprehensive Service and Security: From a 24/7 professional door attendant to handle your secure package deliveries to quick-turnaround on-site maintenance, premium service makes high-rise living effortless.

Discover the Perfect Fit at Asbury Plaza

Located at 750 N. Dearborn Street, right where River North meets the Gold Coast, Asbury Plaza offers the premier solution to your apartment search.

Our signature Two-Bedroom, Two-Bathroom floor plan offers a generous 1,040 square feet of meticulously utilized space:

• Unique Angled Layouts: Move away from standard, boring box-shaped apartments. Our residences feature distinct, flow-enhancing angled layouts that maximize views and spatial separation.

• Upgraded Interiors: Every home boasts beautiful, modernized kitchens outfitted with a complete Energy Star appliance package, perfectly paired with spa-ready, upgraded bathrooms.

• Storage Galore: Say goodbye to clutter with massive, oversized walk-in closets standard in every single apartment.

• The Asbury Perks: As a resident, you unlock access to our spectacular outdoor pool and sundeck (complete with all-weather outdoor heaters), a 24/7 fitness center, and a fully equipped business tech lounge.

Stop compromising on space and layout. Come home to the comfort, convenience, and community you deserve.

Explore our available two-bedroom floor plans or reach out to our leasing team today to schedule your live video or in-person tour of Asbury Plaza!

The post Where Can I Find Two-Bedroom Apartments in River North Chicago With Two Bathrooms? appeared first on Asbury Plaza Blog.