When living in the city, it’s common to seek out studio apartments. Hyde Park Chicago has many options, which can be exciting to find variety or overwhelming to have so much to choose from. We hope to answer all of your questions and empower you to feel more confident in your apartment search with Ivy Residences.

WHAT IS A STUDIO APARTMENT?

In short, the term describes an apartment that does not have a stand-alone bedroom. Often. the bedroom and living room are a combined space. Depending on layout, this may also have a more open floor plan that includes the kitchen, living room, and sleeping area in one space. Other studio apartments do have separation between kitchen and living/sleeping space, and some may even have a small dining space attached to the kitchen, called an eat-in kitchen.

CAN I SEPARATE THE LIVING AND SLEEPING AREAS IN A STUDIO APARTMENT?

In all rental communities, you typically cannot amend the structure of the apartment. The apartment must look the exact same when you move out as it did on the day you moved in. However, you can get creative to mock separation between the two spaces. Some ideas include:

• Using bookshelves to create a “wall” and provide additional storage
• Purchasing a partition to put up to provide a faux wall
• Use Command strips to drape a decorative tapestry to act as a barrier between the two areas
• If you have a walk-in closet, set up your “bedroom” in there, and use a standing wardrobe for clothes

The option that’s right for you will depend on your preferences and the apartment you select.

HOW MUCH SPACE DO STUDIO APARTMENTS IN HYDE PARK CHICAGO HAVE?

From a simple Google search, some sites state that 500 square feet is the average size for studio apartments. Hyde Park Chicago, home to many vintage communities, trends smaller than this. Within Ivy Residences, studio apartments range from 268 to 640 square feet, and our average studio apartment size sits at 383 square feet.

Keep in mind, the layout of your apartment home and other factors, such as number of windows and how you arrange furniture, greatly impact the feel of the space. Don’t get too hung up on square footage!

CAN TWO PEOPLE LIVE IN A STUDIO APARTMENT?

Yes. Standard rules for occupancy are two people per bedroom plus one additional. For a studio, since there is no bedroom, Ivy Residences defines the standard occupancy limit as two people.

If choosing to have two occupants in a studio apartment, think hard about who you choose to be your roommate. A lease agreement is a legally-binding document, after all, and studio apartments do not allow for much space to have alone time. We advise that you thoroughly discuss your habits and lifestyle are similar to ensure that you both are happy with the choice to be in such close quarters.

WHY CHOOSE A STUDIO APARTMENT?

Renters choose studios for a variety of reasons. Typically, studio apartments cost less than one-bedroom apartments, though this may vary based on location, building amenities, apartment features, and so on. If you desire to live in a certain area where one-bedroom apartments are outside of your price range, you may opt for a studio instead. For those who really use their apartment as a place to sleep at night, a studio may be an economical option, too.

Some people opt for a minimalist lifestyle and prefer to just own the things they truly need. Perhaps they are moving from far away and prefer to pack as little as possible. They could also be people who travel often and won’t be spending as much time in their apartment as the average person. Or, maybe they are just starting to live on their own and don’t have much furniture. Bigger places typically mean you want more furniture to fill it.

You may also like a studio apartment if you live alone. Some people enjoy the cozy, cohesive feel of a studio apartment. It can make you feel like you’re living in a hotel! Everything you need is right there with you. There’s something lovely and comforting about that.

Less space also means less to clean. So, if you dread cleaning, you may prefer a studio so you can get those tasks done quicker.

HOW DO I KNOW IF A STUDIO APARTMENT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

When choosing a studio, it’s important to consider the whole package: the building as a whole, the local area, and your lifestyle.

First, look at your lifestyle. Are you someone who prefers to be out and about and use your apartment for sleeping, cooking, and watching some TV? If so, a studio apartment may be a cost-effective option for you.

If you haven’t, try using a rent calculator. These are tools that take your income, factor in your regular expenses, and provides suggestions for what your rental budget could be based on this information. Sometimes, that helps determine if you’re better suited for a studio or different apartment type based on your spending habits and preferred location.

Speaking of location, it’s an important factor to consider when renting an apartment. In popular areas, rent prices tend to be higher. Is that something you can afford? Often, studio apartments in these areas come at a lower price point, which may mean a fair compromise for you. Especially if you are someone who tends to be outside of their home more than in, you may prioritize studio apartments because they can keep you close to all the action. And being closer to bustling city areas can lead to other savings, such as less money spent on Ubers and parking or less time spent on your commute.

Finally, you should also consider the apartment community you choose to live in. Would you find it more convenient to live in a studio apartment with an elevator, or a one-bedroom apartment that’s up three flights of stairs? If you need to host a group project meeting, would you prefer to do it in your apartment or in your building’s lounge area with more room to spread out? Do you like to do your morning yoga routine in your living room during the summer, or would it be more enjoyable to practice in your building’s private courtyard?

WHERE CAN I  FIND STUDIO APARTMENTS (HYDE PARK CHICAGO LOCATION)?

I’m so glad you asked! Check out our listings here.