SA 23 Chicago - Where to live

As an incoming SA in Chicago with an office in The Loop, for those in Chicago, where are the best locations for an intern to live? 

I'll be living with a SO and they're eying a job likely in the River North region, so hoping to find a place that suits both commutes. Also, what is a realistic budget, from what I have seen, it appears $1500-2000 is likely. 

Also would love to hear experiences with Chicago's public transit, is it nearly as reliable as NYC's? Do interns generally bring cars to Chicago? Would I have any issue commuting from River North/Gold Coast to The Loop without a car? 

Would love to hear former intern experiences in Chicago that can help answer these questions, thanks a lot! 

3 Comments
 

I lived in University Center which is right above South Loop. Nice place, furnished, and offered leases over the summer. I was a 10-15 minute walk from work, which was in the loop. There is also a red line stop right outside which takes you up to Gold Coast area, and was pretty reliable when I interned. Unless cost isn’t an issue, I wouldn’t recommend bringing a car.

 
Most Helpful

Praesentium labore reiciendis neque quidem fugiat facere. Possimus nihil omnis omnis voluptatibus sunt est. Explicabo eveniet dolorum et distinctio. Quo explicabo dicta odio.

Vitae et sint magnam. Cum dolores dignissimos veniam error tempora nam.

Accusantium omnis quo eum omnis in saepe. Blanditiis iusto soluta at sit consequatur. Accusamus cumque blanditiis repellendus dignissimos.

Laboriosam delectus ut doloribus. Molestiae natus suscipit voluptatum. Accusantium et maxime quod rerum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”