best residential views? (Chicago, Lincoln, Ashland: apartments, house, living)

[oliminator123]

Do we have any opinions on what the best residential buildings in Chicago are when it comes to the view? Or is it so widespread?

I guess it all depends on what you consider a good view (lake, city, south, east, etc).

Any opinions? I have lived downtown for about a year now in two different buildings so I'm trying to determine what's best.

Also, as a secondary, what is everyone's opinion on balconies? Overrated?

Thanks!

[marothisu]

I think it's all personal choice, but IMO the best views are of the skyline from a little bit of a distance. For example, I have friends who live in areas of Old Town, Lincoln Park, and West Town with huge unobstructed views of the skyline. I live downtown and have a good view of River North's skyline, but their views are better than mine for sure.

[oliminator123]

I agree. Having a view of the lake is a dream for some people, while the skyline is a dream for others.

[emathias]

Of the buildings I've been in to personally see views, I think that for residential buildings I really like the southward city views from 1 Superior really well. The building may be visual crap, but the south views from it are really nice if you like city views.

Also nice:

Hancock building, northward, for lake views.

Park Hyatt building, eastward with park, city and lake views.

Trump east toward the river's mouth.

Aqua from the southwest corner both south to Millennium Park and west along the River's main branch.

Kingsbury Plaza southward can also be really nice.

[Anne C M]

My personal opinion is high rises in the south loop facing north. You have the best skyline views, lake views, and sprawling west views.

[ChiGuy2.5]

I took this picture of a friends view off the aqua building. The day was crappy which sucks, but on a nice day its gorgeous. Views of trump, john hancock, navy pier and the river/lake.

[glass_of_merlot]

I have a view of my neighbors living room to the south and my other neighbors backyard to the north an to the west I have Ashland Ave! Who's jealous?

[ChicagoMeO]

I face east in a kind of gangway, and I have a view of my neighbor's house which blocks all the weather and people walking down the street, so it sucks.

people that have a lake view say that at night it gets VERY dark, and that might be nice during the day but maybe too much darkness at night.

downtown and Streeterville, you have to get a building that does not block the lake. Anything on the new Eastside which has a view of the Chicago River and the buildings across from it, get to see a nice view, especially when winter comes and the city puts up the white lights for Christmas, at night the Chicago River shines with these golden colors from the lights in the city. At other times, during the year, the Chicago River looks like that but especially pretty at christmas.

I've been to a high floor in the Chase Bank building on Dearborn and Clark, and i got a view of the city and its pretty.. not sure if thats still there, but i took an elevator to a high floor and i got to see out a window in the hallway.

any building that faces Grant Park, Lincoln Park (all the way up to Foster) is kinda nice too. You can get a combo lake view and park view and beach view if you live along there and Marine Drive.

[oliminator123]

Originally Posted by ChiGuy2.5

I took this picture of a friends view off the aqua building. The day was crappy which sucks, but on a nice day its gorgeous. Views of trump, john hancock, navy pier and the river/lake.

Nice view.

I currently reside in Aqua (just moved here) and here is my view.

I would love to see other's views as well. I am one not to stay still and would love if anyone had a northern night facing view from Aqua by any chance.

[Manigault]

The best residential views are from the Del Prado apartments on 53rd street. You get the lake, the park, Lake Shore Drive and the downtown skyline.