Who Suits This Residence?
Presidential Apartments in Evanston, IL, targets students and young professionals who prioritize a balance of updated interiors and on-site amenities within a residential neighborhood. The property offers studio, one-bedroom, and apartment units starting at an indicative monthly price of $1,430, with the upper range reaching $1,835 (prices are indicative — confirm with the operator). Given its location about 20–30 minutes from downtown Chicago via public transit, it suits those who prefer a quieter setting while still having access to the city’s universities and cultural offerings.
The residence works well for tenants who value modern bathrooms, hardwood flooring, and large windows — features highlighted in one resident’s review. The presence of an elevator and a parking garage adds convenience, especially for students who bring a car or need to move heavy items. The gym, described as clean and not crowded, appeals to residents who want a quick workout without leaving the building. Pet-friendly policy is another plus for animal owners.
Tenants who appreciate responsive management will find that the on-site manager is noted as helpful — one review explicitly says the manager gave “many help when our facility is not working.” For renters who prefer a quiet living environment, the building reportedly transmits little noise from upstairs neighbors, and common areas like hallways and lobby are kept clean. The property’s rating on Google is 2.7 stars based on 13 reviews, so individual experiences vary, but for those who can tolerate some trade-offs, it can work.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
The most significant drawback cited by residents is the lack of a central heating system. One reviewer states: “In Chicago no heater! Cost us 300 USD per month to keep warm with AC in winter! Which is really noisy!” This is a critical issue for anyone sensitive to cold or noise, and the additional electricity cost can substantially raise the effective monthly expense. Students on a tight budget should factor in that extra cost.
Mold concerns appear in another review: “I feel the apartment had a mold problem and they just painted over it.” While only one resident raised this, it suggests that building maintenance may not address underlying moisture issues thoroughly. Those with allergies or respiratory conditions should be especially cautious.
Package security is problematic — the same review mentions “few lost and stolen packages.” If you regularly receive deliveries, you may need to use an alternative shipping address or rely on package lockers.
Additionally, during move-out periods, residents report frequent tours: “countless tours will come into your unit when u would like to move.” This can be intrusive for anyone studying or working from home.
Price-wise, $1,430–1,835 is significantly above the city-wide starting price of $600 per month for student housing in Chicago. Although Evanston commands higher rents than some South Side neighborhoods, many comparable properties near universities sit in the $1,000–$1,500 range. Presidential Apartments is at the higher end, and the heating issue makes the effective cost even steeper. Budget-conscious students living on a fixed education loan or part-time income may find cheaper alternatives within the city that include utilities.
What Residents Actually Say
Three Google reviews provide a window into everyday life at Presidential Apartments. The most positive review (4 stars) from Aran McDonald notes:
“Pros: Great windows, decent hardwood flooring, and renovated modern bathrooms. There is an elevator and parking garage. The kitchens are generally small but at least renovated. You rarely hear footsteps or upstairs neighbors. Clean hallways and lobby. There is also a gym which is clean and has only a few visitors.”
This aligns with the property photos showing bright interiors. The reviewer does not mention any major negatives, suggesting that for someone who does not use the heating system during winter (or who manages with space heaters), the experience can be positive.
A 3-star review by Parmida mirhashemi provides a mixed picture:
“George was great. The neighbors were nice but I feel the apartment had a mold problem and they just painted over it. Other than that we had no problem (other than few lost and stolen packages) while we lived there.”
The mention of mold and package theft are red flags, but the reviewer still rates it 3 and acknowledges good management and neighbor relations.
The most critical review (2 stars) by JJJ highlights the heating crisis:
“The manager of the property is helpful, give us many help when our facility is not working! For the apartment, no heating system, can u believe? In Chicago no heater! Cost us 300 USD per month to keep warm with AC in winter! Which is really noisy! And countless tours will come into your unit when u would like to move.”
This review underscores that the absence of a central heater is not a one-off complaint but a structural issue. The extra $300/month for using AC as a heater raises the effective rent to $1,730–2,135 range — a steep price for a studio or one-bedroom in Evanston. The noise from the AC unit and the intrusion of tours during move-out are also notable.
Overall, the reviews suggest that while the property has appealing features (renovations, quietness, helpful manager), unresolved maintenance issues and high winter utility costs are significant drawbacks. Prospective tenants should ask the operator directly about heating arrangements and any planned upgrades for 2026–2027.
Price Positioning in Chicago’s Student Market
Chicago’s student housing market offers a wide price range. The city-wide starting price for student properties is $600 per month, but those listings are typically shared rooms or older buildings in less central areas. The average for a private studio or one-bedroom near major universities tends to fall between $1,200 and $1,800.
Presidential Apartments sits near the top of that range at $1,430–$1,835 (indicative — confirm with the operator). Given the reported need to supplement heating (potentially adding $300/month in winter), the true cost could exceed $2,000 for several months. For the same budget, a tenant could find a newer purpose-built student accommodation near universities like UIC or Illinois Tech that includes utilities, gym, and central HVAC.
That said, Evanston itself is a desirable suburb with tree-lined streets, a lakefront, and a strong community feel. If being in Evanston is a priority (for proximity to specific schools or research centers), this property is competitively priced compared to other Evanston apartments, which often start above $1,500 for a decent one-bedroom. The presence of a gym, elevator, and parking also justifies part of the premium.
Prospective tenants should compare the total monthly cost (rent + estimated utilities) against other options in Evanston and Chicago. Asking the operator for a breakdown of average winter electricity bills for previous tenants would help make an informed decision.
Room-Type Guidance
The property offers studio, one-bedroom, and apartment units. “Apartment” likely refers to multi-bedroom layouts, but the data does not specify the number of bedrooms. You should contact the operator to clarify the available floor plans.
- Studio: Best for single occupants who want an open layout and lower rent. The kitchens are described as small but renovated, so a studio with a compact kitchenette should suffice for light cooking. Starting at $1,430, a studio is the most affordable option.
- One-bedroom: Suitable for a single person or a couple who want separate sleeping and living areas. Expect slightly higher rent, likely toward the $1,600–$1,800 range.
- Apartment (multi-bedroom): If you plan to share with a roommate, the “apartment” category may offer two or three bedrooms. This can reduce per-person costs. Confirm the exact configuration and whether total rent is per unit or per bedroom.
Given the heating issue, ground-floor or interior-facing units may be warmer in winter. Ask the operator about window insulation and the feasibility of using space heaters on non-AC circuits.
Booking Timing
The earliest availability is June 7, 2026 — ideal for summer move-ins before the fall academic term. For leases starting in August or September 2026, you should begin inquiring in early 2026. Many student housing properties in Chicago release inventory 3–6 months in advance, and popular units with better views or quieter floors may go quickly.
Because the property has only 13 Google reviews and a modest rating (2.7), it may not be in extremely high demand, but the limited supply of units with elevators and parking in Evanston could still lead to competition. Booking by March or April 2026 would give you enough time to arrange a viewing (virtual or in-person) and clarify the heating situation before committing.
If you are looking for a shorter lease (e.g., semester-by-semester), confirm with the operator whether flexible terms are available. The data shows no minimum lease length, so it may be negotiable.
FAQ
Is central heating available in the apartments?
Based on resident reviews, the building does not have a central heating system. One reviewer states “no heating system” and reports using the air conditioner in reverse to heat the unit, costing about $300 per month in winter. You should confirm with the operator whether any units have been retrofitted with heating or if alternative solutions (e.g., portable heaters) are permitted.
Are utilities included in the rent?
The property data does not specify which utilities are included. The reviews mention paying separately for electricity used for heating. Ask the operator for a full list of included utilities (water, garbage, internet, electric, gas) and any caps or additional fees. The indicative rent of $1,430–1,835 likely covers only base rent; expect to budget an extra $50–$100 for basic utilities plus the winter heating surcharge.
Is the building safe and secure?
The reviews do not raise major safety concerns, but package theft is mentioned. The building has a laundry facility and a gym, which suggests controlled access to those areas. Request information about security cameras, entry systems, and whether there is a doorman or concierge. The property is located in Evanston, generally considered a safe suburb, but as with any urban area, personal precautions are advisable.
Sources & data date
Data sourced from student housing listing updated to July 2026. Prices and availability are indicative — confirm with the operator before signing any agreement.
Note: For the most current room availability, pricing, and lease terms, use the on-site assistant on this page to ask a live agent directly.
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