Overview and Location
The Monarch is a mid-sized apartment complex located in Des Plaines, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago. The address is Des Plaines, IL 60016. The property sits within commuting distance of downtown Chicago and several major academic and employment hubs. With a Google rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on 173 reviews, the residence has built a reputation around its management team and maintained amenities.
The immediate neighbourhood is primarily residential, with access to public transport options that connect to the Chicago Loop. For students or professionals attending universities in the city, the commute by train or car typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on destination and time of day. The Monarch is not a downtown high-rise; it is a suburban complex offering more space and on-site facilities than many city-centre apartments.
Price Positioning vs City-Wide Reference Price
Chicago’s overall “from-price” for student housing listings on this platform is $600 per month. That figure typically represents a shared room or a very basic studio in areas farther from the city core. The Monarch’s monthly rent spans from an indicative $2,170 to $4,501 — confirm with the operator. This places The Monarch at a premium level compared with the city’s entry point.
The gap reflects several factors:
- Des Plaines rents are generally lower than downtown Chicago, but The Monarch’s specific pricing is above the suburb average because of its apartment finishes, amenity package, and unit mix.
- The $600 city from-price is an extreme low, often for a room in a multi-bedroom unit with minimal amenities. The Monarch’s cheapest listing is more than three times that, so budget-focused renters will likely find more affordable options elsewhere.
- The $4,501 upper end suggests larger units (e.g., three-bedroom apartments) or top-floor layouts with premium views or features.
In short, The Monarch is positioned as a mid-to-upper-range suburban residence. It is not the cheapest option in the Chicago metro, nor is it the most expensive luxury tower. Renters who value space, a managed community, and a full set of amenities — and who can allocate $2,100+ per month — will find it competitive within its segment.
Room Types and Guidance
The Monarch offers studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units, listed under the categories “studio”, “1b”, “2b”, “3b”, as well as a general “apartment” type. The exact configuration of the “apartment” type is not specified in the available data, so you should confirm the layout directly with the leasing office.
- Studio: likely the most affordable entry point, around the $2,170 mark. Suitable for a single occupant who wants a combined living-sleeping area.
- One-bedroom: a step up in space and privacy, with a separate bedroom. Ideal for a couple or a single person who works or studies from home.
- Two-bedroom: can be shared between two flatmates or used as a one-bedroom plus a home office. Expect pricing in the middle of the range.
- Three-bedroom: the largest option, best for a group of three friends or a small family. The upper end of the price range applies to these units.
All units come unfurnished unless otherwise specified — verify with the operator. The minimum lease term is six months, which provides flexibility for students on semester schedules or professionals on short-term assignments.
Given the suburban location, residents typically need a car or rely on public transit. On-site parking availability should be confirmed at time of booking.
Who This Residence Suits
The Monarch is a good fit for:
- Graduate students or professionals who prefer a quieter environment away from the noise of downtown, but still need reasonable access to Chicago. Des Plaines offers a suburban lifestyle with local shops and restaurants.
- Groups of three flatmates looking for a three-bedroom apartment with shared amenities. The per-person cost may be lower than renting separate studios in the city, while still enjoying a pool, gym, and study area.
- Renters who value on-site management responsiveness — several reviews highlight the team’s helpfulness. If a smooth move-in and fast maintenance are priorities, this complex appears to deliver.
- Those who want amenities within the building: gym, swimming pool, and study area are listed. These facilities can reduce the need for external memberships or off-site study spaces.
Who This Residence Does Not Suit
This property is less suitable for:
- Budget-conscious students living on a tight stipend or loan. The $2,170 starting rent is far above the city’s $600 floor. Cheaper shared apartments in neighbourhoods like Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, or Rogers Park exist, though with fewer amenities.
- Undergraduates who want to be within walking distance of campus. The Monarch is in Des Plaines, not near the main campuses of the city’s prominent universities. A commute is necessary, which adds time and transport cost.
- Anyone seeking a short-term rental under six months. The minimum lease of six months may be too long for summer interns or exchange programmes that last only two to three months.
- People who are sensitive to management or maintenance issues. Although the published reviews are positive, the overall Google rating of 3.5 suggests some less favourable experiences exist. It is advisable to read the full range of online reviews before committing.
What Residents Actually Say
Three verified Google reviews are available for The Monarch. All are five-star and specifically praise the leasing and maintenance team.
Alexander Sperry: “The team at The Monarch are great. They are very available and personable people. Both Jesse and Kyle made my move in easy and have helped with anything needed. This is the nicest apartment complex I have lived in so far and I plan to stay for a long time.”
Kimmy Remschak: “The Monarch has such a great and personable team - Jesse and Kyle are always very willing to help with leasing and questions and Kurt and his team are on top of maintenance requests. Common areas and amenities are always clean and inviting and communication with residents is very smooth!”
Holly Reisman: “Good apartment management is hard to find, but Jesse, the property manager, and Kyle in the leasing office at The Monarch have been wonderful. They are personable, understanding, and helpful with anything I have needed. I greatly appreciate you both!”
Key takeaways from the reviews:
- The management team (specifically Jesse, Kyle, and Kurt) is consistently described as personable, responsive, and effective.
- Move-in and maintenance processes run smoothly.
- Common areas and amenities are clean and well-maintained.
- Residents express an intention to stay long-term, indicating satisfaction overall.
No negative reviews were provided in the dataset, but the 3.5 rating out of 173 reviews suggests a mix of opinions. Factors sometimes mentioned in other Google reviews (not quoted here) could include price concerns, occasional noise, or minor maintenance delays. It is wise to visit the property or speak to current residents if possible.
Booking Timing and Availability
The data does not specify an available-from date. The property may have units ready for immediate move-in or for future dates depending on the season. The minimum lease of six months means you should plan around academic calendars or employment start dates.
- For fall semester starts (August/September), begin inquiries in early spring — around March or April — to secure preferred unit types and floor plans.
- For January move-ins, start looking in October or November.
- If you are flexible, last-minute vacancies sometimes appear, but given the positive reviews and apparent popularity, early booking is recommended.
Always confirm current lease terms and occupancy dates directly with the operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Monarch pet-friendly?
The available data does not include a pet policy. You must confirm with the leasing office whether cats or dogs are allowed, and whether any breed restrictions or pet deposits apply.
What utilities are included in the rent?
The listing data does not specify which utilities (water, electricity, internet, trash) are included or billed separately. Ask the operator for a full breakdown of monthly costs beyond the base rent.
How far is The Monarch from the nearest train station?
Des Plaines is served by Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest Line. The Des Plaines station is approximately a 5- to 10-minute drive or a short bus ride from the complex. Exact distance and walkability should be verified on a map. Commute time to downtown Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center is roughly 30–40 minutes.
Sources and Data Date
Data sourced from Amber (July 2026). Google rating and reviews as of the same date. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
For live availability and current lease options, you can use the on-site assistant on this platform to check unit types, move-in dates, and any promotional offers directly from the property management.
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