Long Distance Apartment Hunting Tips

Long distance apartment hunting has become a more common part of relocating to cities like Chicago. Whether you’re moving for work, planning a lifestyle change, or preparing for a new season in a different city, renters are increasingly finding apartments site unseen before ever arriving in person.

The process is more streamlined than it once was. Virtual Matterport tours, online applications, and Facetime showings through a broker have made it possible to secure an apartment remotely with far more ease and flexibility.

There is also usually no cost to renters when working with a broker in Chicago, so setting up a Facetime apartment showing shouldn’t add any cost to your leasing process!

At the same time long distance apartment hunting still requires a thoughtful approach. Without walking through a neighborhood yourself or touring multiple buildings in person, it becomes important to ask the right questions, understand the market, and work with professionals who know the city well.

Searching for an apartment remotely naturally comes with a different set of considerations than a local search. When renters are relocating from another city, they are often learning a new market while balancing timelines tied to work, school, or an upcoming move. It can also be difficult to fully understand how a neighborhood feels through listing photos alone. That is why communication and local guidance become such important parts of the process.

How can you trust a virtual apartment tour?

The answer often comes down to working with experienced brokers and leasing teams who understand how to guide renters through remote decisions. A well executed live tour should feel informative, transparent, and detailed.

During a virtual or Facetime showing your DAC Team broker will show you:

• Views from the apartment
• Closet and storage space
• Appliance condition
• Natural light throughout the unit
• Hallways and common areas
• Street noise with windows open
• Building amenities and shared spaces
• A few blocks walking around the neighborhood
• An opportunity to talk with the management office “face to face”

Long distance apartment hunting moves quickly in competitive rental markets, but taking a more organized approach often leads to a smoother experience overall.

Researching Neighborhoods and Local Amenities Remotely

Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important parts of any apartment search.

For renters relocating to a new city, remote research can provide valuable insight into how different areas align with your lifestyle, commute, and priorities.

Google Maps is one of the best places to begin. If you enter your commute details, the bus and train icons will show you public transit routes and times. Street View can also help renters understand the overall feel and scale of a neighborhood before visiting in person. You can also always ask your DAC agent to show you the surrounding area or points of interest.

Reddit threads and Facebook groups can also provide helpful insight into:

• Commute times
• Walkability
• Parking availability
• Noise levels
• Neighborhood growth and development

For renters moving to Chicago, neighborhood fit often shapes the experience of living in the city just as much as the apartment itself.

Some renters prioritize lakefront access and walkability, while others focus on dining, nightlife, or proximity to the office.

Working with a local brokerage can help simplify the process and narrow down neighborhoods that best match your priorities.

Downtown Apartment Collective works with renters throughout downtown Chicago and luxury high rise buildings across the city and offers Facetime and virtual remote showings of Chicago apartments. Those searching for elevated rental living can explore available chicago luxury apartments and penthouses.

Tips for Evaluating Apartments Through Virtual Viewings

Remote apartment tours are most effective when renters approach them with a detailed checklist and a clear sense of priorities.

What should you ask during a remote apartment viewing?

Start with questions about the apartment itself:

• What utilities are included?
• Is maintenance handled onsite?
• Are there move in fees?
• Is there anything time sensitive (i.e. a 48 hour window where you can get the application fee waived)?
• Is there in unit laundry?
• What internet providers service the building?
• How are packages and deliveries managed?

Creating a Checklist for a Successful Long Distance Move

Once the apartment is secured, the focus shifts toward planning the move itself.

Creating a timeline in advance helps make the transition more organized and manageable.

A long distance moving checklist should include:

• Scheduling movers
• Setting up utilities (many luxury high rises in Chicago offer utility packages, but electricity through ComEd is usually set up separately).
• Updating mailing addresses
• Reserving elevators if required
• Setting up renter’s insurance (required at most buildings)
• Coordinating furniture deliveries
• Confirming move in instructions with management
• Packing essential items separately for arrival day

Luxury apartment buildings often require advance scheduling for moves and deliveries, so it’s helpful to coordinate those details early.

If you are moving to a new city, identifying nearby essentials before arrival can also make the first few days more comfortable. Grocery stores, pharmacies, fitness studios, and transit access are all worth researching ahead of time.

Long Distance Apartment Hunting Tips for a Smooth Move

The best long distance apartment hunting tips focus on preparation, communication, and local expertise.

Research neighborhoods carefully, schedule live virtual tours with a broker whenever possible, and ask thoughtful questions throughout the process. Working with experienced brokers and leasing teams can also make remote apartment hunting feel far more manageable.

With the right planning and guidance, renters can move through long distance apartment hunting with confidence and secure an apartment that fits both their lifestyle and their long term goals before ever arriving in the city. Contact Downtown Apartment Collective for more information on setting up Facetime showings if you’re moving to Chicago long distance!