Chicago's Most-Viewed Condo Buildings By Home Buyers in 2023

Low inventory and increasing mortgage rates have been the defining characteristics of real estate in 2023, leaving many home buyers and selling wondering if the new year will bring some much needed relief, positivity, and stability back to the housing market as a whole. Back in August, the average mortgage rate exceeded 7%—the highest level in two decades—and with home sales in Chicago down 11% in September, it seems the rush of home buyers transitioning to a new living situation due to new work-from-home policies and other lifestyle changes has dwindled as well. Despite these and other market challenges, however, the end of the year is rapidly approaching now that the calendar has flipped over to November, making it the ideal time to start looking back and evaluating what Chicago area condo buyers have been searching most throughout 2023. 

The information below is based solely on Chicago Condo Finder organic (non paid-ads) website traffic.

1) Trump Tower 

3.8% of overall search traffic

Our conclusion: In a market lacking inventory, Trump Tower is a rare condo tower that has plenty of options on the market, which is almost certainly related to the polarizing figure that is the former President. Regardless of political affiliations, however, Trump Tower lays claim to a prominent riverfront location, allowing for many of its units to offer unmatched views of the surrounding cityscape. Our take? If you’re looking to make a savvy investment, buy in Trump Tower now while inventory is bloated and prices are favorable. If or when Trump decides to sell the building, condo owners can reasonably expect prices to shoot back up because of the building’s premium location, stunning architecture, and ultra-luxurious interiors. 

2) 875 N. Michigan 

1.3% of overall search traffic

Our Conclusion: The most viewed condo building in Chicago in 2023 is 875 N. Michigan, formerly the John Hancock Center. As one of the Windy City’s most iconic skyscrapers that also happens to be situated right in the heart of the Mag Mile, 875 N. Michigan has always been a top-viewed building over the years, much of which we attribute to curious tourists. However, condos inside 875 N. Michigan can also be relatively affordable given the building’s prime downtown location, not to mention the views nearly every unit inside offers. 

3) The Palmolive

0.8% of overall search traffic

Our Conclusion: The Palmolive Building has a very rich history and is always among the most sought-after condo towers among luxury buyers who love and appreciate vintage character. Additionally, the building’s location is also prominently situated just off the Michigan Avenue as well, leading to more tourist traffic than other downtown condo buildings that are positioned off the beaten path so-to-speak. The Palmolive has also seen some fairly high-profile sales in 2023, including a unit that sold back in May for $1,795,000 and a unit that just recently sold in September for $1,475,000. 

4) The Tribune Tower Residences 

0.8% of overall search traffic

Our Conclusion: Along with the St. Regis, The Tribune Tower Residences might be the premier new construction option in town right now and its #3 ranking in our most-viewed condo buildings in 2023 certainly backs that claim up. As an authentic architectural masterpiece, The Tribune Tower Residences have it all, from a storied history and premiere downtown location to lavish and luxurious interiors throughout the entire building all the way down to its common areas. But with the cheapest one-bedroom rental asking $6,000 and the cheapest 2-bedroom condo for sale asking $1,795,000 at the time of this writing, it’s also among Chicago’s most expensive condo buildings as well. 

5) Aqua

0.6% of overall search traffic

Our Conclusion: Aqua Chicago was awarded the Emporis Skyscraper Award as the 2009 Skyscraper of the Year, and narrowly missed earning the biennial International Highrise Award in 2010; so it’s always on the radar of high-rise condo buyers looking for a newer building with modern flair and appeal. You might also notice its distinctly wavy balconies that simulate water (hence the building name) are quite large, and with private balcony space always one of the most sought-after features among downtown condo buyers, the only other building(s) that comes close to featuring this amount of private outdoor space is Marina City, which is comparatively much older and less luxurious. Simply put, if you’re looking for a 

6) St. Regis

0.6% of overall search traffic

Our Conclusion: The towering new St. Regis Residences of Chicago has reshaped the Windy City’s skyline since its completion, so it's hardly surprising to see this mesmerizing structure crack our list of the most viewed and searched condo buildings of the year. Like a couple of the buildings mentioned above that likely get a boost from curious tourists walking up and down Michigan Avenue, St. Regis has now become one of the highlights of Chicago’s river tours, undoubtedly giving it a similar advantage. However, as one of the Windy City’s tallest and highest-profile condo towers, it’s certainly on the shortlist of any luxury buyer wanting a residence in one of downtown’s true legacy buildings.

8) Reed at Southbank 

0.5% of overall search traffic

Our Conclusion: If there's one thing that's almost sure to get more clicks than new construction, it's affordable new construction; and that's exactly what we have at the newly built Reed at Southbank. At the time of this writing, one-bedroom units were starting at just below $400,000 with a number of 2-bedroom/2-bathroom units starting in the mid $700,000s. For a new construction building that also happens to sit right alongside the South Branch of the Chicago river, these prices are very competitive and something any serious buyer should jump on. We also love that most of the common amenity space in the building features exceptional river views, and the interiors are truly as stylish as any new construction unit you'll find in this price range as well.