This is the SMALLEST APARTMENT I could find in CHICAGO

[@meganruthw]

If you’re out and about all the time, work in office, and don’t have pets, this studio is perfect. I miss having everything right outside my door in Lincoln Park!

[@marga0517]

agree!!

[@nickguerrero9154]

No, this is a ripoff and whoever thinks this is a "deal" doesn't truly live in Chicago. Laughable

[@nonchalantstu54]

​@nickguerrero9154 Thank you for saying this because I cannot believe anyone would pay that much. I've lived in the city all my life and if you told anyone the price they'd have you committed...

[@darienford860]

​@@nickguerrero9154 You clearly don't know the Lincoln park area. Some of these 1 beds are over 5k a month 😂

[@joytotheworld9988]

I would do a bunk bed with a futon couch on the bottom to double as guest space. The top bunk could optionally be surrounded by a curtain for extra privacy, shelves by the wall for a "night stand" Small armchairs or storage stools for extra seating across from the the bed/couch. I would ditch the dresser and instead use an organization system in the closet. I would put a large table on that wall with shelves above with baskets to switch between work space/ eating space. A separator could optionally be placed between the kitchen/bed for a greater feeling of "rooms".

[@sabrinacaro1980]

I had an apartment that size in Old Town on the border of the Gold Cost. It only had 2 windows and they faced a brick wall. I was out in the neighborhood as often as possible and was good until the covid lock down, that was rough for me. I spent 4 years in that apartment! Now I'm in a 2 bed 2 bath in a different neighborhood and I'm loving all the space. 😊

[@hellothereyouall]

Omg no way. Did it have a courtyard out front? Off Lasalle and division? Because I literally lived in the same thing and the view was a brick wall 😂

[@leonydus9889]

2 bed 2 bath? in chicago? you must be rich, gotta be great living in that kind of privilege

[@sabrinacaro1980]

@@leonydus9889I'm rich in spirit. If you will notice I said I moved to a different neighborhood so my rent isn't much more than when I lived in that tiny studio. May your heart grow 2 sizes this holiday season so you can stop leaving catty comments on people's posts.

[@sabrinacaro1980]

@@hellothereyouall I wasn't in that building but I know which one you're talking about. The 1 I lived in used to be a hotel.

[@leonydus9889]

@@sabrinacaro1980 yeah and how much is that? last time i checked "spirit" isnt a currency that can be used to pay rent

[@RestingBeachFace]

You could also put a dresser in the closet, as well. 😃

[@martaescobar7625]

I think I would do a free-standing loft bed, and a small sofa underneath, unless you work from home and need an office space. Loft bed can have a bookcase headboard. Hang the TV on a movable wall arm across from the bed, credenza for storage and seating. My 2 cents......

[@bonniepwtf]

So surprised by the full size appliances. My daughter lived in 3 different studios in Chicago & the kitchens were more like a snack cupboard than a place to cook.💌

[@michellelyman7092]

I think maybe you make a little sleeping area in the closet? or maybe a futon in the living space that folds down or maybe a futon and a murphy bed? Like the murphy bed is up during the day and the futon is up to sit on - come night time, flatten the futon and pull the murphy bed down over it....come morning, push the murphy bed back up on the wall and set the futon in a seated position again - you could have a fold down table and folding chairs and a folding or collapsing coffee table and some small end tables or something easily moveable. I also love the idea of a moveable island for additional prep space with a fold down extension and chairs to use it for a dining space too.

[@bombshelb1289]

Initially I was was like, "too small no way", but I like a challenge & after seeing the space I agree about doing the coat rack in the corner & the moveable island with optional drop leaf for eating. Where I would change things up is to get a really nice sofa bed & put it on the opposite wall so you have the option to switch between bed & couch while freeing up space in the space. Would still put a shelf over the radiator, plus dresser/swivel TV next it, then in the bathroom I would remove the towel rack, add a super tall over toilet cabinet to act as storage/linen closet, and put small mounts for towels on the wall above the light switches. Just my two cents. As a homebody I would want more room for sure, but if I had to I could make a space like this work.

[@altaariq]

I lived in a kitchenette on 67th and Jeffrey back in the day, everything was small😅 and my rent was $350' then $450 when i moved out 4 years later

[@juliejohnson5724]

I used to live in a 450 square foot studio in a suburb of Chicago and the kitchen had full size appliances as well and a separate bedroom area. The layout was fantastic because it had outdoor space too. My twin lives in a 3 bedroom apartment around the corner from me and she cooks for me too!

[@UKBornin1971]

I've lived in the same studio apt in Rogers Park for the past decade, love it. It's more than 2.5 times larger then this studio, a lot cheaper, with an outdoor space and a much better view out the windows.

[@madeleinegrayson8372]

Yeah, but you're in Rogers Park, lol. She wins. 😂

[@UKBornin1971]

@madeleinegrayson8372 so you think

[@DanLee8884]

My wife and I had a condo in Lincoln Park, 900 square ft. We rented it out for 1700 a month. We didnt raise the rent for the 3 years we had renters. I guess that was a steal. Laundry included in the apartment. There was even a semi loft where you could out another bed and have someone live there granted you have to crawl. We were just happy to have renters who paid on time particularly during covid.

[@teddysdadcory]

I would live in this in a heartbeat!!

[@KeriB1982]

YAY! A random Caira video midweek!

[@dawnsullivan7325]

luv the studio!!!

[@jayrogers7779]

I would put a tall shelf in front of the bed to block people from looking at my sleep area.

[@lisaryherd4593]

Agree!!

[@levil4012]

You're mainly paying for location bcuz 1200+ for a studio(especially that small) is kinda excessive..

[@kaistockman6443]

Yeah it’s really expensive. It has to be the location.

[@Belluser-we1uc5cb2l]

Studios on 3500 marshfield goes for 800 to 900

[@nickguerrero9154]

It's all about "security" and "location" to the stupid

[@sherrieludwig508]

In the 1970s I had a studio apartment at 4439 North Wolcott. Back then, it was $125 a month, heat and cooking gas included. When we married the two of us lived there, basically until we bought a house. Maybe 400 square feet, but well laid out with lots of storage. Probably over 2500 now.

[@madeleinegrayson8372]

Had a studio in East Lake view in the 90s for $400. Minimum wage was $5 per hour then, for part of my time there, I worked for that plus dismal tips, lol. Ah, the things we do.

[@sarahcook908]

This is adorable! I have a 220 sq ft. apartment, no dishwasher and a half size fridge and a 3 foot wide closet and 2 feet deep. It's not at all cluttered and I work remotely. I live in Boston. I've totally hacked the storage and furniture solutions and it was so fun to set up. I have been living here for 4 years and my twin lives in a slightly bigger unit here (300 sq ft). We can both afford much bigger but we love it here! 😚

[@sarahcook908]

And I rarely eat out and don't do takeout. I cook a lot of healthy food.

[@CairaButton]

I LOVE THAT!! Also I wish I had a twin who was my neighbor lol

[@sarahcook908]

@CairaButton haha it's awesome, we cook for each other a lot ☺️

[@susanhansell3435]

For smaller apartments, one should consider a full size bed vs. Queen. Or even a convertible sofa/ bed. There's some great options out there. BTW, I live in Chicago and love it here.

[@CairaButton]

Totally agree!! Lots of good space saving bed options.

[@SilverG2711]

I love ur apartment, cozy and clean

[@bojeejee2627]

Compare to the New York apartment , this is penthouse and cheaper too.

[@luckyluciano5847]

Thats my old neighborhood. I lived on Burling and Schubert. Loved waking my dog around Lincoln Park.

[@CairaButton]

It’s such a wonderful area!

[@hotdrumchick]

Oooh, Lincoln Park! I almost went to DePaul when I lived in Chi (MANY years ago); ended up going to Chicago State instead.

[@jahanas22]

That shouldn't be legal to have that small of a space. I'd rather not have a dishwasher as you lose space.

[@helprehouseourvets6919]

I would absolutely freak out if I had to live in that tiny space. I couldn't begin to imagine how I would make it work and this coming from someone living in a 1 br 1200 feet apartment who's freaking out at such a small space. I've had to downsize just to live here and I refuse to furnish it besides my folding bed in my bedroom. I use my living room and 3 large closets as storage!

[@kandillishis]

I remember when a 3 bdrm apt in a nice neighborhood in Chicago was $800 so I’ll never think these are nice prices.

[@madeleinegrayson8372]

When was that, lol, because I grew up here and no god neighborhoods had apartments that size for that price even in the 70s.

[@lesataylor-mccabe9757]

I would sleep in the closet, twin size. Put up a self on the wall for your phone and water. That would free up alot of floor space .

[@CairaButton]

Omg I love it, always a fan of unique set ups.

[@michaelmathis7359]

That’s a lot better than the studio apartments in New York. New York studio apartments are either the size of your kitchen or the size of your bathroom and waaay too expensive.

[@rblyth08]

Three reasons to say yes to this apt. Lincoln Park, Lincoln Park, and Lincoln Park. Location is everything, especially when you are young and active and on a limited budget. When I was thirty and starting my business in San Fransisco, I lived in a 145 sqft apt. NO I'm not kidding. I used every trick Caira mentioned, and they work. When the business took off, I got a much larger apt in a different neighborhood and missed my old neighborhood more than I can tell you.

[@nickguerrero9154]

No

[@nonchalantstu54]

@@rblyth08 You're not on a limited budget if you're paying $1200 for 225 sq ft. You are literally throwing money away.

[@madeleinegrayson8372]

Yikes. I love studios, lived in one here in Chicago, then one in Burbank CA for 10 years but that is a micro studio at best. Might want to look into the Japanese sleeping mats, which you roll up in the morning to free up space. Good for the back as well. Or a quality air mattress you can inflate and deflate quickly.

[@jeb21215]

I would not want my bed to be so close to the radiator

[@notbyinit3756]

That hot water heat is the best. Personally, I wouldn't leave my phone on a shelf over that radiator.

[@iamroxx7595]

sad that people are willing to pay over a 1000 for that lil shit is crazy...... gonna drive up rent prices even more

[@theemarydee1610]

I agree that if someone wants to move to Chicago, they need to ask why they wanna move to Chicago is it because of all the cool stuff having everything a bus ride away or walk around the corner or two blocks down to the lake go to plenty of things to do And music oh my God live music is amazing. And that is what they want then a smaller place is to be slept in and maybe eat a little something. Otherwise most people go out to eat and count it as a blessing if you can afford that small space without, a roommate, praise the Lord.

[@CairaButton]

Exactly!! Couldn’t agree more!

[@yvette9867]

I had an apartment like this in Chicago back in the day. Rent was about 625. Same size or a bit smaller than this. Vintage building around lasalle and division. Main differences though, this is nicely rehabbed with a full fridge and bigger closet. I had a mini refrigerator that could hold a few meals, no dishwasher, a bathroom with half a tub and half a sink and closet.

[@CairaButton]

Wow $625 would be insane!!!

[@carableu]

I would fix it up like a boutique hotel room.

[@teeshante]

Fun fact… most ppl can afford Chicago however most ppl want the transplant experience and only choose to live in transplant neighborhoods that are quite pricy.

[@MT-hk9cp]

I've been here 14 years since moving from the Deep South but used to large apartments and free parking so I knew South Side was for me! Got an independent landlord in a rehabbed 3 flat, one bed, eat in kitchen, w/d in the basement and a guaranteed parking space and im not in the hood .

[@teeshante]

@ Yep there are a plethora of neighborhoods to choose from that are in great areas. I would not have assumed you were in the “hood.”

[@jayaCatLvr-ys5ix]

Big deal! I am in da hood!

[@teeshante]

@@jayaCatLvr-ys5ix I didn’t say anything about the hood it was the person who responded to me.

[@RobertDAvanzo-rk3ew]

I don't know why they put dishwashers in studio apts. How many family dinner parties will someone have there? Most singles eat out often

[@sharroncalundan7794]

Dishes come out cleaner, dishwashers use less water than doing them by hand. You can put your dishes in the dishwasher and run it every 2-3 days.

[@RobertDAvanzo-rk3ew]

@sharroncalundan7794 That's not clean

[@BernardProfitendieu]

stoopid comment - you don't have to be throwing a dinner party to use a dishwasher. Keep eating out every meal, Bobby, and you'll be living in a studio apartment the rest of your life. Learn to cook.

[@Premchik]

To my mind, this studio's problem is not the size but the view and lack of natural light. That would be the deal breaker for me.😢

[@suspiciouswatermelon7639]

I tihnk tihs studio's main problem is the fact that the rent is more than I pay for my mortgage on a 4 bedroom house in Scottsdale AZ.

[@Premchik]

@@suspiciouswatermelon7639 haha)) well, this is the price of living in Chicago

[@suspiciouswatermelon7639]

@@Premchik You can get a Chicago bungalow with a finished basement, back yard and garage for what you pay for these apartments.

[@BernardProfitendieu]

@@suspiciouswatermelon7639 but no one wants to live in a 4 br house in Scottsdale AZ

[@BernardProfitendieu]

@@suspiciouswatermelon7639 dat ain't true

[@ashleiwithani4910]

Its like a good size dorm room.

[@MelanieKBremner]

It is not the size that would bother me(I would love to do vanlife which is 60sqft only on average). I could never live in a big city like Chicage. I would feel overwhelmed and so stressed with the volume of people and busyness every hour of the day. I am from Toronto, ON and haven't lived there in 16 years when it was only 2.5 million people, now there is over 5 million and I could never move back. So Chicago and New York and places down there that have so many people would freak me out. I do think that size apartment is perfect though for 1 person or max 2. I live in a 2 bdrm apartment with 2 teen boys and don't even have my own bedroom(turned the dining room into mine with wall dividers) so you do what you can do with the space you can afford.

[@theexplorers8618]

Good morning, I was born and raised in Chicago and moved away with my deceased husband to Oklahoma I am planning on moving back to Chicago I am turning 61 and I love the studio apartment this would be perfect for myself and Salem my cat I would love your help finding me a small apartment like this one in Lincoln Park if you have the time. I love your channel. Keep up the good work😊

[@CairaButton]

That sounds so perfect for you and Salem! 😍

[@TheCloudSocietyLLC]

I think you are lovely and I like the goal but someone who was born and raised here who was in a 3 bed with two living spaces it was huge. We moved out of Humboldt 14 years ago and we were paying 1200 mabey less. Landlords are essentially renting a room with an on-suite bathroom, it's sad.😊😊 most people moved bc they were priced out of their own historic neighborhoods. That studio should be 700-800 tops everything included. These Landlords are smoking something serious if 1200 sounds like a good deal with nothing included most likely.

[@teeshante]

It’s the transplant experience, it’s how natives get priced out. They are clambering over one another to get into these areas as if CTA isn’t available.

[@glorias.2930]

Great tips! I lived in a studio when I was single and childless in Lincoln Park. Loved it. When you live in a happening area, you won't be home much anyways!

[@hectorguzman1263]

What’s the name of the song in the intro at the beginning of the video? Can any one help me I’d love to hear it

[@wesewpro]

Anyone else annoyed by the 2 camera angles? Especially in such a small unit? Just me?

[@Csole23]

Yessss so not just me! Super annoying lol like dude tape up the fuzzy mic somewhere too LOL 😂

[@ae2948]

No - I'm annoyed by the random and loud transition music.

[@cheriebrittin7627]

Yes! Like why?!? Totally irritating, just watching to see this apartment. Nope, can’t do it. I’m out.

[@aeimiller2740]

Cool video idea!

[@adityabanerji6358]

My studio apartment in Chicago was only a little bit bigger than this, at 837 W Wolfram Street (Lakeview). Horrible landlords though (Beal Properties). The unit next to me caught on fire.

[@cyphi1]

if you don't have furniture you could definitely make this work.

[@pattyolson3842]

To me, that's way too small for a studio. Its an "efficiency unit. The appliances should be smaller to allow for at least a few drawers. I do love that there's a dishwasher, but a smaller one would be fine for a unit that size (though I recently learned that the smaller dishwashers are more expensive).

[@superman3299]

what was the rent cost? loved the video!!!!!

[@laceknot1584]

$1200

[@rickygrand1405]

Was the Com Ed meter closet/room available. I think it’s bigger.😂

[@susana6917]

This place is perfect for a Futon Bunk Bed... couch on the bottom, bed on top... all the way!

[@BolognaBolognaBologna]

!Totabologni 2:44…location is def an extension of your living space;

[@DaphneLowe]

Murphy bed. More specifically, one that transforms into a sofa when not in bed mode.

[@CairaButton]

Yes yes love a Murphy bed

[@swannoir7949]

They could've added more cabinet space where the fridge is, and move the fridge to the opposite wall, with another upper and lower cabinet.

[@susancrawford5927]

I think the fridge should stay in the kitchen beside the sink and stove. Moving it would look awkward and out of place to me. That's too much kitchen in a small area.

[@Teddy31976]

My sister lives in LincolnPark. She says she never has enough space but her condo is 1200 sq ft.😂😂

[@maddscientist3170]

what I HATE the most in a small unit is FULL size appliances!!! TALL ceilings help a lot in small spaces. Location, Location, Location!!

[@RahYisrael99]

I can't believe they wasted valuable storage space by putting in a dishwasher. A high bed frame for underbed storage is necessary. A full size bed, table/island is all you need. The closet is big enough if you dont hoard clothes.

[@susancrawford5927]

Dishwashers are fantastic. You never have a messy kitchen.

[@dianehill6126]

Murphy bed or hide a bed!

[@MadMatt-bs3xv]

God bless you if you can make that work, cause there’s no way I could. It looks like a luxury prison cell. I’d go insane. After a month I’d probably end up doing a Peter Pan right out the window!!!

[@CairaButton]

Well we can’t be having that, Matt!

[@annesmith5192]

You had me at dishwasher.

[@MaritzaAgosto-e1g]

Good presentation 👏 👌 👍 😊😅😂❤🎉 .

[@CairaButton]

Thank you!!

[@marig6184]

Murphy bed!!!!

[@MysonKirby]

Great Video 👍. I like in Chicago USA by the Lake on the Gold Coast. I moved here over 8 years ago, when I sold my house 🏡 in Oak Lawn. You said it right. Location, location. I have everything that I could want here. I'm here with My Son Kirby 🐰. Kirby 🐰 is a Flemish Giant, Free Roamer and Eating Chewing Machine, 15 lbs of Pure Fun. He's the Boss of the House 🏡. We go everywhere together in his Stroller park, farmers market, by the Lake, Dunkin donuts, and shopping 🛍️. To many dogs in the neighborhood. A 75 year old Crazy Bunny Father.🤗🥰💞🤪🍌🥕🥬🐰👍

[@jayrogers7779]

228 sq. ft. - no way!!

[@charleyyoung262]

I would have skipped on Lincoln Park for lower prices elsewhere.

[@CairaButton]

Totally depends on the location you want!

[@CarlaRivera-v8y]

Here in nj that price is good

[@kaistockman6443]

I don’t think it’s that expensive especially if you don’t mind an older building. I’m in Chicago and it’s so much cheaper than where my brother lives in Florida.

[@CairaButton]

That’s wild! I always think of Florida as cheaper but it’s so big with so many expensive cities.

[@EllieOrzechowski]

250 sq ft on Argyle near Clark $ 875 2 years ago.

[@user-bg6qc7hz4e]

I would much rather have a washer/dryer unit instead of a full size dishwasher. I mean why a full size dishwasher? That place is only big enough for one person.

[@DukeBX]

A Murphy bed would save space for a small sofa...but then where to put that sofa? The problems of a small apartment.

[@BernardProfitendieu]

the only thing I couldn't handle in that apartment is the grey "luxury vinyl." Why is this a fad? There is probably wood underneath which the landlord was too cheap to refinish. That would be a deal breaker for me.

[@CairaButton]

Yes exactly! It’s the cheapest topper

[@Kernie-z7p]

Small is cozy. How about a bed that turns into a couch or a fold up bed.

[@CairaButton]

Small is so cozy!!!

[@ihama99]

This should be illegal

[@darienford860]

Of course the smallest would be in Lincoln park

[@shawnjackson6242]

To much for matchbox

[@anacuomo8560]

What is she holding in her hands?.

[@CairaButton]

It’s a camera and mic!

[@CLLB17]

That would drive me nuts. You would be living in solid clutter.

[@twain103]

IT WOULD BE TINY CLUTTER.THE ONE EPISODE I GUESS THEY NEVER HAD: HELP, I'M A HOARDER IN MY STUDIO APARTMENT.

[@moehansen6858]

Camera on woman too much, (why?) and not the studio. Would have liked to see the length of the closet. Would have liked to see the living area in more than glimpse.

[@CairaButton]

Hello it is me woman

[@angiloves]

I can make that space work its lovely

[@dorothyroyce1930]

NO COUNTER SPACE IN KITCHEN....GOOD LUCK PREPARING MEALS !!!

[@madeleinegrayson8372]

From what I hear from colleagues and coworkers, people under 40 don't cook, lol. They microwave. 😂

[@lovepink2619]

Way too small

[@JadaJada5928]

It's a NOOOO FOR ME, especially for 1200.00. It's more like 700.00

[@nonchalantstu54]

$1200 can get you a nice studio or 1br in this town. The price of this studio is highway robbery. Save your money people.

[@peggiescraftcafe7117]

A dishwasher is useless because with so little cabinet space you wouldn't even fill it. I would rather have the cabinet space for pots & pans.. Same with the microwave. A little more cabinet space above the stove hood would be better. And absolutely NO counterspace. Not going to have a big dinner party but even cooking for one or two is annoying.

[@twain103]

I'd use one of those folding carts for an island.You can buy folding table/chair set. I'd use the upper room in the closet for clothes & the rest for my hundreds of pots & pans.If you've hand washed dishes AFTER THANKSGIVING DINNER,a dishwasher isn't NEEDED.A twin bed used as a couch in the daytime & for tossing & turning at night. A tv cabinet across from that can hold extras. I LOVE THAT SPACE.

[@CairaButton]

Love love love all of these

[@conniebo7694]

Really! you didn’t hear of the crime that is happening in Chicago? I think it is not that great too small

[@madeleinegrayson8372]

It's bad here these days. Broad daylight, formerly nice areas, no place is safe.

[@barbarawillis5187]

I think this apartment is in a hotel converted to apartment rooms.

[@VenaMediaLLC-dz9lr3iz4f]

Hope to be surprised to see a Washer Dryer in the Bathroom at least..For someone who just need a place to sleep...after work...and don't entertain much at home this might be ideal.

[@heidisalaka6938]

Those “full sized” appliances are larger than dorm room ones, but are NOT full sized.

[@CairaButton]

… I mean.. they are?

[@heidisalaka6938]

@ You can clearly see the cabinet enclosure is much larger than the refrigerator that is displayed. While I would consider a fridge this size to be adequate for a small apartment, it’s definitely not “full sized” unless you live in a cesspool like NYC.

[@hectorguzman1263]

Someone help me ID the name of the song that’s sung in the beginning of the video!!!! Pleaseeeeeeee I wana hear the whole thing 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@denises9426]

Location location location. 🥰❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@karenbanks5903]

I would do a futon

[@CairaButton]

That would work great!!

[@nickguerrero9154]

Me in my one bedroom on the Southside for 875 everything included right next to the train laughing at y'all 😂 the delusion is crazy in these comments, they'll rob you even more in these "safe" neighborhoods

[@BUlrich-dw7xi]

People write you to say they WANT to move to chicago!???😂--Yeaah riiight,,,-gangland,,,where do i sign?,,,😒🙄 and a single person does not need a dishwasher,,,-OVERPriced like a mofo

[@durlinmatthews5305]

This is a joke already!

[@danner209]

Do these apartments come with body armor?

[@thexxit]

For a single person, location means EVERYTHING. So a tiny space is not a big deal! For a couple or roommate honestly I need a place to get away from them 🤣 But by yourself come on! Your location means so much and your place can be your haven! You can have little parties too if you design your spot right but come on. Close to work, close to friends, close to the neighbourhood you love... even during covid I think it meant a lot to be in a space where just out your door was heaven.

[@pepper1188]

Dishwasher is so unnecessary

[@ambercortez8083]

you are talking way too much, just show the space. yapping to much the video.