The Sutherland: What to expect from this Chicago residence
The Sutherland is a rental property at Chicago, IL 60653, USA. It offers studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and apartment-style units. Monthly prices run from USD 1,380 to USD 2,285 — indicative, confirm with the operator. That range sits well above the city’s general from-price of USD 600 per month across 95 listed properties, positioning The Sutherland as a higher-budget option in Chicago’s student-housing landscape.
This article helps you decide whether The Sutherland fits your needs. It covers who the residence suits and who it may frustrate, what actual residents say (using the property’s Google reviews), how its pricing compares to the city baseline, guidance on room types, and when to book. Three frequently asked questions follow. All information is based on data available as of July 2026.
Who this residence suits
Residents who value a quiet, established neighbourhood with parking and bike storage. The Sutherland offers parking (likely a separate fee) and bike storage, which are uncommon in many Chicago student buildings. If you drive or cycle, these features add convenience.
Students who plan to live with a partner or roommate. The property allows dual occupancy in many unit types. For couples or friends sharing a two-bedroom, the per-person cost can approach the city average. A two-bedroom at the upper end of the price range (USD 2,285) split two ways is about USD 1,143 per person, still above the city’s from-price but more manageable than a solo studio.
Tenants who prioritise a full-size apartment over a dorm-style setup. The Sutherland offers units described as “apartment” and “studio”, meaning you get a private kitchen and bathroom. No shared corridors or communal cooking areas are mentioned. This appeals to those who want independence.
People who do not rely on 24/7 front desk staff for security. The building used to have round-the-clock door staff. As of recent reviews, that service has been reduced or eliminated. If you are comfortable entering through a locked door via an app (and you have reliable smartphone service), the building may still work for you.
Who should think twice
Anyone who needs consistent, responsive security. Multiple long-term residents report break-ins after the removal of 24-hour front desk staff. The app-based entry system has been described as unreliable. If you are a light sleeper or worry about after-hours access, these issues are real.
Budget-conscious students who compare prices against the city minimum. Chicago’s student housing stock includes many units starting at USD 600 per month. The Sutherland’s cheapest studio is more than double that. Unless you specifically need parking, a two-bedroom arrangement, or a quieter location south of the Loop, you may find better value elsewhere.
Prospective tenants who are highly sensitive to management responsiveness. One reviewer noted that “resident services does not always answer”. Delays in communication can be stressful when you are locked out or worried about a security incident.
What residents actually say
The Sutherland has a Google rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 41 reviews. The internal rating dimensions show high marks for staff (5.0), social atmosphere (5.0), cleaning (5.0), internet (5.0), location (5.0), and value for money (5.0). But lower scores appear for food (3.5), accuracy (3.5), amenities (3.5), and community (3.5). The three published reviews, however, are all 1-star and paint a different picture.
Sterling Coleman, who lived at The Sutherland for over four years, wrote:
“Me and my wife have lived at The Sutherland for just over 4 years. Once upon a time this was a great building with decent amenities, but the one amenity that kept us here was the 24/7 door staff. Slowly, they started eliminating that, and had we known they were getting rid of the door staff, we would have moved years a[go].”
Kay Coleman, another four-year resident, said:
“I have lived here for 4 years. It was supposed to be temporary, but we enjoyed the area and the amenities that the Sutherland offered, and decided to stay. Over the last year, the things that we appreciated the most about the Sutherland are no longer in place, and now I must look for a new place to call home. The 24 ho[ur door staff]…”
Shay, a resident who experienced a break-in, commented:
“The building has been broken into for a second time since the removal of the front desk. It was weeks before residents were made aware of the issue. Bring back the front desk and reactivate the fob keys. The app doesn’t work consistently enough to gain access to the building and resident services does not always ans[wer].”
These three accounts are consistent: safety and access have declined after the removal of live door staff. The management has not adequately replaced the physical security with the app system. If you are considering a lease, ask the operator explicitly about current security arrangements – whether the front desk has been reinstated, whether fob keys are back in use, and what the response time is for lockout emergencies.
The shorter internal ratings (e.g., staff 5.0, internet 5.0) come from a different measurement system and may reflect earlier experiences or a subset of tenants. Weigh the longer-term, sourced reviews above those averages.
Price positioning vs. the city’s from-price
Chicago’s city-wide from-price for student property is USD 600 per month. The Sutherland’s minimum of USD 1,380 is 130% higher. Even the upper end (USD 2,285) is nearly four times the baseline. However, the city baseline may represent shared rooms or older buildings without parking. The Sutherland includes amenities such as laundry facilities and bike storage, and units are likely newer or more spacious.
If you share a two-bedroom at USD 2,285, each person pays ~USD 1,143. That is still nearly double the city’s cheapest option, but you get a full apartment and parking possibility. For a single person in a studio at USD 1,380, the premium is clear. Compare this against other properties in the same neighbourhood (Hyde Park / Kenwood area – though we do not name specific brands) to see whether the extra cost buys you something you truly need.
Room-type guidance
Four unit types are available: studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and apartment. “Apartment” could be the umbrella term, but the listing separates it as a type; it likely means larger layouts or specific floor plans. The price spread suggests:
- Studio: entry-level, likely USD 1,380 – USD 1,600
- 1-bedroom: mid-range, perhaps USD 1,600 – USD 1,900
- 2-bedroom: upper range, USD 1,900 – USD 2,285
The dual occupancy tag means you can have a second person in most units without a penalty (but confirm the extra fee, if any). If you are two people, go for a 2-bedroom; if you want a bit more space alone, a 1-bedroom may be the sweet spot.
Booking timing
No specific availability date is listed for this property. For Chicago student housing, most leases start in August or September, with renewals in the spring. If you aim for a 2026 fall move-in, begin searching by March 2026. For a 2027 move-in (January or fall), start at least six months ahead.
Given the negative reviews about security, we recommend visiting the property in person or requesting a video tour that includes entry procedures. If the management has resumed 24-hour door staff by mid-2026, that would alleviate many concerns. Check with the operator directly before committing.
Frequently asked questions
Why are three reviews so negative about security?
The three published 1-star reviews all come from long-term residents who lived at The Sutherland for four years. They report that the building removed its 24-hour front desk staff and replaced it with an app-based entry system. Since that change, the building experienced two break-ins, and the management took weeks to notify residents. The app does not always work, leaving people unable to enter. These reviewers believe security is no longer adequate. Before signing a lease, ask the property operator whether the front desk has been restored or what alternative security measures are in place.
How does the price compare to other Chicago student housing?
Chicago’s student housing market has a wide range. The lowest monthly price across 95 listed properties is USD 600. The Sutherland starts at USD 1,380, so it is not a budget option. However, it includes parking, bike storage, and laundry – amenities often missing in cheaper units. If you are on a tight budget, look for shared apartments or studios in areas like Lincoln Park or Wicker Park that may start closer to USD 700–900. If you need a parking spot and prefer a quieter southern neighbourhood, The Sutherland may be worth the premium – but verify it still offers the security that justified that price.
Should I wait to book or sign now?
Because of the security concerns noted in recent reviews, it is wise to delay committing until you get clear, written confirmation about front desk staffing and key-fob reactivation. If the operator confirms that 24-hour door staff is back and the app issue is resolved, booking early (by spring for a fall move-in) is fine. If they cannot guarantee those changes, consider other properties that offer reliable security. The property’s high ratings on staff, internet, and location suggest it was once well-run; the current state may be different.
Sources & data date
All data is based on the property listing and associated reviews as of July 2026. Prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. Room types and amenity availability are subject to change.
Use the on-site assistant to ask about current availability and to confirm any updates to security arrangements before you decide.
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