When searching for an apartment, it’s not just about square footage or location — it’s about how the space supports your lifestyle. Many modern buildings offer luxury amenities like pools, fitness centers, and rooftop bars or decks, but a rooftop bar delivers something uniquely valuable. It combines leisure, convenience, and privacy in one package, offering a place to unwind without stepping foot on the street. Whether you begin your evening elsewhere or head upstairs for after-dinner entertainment, the ability to enjoy a night out by simply taking the elevator home can be a luxury in the city.
For residents with demanding schedules, rooftop amenities are more than a perk — they’re a practical solution. After a long day at work, avoiding crowded trains, traffic, or long walks to head out for the evening can make all the difference.
People in apartment complexes often enjoy socializing with each other. A rooftop bar gives them a place to meet for a quick drink after a long day. Because they are close to home, it’s easy enough to visit before dinner and head back to later in the evening for entertainment.
It also offers a comfortable setting where residents can connect and build new relationships, knowing their neighbors have been carefully screened through the building’s leasing process.
You often don’t get too many views when living in the city. A rooftop bar can offer stunning views of the skyline. Depending on the location of the apartment building, views could be of the city lights, a peaceful body of water, or an historic monument. They make excellent backdrops for photographs and offer calm and an opportunity for important reflection.
The views also encourage people to spend more time outdoors, offering respite from a day at the office or the television at home. Find a comfortable place to read and enjoy the outdoors.
Outdoor space is usually at a premium in the city, especially when people live in an apartment. Sure, many have private balconies, but they are often small. A rooftop bar offers a place for residents to spread out and enjoy the fresh air, either alone or with company. Combining a bar with a pool and/or a garden spot makes the rooftop bar even more valuable to those who want to enjoy the outdoors.
Creating a green roof in conjunction with a rooftop bar not only gives the bar more ambience but also it enhances the appearance of the building. Foliage can cover areas that are not aesthetically pleasing in addition to creating a comfortable environment for residents. Small trees and shrubs have the added benefit of adding insulation and reducing effects from the heat, making the building’s energy use more efficient.
A rooftop bar can offer security if the area is private, only accessible to residents. In addition, it provides a reprieve from the noise on the street level. With privacy often come additional building safety measures, such as controlled access and surveillance, to allow residents to relax in a way they wouldn’t be able to at a public bar.
Apartment managers and owners can take advantage of the rooftop bar’s chic space to host exclusive events for residents. During off-hours, the venue can also be made available for private rentals, allowing residents to celebrate personal occasions in a stylish, familiar setting without leaving home. This offers a welcome convenience for those who want to entertain larger groups without the limitations of a smaller apartment, making gatherings more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
Rooftop amenities are becoming more popular with residents, as they provide a place to relax and unwind, create a safe place to spend an evening listening to music and socializing, or even enjoying a pool or garden during the daytime hours.
When it comes to finding apartments that truly enhance your lifestyle, think beyond square footage and location — consider how amenities will shape your daily routine. A rooftop bar offers more than just a place for an evening drink or live music; it’s a built-in social hub, a secure outdoor retreat, and a way to enjoy the city without navigating crowded streets or transit late at night. For many renters, that combination of convenience, community, and safety delivers genuine peace of mind, making it a feature worth prioritizing in your search.
Business leader Ben Creamer received his B.A. from Saint Norbert College and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School. After law school, he worked as an attorney and counseled sophisticated real estate clients with law firm Mayer Brown LLP. Creamer’s passion is real estate business, as his father was a real estate developer and broker for more than 50 years. In 2009, this family tradition sparked Creamer to co-found Downtown Apartment Collective (DAC), a provider of Chicago rental apartments. DAC’s mission is to help clients find downtown Chicago apartments in the Loop and surrounding neighborhoods.
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