Ellis Court: A Decision Review for Student Housing in Chicago
Ellis Court is a student accommodation property located at Chicago, IL 60615, USA, in the Hyde Park area near the University of Chicago campus. It offers studio, one‑bedroom, and apartment units with monthly rents ranging from USD 1,375 to USD 1,685 (indicative — confirm with the operator). The property has a Google rating of 4.2 from 5 reviews, and internal ratings show strong scores for staff (5.0), management (5.0), and value for money (5.0), but lower marks for condition (3.0) and safety/security (3.5). This review helps you decide whether Ellis Court fits your needs, and what to consider before booking.
Who Is Ellis Court Best Suited For?
Ellis Court works well for students who prioritise quick and reliable maintenance service. Multiple reviews highlight the maintenance technician Rayal Blackman as responsive and effective. If you are the type of person who files a request and expects it handled the same day, this property may deliver.
The property is located in Hyde Park, which is a convenient area for students attending nearby universities. The exact walking distance to campus varies by department, but the address puts you within a reasonable walk or short bus ride to several major Chicago universities. For students with a car, the amenities include parking (tagged as “parking”), which is a practical bonus in a city where street parking can be challenging.
Ellis Court also allows dual occupancy, meaning a roommate can share the unit. This can lower your individual monthly cost if you split a one‑bedroom or larger apartment. The property also has laundry facilities on site, so you won’t need to find a laundromat.
The internal ratings indicate strong performance in internet (5.0) and location (5.0). If a fast internet connection and centrality are your top priorities, Ellis Court scores well on both. The staff rating (5.0) suggests the management team is approachable and helpful.
Who Might Want to Consider Other Options?
The most significant concern is safety and security. One Google review explicitly states: “Some people tried to break into my apartment and I locked my door last second and prevented them.” While this is a single review, the property’s internal safety/security rating is 3.5, and the overall condition rating is 3.0. If personal security is your top concern, you may want to read more recent reviews or visit the property in person before committing.
The property also has a mixed reputation for cleanliness. The same review mentions “filthy carpets on the hallways smell and full of stains.” The internal cleaning rating sits at 3.5, which is average but not exceptional. Students who are particularly sensitive to hallway odours or want a spotless common area may find this off‑putting.
Price is another factor. At USD 1,375–1,685 per month, Ellis Court is significantly above the city’s lowest‑price student housing option, which starts around USD 600 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). You are paying for the Hyde Park location and the near‑campus convenience. If your budget is tight or you are willing to commute from a more affordable area, you can find cheaper alternatives elsewhere in Chicago.
Finally, the property has only 5 Google reviews. The small sample size makes it harder to get a reliable picture of everyday living conditions. You should supplement this review with a video tour or an in‑person visit if possible.
What Residents Are Saying (Actual Reviews)
Three reviews are available from Google. Two are extremely positive about maintenance; one is highly negative about safety and cleanliness. Below are the exact texts:
“Rayal is super helpful and came to fix the heater right after I submitted the request. He did an excellent job in maintenance.” — X, 5‑star review
“The maintenance technician Rayal Blackman did an amazing job, every‑time something came up. Pretty fast and great work!” — Sarbani Thakur, 5‑star review
“This place is a disgrace and dangerous. Apartment itself is filthy carpets on the hallways smell and full of stains. Some people tried to break into my apartment and i locked my door last second and prevented them, not sure how can they enter. I also rented furniture and arranging maintenance to come open the door for ” — Ahmet M, 1‑star review
The positive reviews focus exclusively on maintenance responsiveness. The negative review points to safety breaches and dirty common areas. No review comments on social life, value, or room size. As a prospective resident, you should weigh the maintenance praise against the safety complaint. The internal rating dimensions show a staff score of 5.0 and a management score of 5.0, which aligns with the positive reviews, but also a safety/security score of 3.5 and a condition score of 3.0, which aligns with the negative feedback.
Price Positioning in the Chicago Market
Chicago’s student housing market has a wide price range. The lowest‑priced option in the city starts at around USD 600 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). Ellis Court’s minimum rent of USD 1,375 is more than double that figure. This places it in the mid‑to‑upper tier for student accommodations in Chicago.
What does the extra money buy? A location within walking distance to campus, on‑site laundry, parking availability, and the ability to have a roommate under dual occupancy. The units are described as “studio,” “1b,” and “apartment” — which suggests a mix of layouts that may include private bathrooms and kitchens. However, utility inclusion is not specified in the data; you must confirm with the operator whether electricity, water, and internet are part of the rent.
If you are comparing with other properties in the Hyde Park area, Ellis Court is likely competitive for students who value maintenance speed and a responsive staff. If budget is your main driver, you can find cheaper options farther from campus or in shared houses with fewer amenities.
Room Type Guidance
Ellis Court offers three unit types: studio, 1b (one bedroom), and apartment. Based on the pricing of USD 1,375–1,685, you can expect:
- Studio: Typically the most affordable option within the range. A studio combines living and sleeping in one room with a separate bathroom. Best for a single occupant who values privacy and wants to keep costs lower. The lower end of the price range (USD 1,375) probably corresponds to a studio.
- One‑bedroom (1b): A separate bedroom plus living area. More space and privacy than a studio. Likely falls in the mid‑to‑upper end of the price range (around USD 1,500–1,600). Suitable for one person or a couple using dual occupancy.
- Apartment: This could refer to a larger unit with two bedrooms or a multi‑room layout. Given the max price of USD 1,685, the apartment option may be a larger one‑bedroom or a junior two‑bedroom. Confirm floor plans with the operator.
Because the property allows dual occupancy, you can share a one‑bedroom or apartment with a roommate to split rent. However, studios may be too small for two people. Check the property’s specific dual occupancy policy before booking.
Timing Your Booking
Booking timing depends on your start date. For a 2026/2027 academic year lease, most student properties in Chicago begin listing units around January to March of the same year. Ellis Court has no specified minimum lease term or available‑from date in the provided data, so you should contact the operator directly to understand lease lengths and move‑in options.
Given the limited number of reviews (only 5 on Google), the property may be a smaller building or a newer listing. To secure a unit at your preferred price point, it is wise to start inquiries at least 3–4 months before your intended move‑in. Early birds often have more room choices, especially for studios and one‑bedrooms which tend to sell out first.
Avoid waiting until the last minute, because availability may become scarce during peak season (late July to September for the fall term). If you are flexible on move‑in dates, you might find better rates during slower months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ellis Court safe?
The property’s internal safety/security rating is 3.5 out of 5, and one Google review describes a break‑in attempt. While other reviews do not mention safety concerns, you should treat this as a mixed signal. The positive maintenance reviews suggest staff is responsive once issues are reported. To feel more secure, ask the operator about door locks, security cameras, and after‑hours emergency procedures. If safety is a non‑negotiable priority, you may want to explore properties with higher security scores or more consistent reviews.
What utilities are included in the rent?
The provided data does not specify which utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet) are included in the monthly rent. The only facility tags are laundry, parking, and dual occupancy. You must confirm directly with the operator what is covered. Many student properties in Chicago include water and trash but bill electricity separately. Internet may be included or require a personal plan. Do not assume anything — ask for a written breakdown before signing any agreement.
Can I share a room with a friend?
Yes, Ellis Court permits dual occupancy based on the property tags. This means two people can share a one‑bedroom or apartment unit. However, the policy may not apply to studios (check with the operator). Sharing a room can cut your individual rent in half, potentially bringing your share below USD 700 per month. But note that the landlord may charge a higher total rent for dual occupancy or impose a per‑person fee. Clarify this when you inquire.
Sources and data date
All information in this article is based on data retrieved in July 2026. Prices, reviews, and ratings are indicative and may change. The Google rating of 4.2 comes from 5 reviews. Internal rating dimensions are provided by the listing platform. Always confirm current details with the operator before making a decision.
For the most up‑to‑date availability and specific room details, you can use the on‑site assistant on the property page.
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