Besides being close to everything in Evanston, Optima Views is one of the newest buildings in town and one of the highest, with almost 30 floors. Windows are very big, surrounding the whole apartment from the floor to the ceiling. Depending on the unit you can have awesome views to Chicago and/or the lake. Also, it has a fine gym, laundry equipment in every apartment, some units have bathroom with window, others have a walking closet. This place has been an excellent home!

I have enjoyed Optima Views. It is very nice to have a doorman who can sign for packages, and having heat and cable included are huge perks. Location-wise, it is really in the middle of everything you'd need for nights out and weekends in downtown Evanston. The walk to campus isn't horrible, but it is about 12 - 15 minutes depending on your walking speed. If you can, live on a higher floor (9 or higher) to avoid views of the parking deck that is adjacent to the building.

Great experience. Responsive landlord. Clean and convenient apartment

The units vary quite a bit in terms of value. Some units are an incredible price while others have terrible formats for the rent price... so you really have to do your research on the format you are getting into. Optima Views, in general, while it has a decent contingent of Kellogg Students, is very discouraging around having massive parties. We had two big parties right off the bat and both times my land lord was contacted. I also got into an argument with the doorman because he thought I didn't live here. I get the feeling the residents (full time, non renters) and the staff know exactly who the students are because we aren't really old and sometimes I feel like I am "targeted" as having thrown parties and whatnot. All other aspects of the buidling are solid. Its not far but not close to school. The buidling is decently nice and parking is typically included which is heated and in-door. For the more low key Kellogg students, good place to be. For the ones that will be getting after it, stay away. For women roommates I highly recommend this building as it feels safe and secure.

Good building, great street with attractions nearby, nice apartment with wooden floors and good spaces, walking distance from Kellogg and downtown Evanston. Only downsides being Metra rails very close and terrace at nearby parking lot level. Probably a little overpriced but I believe the whole Evanston market is.

Really like our apartment at Optima Views. We have a great view of the lake which is nice on the 5 days per year Chicago is sunny. Our landlord is great, and we've had no problems getting things fixed when we need to. The location is awesome, right in downtown Evanston, so we're very close to all the bars and restaurant. The management company is fine, most of the doormen/women are really nice and helpful. It's pretty expensive to live here, but I think to some extent you get what you pay for.

The apartment is pretty large even for a 2 BR. It's actually larger than the 2 BR that you would find at Optima Horizon. The floor to ceiling windows make it a very light apartment. The kitchen is quite spacious and you can actually do some serious cooking if you like. The street is quiet though close to most of the Evanston attractions and usual Kellogg meet-up spots. The movie theater is actually right across the street. Be careful with the east side of the building though - the adjacent Metra line might seem noisy to you. The building has a small swimming pool and a hot tub which is fabulous during Chicago winters. All in all, a great location for a reasonable price if you include utilities and parking and compare it with centralized apartment buildings like Park Evanston or Reserve.

It's a quick ~10 minute walk to Kellogg and downtown is right at the door. I don't really use the gym or pool here, so I can't speak to that, but the staff is incredibly friendly. Also, the 'L' and Metra are less than a block away, so it's very convenient to travel downtown, particularly for those w/ significant others who will be working.

Very comfortable, convenient and clean apartment and building. Dishwasher, washer dryer in unit which is a blessing!
The building has a small gym, pool and hot tub. Both the bedroom and living room get ample natural light. There's a small balcony which is helpful when you are entertaining your friends but we didn't use it much, thanks to the weather.

The landlord is extremely good and helpful.

Amazing building, plenty of Kellogg people, great amenities.

Awful lease structure if you are going to be interested in subletting over summer internships, travelling abroad, or only staying 1 year (2 year minimum lease at Optima Views)