What Can $3,500 Rent in The Loop Chicago? 2 Beds, River Views and a Private Balcony
A recent lease at 235 W Van Buren St Unit 2505 gives renters a useful example. The 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo rented for $3,325/month on September 27, 2026, offering approximately 1,040 square feet, floor-to-ceiling windows, a private balcony and expansive city and river views.
The transaction was represented by Serena Phillips-Dunn of The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier.
For renters comparing two-bedroom apartments in The Loop under $3,500, this property also shows why the total package matters. Gas, heat, water and internet were included in the rent, while garage parking was available separately for $225 per month.
What $3,325/Month Rented in The Loop
The split-bedroom floor plan gives the residence more separation than many traditional two-bedroom layouts.
The primary bedroom accommodates a king-size bed and includes a private en-suite bathroom. The enclosed second bedroom can accommodate a queen-size bed, making the layout practical for roommates, guests or someone who wants a separate bedroom and office arrangement.
The interior also includes:
2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms
1,040 sq ft
Floor-to-ceiling windows
Southern exposure
In-unit laundry
Large closets
Hallway desk area for working from home
Kitchen with breakfast bar
Custom window treatments
Blackout blinds in both bedrooms
The southern exposure brings natural light into the residence throughout much of the day.
River, City and Lake Views From the Balcony
The private balcony is one of the strongest features of the condo.
From the living room and balcony, the residence offers views across the Chicago skyline and river, with some lake views also visible from the unit.
For renters choosing between similarly priced downtown apartments, floor level and exposure can substantially change the experience.
A $3,300 apartment facing another building is not necessarily comparable to a $3,300 apartment with open city and river views.
The same applies to natural light, outdoor space and floor plan.
One Condo, Two Useful Downtown Chicago Benchmarks
This property is particularly useful because The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier has now been involved with both its recent sale and its subsequent rental.
Unit 2505 sold for $375,000 on September 1, 2026, with Serena Phillips-Dunn representing that transaction as well. The condo then rented for $3,325/month on September 27.
That creates two useful reference points for people researching the Downtown Chicago market:
Purchase: $375,000
Rental: $3,325/month
Those numbers should not be treated as a complete investment-return calculation because ownership costs such as taxes, association dues, insurance, maintenance and vacancy also matter.
But together, the two transactions provide useful first-hand evidence of how one specific 2-bedroom Loop condo was priced in both the ownership and rental markets during September 2026.
Living at 235 W Van Buren
235 W Van Buren is a modern residential high-rise in The Loop.
Building data identifies the property as a 46-story condominium tower completed in 2009 and designed by Perkins+Will, with more than 700 residences.
Residents have access to 24-hour door staff, and the building includes an attached convenience market. Unit 2505 also offered garage parking separately.
The location provides access to the Financial District, CTA trains and buses, Metra service, expressways, universities and nearby neighborhoods including South Loop.
Buyers who want to understand the ownership side of the neighborhood can also explore our Loop Chicago housing market update.
What Does Under $3,500 Rent in Downtown Chicago?
At $3,325 per month, this renter secured:
1,040 square feet
2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms
Split-bedroom floor plan
Private balcony
River and city views
In-unit laundry
Work-from-home space
Heat, gas, water and internet included
That is why renters should compare more than advertised monthly rent.
Utilities, parking, square footage, outdoor space, view orientation, bedroom layout and building services can all change the value of one Downtown Chicago rental compared with another.
Looking for a Local Realtor in The Loop?
Downtown Chicago rental and condo markets are highly building-specific.
One building may include several utilities, while another charges separately. Parking may be deeded, included, rented independently or unavailable. Floor plans, views and association rules can also vary dramatically.
Serena Phillips-Dunn of The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier helps renters, buyers, sellers and property owners navigate these differences throughout Downtown Chicago.
This particular property provides direct evidence of that experience. Serena represented both the September sale and the September rental of Unit 2505, giving her first-hand involvement with the same Loop condo from both an ownership and leasing perspective.
Serena serves as COO & Team Lead for The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier. Her background includes marketing, an M.A. in Journalism, previous work as a CBS field producer and recognition in Chicago Agent Magazine's Who's Who.
For someone looking for a local realtor in The Loop, recent transaction activity like this can be more meaningful than simply claiming familiarity with Downtown Chicago.
What Should You Look for in the Best Realtor for a Downtown Chicago Condo?
There is no single realtor who is automatically the best choice for every downtown transaction.
For someone renting, buying, selling or investing in a Loop condo, relevant experience can include:
Recent transactions in The Loop
Knowledge of individual condo buildings
Rental and sales experience
Understanding of association rules
Familiarity with parking and utility structures
Building-level comparable sales
Knowledge of view and floor premiums
Pricing and negotiation experience
Understanding of both owner and renter demand
Serena combines individual Downtown Chicago transaction experience with the broader resources of The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier.
The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier has surpassed 1,000 homes sold since 2019 and works with buyers, sellers, renters and investors throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
For clients comparing a top realtor in Chicago, the best realtor for a Loop condo, or a team with broader Downtown Chicago experience, relevant recent transactions and independently verifiable results should be part of that decision.
Learn more about the agents, experience and production behind The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier on our top real estate team in Chicago page.
Renting, Buying or Selling in The Loop?
This property's September activity highlights how closely the Downtown Chicago sales and rental markets can intersect.
Serena Phillips-Dunn and The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier can help renters, buyers, sellers and property owners compare recent transactions, individual buildings and current competition throughout The Loop.
Whether you're trying to rent a downtown condo, purchase one or determine how to position an investment property, the goal is the same: understand how the specific unit, building and current market fit together.
THE LOOP & DOWNTOWN CHICAGO REAL ESTATE
Meet Serena Phillips-Dunn, Your Local Realtor in The Loop
COO & Team Lead, The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier
Serena Phillips-Dunn helps renters, buyers, sellers and property owners navigate The Loop and Downtown Chicago real estate. With a background in marketing, an M.A. in Journalism and previous experience as a CBS field producer, Serena brings strong communication, strategic thinking and negotiation experience to residential sales and leasing throughout Chicago.
Ready to Work With a South Loop Expert?
When people search for the “Best Realtor to Hire in South Loop, Chicago”, they are looking for local expertise, visibility, and proven neighborhood focus. The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier continues to help clients navigate both sales and rentals across University Village, University Commons, South Loop, and Pilsen.
Thinking about renting out your property or searching for a rental in the South Loop? Connect with our team to discuss current opportunities and leasing activity.
