What Can $350K Buy in Downtown Evanston? A Lake-View Condo at Optima Views
A recent purchase at 1720 Maple Ave Unit 1360 provides a useful benchmark for buyers comparing Downtown Evanston condos. The 1-bedroom, 1-bath residence sold for $345,000 on November 6, 2026, with approximately 886 square feet, Lake Michigan views, in-unit laundry, assigned parking and private storage.
The buyer was represented by Serena Phillips-Dunn, COO & Team Lead of The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier.
That representation matters for buyers researching the local market. Serena is an Illinois real estate broker working under Option Premier, with The Cory Tanzer Group serving buyers and sellers throughout Chicago and surrounding suburban communities.
For buyers searching for an Evanston realtor, Downtown Evanston condo agent or North Shore real estate professional, this transaction provides actual local transaction experience rather than a generic claim of expertise.
What $345K Bought at Optima Views
Unit 1360 is an approximately 886-square-foot one-bedroom residence in Optima Views, one of Downtown Evanston's recognizable high-rise condominium buildings.
The unit is part of the building's larger 60-tier one-bedroom layout and offers expansive north-facing views with visibility toward Lake Michigan to the east and across Evanston to the west.
The home had undergone several updates before the sale, including engineered flooring, professional interior painting, newer stainless-steel kitchen appliances and updated lighting.
The kitchen includes granite countertops and white cabinetry, with space for casual dining.
The bedroom is large enough to accommodate a work-from-home area while preserving the primary sleeping space.
Other features include in-unit laundry, a walk-in shower, balcony access, assigned parking space #41 and storage space #205.
For a buyer comparing Downtown Evanston condos around $350K, that combination of space, parking, views and building amenities is more useful than looking at sale price alone.
Why This Sale Matters for Downtown Evanston Buyers
Condo values in Downtown Evanston can vary significantly even within the same building.
Floor level, exposure, square footage, renovation level, parking, storage and association costs can all affect what a buyer is willing to pay.
That is why a one-bedroom condo should not automatically be compared with every other one-bedroom property in Evanston.
A buyer evaluating a residence like Unit 1360 should first look at recent Optima Views sales and comparable Downtown Evanston high-rise condos, then expand the search only when necessary.
This $345,000 closing gives buyers another current reference point for the question:
What does around $350K buy in Downtown Evanston?
In this case, it bought a larger one-bedroom layout with lake views, parking, storage and access to a full-service high-rise amenity package.
What Buyers Should Know About Optima Views
Optima Views is located at 1720 Maple Ave in Downtown Evanston, placing residents near restaurants, shopping, entertainment, transit, Northwestern University and the lakefront.
The building offers amenities that include front desk service, an indoor swimming pool, fitness facilities, community space, storage and enclosed parking.
For Unit 1360, the association assessment was approximately $620 per month at the time of sale.
Several expenses are included through the association rather than billed separately, making it important for buyers to compare the total monthly ownership cost rather than judging the HOA amount by itself.
For any Evanston condo purchase, buyers should review current association financials, reserves, insurance, meeting minutes, rental rules and planned capital projects before closing.
Is $350K Enough to Buy a Condo in Downtown Evanston?
Yes.
This November 2026 closing shows that a buyer around $350,000 can purchase a one-bedroom condo in a full-amenity Downtown Evanston building.
At $345,000, the buyer secured approximately 886 square feet along with parking, storage, in-unit laundry and elevated views.
The tradeoffs will vary from building to building.
Another condo at a similar price may offer a second bedroom but less square footage, fewer amenities, no parking or a different location.
That is why buyers should compare the entire ownership package, not just list price.
Downtown Evanston Condo Snapshot
Property: 1720 Maple Ave Unit 1360, Evanston, IL 60201
Building: Optima Views
Community: Downtown Evanston
Status: Just Closed
Closed Date: November 6, 2026
Sale Price: $345,000
Beds/Baths: 1 Bed | 1 Bath
Living Area: Approximately 886 sq ft
Floor: 13th floor
Exposure: North with east and west views
Views: Lake Michigan and Evanston
Outdoor Space: Balcony
Laundry: In-unit
Parking: Assigned parking space #41
Storage: Storage space #205
Represented By: Serena Phillips-Dunn, The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier
Who Represented the Buyer at 1720 Maple Ave Unit 1360?
Serena Phillips-Dunn of The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier represented the buyer in this Downtown Evanston condo purchase.
Serena serves as COO & Team Lead of The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier and is an Illinois-licensed real estate broker, License 475.173716.
Her professional background includes marketing and an M.A. in Journalism, followed by work as a CBS field producer before moving into residential real estate.
That background translates naturally into a real estate process centered on research, communication, negotiation and helping clients understand the details behind a property.
Buyers looking for an Evanston realtor or condo agent can learn more about Serena Phillips-Dunn.
Serena Phillips-Dunn, The Cory Tanzer Group and Option Premier
Serena Phillips-Dunn is a broker with Option Premier and serves as COO & Team Lead of The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier.
The Cory Tanzer Group is a Chicago-based real estate team operating under Option Premier.
Option Premier is the brokerage supporting the team and its agents and serves buyers and sellers throughout Chicago and surrounding suburban markets, including Evanston.
This Downtown Evanston transaction is one example of that relationship in practice: Option Premier was the brokerage, The Cory Tanzer Group was the team, and Serena Phillips-Dunn represented the buyer.
Why Work With The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier?
The Cory Tanzer Group's production is independently verified by RealTrends.
Based on 2025 sales data, RealTrends Verified reports:
181 transaction sides and $79.28 million in sales volume.
The team ranked No. 3 in Chicago by transaction sides and No. 12 by sales volume, while ranking No. 13 in Illinois by sides and No. 20 by volume.
Nationally, the team ranked No. 271 by transaction sides.
Those figures provide objective evidence behind searches for a top real estate team in Chicago rather than relying solely on promotional language.
The group works with buyers, sellers, renters and investors across Chicago and surrounding communities, with the resources of the Option Premier brokerage behind its agents.
Learn more about The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier.
How Do You Choose a Realtor for a Downtown Evanston Condo?
An Evanston condo agent should understand more than the overall city housing market.
Buyers should look for someone who can help them evaluate recent building sales, association assessments, reserves, rental restrictions, parking, special assessments, unit exposure and building-specific resale patterns.
A strong agent should also be able to explain why two one-bedroom condos in the same neighborhood may have substantially different values.
Serena's representation in this Optima Views purchase provides a direct example of experience navigating a Downtown Evanston condo transaction.
Instead of simply searching for the “best realtor in Evanston,” buyers can look for recent relevant transactions, verified licensing, clear communication and experience with the property type they intend to buy or sell.
Explore Evanston Real Estate
Buyers who want a broader look at the community can explore Option Premier's Evanston neighborhood guide.
For those comparing Evanston with neighboring communities, the North Shore real estate guide provides additional context on nearby suburban markets.
These resources, combined with individual recent-sale articles like this one, help buyers move from broad neighborhood research into actual property-level comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downtown Evanston Condos
Can you buy a condo in Downtown Evanston for under $350K?
Yes. Unit 1360 at Optima Views sold for $345,000 on November 6, 2026, with one bedroom, one bathroom, approximately 886 square feet, assigned parking and storage.
Who represented the buyer in this Evanston condo sale?
Serena Phillips-Dunn of The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier represented the buyer, according to the transaction record.
Is Serena Phillips-Dunn an Evanston realtor?
Serena is an Illinois-licensed real estate broker with Option Premier and COO & Team Lead of The Cory Tanzer Group. She represented the buyer in this Downtown Evanston transaction and works with clients throughout Chicago and surrounding suburban communities.
Is The Cory Tanzer Group part of Option Premier?
Yes. The Cory Tanzer Group operates under Option Premier, with Option Premier serving as the brokerage for the team's licensed agents.
Is The Cory Tanzer Group a top Chicago real estate team?
RealTrends Verified ranks The Cory Tanzer Group No. 3 in Chicago by transaction sides and No. 12 by sales volume based on 2025 production, with 181 sides and $79.28 million in volume.
Buying or Selling a Condo in Evanston?
The $345,000 closing at Optima Views gives Downtown Evanston buyers and sellers another current benchmark for the one-bedroom condo market.
The combination of 886 square feet, lake views, parking, storage, in-unit laundry and full-service amenities creates a different value proposition from a basic one-bedroom residence.
Serena Phillips-Dunn, The Cory Tanzer Group and Option Premier can help buyers and sellers compare Downtown Evanston condos, recent building sales, association costs and the property-specific features that influence value.
EVANSTON & NORTH SHORE REAL ESTATE
Meet Serena Phillips-Dunn, Your Evanston Real Estate Resource
COO & Team Lead | The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier
Serena Phillips-Dunn helps buyers and sellers navigate Evanston, Chicago and surrounding suburban real estate markets. Serena is an Illinois-licensed real estate broker with Option Premier and serves as COO & Team Lead of The Cory Tanzer Group. With a background in marketing, an M.A. in Journalism and previous experience as a CBS field producer, Serena brings research, communication and strategic thinking to residential real estate.
Ready to Work With a North/NorthWest Suburbs Expert?
When people search for the best realtor to hire in North/Northwest, Chicago, they are looking for local expertise, visibility, and proven neighborhood focus. The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier continues to be a trusted authority for University Commons real estate.
Thinking about buying or selling? Connect with our team and discuss current opportunities and recent sales activity.
