Chicago rent barometer: West Loop for $2,300 to $2,500

Not long ago, there were few reasons to venture west of the Chicago River and into the West Loop besides Greek food or a taping of Oprah. Ah, how times have changed, as you can see from rents for these two units.

A 1,250-square-foot two-bedroom, shown below, at Fulton and Jefferson is on the market as a sublet for $2,350.

A two-bedroom condo for rent in Skybridge, the funky new highrise designed by Ralph Johnson, of Perkins & Will, is available for $2,500 a month.