Evanston

Evanston is the first suburb north of Chicago along Lake Michigan, and one of Chicago's sought-after North Shore communities .

With a rapidly developing skyline of its own, a densely populated downtown, vibrant commercial districts, outstanding public transportation, a world-famous university, a rich history, museums, live theater, a full calendar of fairs, festivals and cultural events, and a diverse population, Evanston is as much city as suburb.

Northwestern University's main campus is located in Evanston, affording residents close proximity to Big Ten sports events, lectures, concerts, cultural and arts programs.

City services, park district

Evanston's more than 90 public parks and playgrounds provide an almost endless array of recreational and cultural options: beaches, tennis courts, volleyball, soccer, baseball and softball fields, community gardens, an ecology center and more. The city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services oversees many programs focused on improving the quality of life in Evanston.

Tip: In a residential stretch of north-west Evanston you'll find a hidden gem, Dwight Perkins Woods, a large square block of forest preserve bordered by homes and a neighborhood school.

The City of Evanston offers a full-range of municipal services.

Housing stock

Evanston's housing stock has something for nearly everyone, including the largest selection of rental housing in Chicago's northern suburbs. Prices range from well under $100,000 to well into the millions.

Downtown Evanston is home to a number of newer high-rise apartments and condominiums in a wide price range.

The Lakeshore Historic District, bounded roughly by Northwestern University on the north, Calvary Cemetery on the south, Lake Michigan on the east, and Chicago Avenue on the west, hosts grand Queen Anne and Victorian mansions, low- and mid-rise condos and apartments, and more modestly-sized older single-family homes. Many of the homes in the area are architecturally or historically significant of their own right while contributing to the distinctiveness of the neighborhood. Estate-sized homes are also found in the historic district along Ridge Avenue.

West of Ridge Ave and Green Bay Rd Evanston becomes almost entirely a residential suburb where you'll find lush tree-lined streets, neighborhood parks, and a wide array of housing styles and prices.

Transportation

With CTA El, Metra train and Pace bus routes, Evanston boasts the best public transportation network of any of Chicago's suburbs. Many residents who've relocated from the city find that their commute time to the Loop from Evanston is shorter.

Metra's Union Pacific North Line makes three stops in Evanston, reaching downtown Chicago in 25 to 30 minutes. The CTA's Purple, Red and Yellow (Skokie Swift) lines converge at Howard Street, providing access to downtown, Wilmette, and Skokie. Pace bus routes provide east-west access to the trains and neighboring suburbs. Taxis and limo services are readily available.

Most Evanston residents live closer to a train stop or El stop than to the Edens Expressway. Residents who drive downtown typically connect to Lake Shore Drive via Sheridan Road or Ridge Ave.

Shopping, dining, nightlife

Evanston has hundreds of locally-owned bars, restaurants, book stores, shops and boutiques to satisfy every need, want, taste and budget, both downtown and along a number of pedestrian-friendly neighborhood strips.

The upscale Old Orchard shopping center, anchored by Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and Lord & Taylor, is just across the Evanston border.

A popular seasonal shopping venue is the Evanston Farmers Market, featuring regionally-grown fruits, vegetables, flowers and meats.

Schools

Public school students enroll in one of the neighborhood elementary and middle schools, or one of the magnet schools in Evanston / Skokie School District 65 and Evanston Township High School.

The City of Evanston's Education page provides helpful links to additional public and private schools and college in Evanston.

Northwestern University and Evanston Township High School offer extensive adult and continuing education programs.

Evanston Real Estate Search

Evanston Rental Search

Downtown Evanston

Central Street Evanston

Childcare options in Evanston:
Childcare Center of Evanston
Kindercare of Evanston
Metro Daycare Search

Restaurant Information:
Evanston
Chicago

Movie Information:
Evanston Movie Times
Evanston Theaters & Performing Arts