$720,458Average Value$334Average Price per Sq Ft68Homes For Sale
The southernmost part of Chicago’s North Shore
Along the shores of Lake Michigan and home to one of the premier research universities in the country, the city of Evanston is just across Chicago’s northern border. “I wouldn’t even call Evanston a suburb. It’s the first city you come to when you travel north from Chicago,” says Julie Jensen, lead broker with the Julie Jensen Group at Baird & Warner Realty. She’s lived in Evanston for close to 30 years. “It’s also the southernmost part of Chicago’s North Shore.” The North Shore is a group of affluent Chicago suburbs along the lake. There are about 75,000 people who live in Evanston, many of whom are employed by Northwestern University, which has a picturesque campus on the lakefront.
Although Northwestern University is a big part of Evanston, Jensen doesn’t view it as a college town. “It’s not like Evanston is dead when the students are not here,” Jensen says. “It’s also a school that stresses academics.” There’s a lot of diversity in Evanston, and more young people are attracted to the city. “They want to raise their kids here without worrying about paying extra for private schools. The public schools are good here,” she says.
Students in Evanston sit out on the lawn overlooking Lake Michigan and the Chicago Skyline.
Evanston has plenty of green space and easy access to the lake for residents to enjoy.
Northwestern students play a game of Spike Ball on Lincoln Street Beach in Evanston.
An Evanston family hangs out at Robert Crown Community Center on a sunny day.
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Schools feed into an A-plus Evanston Township High School
As with many school districts in the Chicago suburbs, elementary and middle schools are in separate districts from the high school. The Evanston Community Consolidated School District 65 has ten elementary schools, three middle schools and two magnet schools. The district grade is a B-plus on Niche. Evanston Township High School District 202 has only one school - the A-plus-rated Evanston Township High School. The school serves all of Evanston and a small portion of the adjacent village of Skokie. The school is on 65 acres and is more than 1.2 million square feet. Private schools include St. Athanasius Elementary, which serves K-8 students, and Beacon Academy, a college prep high school. Both receive A-plus grades.
Lincolnwood Elementary School in Evanston serves students in grades K-5.
Haven Middle School in Evanston offers multiple outdoor amenities to its students.
Evanston Township High School is has many honor-level courses offered to students.
Evanston's Northwestern Division 1 athletics is a major draw for prospective students.
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More public beaches along Lake Michigan in Evanston
With Lake Michigan's proximity, several beaches are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. “Evanston has a good amount of lakefront on public property, as opposed to further north where there are more houses along the waterfront.” Beach access passes are free for Evanston residents with proof of address. A walkway south of the Northwestern campus passes four public beaches and four parks. There are close to 90 parks of various sizes in Evanston. Catamarans, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards can be rented at Northwestern Sailing Center for those who want to explore Lake Michigan on a boat. North of Northwestern’s campus, Grosse Point Lighthouse, built in 1873, is open on summer weekends for tours and close to Lighthouse Beach.
Music venues in the city include Evanston SPACE, an indoor facility. During the summer, outdoor concerts are held at The Evans at Canal Shores Golf Club during a series called Out of SPACE. Dawes Park was the site of the first Evanston Folk Festival on the lakefront in early September. Other events include the Fall Fest in Downtown Evanston in October around Fountain Square Park on Sherman Avenue between Davis and Grove Streets. The Downtown Evanston Farmers Market runs on Saturdays from early May through November, featuring nearly 60 vendors.
On Northwestern University's campus, there are opportunities to catch athletic events, like basketball or volleyball at Welsh-Ryan Arena or a football game on the lakefront at Martin Stadium, the temporary home of the Wildcats while Ryan Field is being renovated.
The Evanston lakefront is a favorite place for residents to workout and exercise.
The beaches in Evanston are a perfect place for students to study or hang out on a warm day.
There are many iconic sites in Evanston including the Grosse Point Lighthouse built in 1873.
There will be many smiling faces at the Downtown Evanston's Night Market.
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History is all around Evanston
There are historic houses all around Evanston. Because of that, the Evanston History Center periodically conducts a walking tour of homes. One of the homes, a Chateau-influenced mansion built in 1894, belonged to U.S. Vice President Charles Gates Dawes.“Because Evanston is so big, there’s a wide range of home prices. Modest condos can be had for a couple hundred thousand dollars, and the sky’s the limit when you’re closer to the lake. They’re in the multi-millions,” says Jake McClure, a broker and team leader at the Burling Square Group. Condos are priced from $120,000 to $600,000—houses under $1 million range from $300,000 to $800,000.
While there are more modern houses, it’s only because a newer house was built where an old house used to be. “There are no subdivisions in Evanston where there are homes that were all built 20 years ago,” Jensen says. “That makes working in Evanston cool because you have to go in every house to see what it’s like because there have been various improvements. People have real pride in ownership here.” As of Fall of 2024, the amount of inventory is low in Evanston, but when there are homes on the market, it’s usually a seller's market. “Homes will consistently sell over the asking price,” she adds.
There is a minimal flood risk for homes in Evanston as there are fewer homes directly on the lakefront than in suburbs north of Evanston.
The historic Charles Gates Dawes House in Evanston is home to the Evanston History Center.
There are a large number of affordable brick bungalow homes in the Evanston neighborhood.
You can find large historic estates throughout Evanston.
Large two story contemporary homes with classic elements can be found in Evanston.
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Evanston has nine business districts
Whether it’s the downtown area or the shops on Central Street, Evanston is known for its retail business districts. “There are many places to walk and get coffee,” Jensen says. “They’re mostly Mom-and-Pop stores. There are chains, but that does not define the retail landscape in Evanston.” In downtown Evanston, Edzo’s Burger Shop specializes in giant, char-grilled hamburgers and garlic fries. Hewn, located in the Central Street Business District, has a substantial selection of warm pastries and hot coffee. Locally owned shops include Vintage Vinyl, which has been open since 1979 and specializes in the same format that was popular when it opened: The vinyl 33 RPM record. The Howard Street Business district is in southern Evanston, across the border from Chicago. Popular Evanston grocery stores include Mariano’s, Jewel-Osco and Whole Foods Market.
Cupitol Coffee and Eatery in Downtown Evanston is a local favorite.
Evanston residents have a number of great local stores like Patisserie Coralie.
Evanston has several big grocery store options including Jewel Osco.
Central Street is a bustling area with plenty to do.
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Crime in Evanston
Niche ranks Evanston as a C-plus for crime, with theft closer to the national average than any other indicator. The theft number is at 1,904 incidents per 100,000 residents, as opposed to the national average of 2,042. Most of the crimes tend to be in the downtown area.
Climate and transportation in Evanston
Multiple train stations in the city have Metra commuter rail, or the Purple Line CTA elevated train for commuting to downtown Chicago. Public bus transportation is served by Pace bus lines, which travel throughout the Chicago suburbs and CTA buses, which travel into Chicago. Access to Interstate 94 is 4 miles to the west, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport is about a half-hour drive.
Evanston's average summer high temperature is about 83 degrees, and the average winter low temperature is 17. The area gets about 17 inches of snow yearly, and the total precipitation is around 40 inches.
Written By
Jeff Stapleton
Photography Contributed By
Joe Kirsch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Evanston, IL sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Evanston, IL over the last 12 months is $465,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Timeless charm meets modern living in this beautifully maintained 1899 rowhouse, in the heart of Evanston. From the moment you step through the double-door entry, you're welcomed by soaring 9.5-foot ceilings, original hardwood floors, and stunning vintage details, including intricate trim and classic doorknobs. A mudroom area, at the entry, provides a space to hang coats and leave shoes. Large,
Spacious move in ready 3 bed, 2.5 bath fee simple townhome in an amazing walkable NW Evanston/Central St. location! So much to love here starting with refreshed kitchen with new quartz counters and tile backsplash. Large living room with fireplace and beautiful hardwood floors flows into separate dining room. French doors open into awesome screened in porch perfect for enjoying the warmer spring
Grace Flatt@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Fabulous Central St. location, This McCulloch Park row home is set on a beautiful corner with large parkways on two sides. Enjoy easy living in a stately brick row house which lives like a single-family home and offers 7 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, and an attached garage. Inside, you will find a gracious living room with fireplace, separate dining room, and remodeled kitchen with rich cherry
Bright and beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhome offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and an unbeatable Evanston lifestyle. The main level features an open-concept living and dining area with pristine parquet flooring, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and sliding doors that lead to a private patio-ideal for morning coffee, evening unwinding, or effortless indoor-outdoor
Lakefront Living with an Extraordinary Future Vision - Architectural Gem on Sheridan Road - Welcome home to this exceptional, one-of-a-kind residence on prestigious Sheridan Road, offered for the first time in 30 years. Sun-filled and brimming with charm, this vintage two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo features a formal office and wall-to-wall windows framing stunning views of Lake Michigan
Timeless charm meets modern living in this beautifully maintained 1899 rowhouse, in the heart of Evanston. From the moment you step through the double-door entry, you're welcomed by soaring 9.5-foot ceilings, original hardwood floors, and stunning vintage details, including intricate trim and classic doorknobs. A mudroom area, at the entry, provides a space to hang coats and leave shoes. Large,
Rare 3BR/2BA corner unit with lake views and natural sunlight from three exposures (E/W/N). Unlike interior units, this 12th-floor condo has eastern exposure with unobstructed lake views from the kitchen and living area, plus western exposure with sunset views from the private balcony and northern exposure. The 12th level means better views, less street noise, and more privacy. Recent updates
Spacious and sun-filled brick two-flat offering flexible living options and modern comforts throughout. Each unit features three generously sized bedrooms and one full bath, with updated kitchens and baths, abundant natural light, and hardwood floors. Both units offer unit-specific, independently controlled central heating and air conditioning for year-round comfort. The finished basement
Spacious 3-bedroom condo offering over 1,800 square feet of interior living space and over 400 square feet of outdoor space in an intimate elevator building in downtown Evanston. East, south, and west exposures and high ceilings throughout provide consistent natural light. A large living room with gas log fireplace features sliding doors leading to the unit's east-facing balcony, which is also
Welcome to this charming 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom first-floor condo located in the heart of Evanston. This inviting home offers a comfortable and convenient lifestyle with a thoughtfully designed layout. Step inside to find a bright and airy living space with plenty of natural light, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The kitchen provides ample cabinetry, while the spacious bedroom offers a
Evanston Lakefront Living at Its Best! Rare East-facing 2BR/2BA condo with unobstructed Lake Michigan views with full east, south, and western exposures in Evanston's iconic and meticulously maintained vintage landmark building - Lakeshore Condominiums offering a rare blend of classic architecture and modern updates, ideally situated steps from the South Beach. This exceptional 2-bedroom,
There are homes that simply check boxes and then there are homes that quietly hold decades of laughter, holidays, late-night talks, and backyard summers. 8822 Central Park Ave is the latter. Tucked away on a quiet residential street, this classic brick Evanston home welcomes you with warmth the moment you step onto its curved front walk. The entry's timeless slate flooring sets the tone. It feels
Gracious 5-bedroom Victorian in Northeast Evanston! Welcome to 2236 Ridge Avenue-a stately and elegant frame Victorian located in sought-after Northeast Evanston. Winning an Evanston Preservation Award, this Evanston landmark seamlessly blends timeless architectural charm with spacious, modern living. Step inside through a custom leaded-glass front door and be greeted by a grand foyer and
An extraordinary offering in Evanston's prestigious Lakeshore Historic District, this magnificent six-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath Tudor Revival residence was masterfully designed by Ernest A. Mayo. A grand reception hall introduces the home, where sweeping Tudor-arched openings create a dramatic axial vista spanning the length of the main level, an architectural hallmark of Mayo & Mayo's
Prepare to be impressed! This 6 bedroom/3.1 bath, magazine published, Queen Anne Victorian home on a 50x190 lot has been professionally designed and upgraded to modern tastes while preserving the ornate beauty of the period. An expansive, covered front porch welcomes you followed by a charming foyer with original front door, tile and a grand main staircase with painted paneling. Entertain your
Discover this charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in one of Skokie's most desirable neighborhoods. Featuring a classic all-brick exterior, this residence offers timeless curb appeal and lasting quality. Step inside to a spacious living room filled with natural light from large picture windows, complemented by beautiful hardwood floors. The formal dining room provides an ideal setting for
Welcome to The Reserve, where luxury meets convenience in the heart of Evanston. Choose from spacious studio, 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom apartment homes designed for comfort and style. Take a virtual tour and explore thoughtfully crafted interiors, resort-style amenities, and our vibrant, walkable neighborhood.Located just one mile from Northwestern University and with quick access to I-94 and the
The Main is located at 847 Chicago Ave. Evanston, IL and is managed by Atlantic Residential, a reputable property management company with verified listings on RENTCafe. The Main offers Studio to 3 bedroom apartments ranging in size from 500 to 1424 sq.ft. Amenities include Availability 24 Hours, Bike Racks, Business Center, Carpeting, Controlled Access/Gated and more. This rental community is pet
Evanston Vintage Properties (EVP) owns and manages a network of historic brick and brownstone properties near Northwestern University, Lake Michigan, and downtown Evanston. We value our residents and are committed to taking excellent care of the buildings. The classic architectural details of our apartments, with solid, built-to-last construction, are both beautiful and sustainable.Our
One year leases now available for September 2026!-Fully Furnished-Free Utilities-Free High-Speed WiFi-Full Kitchens; Fridge, Cooktop, Dishwasher-In-Unit Washer/Dryer-Dishwasher-On-Site Restaurant & Bar-Cable TV-Exercise Room-Microwave-Cooktop-Pots, Pans, Utensils & Dishes Included-Weekly Housekeeping-Study Areas$2,500/month for 1
Beautiful boutique apartment building directly across the street from Northwestern University. Each apartment comes with a complimentary storage closet. Large floor plans, hardwood floors. Laundry room, bike racks and on-site parking available!
Whatever you do, make it yours. The Park Evanston has stylish, open amenity areasincluding a huge fitness center, pet spa, and an impressive rooftop pool deck with built in grillsthat fit your active, modern lifestyle. Plus, the newly renovated apartments are designed with your style in mind. With an unbeatable location that places everything within steps, The Park Evanston is downtown Evanston
WELCOME TO 550 SHERIDAN SQUAREWhen you call 550 Sheridan Square Apartments home, you'll find yourself in Evanston's premier lakefront apartment community, directly adjacent to Lake Michigan with beach access right outside your door. Our newly remodeled apartment community is the perfect place to call home for those looking to live in the best location Evanston has to offer. Not only are you
Talk about convenient! The Scholar takes off-campus and Evanston living to a whole new level with private terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, luxurious finishes, and views of Lake Michigan. Located in downtown Evanston, The Scholar is a short walk from shopping, dining, the lakefront, and much more. With an abundant selection of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in a contemporary
The 415 Premier studio, one and two bedroom apartments for rent in Evanston, IL, offer stylish interiors and an amenity package full of attractive social spaces. Located only twelve minutes from downtown Chicago and only two miles from the Northwestern Campus in Evanston, these well-designed layouts are equipped with features that will elevate your lifestyle.
Discover maintenance-free living at Avidor Evanston, a premier 55+ active adult community in Evanston, Illinois. Designed for independence and connection, Avidor Evanston offers luxury one and two bedroom apartments with modern finishes and everyday conveniences, allowing you to enjoy life without the burden of home upkeep.Enjoy an engaging lifestyle supported by extensive amenities,
The residences at Central Station are attractive, spacious, and functional featuring upgraded spacious floor plan, upgraded kitchens, washer and dryers in, in each residence and built in computer niches. The goal is to design the interior unit finishes to be at the highest end of this submarket.All the energy-efficient residences at Central Station have high ceilings, walk-in closets with wire
After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, city dwellers built elegant waterfront homes in Evanston. Today, residents of Downtown Evanston enjoy distant views of Chicago's glittering skyline by night and sweeping Lake Michigan vistas by day. The area keeps some nostalgic charms with vintage architecture. "It's a unique area where you get the serenity of Lake Michigan's shores along with the busy atmosphere of downtown," says Michael Marin, a managing broker and top producer with Signature Homes Realty.<br><br>An integral part of Evanston is Northwestern University, just north of downtown. It's the No. 1 college in Illinois, according to Niche. The 240-acre campus links to the much smaller Chicago campus, about 12 miles away, via a free shuttle. The university has approximately 23,000 students and 2,500 faculty members and is Evanston's largest employer. <br><br>Downtown Evanston offers eateries, small businesses, big-box stores, hotels and more. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Market are right near home. Cupitol Coffee & Eatery serves fresh-baked goods, cold-press juices and all-day brunch. For lunch on the go, pick something up at Picnic, where the menu's full of healthy fare. Giordano's, which started in 1974 in the South Side of Chicago, now has 45 locations in Illinois. Their stuffed deep-dish pizza has received accolades from the Chicago Tribune, the New York Times, Eater and more. Young actors get on stage at Mudlark Theater Company, a non-profit offering camps and classes for youth. For a movie night out, AMC Evanston 12 supplies the flicks. <br><br>There's a mix of historical and contemporary styles within this waterfront cityscape. "We have a good spread of different architecture, from hundred-year-old lakefront mansions to modern attached condominiums," Marin says. Townhouses, condominiums and apartment blocks line major thoroughfares, sharing curb appeal with modern mid- and high-rises. Apartments make up close to 50% of the property mix. Vintage and historical single-family homes include Tudor Revival and Art Deco styles, plus features like wainscoting, original hardwood flooring, fireplaces and spacious windows. The average listing price in the area is just under $500,000. Twenty percent of homes fall under $200,000 and about 5% are over $1.3 million. <br><br>Within walking distance of most downtown homes, Lake Michigan's shoreline is the star. The Northwestern Sailing Center rents out catamarans, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards and windsurfing and sailing lessons are also popular. Public beaches are open during warmer months, with free season passes for those living in specific ZIP codes. A lovely spot for waterside picnics, Clark Street Beach offers volleyball courts. Dog Beach is a favorite for water frolics or off-leash socializing in a fenced area. Centennial Park is the place for a lakeside walk to the peninsula on Northwestern's campus. Amid the manicured green spaces of Raymond Park, there's a playground with an abstract climbing sculpture. Gyrokinesis yoga classes are often held at the park. <br><br>There are plenty of things to do downtown. Fountain Square's annual Fall Festival offers live music, kids' art activities, ice cream and coffee trucks, food vendors and a maker's market. The Holiday Bazaar hosted by the Woman's Club of Evanston showcases 50 curated vendors of handmade goods. The Young Evanston Artists festival, or YEA!, is held on the third Saturday of May at Raymond Park.<br><br>The Chicago Transit Authority Purple Line L trains run all day between the Chicago Loop and seven stops in Downtown Evanston. The CTA also runs bus routes. Evanston Davis Street Metra station has service on the Union Pacific North line. Traveling south, Chicago's Ogilvie Transportation Center is the fifth stop from Evanston. Going north, it's about 50 miles to Kenosha, Wisconsin, the only Metra stop outside Illinois. There's a Divvy bike share station, plus spots for bike racks, dedicated lanes and tune-up stations. O'Hare International Airport is about 15 miles away.<br><br>Children residing in Downtown Evanston may attend public schools like Dewey Elementary, graded A-minus by Niche and Nichols Middle, graded B-plus. Evanston Township High, graded A-plus, is No. 23 in the state, according to Niche. With more than 1.2 million square feet of indoor space, ETHS is the largest single-building high school in the country. Some highlights of the 65-acre campus include a planetarium, greenhouse, swimming pools and tennis courts. There are many private schools in the Evanston area. One of these, Beacon Academy, graded A-plus, is located downtown. It combines an International Baccalaureate curriculum with Montessori principles for ninth through 12th grade.
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