$842,878Average Value$371Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Close to Northwestern University athletic facilities
North of Evanston along a busy thoroughfare that courses past Northwestern University sports venues and numerous restaurants and businesses, the Central Street neighborhood stretches from a large city park to the Central ‘L’ train station on the CTA’s Purple Line. Even with a large amount of economic activity and extended renovation work at Northwestern’s football stadium, Central Street doesn’t lose the neighborly spirit that’s captured in the colorful murals painted on garage doors along a few of the community’s alleyways.
Gear up for game day with Northwestern apparel at Gameday Spirit on Central Street.
Vibrant murals decorate the sides of Central Street’s local businesses.
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Green Bay Road links to shops and restaurants
Following tracks that lead to Chicago and Downtown Evanston, Green Bay Road is a major north-south thoroughfare intersecting with Central Avenue in the heart of the community's small business district. Because sometimes dessert should be eaten first, Leonidas Chocolate Café has over 90 varieties of imported Belgian chocolates. Waffles, omelets and quiche are also available for a complete meal. DeSalvo’s Pizza is a family-owned pizza shop specializing in thin-crust pies with gluten-free and vegan options. Backlot Coffee is an independent coffee house with locally roasted coffees and gelato. It’s also a community hangout where patrons work on their laptops or gather with friends. The Spice House has been around since 1957, selling various spices, rubs and blends for the casual or professional chef. Gameday Spirit has plenty of purple and white Northwestern apparel to show team spirit. Grocery store options include Whole Foods Market and Foodstuffs Gourmet Food.
Indulge in Belgian chocolates at Leonidas Café Chocolaterie on Central Street.
DeSalvo’s Pizza serves up thin-crust pies loved by Central Street locals.
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Solidly built homes in the Central Street neighborhood
While this neighborhood is close to Northwestern University’s campus, more faculty than students live here. “Students tend to live near the downtown area to the south, closer to the academic buildings,” says Alan May, a Realtor with Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty. The oldest homes in the neighborhood are from the late 1800s, but a lot were built around the 1920s. “There’s a lot of brick construction, and the homes are solidly built,” May says. “Some look at the homes from out of the area and are concerned about the homes that are 100 years old. I tell them they’re made of brick and have been well maintained.” Single-family homes range from $500,000 to $1 million for Colonial Revivals, American Foursquares and Craftsman bungalows. The homes are far from limited to those architectural styles, though, as many were custom made or modified with additions and other upgrades over the decades. “You’re going to have trouble finding under half a million,” May says. “If it is, it probably needs some work, or it won’t have an updated kitchen or bathroom.” Larger homes include farmhouses and Prairie style from $1 million to $2 million. Condos built around Central Street are mainly between $200,000 and $400,000, while townhouses are fewer, priced from $250,000 to $650,000.
Colonial Revival homes are a classic architectural staple in Central Street.
Cozy homes on Central Street’s west end offer charm and affordability.
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Catch-and-release fishing at Lovelace Park's pond
In the northwest part of the neighborhood is Lovelace Park, with athletic fields of all kinds, a catch-and-release pond and a sledding hill for winter fun. A grassroots group called Friends of Lovelace Park works with the city to keep the park looking good. Locals know Ackerman Park as the 4th of July Park due to its proximity to the Independence Day parade on Central Street. It’s close to the shops and restaurants on Central, has a playground, a couple of tennis courts and, during the winter, an outdoor skating rink. Youth soccer games are often held in Bent Park.
Plan a relaxing picnic at Lovelace Park, a Central Street favorite.
Ackerman Park’s playground is a favorite for kids in Central Street.
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Garage murals at the north part of Central Street
In the north part of the neighborhood, alleyways off Thayer Street have murals on garage doors, thanks to an artist who lives nearby. Teresa Parod started doing her art with permission from homeowners during the COVID-19 lockdown, and she got the idea after visiting Cuba. The alleys are between Thayer and Isabella Streets and between Thayer Street and Park Place. The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian concentrates on the cultures and traditions of Indigenous people from North America and Tribal Nations across the Great Lakes region. Close to Lake Michigan is the Grosse Point Lighthouse, constructed in 1877, a national historic landmark. It’s open for tours during summer weekends. Nearby is Lighthouse Beach, which is open for swimming from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Support local talent at the Indigenous Artist Market pop-up in Central Street.
Explore Indigenous culture at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in Central Street.
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Willard Elementary School is in the neighborhood
High Niche grades and low student-to-teacher ratios highlight the K-12 pathway for students living in the Central Street neighborhood. Willard Elementary School gets an A-minus from Niche. Students can get individualized attention with an 11-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Similar small class sizes are at Haven Middle School, with a B-plus grade. Evanston Township High School is rated an A-plus and is ranked the 23rd-best public high school in Illinois out of more than 700. The school also has an average graduation rate of 93%. St. Athanasius is a private school option for K-8 students with an A-plus grade. Northwestern University is one of the leading research universities in the country, with much of the campus offering picturesque views of Lake Michigan.
Evanston Township High School offers a wide range of honors courses for Central Street students.
Willard Elementary offers Central Street students K–5 education with small class sizes.
Haven Middle School earns a solid B+ rating, perfect for Central Street students.
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Metra and ‘L’ train stop at Central Street station
The Central Street Metra station is close to the busy intersection of Green Bay Road and Central Street, which provides service for customers who want to take the commuter train into downtown Chicago for a half-hour trip to the Ogilvie Transportation Center. The purple line CTA elevated train also stops at the station. Bus riders can choose from CTA buses, which have routes on Central Street or the Pace suburban bus system with stops on Green Bay Road. It’s about 4 miles to Interstate 94, and the tip to Chicago O’Hare International Airport is about half an hour.
Convenient bus routes make commuting easy along Central Street.
The Central Street Metra whisks commuters to downtown Chicago in under an hour.
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Ongoing renovations at Ryan Field
Usually, the Northwestern Wildcats play their home football games at Ryan Field, close to the eastern part of the neighborhood. But for the next two seasons, they are being played closer to Lake Michigan, about 2 miles east, while Ryan Field is being renovated. “People have been receptive to the temporary stadium even though it's much smaller,” May says. “They wish that Ryan Field would be built on the lakefront.”
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Central Street neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Central Street
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Central Street Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Street, Evanston sell after 15 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Street, Evanston over the last 12 months is $700,000, up 28% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Classic Northwest Evanston brick Colonial home in the highly sought-after Willard School district, offering four bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a two-car garage on a beautifully landscaped lot. Thoughtfully updated throughout, this home blends timeless character with modern improvements. The comfortable layout includes a living room with wood burning fireplace, a separate dining room, and a
Dale LubotskyJameson Sotheby's International Realty
Modern sophistication meets mid-century charm. Step into a masterfully reimagined 3-bed, 2-bath residence, completely overhauled from the studs to the rafters. This isn't just a renovation; it's a total transformation. Buyers will enjoy ultimate peace of mind with all-new copper piping, updated electrical (including a panel upgrade), a new HVAC system, and brand-new windows featuring a lifetime
Rarely available corner condominium in a boutique elevator building just steps from Central Street. Beautifully maintained and thoughtfully designed, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath property delivers the space and flow that are increasingly difficult to find in this neighborhood. Situated within an intimate 8-unit building, it blends comfort, functionality, and exceptional walkability. Hardwood floors
Amy Garvey@properties Christie's International Real Estate
This beautifully maintained tri-level townhome offers exceptional walkability to everything Northwest Evanston has to offer. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, and tons of storage, the home is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. A rare highlight is the spacious, private backyard-perfect for relaxing or hosting-providing generous green space not often found in townhomes. With a
Just steps from the Central Street business district, this surprisingly spacious 2 flat + lower level guest space provides flexibility for a variety of potential owners. The current main level owners unit includes 3 bedrooms and 2.1 baths plus a sunny and spacious living room, dining room, updated kitchen with quartz counters and stainless appliances, adjacent office and family room suite (that
Meredith Schreiber@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Attention builders, developers, investors, and custom home buyers! This lot is ideal for gut rehab/rebuild and is being sold as is. Value is in the land with zoning variance approved, city-approved plans, architectural drawings, and building permits. The approved project offers great potential and is currently designed for a 4 bed (+1 in basement), 4.5 bath, attached garage, 2-story home with
Located directly across the street from Evanston's beautiful Bent Park, Bent Park Homes is a brand-new, semi-custom Townhome development from long-time North Shore builder Kaplan Custom Homes featuring 10, +/-4,100 sf luxury residences. Thoughtfully configured with 4 bedrooms, 4 full and 2 half bathrooms. This is a collection of beautifully designed modern townhomes that blend timeless
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
Premier top floor, sun-filled NE corner unit! Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with in-unit laundry room, heated garage parking in an elevator building. Convenient to all Central Street has to offer including the metra and el train, boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and Northwestern University. One mile to Lighthouse beach! Foyer with coat closet leads to a large modern kitchen with
Show up and start living from day one in Evanston with this pretty two bedroom Blueground apartment. You’ll love coming home to this thoughtfully furnished, beautifully designed, and fully equipped Evanston home. (ID #CHI953)The advertised rate of $2,300/month is the lowest available price, based on a 12 month(s) stay with a move-in date of May 8, 2026. Rates vary depending on the
Wonderful 4 story townhome in a desirable Central Street location across from Canal Shores golf course and walking path, the L, and Northwestern University. Soaring ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, and gleaming hardwood floors create comfortable spaces that are airy and bright. The main level has a dramatic light-filled living room, down a few steps to the kitchen with breakfast bar, granite
Located at 2730 Hampton Parkway, this vintage apartment building offers an unbeatable location just steps from Lake Michigan and within walking distance to Northwestern University’s campus, making it ideal for students, faculty, and professionals alike. Nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street, the property provides a peaceful residential feel while remaining closely connected to the energy of the
Welcome to 1720 Central Station, where luxury meets convenience in North Evanston. This 1BR/1BA is nestled near the El and Metra trains with easy bus access, our rental apartments offer unparalleled access to Northwestern University and beyond. Indulge in the vibrant neighborhood filled with gourmet dining, superb shopping, and endless entertainment options just moments away. Our amenities
Peter LipseyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
On Central across the street from Northwestern Football stadium, Walk to Metra and Purple Line CTANear shopping and restaurants. Freshly painted for a new tenant. Coin Laundry and storage lockers in basement.Please call for more info and to make appointment to see in person.Application fee is $50 per application NOT per person.
The one you've waited for. Mid May available. Top floor, 2bed + office overlooking the street. Espresso kitchen, hardwood floors & newer windows in this charming apt with LR, DR, office/library & rear sunroom. Wall unit AC cools the entire place - supplemental window units avail if needed, but really not needed. Approx 1100sf - Super clean. Pets negotiable. Bathroom has tub/shower combo. This is
Robin Wilson@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Discover the best of Evanston, with this one bedroom apartment in Evanston. It’ll be easy to simply show up and start living in this contemporary furnished apartment with its fully equipped kitchen, charming living room, and our dedicated, on-the-ground support. (ID #CHI951)The advertised rate of $2,010/month is the lowest available price, based on a 12 month(s) stay with a move-in date
Welcome to 1720 Central Station, where luxury meets convenience in North Evanston. This 1BR/1BA plus Den is Nestled near the El and Metra trains with easy bus access, our rental apartments offer unparalleled access to Northwestern University and beyond. Indulge in the vibrant neighborhood filled with gourmet dining, superb shopping, and endless entertainment options just moments away. Our
Peter LipseyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
Property Id: 358493- Dark hardwood floors throughout- Granite countertops and modern white cabinetry in rehabbed kitchen- Stainless steel appliances including dishwasher + microwave- Washer and dryer are in the unit- LEED Silver building was built in 2014 with geothermal heating and cooling- Shared outdoor patio available to all tenants- Indoor heated garage
Welcome to 1720 Central Station, where luxury meets convenience in North Evanston. This 1BR + Den is nestled near the El and Metra trains with easy bus access, our rental apartments offer unparalleled access to Northwestern University and beyond. Indulge in the vibrant neighborhood filled with gourmet dining, superb shopping, and endless entertainment options just moments away. Our amenities
Peter LipseyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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