$875,217Average Value$371Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes 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 14 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Street, Evanston over the last 12 months is $690,000, up 27% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Exciting open airy space in this treetop, updated vintage one bedroom with bright loft studio, office, or guest space. Vaulted ceiling with sky windows accent this charming home overlooking the Canal Shores golf course, with incredible walkability just a few blocks to lighthouse beach, both CTA and Metra trains, Evanston hospital, new NU stadium, Mustards, New 'The Spot' dining, walking/bike path
Spacious two-bedroom, two-bath condo on the second floor of a well-maintained mid-rise on Central Street in Evanston - walk to Central Street shops and the Metra. A new slider opens onto an expansive private deck spanning the full length of the living room and one bedroom, made for morning coffee or evening unwinding. Inside, the generous living area incorporates a dedicated dining space, ideal
Wow!!! LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!!! Very rare opportunity to own 2 units in the most desirable Northwest Evanston. Beautiful Quality brick 2-flat set back from street by deep charming landscaped front yard where you can enjoy your morning coffee or perfect for social get together and entertainment. Well-maintained building with oversized panoramic windows and lots of natural lights all around.
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
Prairie-style 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom farmhouse on a quiet treelined street in NW Evanston. This well-proportioned vintage home welcomes you with a large screened front porch. The central foyer leads naturally into a living room anchored by a gas fireplace with built-in bookshelves, original crown molding, picture rail detail, and hardwood floors. The formal dining room has a bay window and a door
Sunny and bright, south exposure top floor 2BD/2BA condo on sought-after Central Street in Evanston! This well-maintained home features a spacious, functional layout, a combination of hardwood and wood laminate floors throughout, a serene primary suite with a huge walk-in closet, spa-like baths, abundant oak kitchen cabinetry, Corian countertops, ample closets, and a cozy gas fireplace. Newer
Robin Depeder@properties Christie's International Real Estate
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
Rarely available duplex-up condominium that lives like a single-family home in a desirable elevator building, just steps from Central Street's charming restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and Metra station. Overlooking the treetops of Ackerman Park, this light-filled residence offers beautiful views and an exceptionally versatile floor plan. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining room and
Meredith Schreiber@properties Christie's International Real Estate
An absolute once in two lifetimes opportunity - The 2628 - 2632 Gross Point Road Evanston, IL Development Site is now for sale, An Amazing location, Immense potential, Very Well Positioned on the prime hard stoplight corner of Crawford Ave and Gross Point Road, Right near the Hard corner intersection of Crawford and Central and Gross point and Central, The Property is located 2.5 - 3 miles to the
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
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 $1,630/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) and 27 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 4, 2027. If you’re looking
Feel at home wherever you choose to live with Blueground. You’ll love this cozy Evanston furnished two bedroom apartment with its modern decor, fully equipped kitchen, and lovely living room. Ideally located, you’re close to all the best that Evanston has to offer! (ID #CHI956)The advertised rate of $1,920/month is the lowest available price, based on a 6 month(s) and 7 day(s) stay with a
Spacious and stylish apartment featuring beautiful hardwood floors, oversized bedrooms, and a huge open-concept living area. Enjoy the convenience of in-unit washer and dryer, stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher and microwave, granite countertops, and 42" cabinets. The unit also offers a walk-in closet for ample storage. Cats are welcome with a 25/month and a one-time 100. Residents
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 furnished apartment with its fully equipped kitchen, living room, and our dedicated, on-the-ground support. (ID #CHI520)The advertised rate of $2,130/month is the lowest available price, based on a 12 month(s) stay with a move-in date of April 30, 2027.
Feel at home wherever you choose to live with Blueground. You’ll love this beautiful Evanston furnished one bedroom apartment with its modern decor, fully equipped kitchen, and bright living room. Ideally located, you’re close to all the best that Evanston has to offer! (ID #CHI521)The advertised rate of $1,530/month is the lowest available price, based on a 2 month(s) and 29 day(s) stay
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in this stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment in Evanston, IL. Just minutes from Lighthouse Beach, this home offers an unbeatable location near shops, dining, and public transit. Inside, enjoy gorgeous dark hardwood floors, an open layout, and copious amounts of closet space. The in-unit laundry adds everyday ease, while the cable-ready
Property Id: 1430480Welcome to 1928 Harrison St!! This unit has just received a full gut renovation. Located in the heart of Evanston. Steps from the metra, Central St, which provides unlimited restaurants, bars, markets, bakeries and coffee shops, Northwestern University, downtown Wilmette. This spacious unit features:9 foot ceilingsTremendous natural lightHardwood
Rarely available 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo offering approximately 1,500 square feet of living space in a boutique 8-unit elevator building on sought-after Central Street in Evanston. This bright corner home features a wall of west-facing windows with beautiful treetop views, an open and spacious layout, private balcony, in-unit laundry, and ample room for both living and dining
Spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment available at 1939 Central Avenue in Evanston, IL. Enjoy comfortable living in a well-maintained building with heat included. This bright and inviting apartment features generous room sizes, ample closet space, and a convenient location close to shopping, dining, public transportation, parks, and Northwestern University. Perfect for anyone seeking an affordable
Rarely available top-floor residence offering designer finishes, exceptional natural light, and thoughtful architectural detail throughout. Renovated by the owner in collaboration with an architect, this stunning condo was completely reimagined to maximize space, functionality, and modern living. Sunlight pours in from the south, east, and west exposures, creating a bright and airy atmosphere
Premier location in Evanston across from Endeavor offices and a few blocks to Endeavor Hospital, near train lines (Metra and Purple lines (4 min)), shopping, parks, Northwestern University and the new Ryan Field. Complete Remodel and ALL NEW white, upgraded Cabinetry with silent close, Stainless steel Appliances, Quartz Countertops and Backsplash, Luxury vinyl Flooring, new Closet Doors, freshly
Heidi MergenthalerBerkshire 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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