The increasingly popular Evanston neighborhood of Crown Park is a small enclave in the West Village arts district, filled with longtime residents, families and artists. "It's become popular and trendy, but it's not what you would call fancy," says Emily McClintock, a broker with Baird & Warner. "It's just little businesses and people who are actually living where they work, kind of like Brooklyn was to New York."
Prices have risen dramatically over the past five years, according to McClintock. But for many, the area remains an affordable alternative to more expensive east-side neighborhoods on Lake Michigan. Thick rows of trees and early 20th-century architecture give this neighborhood a mature vibe. Bungalows, worker's cottages and two-flat buildings line the streets. Owners often live on the first floor and rent out the second. Dating back to the early 1900s, many of these properties offer renovation opportunities. Prices can range from about $400,000 to above a million. "It's a nice mixture of old and new, and if you have any talent for fixing up a house, you can get a great house in a great location," says Mary Rosinski, a broker with Coldwell Banker Realty and member of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Board.
The Robert Crown Community Center is a neighborhood anchor and a draw for families. The new facility, completed in 2020, is affectionately called the "crown jewel" of Evanston, with two NHL-sized ice rinks, two full-sized gyms, studios for art and dance, outdoor sports fields and a wide variety of programming. "It's definitely the center of that neighborhood and attracting a lot of people, because all of the kids who play sports will end up there at some point," McClintock says. It's also a spot for resources such as beach passes at Evanston Public Library.
The neighborhood is in the sought-after Washington Elementary School attendance district, with three highly rated schools in the zone. Washington Elementary School and Nichols Middle School both earn A-minus grades. The elementary school offers a fine arts program, gardening and wellness experiences and extracurricular activities. Evanston Township High School earns an A-plus and has a strong academic reputation with 15 career certification options, 36 Advanced Placement courses and 16 Dual Credit courses. Evanston is home to Northwestern University, a private research university that ranks among the top in the country.
Rather than in white-walled galleries, art here is displayed in garages and makers' spaces, especially on Florence Avenue. Most businesses are locally owned, not chains. "You can stroll around the neighborhood on the weekend and go in and out of the businesses and meet the owners, and they will actually be there," McClintock says. Located in what was once a Polish meat market, the nonprofit Evanston Made hosts workshops and spotlights local art. For a bite to eat, Zentli is a new option in the area that celebrates both the flavors and artwork of Mexico. Locals enjoy the Mexican street food in a decked-out dining space. Evanston Plaza has shopping and dining options where the neighborhood's steel manufacturing factory used to be. Valli Produce has grocery essentials, including international options.
Crown Park's events reflect its creativity and variety. The West Village Jamboree is a neighborhood block party where residents enjoy free food and activities such as crafting, salsa lessons, and a drum circle led by community organizations. "We have artists, landscape designers, architects, all kinds of people living here," says Lisa Degliantoni, founder and co-director of Evanston Made. "It's meant to showcase the neighborhood and our diversity." West Village is a focal point during the city-wide Artist Studio Tour in October. Locals can pop in and out of the studio spaces and buy 2D and 3D art. Moving trucks turn into art galleries during Art Truck in the summer. Around 60 artists set up their work in the trucks for locals to peruse.
Distances can be measured in blocks, not miles, and residents can accomplish many errands on foot. "Everything is 4 to 6 blocks away," Rosinski says. The neighborhood has a network of sidewalks with plenty of shade. Chicago Transit Authority buses serve the neighborhood every 20 or 30 minutes from Dodge Avenue and Main Street. Bike lanes and bike-safe roads also connect throughout the city. Chicago commuters can access the Metra train station, which is about a mile east. It's about an hour ride into the city via the Union Pacific North line. Saint Francis Hospital serves medical needs about a mile south. For out-of-town travel, Chicago O'Hare International Airport is about 15 miles west.
Katrina de los Reyes
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
(630) 580-0919
301 Total Sales
2 in Crown Park
$329K - $608K Price Range
Mary Summerville
Coldwell Banker
(630) 931-8695
360 Total Sales
5 in Crown Park
$320K - $832K Price Range
Darren Allen
Real Broker LLC
(224) 507-1815
249 Total Sales
1 in Crown Park
$190,000 Price
Megan Livatino
@properties Christie's International Real Estate
(224) 269-8569
102 Total Sales
1 in Crown Park
$575,000 Price
Tina Hollins
Coldwell Banker Realty
(773) 570-2696
132 Total Sales
1 in Crown Park
$390,000 Price
Helen Sobel
Baird & Warner
(312) 626-5702
98 Total Sales
1 in Crown Park
$630,000 Price
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Crown Park | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 3 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 2 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 2 | 4 |
| Robbery | 3 | 4 |
| Burglary | 2 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 4 |
| Larceny | 2 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 2 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in Crown Park, Evanston sell after 16 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Crown Park, Evanston over the last 12 months is $425,000, down 37% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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A combination of historic homes and Evanston amenities
Classic homes and parks along a major Evanston thoroughfare
Recreation and retail surround the homes in the west part of Evanston
A west Evanston neighborhood with recreation by the channel
Evanston's grassroots arts district packed with galleries, studios and spirit
Historical waterfront homes and cityscape views
