$500,086Average Value$350Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
A historical and trendy mix downtown
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.
The streets are bustling in Downtown Evanston.
Whether browsing local shops or dining out, Downtown Evanston offers endless opportunities to explore.
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Northwestern adds college-town flavor
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.
Northwestern University in Downtown Evanston is ranked a top 10 school.
Downtown Evanston is home to Northwestern University’s park-like campus.
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Picnic pick up, deep-dish circa 1974
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.
Downtown Evanston has plenty of delicious food options, like Cupitol Coffee & Eatery.
Downtown Evanston' Picnic has many delicious grain bowls and salads to choose from.
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Art Deco to high-rise apartments
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.
Downtown Evanston’s residential charm shines through its many beautifully landscaped homes.
Modern glass high-rise buildings dot the landscape of Downtown Evanston.
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Parks like Centennial and Raymond
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.
Lake Michigan shines at Centennial Park—just one of Downtown Evanston’s many outdoor gems.
Raymond Park offers a peaceful green escape in Downtown Evanston, perfect for strolls, playtime, and picnics.
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Do's in Downtown Evanston
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.
Downtown Evanston’s Trick or Treat event offers the perfect backdrop for festive fall photos.
From dancing to dining, Downtown Evanston’s Night Market keeps the groove going all evening long.
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The L, Divvy bikes and Metra
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.
Downtown Evanston is well-connected by several bus lines, making it easy to explore the neighborhood and beyond.
Downtown Evanston offers seamless access to the Metra train system, making daily commutes smooth and stress-free.
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Public schools include giant ETHS
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.
Nichols Middle School is public school in Downtown Evanston with 687 students in grades 6-8.
Evanston Township High School has many honor-level courses offered to students in Downtown Evanston.
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 Downtown Evanston neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Evanston
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Evanston Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Evanston, Evanston sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Evanston, Evanston over the last 12 months is $395,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Luxuriously renovated 2 bedroom, 2 bath corner unit in downtown Evanston. This sunny condo is elegant and airy, with southern and western exposures providing natural light, high ceilings, and new Coretec engineered hardwood flooring in the living spaces. The updated kitchen features new refinished raised cabinets, quartz countertops, Samsung, GE and Bosch appliances. The living room features a
Sun-Drenched Luxury in the Heart of Downtown Evanston! Welcome home to this stunning, expansive 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence offering approximately 1,750 square feet of sophisticated living space. Perched in the vibrant heart of downtown Evanston. This home beautifully combines urban convenience with a peaceful, private retreat. From the moment you step into the elegant, elongated gallery
Enjoy great views of Lake Michigan and the Evanston skyline from this 21st-floor unit at Optima Views. This clean, bright 1-bedroom condo is completely move-in ready and features brand-new luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring and freshly painted w neutral paint throughout. The open layout includes floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the natural light and views. The kitchen offers a highly
Whether you're searching for your perfect new home or looking to make a smart real estate investment, this stunning unit at The Residences of Sherman Plaza delivers on every level. Located at 807 Davis Street in the heart of vibrant downtown Evanston, this luxury high-rise condominium is an opportunity you won't want to miss - and with rental permission included, the possibilities are truly
Perched near the top of Ridgeview Tower, Residence 702 is a bright, west-facing corner home where park-like views and abundant afternoon light define the space. A generous open plan flows through sliding glass doors to a private balcony. Hardwood flooring, two baths, including an en-suite primary, two bedrooms, and ample kitchen space deliver the foundation of a wonderful home waiting for your
This exceptional co-op is located in the historic Ridge-Davis building in the heart of downtown Evanston. As the largest unit in the building, measuring at over 2100 sqft, this three-bedroom, two-bath residence occupies the entire northern wing and offers an impressive forty-foot-wide living space with both eastern and western exposures, allowing for abundant natural light and refreshing cross
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic lake views from this stunning 22nd-floor residence in highly sought-after Optima Views, perfectly situated in the heart of Downtown Evanston. This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit offers an open and inviting layout with floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the home with natural light while showcasing spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. The unit also
Liz Anderson@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Rarely available, approximately 1,840-square-foot three-bedroom end-unit residence in Optima Towers-one of just 18 three-bedroom residences in this 103-unit building. Ideally located in the heart of downtown Evanston with north and east exposures overlooking Fountain Square. This light-filled fourth-floor home features floor-to-ceiling windows, approximately 9-foot ceilings, a desirable
Welcome to The Evanstonian! Ideally located just blocks from Lake Michigan, restaurants, boutique shopping and the Metra, this spacious 3rd-floor residence offers an incredible opportunity. Bring your vision and personal style to this well-designed floor plan featuring a generously sized living room with eastern exposure, a formal dining room, an east-facing balcony, an eat-in kitchen, two
Carrie Goodman@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Welcome to this spacious, move-in ready 886 sq. ft. north facing "Tier 60" condo with sweeping, unobstructed views of Lake Michigan, stretching north, east, and west. Watch the seasons transform right from your home. This beautiful residence is the largest of its kind and rarely comes to market, featuring brand-new pergo flooring throughout, fresh professional paint, new stainless steel kitchen
Beautifully renovated two-bedroom, one-bath co-op residence in the heart of downtown Evanston. Completed in 2026, this bright northeast corner, top floor home with expansive living spaces features a well appointed kitchen with custom cabinetry and quartz countertops, newly finished hardwood floors, a thoughtfully updated bath, and freshly painted interiors. Sunlight pours in throughout the home,
Sophisticated and spacious south-facing one bedroom, one bath co-op apartment in downtown Evanston! Elevator building with additional freight elevator. Recently renovated eat-in kitchen with tons of storage. Unit 309 features include: one bedroom, one bath large closets, hardwood floors, newer replacement windows, large rooms, remodeled kitchen with dishwasher, built-in AC units, dedicated
At Albion Evanston, life beyond the ordinary begins with a community that exceeds all expectation. By blending exclusivity and unparalleled service, each resident can fully immerse themselves in an environmentally green building with a boutique, hotel-style lobby, full-service concierge, and electric car ports. We invite our residents to take in the majestic Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline
Whatever you do, make it yours. The Park Evanston has stylish, open amenity areas—including a huge fitness center, pet spa, and an impressive rooftop pool deck with built in grills—that 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
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
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
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,
Evanston Place offers spacious studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes designed for comfort and flexibility in the heart of downtown Evanston. Enjoy convenient amenities like a fully equipped fitness center and controlled-access entry, all within a welcoming community just steps from all the neighborhood favorites.
Located in the heart of downtown Evanston, Maple Grove Apartments is the perfect place to call home. Part of our Evanston portfolio (Main Station Apartments, The Scholar Apartments.) Shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and cultural attractions are all just blocks away. Our studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments offer luxury condominium finishes.
2 bedroom 2 bathrooms in Evanston's finest full amenity building! Private outdoor patio for all your social gatherings plus amazing sundeck, pool, roof gardens and fitness center. Located in the heart of downtown Evanston, close to the beautiful lakefront, Metra & CTA, Northwestern, restaurants, movie theatre etc. Bright unit with spacious floorplan, good sized bedrooms and master walk in closet.
Ideally located in the heart of downtown Evanston, this property offers unbeatable access to the area's best dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Just steps from restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and public transit, the location combines convenience with a true neighborhood feel. Enjoy a short walk to Northwestern University and take advantage of being only 10 minutes from the lakefront,
1717 Evanston is 8 floors of distinctive apartment homes where local charm and city energy are at your door. Sleek, open floor plans with modern finishes, spectacular layouts, and other resort-like amenities are just steps from Evanston and minutes from Chicago. Each residence features granite countertops in the kitchens, 9 foot ceilings and designer plank flooring. Enjoy luxury amenities such as
We are conveniently located in downtown Evanston within walking distance of Northwestern University, The Kellogg School and all that Evanston has to offer. This unique building offers Studio, 1-Bedroom and 2-Bedroom units in a comfortable and friendly living environment.
Built in 2024, The Varsity is a brand-new collection of architecturally unique residences in the heart of downtown Evanston which provides a graceful balance between old and new, featuring original exposed brick, tile, and trusses paired with modern finishes.Next to Bookman's Alley and steps away from Lake Michigan, the Varsity is surrounded by retail, dining, and transit options just
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.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
