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West Village

West Village

Neighborhood in Evanston, Illinois

Cook County 60201, 60202

$595,657 Average Value
$295 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

The West Village arts district is born

When the walkable, small businesses of West Evanston closed shop in the 1970s and 80s, local artists flocked to the scene and did what artists do best: They created something new. Today, the West Village has transformed into a grassroots arts district anchored by the galleries and studios of Florence Avenue. The hardware store and Polish meat market became hubs for wall-to-wall displays of ceramics, paintings and handmade items. The empty lot between homes on Dewey Avenue became a community pocket park. An empty storefront on Dempster Street became a muralled restaurant serving the best of Mexican street food. For residents of the West Village, the history of their little west side community isn’t determined by its post-WWII closures but rather by the resilient creatives who have since revived it.

Evanston Made supports local artists

On the first Saturday of each month, residents of the West Village gather at the intersection of Greenleaf Street and Florence Avenue to shop for art and handmade goods. Once a Polish meat market, the building now houses Evanston Made, a nonprofit organization supporting local artists and creative business owners. From there, guests can embark on a self-guided tour of Evanston’s art studios and galleries. The organization even hosts Evanston Made Makers Markets on Main Street throughout the year. Beyond the shops and studios on Florence Avenue, Evanston is also known to host arts-focused events. The Umbrella Arts Festival at Fountain Square celebrates Asian American art, culture and history. The Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival combines a juried exhibition with local food vendors, displaying thousands of original pieces in various mediums.

Evanston Made is a vibrant local community of artists, supported by a dedicated advocacy corps.
Evanston Made is a vibrant local community of artists, supported by a dedicated advocacy corps.
Kids play with giant bubble wands during the Art and Big Fork Festival in Downtown Evanston.
Kids play with giant bubble wands during the Art and Big Fork Festival in Downtown Evanston.
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Grandmother Park is a community stronghold

Occupying an alleyway on Dewey Avenue, Grandmother Park provides a short walking path, playground and benches in the heart of the West Village. The space—once a foreclosed, burned-down house—was founded by two resident grandmothers who raised funds to create a walkable tot lot playground for their grandkids. The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park blends the West Village’s artistic culture into its parks and recreation scene. The 2-mile stretch displays over 60 sculptures made by national and international artists. Bordering the North Branch Chicago River and North Shore Channel Trail, the park invites visitors to admire the artwork while they stroll, jog or cycle through. The Robert Crown Community Center and Library sits within walking distance. Ice rinks, gymnasiums and a track make the facility a staple for indoor recreation, while artists can check out the pottery and dance studios. Local families and athletic leagues gather outside at the playground and turf fields.

The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park features an impressive collection of stunning sculptures.
The Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park features an impressive collection of stunning sculptures.
Families enjoy the scenic playground and swings at Grandmother Park.
Families enjoy the scenic playground and swings at Grandmother Park.
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From recycled art supplies at The WasteShed to Mexican street food at Zentli

Zentli, a newly-opened eatery on Dempster Street, is known for its large-scale muralled walls and Mexican street food. The owners even commissioned a local artist to help curate the vision: Healing the West Village through impactful art and food. Community strongholds like Zentli are steadily increasing throughout the neighborhood. Windy City Flavors, for example, is a casual take-out spot across the street selling hot dogs and pizza. The business helps sponsor the West Village Jamboree in the parking lot next door. Residents will also find an array of art supply stores within walking distance, including Evanston Print & Paper Shop and The WasteShed Evanston. As for the essentials, Valli Produce anchors a large shopping center close to the neighborhood at the intersection of Dempster and Dodge avenues. Many head east toward downtown Evanston to shop at Trader Joe's, Jewel-Osco and Whole Foods on Chicago Avenue. Around there, side streets like Church Avenue and Davis Street feature a mix of chain eateries and small businesses, from European treats at Bennison's Bakery to breakfast on the patio at Le Peep.

Chicago Avenue is home to many local retail and restaurant options for West Village locals.
Chicago Avenue is home to many local retail and restaurant options for West Village locals.
Zentli is a newly-opened eatery known for its large-scale murals and Mexican street food.
Zentli is a newly-opened eatery known for its large-scale murals and Mexican street food.
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A neighborhood of magnolia trees & muralled garages

Magnolia trees and gardens decorate the West Village, where most homes were constructed before 1950. From brick ranch-style homes to bungalows and the occasional Colonial Revival, most properties flaunt some variation of traditional architecture. Duplexes and two-flats are common, occupying buildings constructed in the early to mid-20th century. Out front, long stretches of sidewalk outline residential streets. Separate alleyways lined with detached garages may showcase a mural or two painted on the doors. Those using their garage as a studio or workshop might rely on the neighborhood’s street parking. Overall, prices range from $420,000 to $620,000.

Many bungalows conveniently have porches in West Village.
Many bungalows conveniently have porches in West Village.
Home prices typically range from 400,000 to 600,000 dollars in West Village.
Home prices typically range from 400,000 to 600,000 dollars in West Village.
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Public schools in Evanston celebrate the arts

Students in the West Village attend Evanston Central Consolidated School District 65. Those north of Dempster Street begin at Washington Elementary School, which earns an A-minus on Niche. Those south attend Dewey Elementary, which earns an A. Students unite at Nichols Middle School, though many opt to attend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Literary and Fine Arts School. The public magnet school for the arts enrolls kindergarten through eighth grade and is located on Lake Street, just north of the community. Both earn an A-minus on Niche. Evanston Township High School earns an A-plus, offering 34 Advanced Placement courses and more than 30 athletic teams. The school has a lasting legacy in pop culture and the arts, with past alums including John Cusack, Lauren Lapkus and Jessie Mueller, a Tony award-winning Broadway actress. The 2004 film “Mean Girls” even used Evanston Township High as inspiration for its fictitious setting at “North Shore High School.”

Dewey Elementary School has an overall A grade according to Niche.
Dewey Elementary School has an overall A grade according to Niche.
Evanston Township High School has 3,691 students with an A+ grade according to Niche.
Evanston Township High School has 3,691 students with an A+ grade according to Niche.
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The West Village promotes walkability and cycling

The West Village Arts District is highly walkable, but the city provides supplemental CTA bus service along Dempster Street and Dodge Avenue for longer commutes. Cyclists will find many bikeable residential streets, plus a designated lane on Dodge Avenue that connects to retail hubs and parks throughout the area. The nearest emergency room, Ascension St. Francis Hospital, is about a mile south on Ridge Avenue. Two Metra stations sit less than a mile east of the neighborhood: Dempster and Main Street. Residents may also take the 'L' train’s Purple Line from Main Street to The Loop. Both services offer an hour-long ride to Chicago. Alternatively, drivers can expect a 14-mile trip south on Route 41 to reach it. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is nearly equidistant, located 15 miles south. Travelers can reach the airport via the 'L' train or Metra by transferring to the Blue Line or North Central Service Line.

Dana Chesser
Written By
Dana Chesser
Trevor Stevens
Video By
Trevor Stevens

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Schools

Source:
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

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Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago O'Hare International

27 min drive

Bus

Dodge & Crain

Bus

Dempster St & Hartrey Ave

Bus

Dempster St & Wesley Ave

Bus

Dempster & Darrow

Bus

Dodge & Dempster

Bus

Dempster & Florence

Bus

Dempster St & Dewey Ave

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime West Village US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$477,500
Median Single Family Price
$547,000
Median Townhouse Price
$860,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$295
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
10
Months of Supply
3.60
Median List Price
$599,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-35%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
334
Median Year Built
1916
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,880
Significantly above the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,250
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,600
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,400
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,920

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 3
    11am - 1pm

    1600 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202

    $725,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,932 Sq Ft
    • 1600 Dempster St
    • New 3 days ago

    You'll love this cozy and sunny 5 bedroom, 2 bath Victorian-style farmhouse, located in the bustling Evanston Arts District. Situated on a corner lot, the home is flooded with natural sunlight. The home features high ceilings, original woodwork, new vinyl flooring, and cozy vintage finishes. Originally built in 1911, the first floor features combined living and dining rooms, two separate bedrooms

    Roman Patzner Fulton Grace Realty

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  • Saturday, May 3
    1 - 3pm

    1304 Wesley Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

    $950,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 3,584 Sq Ft
    • 1304 Wesley Ave
    • New 9 days ago

    Rare opportunity in DEWEY school district. Beautiful, LARGER HOME on one of the BEST BLOCKS in the neighbourhood. Corner lot so the house is FLOODED WITH SOUTHERN LIGHT. Circular layout on first floor. Welcoming front porch opens to SPACIOUS FOYER with deep hall closet. LARGE LIVING ROOM with wood-burning FIREPLACE is big enough for 2 seating areas. French doors open into a SUNROOM--great for a

    Christopher Gaggero @properties Christie's International Real Estate

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,870
Median Age
42
Population under 18
25.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$122,368
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$143,704

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.6%
College Graduates
59.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
18''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

94 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

82 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

51 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
West Village