West Village
Neighborhood in Evanston, Illinois
Cook County 60201, 60202
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.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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Mary Summerville
Coldwell Banker
(630) 931-8695
362 Total Sales
5 in West Village
$322K - $810K Price Range
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Tu Nguyen
Responds QuicklyCentury 21 Circle
(773) 974-8649
106 Total Sales
1 in West Village
$175,000 Price
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Stephen Northey
Responds QuicklyCompass
(773) 492-8914
65 Total Sales
1 in West Village
$560,000 Price
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Bob Parris
Responds QuicklyManchester Realty
(224) 723-1267
66 Total Sales
3 in West Village
$295K - $460K Price Range
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Annika Valdiserri
Responds Quickly@properties Christie's International Real Estate
(833) 315-6315
164 Total Sales
1 in West Village
$965,000 Price
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Kelley Hughes -Liao
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker Realty
(224) 387-2522
46 Total Sales
2 in West Village
$270K - $765K Price Range
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
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Transit
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
West Village Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Village, Evanston sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in West Village, Evanston over the last 12 months is $495,000, down 33% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Rent
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Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
Good Transit
Transit 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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