Evanston

Located just north of Chicago, Evanston offers a beautiful natural setting on the shores of Lake Michigan. Its historic homes, tree-lined streets and sprawling beaches may be the first things that catch your eye. The community has just under 75,000 residents, is located 13 miles from downtown Chicago and comprises a university community, a quiet lakefront retreat, and a city.

Real Estate: Evanston boasts a variety of homes in a wide range of styles and price points. You can find everything from stately historic mansions along the lakefront and single-family homes on tree lined streets, to contemporary townhomes and newer high rises that are in close proximity to local shops and restaurants.

Education: Home to world class Northwestern University, Evanston residents have plenty to cheer about. The University is currently ranked as Ninth best University in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, and its reputation as a premier school draws some of the brightest and most ambitious minds from around the world to the Chicago area for their studies. Being a notable higher education destination also gives Evanston a more cosmopolitan vibe compared to the usual midwestern college town. Evanston and a small part of neighboring Skokie share a school district, with 9 elementary schools (K-5) such as Orrington, Lincoln, Dewey, Willard, Dawes, Lincolnwood, Washington, Kingsley, and Oakton. Other schools are Chute (K-8), ML King Jr Experimental Lab (K-8) and middle schools such as Haven and Nichols. Evanston Township High School has been listed as a “Best High School in America” by U.S. News and World Report for a number of years. In 2023, it ranked #38 in Illinois out of 723 high schools. Overall, ETHS received a score of 94.63 out of 100 on the national rankings scorecard. Evanston is also home to Oakton Community College and well know private schools such as Roycemore and Baker School.

Shopping and Dining: As a vibrant city near Chicago, Evanston has a a mix of local eateries, international cuisines, charming boutiques, a movie theater, and bustling shopping districts. From cozy cafes to upscale dining, Evanston’s culinary scene has something for everyone. A few of the popular restaurants in the area are Campagnola, Farmhouse, Found Kitchen, Ten Mile House, Five and Dime, Taco Diablo, Bluestone, Tapas Barcelona, and Union Pizzeria. The city hosts farmers’ markets, a food truck scene and culinary festivals. The majority of dining and shopping options in Evanston are concentrated in downtown Evanston, on Central, Main, and Dempster Streets. In these areas, you’ll find everything from national retailers to locally owned boutiques and homegrown restaurants.

Fun Facts: Evanston has been in several John Hughes’ movies such as She’s Having a Baby, Uncle Buck and Sixteen Candles.

Recreation and Lifestyle: When you live in Evanston, the lakefront is never more than a handful of blocks away. There are six public swimming beaches in Evanston. Among the city’s many cultural attractions are the Evanston History Center, located in the historic Charles Gates Dawes House, and the Evanston Art Center, which offers community based events, workshops and exhibitions. The city also has a thriving arts scene for performers, with numerous local theaters catering to aspiring actors and actresses, as well as museums. Between the dozens of parks and athletic facilities and programs, there’s no shortage of recreational opportunities in Evanston. Residents have access to all sorts of programs, from flag football, tennis camps and soccer, to dance and art classes.

Transportation: Residents have several convenient options to commute to downtown Chicago. The CTA’s Purple Line train connects Evanston and Northwestern University with downtown Chicago. Meanwhile, Metra’s Union Pacific North Line has three stops in Evanston, providing more commuting options and quick access to downtown Chicago. Evanston is also just 12 miles from O’ Hare International Airport.