Evanston

The Lowdown: Evanston

Take a dash of city, a pinch of suburb, and a sprinkle of college town; mix it all together and you have Evanston.

Home to Northwestern University, Evanston is the first suburb north of Chicago on the lakefront.   It´s a top choice for would-be suburbanites who can´t stomach the thought of living in a subdivision.   Basically, Evanston is the anti-suburb surburb.

  Evanston used to be pretty sleepy 10 years ago, but it has since undergone a huge real estate boom.   Evanston´s downtown has been extensively rebuilt over the past few years, bringing residents and students, new shops, a big shiny multiplex, gyms and restaurants.   

The town´s proximity to the lake is one of its biggest draws. As the start of the upscale cluster of towns along Lake Michigan referred to as the North Shore, Evanston is a picturesque community with parks, quiet streets and historic architecture.   You won´t find any cookie cutter tract homes here. 



Living Large on the Lakefront: Evanston Housing

The most expensive Evanston homes sit on the lakefront.  Downtown is punctuated with modern high-rises (ideal for empty nesters and professionals) thanks to the recent real estate explosion.  Knowing where to live on in Evanston is key.   Unless you enjoy sleepless nights, you´ll want to keep an eye out for pockets where undergrads rent the surrounding houses. 

  Luckily, Evanston´s size makes it easy to avoid areas with high student concentrations.   Also keep in mind that Evanston is town where you really can live on the wrong side of the tracks.   The area gets less desirable as you go west.   It´s by no means a war zone, but you may find that it´s not your ideal suburban setting. 

Typical Evanston residents include folks affiliated with the university, families, and youngish professionals.   With Northwestern University permeating many facets of the Evanston experience, the college vibe keeps Evanston feeling liberal, vibrant and young without overpowering the town.   This makes it an enjoyable place, even if you don´t bleed purple and white.