Welcome to Evanston
Academic, hip, and diverse, this Chicago suburb is steeped in history.
Located just 13 miles north of Downtown Chicago, Evanston is a town full of culture, green space, and social activity. This lively 7.8-square mile suburb is known for its ethnically diverse population and is home to the illustrious Northwestern University, one of the world’s leading research institutions.
Its expansive lakefront footprint is home to five Lake Michigan beaches. Within Evanston’s 300-acre interior, you’ll find 77 parks, 50 playgrounds, several museums, and an array of restaurants, bars, and breweries to choose from.
Steeped in historical significance, Evanston played an important role in the temperance movement — its residents strongly supported alcohol prohibition for decades. A dry community until 1972, Evanston is now home to an array of breweries, distilleries, and bars, many of which are named in homage to this period of American history.
Because of its proximity to Northwestern, large apartment complexes and condos are the dominant forms of residence in Evanston, but many multi-family houses and townhomes also exist.
What to Love
- The historical significance of this suburb
- A diverse, college-town feel
- Lakefront footprint backed by 300 acres of green space
People & Lifestyle
Featuring a population of more than 75,000 part- and full-time residents, Evanston attracts students and academics from all over the world. The demographic here is young and diverse.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Cute cafes, boutique pizzerias, and plenty of pubs dominate the dining landscape in Evanston. Local favorites include
Curt’s Café, which serves great coffee and is home to a work-training program for at-risk youth;
Temperance Beer Co., a taproom that serves local brews;
Hecky’s Barbecue, which specializes in ribs and pulled pork; and
Five & Dime, known for its rooftop location and homemade burrata.
Things to Do
There is plenty to do and see in Evanston: check out
Merrick Rose Garden, a park that features hundreds of rose bushes and is favored by locals for its Instagram-worthy background. Stop by the Downtown Evanston Farmers Market, which is packed with more than 60 vendors throughout the spring and summer.
During warm weather months, the city hosts Starlight Movies in the Park, a free activity that draws families throughout the city. There are also several fairs, picnics, and seasonal festivities throughout the year in many of Evanston’s public spaces.
Schools
Evanston is home to a number of excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Northwestern University, is a private research university and founding member of the Big Ten Conference. Known for its focus on interdisciplinary education, extensive research output, and student traditions, the school is considered one of the top 10 universities in the country.
