Why Live in Evanston
Northwestern University shapes daily life in Evanston, with its stunning Shakespeare Garden, performances at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, and the Block Museum of Art drawing visitors year-round. Five public beaches along Lake Michigan provide residents with waterfront recreation, while the historic Grosse Point Lighthouse stands as an iconic landmark. The Main-Dempster Mile features independent boutiques and bookstores, complementing Downtown Evanston's entertainment options at Century 12 theater and Fountain Square.
The real estate landscape varies by neighborhood. Downtown Evanston features condos, with one-bedroom units at $294,000 and two-bedroom units at $437,900. The Central Street area contains single-family homes with a median price of $885,000, while Ridge commands $1,687,500 for single-family properties. More affordable options exist in Southwest Evanston, where single-family homes have a median price of $331,000.
Property taxes in Evanston follow Cook County's effective rate of 1.98%, while Illinois maintains a 4.95% state income tax rate. The combined sales tax rate reaches 8.89%.
Public transportation connects residents to Chicago via three CTA Purple Line stations and multiple Metra stops. The education system includes highly rated public schools like Evanston Township High School and private institutions such as Roycemore School, both rated A+ by Niche. Local dining highlights include Soul & Smoke's acclaimed barbecue, The Barn Steakhouse's sophisticated fare, and LeTour's French-Moroccan fusion cuisine. The seasonal farmers' market, Green Bay Trail for cycling, and cultural venues like the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian contribute to the community's distinct character.
Home Trends in Evanston, IL
On average, homes in Evanston, IL sell after 20 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Evanston, IL over the last 12 months is $434,500, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$434,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$817,250
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$494,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$301,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$229,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$321
Number of Homes for Sale
84
Last 12 months Home Sales
748
Median List Price
$437,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
13%