$863,203Average Value$368Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Close to Northwestern University athletic facilities
North of Evanston along a busy thoroughfare that courses past Northwestern University sports venues and numerous restaurants and businesses, the Central Street neighborhood stretches from a large city park to the Central ‘L’ train station on the CTA’s Purple Line. Even with a large amount of economic activity and extended renovation work at Northwestern’s football stadium, Central Street doesn’t lose the neighborly spirit that’s captured in the colorful murals painted on garage doors along a few of the community’s alleyways.
Gear up for game day with Northwestern apparel at Gameday Spirit on Central Street.
Vibrant murals decorate the sides of Central Street’s local businesses.
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Green Bay Road links to shops and restaurants
Following tracks that lead to Chicago and Downtown Evanston, Green Bay Road is a major north-south thoroughfare intersecting with Central Avenue in the heart of the community's small business district. Because sometimes dessert should be eaten first, Leonidas Chocolate Café has over 90 varieties of imported Belgian chocolates. Waffles, omelets and quiche are also available for a complete meal. DeSalvo’s Pizza is a family-owned pizza shop specializing in thin-crust pies with gluten-free and vegan options. Backlot Coffee is an independent coffee house with locally roasted coffees and gelato. It’s also a community hangout where patrons work on their laptops or gather with friends. The Spice House has been around since 1957, selling various spices, rubs and blends for the casual or professional chef. Gameday Spirit has plenty of purple and white Northwestern apparel to show team spirit. Grocery store options include Whole Foods Market and Foodstuffs Gourmet Food.
Indulge in Belgian chocolates at Leonidas Café Chocolaterie on Central Street.
DeSalvo’s Pizza serves up thin-crust pies loved by Central Street locals.
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Solidly built homes in the Central Street neighborhood
While this neighborhood is close to Northwestern University’s campus, more faculty than students live here. “Students tend to live near the downtown area to the south, closer to the academic buildings,” says Alan May, a Realtor with Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty. The oldest homes in the neighborhood are from the late 1800s, but a lot were built around the 1920s. “There’s a lot of brick construction, and the homes are solidly built,” May says. “Some look at the homes from out of the area and are concerned about the homes that are 100 years old. I tell them they’re made of brick and have been well maintained.” Single-family homes range from $500,000 to $1 million for Colonial Revivals, American Foursquares and Craftsman bungalows. The homes are far from limited to those architectural styles, though, as many were custom made or modified with additions and other upgrades over the decades. “You’re going to have trouble finding under half a million,” May says. “If it is, it probably needs some work, or it won’t have an updated kitchen or bathroom.” Larger homes include farmhouses and Prairie style from $1 million to $2 million. Condos built around Central Street are mainly between $200,000 and $400,000, while townhouses are fewer, priced from $250,000 to $650,000.
Colonial Revival homes are a classic architectural staple in Central Street.
Cozy homes on Central Street’s west end offer charm and affordability.
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Catch-and-release fishing at Lovelace Park's pond
In the northwest part of the neighborhood is Lovelace Park, with athletic fields of all kinds, a catch-and-release pond and a sledding hill for winter fun. A grassroots group called Friends of Lovelace Park works with the city to keep the park looking good. Locals know Ackerman Park as the 4th of July Park due to its proximity to the Independence Day parade on Central Street. It’s close to the shops and restaurants on Central, has a playground, a couple of tennis courts and, during the winter, an outdoor skating rink. Youth soccer games are often held in Bent Park.
Plan a relaxing picnic at Lovelace Park, a Central Street favorite.
Ackerman Park’s playground is a favorite for kids in Central Street.
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Garage murals at the north part of Central Street
In the north part of the neighborhood, alleyways off Thayer Street have murals on garage doors, thanks to an artist who lives nearby. Teresa Parod started doing her art with permission from homeowners during the COVID-19 lockdown, and she got the idea after visiting Cuba. The alleys are between Thayer and Isabella Streets and between Thayer Street and Park Place. The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian concentrates on the cultures and traditions of Indigenous people from North America and Tribal Nations across the Great Lakes region. Close to Lake Michigan is the Grosse Point Lighthouse, constructed in 1877, a national historic landmark. It’s open for tours during summer weekends. Nearby is Lighthouse Beach, which is open for swimming from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Support local talent at the Indigenous Artist Market pop-up in Central Street.
Explore Indigenous culture at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in Central Street.
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Willard Elementary School is in the neighborhood
High Niche grades and low student-to-teacher ratios highlight the K-12 pathway for students living in the Central Street neighborhood. Willard Elementary School gets an A-minus from Niche. Students can get individualized attention with an 11-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Similar small class sizes are at Haven Middle School, with a B-plus grade. Evanston Township High School is rated an A-plus and is ranked the 23rd-best public high school in Illinois out of more than 700. The school also has an average graduation rate of 93%. St. Athanasius is a private school option for K-8 students with an A-plus grade. Northwestern University is one of the leading research universities in the country, with much of the campus offering picturesque views of Lake Michigan.
Evanston Township High School offers a wide range of honors courses for Central Street students.
Willard Elementary offers Central Street students K–5 education with small class sizes.
Haven Middle School earns a solid B+ rating, perfect for Central Street students.
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Metra and ‘L’ train stop at Central Street station
The Central Street Metra station is close to the busy intersection of Green Bay Road and Central Street, which provides service for customers who want to take the commuter train into downtown Chicago for a half-hour trip to the Ogilvie Transportation Center. The purple line CTA elevated train also stops at the station. Bus riders can choose from CTA buses, which have routes on Central Street or the Pace suburban bus system with stops on Green Bay Road. It’s about 4 miles to Interstate 94, and the tip to Chicago O’Hare International Airport is about half an hour.
Convenient bus routes make commuting easy along Central Street.
The Central Street Metra whisks commuters to downtown Chicago in under an hour.
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Ongoing renovations at Ryan Field
Usually, the Northwestern Wildcats play their home football games at Ryan Field, close to the eastern part of the neighborhood. But for the next two seasons, they are being played closer to Lake Michigan, about 2 miles east, while Ryan Field is being renovated. “People have been receptive to the temporary stadium even though it's much smaller,” May says. “They wish that Ryan Field would be built on the lakefront.”
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Central Street neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Central Street
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Central Street Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Street, Evanston sell after 14 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Street, Evanston over the last 12 months is $685,000, up 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this classic 2 story, 4 bedroom colonial in sought after NW Evanston. Set back with a nice parkway and great back yard, this home has beautiful architectural features including arched doorways, bay windows and built-ins, hardwood floors, solid wood doors, original hardware and crisp white moldings and woodwork. The formal entryway welcomes you with a proper coat closet and opens to the
Spacious and updated vintage 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo overlooking the Canal Shores Golf Club. This bright home features hardwood floors throughout and a freshly updated kitchen with quartz countertops, new cabinets, and all new stainless steel appliances. The separate dining area is perfect for everyday living or entertaining. Exceptional storage space can be found throughout the unit. Laundry and
Andrew Gersten@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Wow!!! LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!!! Very rare opportunity to own 2 units in the most desirable Northwest Evanston. Beautiful Quality brick 2-flat set back from street by deep charming landscaped front yard where you can enjoy your morning coffee or perfect for social get together and entertainment. Well-maintained building with oversized panoramic windows and lots of natural lights all around.
Rarely available corner condominium in a boutique elevator building just steps from Central Street. Beautifully maintained and thoughtfully designed, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath property delivers the space and flow that are increasingly difficult to find in this neighborhood. Situated within an intimate 8-unit building, it blends comfort, functionality, and exceptional walkability. Hardwood floors
Amy Garvey@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Located directly across the street from Evanston's beautiful Bent Park, Bent Park Homes is a brand-new, semi-custom Townhome development from long-time North Shore builder Kaplan Custom Homes featuring 10, +/-4,100 sf luxury residences. Thoughtfully configured with 4 bedrooms, 4 full and 2 half bathrooms. This is a collection of beautifully designed modern townhomes that blend timeless
An absolute once in two lifetimes opportunity - The 2628 - 2632 Gross Point Road Evanston, IL Development Site is now for sale, An Amazing location, Immense potential, Very Well Positioned on the prime hard stoplight corner of Crawford Ave and Gross Point Road, Right near the Hard corner intersection of Crawford and Central and Gross point and Central, The Property is located 2.5 - 3 miles to the
Gorgeous views of Westmoreland Country Club's golf course can be yours every day from this two-story expanded bungalow in NW Evanston. Second floor includes a primary bedroom suite with vaulted ceiling, skylight, full bath and large walk-in closet. A huge open bright family room with skylight, high ceilings, numerous windows and a balcony complete the upper level of the home. Lovely details
Lynn ChamberlinJameson Sotheby's International Realty
On Central across the street from Northwestern Football stadium, Walk to Metra and Purple Line CTANear shopping and restaurants. Freshly painted for a new tenant. Coin Laundry and storage lockers in basement.Please call for more info and to make appointment to see in person.Application fee is $50 per application NOT per person.
Located at 2730 Hampton Parkway, this vintage apartment building offers an unbeatable location just steps from Lake Michigan and within walking distance to Northwestern University’s campus, making it ideal for students, faculty, and professionals alike. Nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street, the property provides a peaceful residential feel while remaining closely connected to the energy of the
Show up and start living from day one in Evanston with this pretty two bedroom Blueground apartment. You’ll love coming home to this thoughtfully furnished, beautifully designed, and fully equipped Evanston home. (ID #CHI953)The advertised rate of $1,630/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) and 27 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 4, 2027. If you’re looking
Feel at home wherever you choose to live with Blueground. You’ll love this cozy Evanston furnished two bedroom apartment with its modern decor, fully equipped kitchen, and lovely living room. Ideally located, you’re close to all the best that Evanston has to offer! (ID #CHI956)The advertised rate of $1,920/month is the lowest available price, based on a 6 month(s) and 7 day(s) stay with a
Spacious and stylish apartment featuring beautiful hardwood floors, oversized bedrooms, and a huge open-concept living area. Enjoy the convenience of in-unit washer and dryer, stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher and microwave, granite countertops, and 42" cabinets. The unit also offers a walk-in closet for ample storage. Cats are welcome with a 25/month and a one-time 100. Residents
Discover the best of Evanston, with this one bedroom apartment in Evanston. It’ll be easy to simply show up and start living in this furnished apartment with its fully equipped kitchen, living room, and our dedicated, on-the-ground support. (ID #CHI520)The advertised rate of $2,110/month is the lowest available price, based on a 12 month(s) stay with a move-in date of April 30, 2027.
Feel at home wherever you choose to live with Blueground. You’ll love this beautiful Evanston furnished one bedroom apartment with its modern decor, fully equipped kitchen, and bright living room. Ideally located, you’re close to all the best that Evanston has to offer! (ID #CHI521)The advertised rate of $1,510/month is the lowest available price, based on a 5 month(s) and 9 day(s) stay
Property Id: 1430480Welcome to 1928 Harrison St!! This unit has just received a full gut renovation. Located in the heart of Evanston. Steps from the metra, Central St, which provides unlimited restaurants, bars, markets, bakeries and coffee shops, Northwestern University, downtown Wilmette. This spacious unit features:9 foot ceilingsTremendous natural lightHardwood
Property Id: 2540893Hardwood floors throughout- Granite countertops and modern white cabinetry in rehabbed kitchen- Stainless steel appliances including dishwasher + microwave- Washer and dryer are in the unit- LEED Silver building was built in 2014 with geothermal heating and cooling- Shared outdoor patio available to all tenants- Indoor heated garage available
Rarely available 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo offering approximately 1,500 square feet of living space in a boutique 8-unit elevator building on sought-after Central Street in Evanston. This bright corner home features a wall of west-facing windows with beautiful treetop views, an open and spacious layout, private balcony, in-unit laundry, and ample room for both living and dining
Rarely available top-floor residence offering designer finishes, exceptional natural light, and thoughtful architectural detail throughout. Renovated by the owner in collaboration with an architect, this stunning condo was completely reimagined to maximize space, functionality, and modern living. Sunlight pours in from the south, east, and west exposures, creating a bright and airy atmosphere
Welcome to 1720 Central Station, where luxury meets convenience in North Evanston. This 1BR + Den is nestled near the El and Metra trains with easy bus access, our rental apartments offer unparalleled access to Northwestern University and beyond. Indulge in the vibrant neighborhood filled with gourmet dining, superb shopping, and endless entertainment options just moments away. Our amenities
Peter LipseyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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