The suburbs bordering Lake Michigan to the north of Chicago are collectively known as the North Shore. With waterfront views and upscale homes, these communities are an attractive place for those who want to settle comfortably near the city while leaving it within easy reach.

Evanston is the first of these suburbs, nearest to the city. Beaches, a renowned university, and a diverse selection of homes are just a few of the things that shape life in Evanston.

The Homes

A unique home with red paneling and a sun room along an Evanston street
Evanston has a wide range of home types in a number of different neighborhoods.

Though smaller than Chicago, Evanston is still a city with distinct neighborhoods. The city is large enough to accommodate a wide range of tastes and budgets. Some neighborhoods are primarily populated by single-family homes, while others have townhomes and condos. Those with an eye out for luxury living can find homes well north of the $1 million mark, but the community also has more reasonably priced options.

Homes closer to the lake and the city’s downtown area are likely to be more expensive. You'll likely find more reasonably priced homes west of Ridge Avenue, according to neighborhoods.com. Prospective homebuyers can scout Evanston for newly constructed condos or single-family homes that have more of a historic flair.

Chicago Connection

Two people walking along the lakefront in Evanston with the Chicago skyline ahead of them
Evanston is just a short trip away from the Chicago Loop.

Located just north of Chicago, Evanston is a short trip away from the city. If you have a car, you can be in the Loop in about 30 minutes if traffic is light. If you opt for public transportation, the CTA runs all the way into Evanston via the Purple Line. A short ride on that line will take you right to Rogers Park, within the city’s bounds. You can use transfer points on the Purple Line to hop onto the Red and Brown lines to reach nearly anywhere else you’d like to go in Chicago.

Transportation

While reaching Chicago from Evanston is easy, what does getting around within the community itself look like? Given that Chicago is so accessible, the CTA has plenty of stops in the southern part of the suburb. The Union Pacific North Line of the Metra also runs north and south through Evanston, taking commuters to Ogilvie Station in Chicago and north to other stops along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Evanston also has ample bus lines to help residents reach their destinations. If you own a car, you'll likely find parking in many parts of Evanston easier than within Chicago. The community is within easy reach of major roads and highways, such as Lakeshore Drive and I-94.

Academic Atmosphere

The entrance to Northwestern University in Evanston
Evanston's most famous feature is Northwestern University.

Evanston is almost always recognized as the home of Northwestern University. The private university’s campus is located on the east side of Evanston, but its influence in the community extends much further. The university is a significant economic boon for Evanston, employing many people in the community and attracting students to the area.

The Evanston Century 12, close to the university, often shows more than your average movie theater, putting on screenings of limited-release films. The university also runs the Block Museum of Art, which is free to the public. The art museum puts on different exhibitions and has its own cinema.

Evanston Beaches

An adult and a child walk along the beach in Evanston
Evanston has its own sand beaches, lakefront paths, and boat launches.

Access to the lake is one of the amenities that can make it difficult to eschew Chicago for one of its suburbs. Thankfully in Evanston, you don’t have to give up the waterfront. This city has a few of its own beaches with spots to swim, launch boats, and play with your dogs. With a long stretch of shoreline, Evanston has seven beaches.

Read more: Your Guide to Chicago’s Lakefront Neighborhoods

Dining Out

Evanston has no shortage of options for eating out, particularly in its downtown area. For those who like to spend their weekends at brunch, Le Peep is one of the city’s go-to spots. Le Peep does classic dishes like waffles, pancakes, benedicts, and crepes. Hewn, another local favorite, is an independent bakery known for its fresh bread and pastries.

For an upscale dinner, try The Barn Steakhouse. This Church Street restaurant is all about delectable meat dishes and a comprehensive cocktails and spirits menu. Anyone eating vegetarian will be delighted by Blind Faith Café, which exclusively served meatless dishes.

Although Evanston has a long history of being a dry town, you can now find plenty of places to enjoy a few drinks. The city is even home to Temperance Beer Co., a name with a cheeky nod to Evanston’s history of abstaining from alcohol. 

Entertainment Options

Evanston is home to quite a few museums, which helps dispel the notion that suburbs can’t have a cultural scene. Explore options like the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Halim Time & Glass Museum, and the American Toby Jug Museum.

The city is, of course, also home to the Northwestern Wildcats. The team plays its home games at Ryan Field in Evanston. Residents don’t have to travel to Chicago’s Soldier Field to get their football fix.

Residents can also enjoy a collection of waterside parks that border the North Shore Channel, which runs along the western edge of the community. And for anyone who loves to golf, Evanston shares a golf course with the neighboring community of Wilmette. The Canal Shores Golf Course is a par-60 course with 18 holes.

Evanston offers a balance of indoor and outdoor entertainment with the benefit of quieter suburban living.