Top Ten Reasons to Live in Evanston

Evanston residents are passionate about their community, which combines an urban vibe, small-town neighborhoods, historic homes and buildings, a world-class university, and some of the top public and private schools in the country. Below are a few of the top reasons to live in Evanston (but there are many, many more!)

  1. Easy commute to Chicago via the Metra, CTA “el” trains, or a 20-minute drive on Lake Shore Drive.
  2. Northwestern University. On fall weekends, thousands of Big 10 fans flock to football games at Ryan Field. There is a strong town-and-gown relationship including innovative academic partnerships between NU and ETHS and many cultural and academic programs open to the public.
  3. Lake Michigan. Evanston is a waterfront community with historic and recreational resources including Grosse Point Lighthouse, five public beaches (plus a dog beach) and kayaks, sailboats, paddleboards and boat launching facilities.
  4. World-class public schools. Evanston Township High School is ranked in the top 2% of high schools in the country and reflects the ethnic, economic, racial, and cultural diversity of the community.
  5. Historic and architecturally significant homes and buildings. The Illinois Historic Structures Survey identified hundreds of historic buildings in Evanston designated as local or national landmarks, including cottages, mansions, schools, churches, the lighthouse, and even a gas station. Residents value and protect the rich architecture of their city.
  6. Year-round recreation. In addition to the beautiful lakefront, Evanston offers many recreation options. Perkins Woods, Cook County’s smallest forest preserve, is a bird watching hotspot. The Evanston Wilmette Community Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 60 golf course. Over 300 acres of land are devoted to 76 parks and 50 playgrounds. Winter activities include skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing.
  7. Accessible to bicyclists and pedestrians. Wide sidewalks, mature trees and picturesque storefronts welcome those on foot; dedicated bike lanes, which run throughout downtown and along Lake Michigan, enhance travel for those on bicycles.
  8. Evanston’s citizens. Evanston residents are active and engaged in making their schools the best in the country, supporting all members of the community, and ensuring the city maintains its unique qualities.
  9. Regional food destination. Evanston features world-class restaurants and offers a vast array of specialty food shops, bakeries and delis. People travel great distance to shop at the Evanston Farmer’s Market, which many consider the finest in Chicagoland.
  10. Cultural offerings. Evanston offers an wide array of cultural activities, including the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Light Opera Works, Evanston Symphony Orchestra, Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, numerous theater companies, art centers and galleries, musical performance spaces, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Learn more on the “Our Community” page, or visit the City of Evanston website.