Amenities
The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.
Evanston, Illinois is a moderately-sized city with a population of 73,979 residents. Evanston has a population density of 9,510 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. In Evanston, only 47% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Something to be aware of when living in Evanston are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 31 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Evanston can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the area. Having said that, in the state of Illinois, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Evanston, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, commute, health & safety, education and more.
Evanston has a livability score of 83/100 and is ranked #28 in Illinois and #642 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Evanston ranks well in multiple categories! Evanston has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Evanston has higher than average scores for the following: crime (B), education (B+), employment (A+) and housing (B). On a less positive note, Evanston does not have favorable scores for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
If you're considering living in Evanston, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Evanston provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Northwestern University, Grosse Point Lighthouse, and Ryan Field.
Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Evanston, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 177 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Evanston market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Evanston is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Evanston come in at $409,900, which is 134.5% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Evanston, the home price to income ratio is 5, which is 66.7% higher than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Evanston | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 46.4% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.3% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 19.4% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.2% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 9.1% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 14.5% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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