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Chicago

Evanston

#9 in Best Places to Live in Illinois
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Town in Illinois
  • 141 reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Public Schools
    A+
  2. Crime & Safety
    B-
  3. Housing
    B-
  4. Nightlife
    A
  5. Good for Families
    A+
  6. Diversity
    A+
  7. Jobs
    B
  8. Weather
    C+
  9. Cost of Living
    C
  10. Health & Fitness
    A+
  11. Outdoor Activities
    A
  12. Commute
    A
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Population
75,472

Real Estate

Median Home Value
$356,600
National
$184,700
Median Rent
$1,246
National
$949
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Area Feel
Urban
Rent vs. Own
  • Rent
    45%
  • Own
    55%

Evanston Rankings

Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.

Crime & Safety

Crime & Safety
B-
Based on violent and property crime rates.
Violent Crimes
  • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
  • Assault
    111
    283
  • Murder
    3
    6
  • Rape
    0
    41
  • Robbery
    50
    136
Property Crimes
  • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
  • Burglary
    435
    500
  • Theft
    1,676
    2,043
  • Motor Vehicle Theft
    96
    284

Residents

Diversity
A+
Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
Median Household Income
$71,317
National
$55,322
Children
17%
Education Levels
National
  • Master's degree or higher
    37%
    12%
  • Bachelor's degree
    29%
    19%
  • Some college or associate's degree
    16%
    29%
  • High school diploma or equivalent
    12%
    28%
  • Less than high school diploma
    6%
    13%
  • Public Schools
  • Private Schools
  • Colleges
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Evanston Reviews

141 reviews
All Categories
Evanston is a welcoming and diverse neighborhood with excellent public education, strong small businesses, lots of community services, and great walkability! I would like to see more bike lanes, a UBI for the lowest income residents, and more opportunities for public discourse. Otherwise, I would highly recommend this city as a wonderful place to raise a family and a good place for folks who want a quieter vibe than the city but easy access to downtown (the purple line is great!)
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I love Evanston! While being a college town, it’s still fairly quiet and family oriented. Since it’s very close to Chicago, Evanston gets the best of public transport from the city and the suburbs! The beaches are beautiful, the downtown is fantastic, not too busy, but still has everything you can need. Good schools and friendly neighbors! Highly recommend Evanston!
I am a Evanstonian. ( born & raised) in Evanston. Attended & graduated ETHS (Evanston Township HS). Absolutely love & appreciate the ability to experience suburban & city life mixed together. Good public transportation & easy access to Chicago. Very diverse group of people (ethnically , financially, politically, etc...). High cost to live here, but so worth it!