Northwestern University in Evanston IL

Best Places to Live in the US in 2022 Sponsored by: eXp RealtyeXp Realty

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

Evanston, IL is the #52 Best City to Live in the USA

View from downtown Evanston IL
iStock/Berryspun
Evanston, IL
Quality of Life
Liv Score

617
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 73
Demographics 67
Economy 55
Education 66
Health 57
Housing 44
Infrastructure 62
Amenities 44

Why Evanston is one of the best cities to live in

A Chicago suburb situated on the shore of Lake Michigan (the best of beach life in the Midwest, if you will), Evanston, IL, offers residents the perfect location. Evanston itself, though, is also pretty spectacular. The city is home to nine unique business districts, and the downtown area boasts an impressive arts scene, great food and drink options, fun community events, a slew of shops and more. Plus, Evanston is working hard to become more diverse and actively inclusive – both in business and the community – making it one of the best places to live in the U.S. And it offers a number of community engagement options, including volunteer opportunities, to help residents connect with their city. One more thing? Its festivals, concerts and events, like Taste of Evanston, are oh, so fun! 

What are Evanston’s major industries and employers?

Examples of major employers include NorthShore University HealthSystem and Northwestern University. In addition, Rotary International’s headquarters is here. 

What are the major colleges and universities in Evanston?

 Northwestern University

What is the weather like in Evanston? 

Residents can expect chilly temperatures between November and April, while May through October range from cool to warm. 

What is there to do outside in Evanston?

Bask in the sun at one of the city’s six public swimming beaches – Lighthouse Beach is gorgeous. 

Evanston, IL is Remote-Ready

What makes Evanston a great place for remote workers?

More businesses mean more job opportunities and more chances for remote work. Evanston is looking to create a healthy economy by assisting small and growing businesses with Entrepreneurship grants, financial resources and even small business mentoring programs. Also, visit coworking spaces like CoLab Evanston, Creative Coworking and Industrious.

What Locals Love in Evanston, IL

What is the best local bookstore in Evanston?

Bookends & Beginnings offers a great collection of page-turners. This sweet shop has even been called “the speakeasy for books.” 

How do you spend a weekend in Evanston?

Explore The Block Museum of Art, which is located on the campus of Northwestern University and is a free public art museum. 

What can you do for free in Evanston?

Take a stroll and enjoy the views of the sparkling water at Centennial Park

What’s the best way to spend happy hour in Evanston? 

Grab a cocktail, wine or beer at Ward Eight

What’s something only locals know about Evanston?

Northwestern University was founded before the city itself. 

Is Evanston, IL a good place to live?

A strong economy paired with a thriving arts scene and plenty of community engagement options makes Evanston a best place to live in Illinois.

Thinking of Moving to Evanston?

What is the Evanston, IL real estate market like?

As a lakefront suburb just outside of Chicago, Evanston real estate offers a wide variety of home types intermingled with beautiful trees that change with the seasons. The downtown area offers amenities within walking distance to highrise condos, which include penthouses overlooking Lake Michigan. Evanston homes for sale also offer several neighborhood pockets of single-family homes, including luxury lakefront properties. We just barely touched the surface of homes in the city, but there are several real estate agents in Evanston willing to help you find a home to suit your needs.

Quick Facts About Evanston, IL

Average Commute
24.95
Median Home Value
$423,054
Med. Household Income
$85,265
Total Population
76,886
Walk Score
74
Median Property Tax
$4,744

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