Evanston IL

Evanston, Illinois – A charming lakeside city just north of Chicago, Evanston blends academic energy with small-town warmth. Home to Northwestern University, it boasts stunning architecture, vibrant arts, and scenic beaches along Lake Michigan. Walkable neighborhoods, cozy cafes, and tree-lined streets make Evanston perfect for both relaxing and exploring. Whether you're catching a show, enjoying a lakefront picnic, or diving into local history, Evanston offers a refreshing blend of culture and community.

• Population: ~75,000
• Weather: Four seasons; cold, snowy winters (20-35°F) and warm, pleasant summers (70-85°F).
• Places To Visit: Northwestern University campus, Grosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston History Center, Dawes Park, Block Museum of Art.
• Top Activities: Strolling along the lakefront, shopping in downtown boutiques, dining at local farm-to-table restaurants, visiting farmers markets, enjoying live theater.
• Famous Food: Specialty coffee from local roasters, deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s, gourmet burgers, upscale vegetarian fare, and classic diner breakfasts.

Evanston, IL is home to Northwestern University, a thriving healthcare sector, and a strong community-focused economy. Located just north of Chicago, Evanston offers a range of promising careers across education, healthcare, tech, and public administration.

Top 5 Jobs in Evanston, IL

Evanston, IL is a charming city with plenty of spots where students can unwind, relax, and enjoy themselves. Whether you love nature, food, or arts, Evanston offers a great range of activities and places for students to explore and have fun.

Northwestern Lakefill – This scenic spot is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors. Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the lakeshore, have a picnic, or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful lake views with friends.

Dawes Park – Featuring sprawling green lawns and stunning views of Lake Michigan, Dawes Park is an ideal place for picnics, playing frisbee, or just lounging with a book on a sunny day.

Downtown Evanston – The heart of Evanston is brimming with coffee shops, boutiques, and a wide variety of eateries. It’s a lively place to meet up with friends, explore new cuisines, or enjoy some quiet study time at one of the local coffeehouses.

Evanston SPACE – For music lovers, Evanston SPACE offers an intimate venue to enjoy live performances from local and visiting artists. It’s a cozy spot to gather with friends and soak up some tunes.

Evanston Art Center – If you're into arts, this is your go-to spot. The center hosts art exhibits, classes, and workshops, providing a great way to relax and release some creativity.

Temperance Beer Co. – This brewery is a fun hangout spot that often host events, including trivia nights and outdoor concerts. It's a great place to relax and enjoy a craft beer with friends.

Evanston, Illinois, located just north of Chicago, is a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity and academic excellence. Home to world-renowned institutions, Evanston offers a supportive environment for students pursuing higher education in a variety of fields.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Evanston

Oakton College – Located near Evanston in Des Plaines and Skokie, Oakton College serves the northern suburbs with a broad range of associate degree and certificate programs. Known for its strong nursing, business, and technology programs, it prepares students for both career entry and university transfer.

Northeastern Illinois University (El Centro Campus) – While the main campus is in Chicago, this public university offers programs at multiple satellite locations, including those accessible to Evanston residents. It provides accessible and affordable education with strong teacher preparation and liberal arts programs.

Harry S. Truman College – Part of the City Colleges of Chicago network, this public college is located within commuting distance of Evanston and specializes in education, liberal arts, and adult education programs. It also offers resources tailored for students pursuing four-year degrees.

Wilbur Wright College – Another City Colleges of Chicago institution serving students from Evanston and the broader Chicago area, Wright College offers associate degrees and career-focused curricula, especially in information technology and engineering pathways.

Illinois Institute of Technology (Rice Campus) – Though primarily based in Chicago, IIT offers off-campus learning centers accessible to Evanston students. Known for engineering, architecture, and applied technology programs, it's a great option for students interested in STEM fields.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Evanston

Northwestern University – A prestigious top-tier private research university located in the heart of Evanston. Renowned worldwide for its programs in journalism, law, business, engineering, and the performing arts, Northwestern offers a rigorous academic atmosphere paired with a beautiful lakeside campus.

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary – Located on the Northwestern University campus, this private graduate theological school offers Master’s and Doctoral degrees in divinity and ministry. The seminary is connected to the United Methodist Church and plays a significant role in religious studies in the region.

Kendall College (now part of National Louis University) – While its main campus has shifted, Kendall College remains a well-regarded institution in the Chicago area for hospitality management, culinary arts, and early childhood education programs, often drawing students from Evanston.

Ricci Institute (formerly located in nearby Chicago) – A respected theological institute that once served students in Evanston and now functions as a broader network for religious and cultural studies, especially in Christian-Asian studies. Alumni and resources remain accessible to the community.

Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership – Located in downtown Chicago but serving nearby Evanston students, this private institution bridges academic and professional training for Jewish studies, non-profit leadership, and community engagement.

Evanston, IL is known for its excellent educational institutions. Located just north of Chicago, it offers students access to diverse programs, advanced coursework, and a strong foundation for college and career success. Both public and private high schools in Evanston are dedicated to academic achievement and personal development.

Top Public High Schools In Evanston, IL

• Evanston Township High School (ETHS) – A large and well-respected school offering a wide range of AP courses, top-level arts programs, and athletics. ETHS is known for its diverse student body and strong college prep opportunities.
• New Trier High School (Just outside Evanston in nearby Northfield/Winnetka) – Though not in Evanston proper, many local families choose New Trier, one of the top public schools in Illinois, known for its academic rigor and student support services.
• Northside College Preparatory High School (within commuting distance) – A selective Chicago Public School that some Evanston students attend through school choice programs. It offers a top-tier STEM curriculum and consistently ranks among the best in the state.
• Walter Payton College Preparatory High School (Chicago) – Another competitive option reachable for Evanston residents, recognized for its advanced academic programs and high college matriculation rates.
• Lane Tech College Prep High School (Chicago) – Known for its engineering, technology, and science programs, it's a selective enrollment school that offers rich extracurriculars and strong academics.

Top Private High Schools In Evanston, IL

• Beacon Academy – An independent Montessori high school in Evanston that offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It focuses on student-driven learning, social justice, and real-world applications.
• Roycemore School – A long-standing Evanston institution offering a college preparatory program in a small, nurturing environment. Emphasizes personalized learning and innovation.
• North Shore Country Day School (nearby in Winnetka) – A private, co-ed day school with a reputation for academic excellence, strong athletics, and character development.
• Loyola Academy (Wilmette) – A Jesuit high school not far from Evanston, known for rigorous academics, faith-based education, and service learning.
• Chicago Waldorf School (Chicago - accessible from Evanston) – Offers a holistic, arts-rich curriculum and a strong emphasis on social-emotional development.

Evanston, Illinois is a lively suburb just north of Chicago, known for its academic excellence and vibrant community. While Evanston itself does not host any major professional sports teams, its close proximity to Chicago makes it a prime spot for fans to follow and support the city's legendary teams across a variety of sports.

🏀 Basketball – Chicago Bulls (NBA)

• Chicago Bulls – One of the most iconic franchises in NBA history, the Bulls became a global brand in the 1990s thanks to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The team has won six NBA championships (1991–1993, 1996–1998), all under coach Phil Jackson. While based just 12 miles away, many Evanston residents are proud supporters of the Bulls.

⚾ Baseball – Chicago Cubs & Chicago White Sox (MLB)

• Chicago Cubs – Playing at the iconic Wrigley Field just a few miles from Evanston, the Cubs ended their 108-year World Series drought in 2016. Known for their loyal fan base and historic ballpark, the Cubs are a local favorite for Evanston residents.
• Chicago White Sox – On the city’s South Side, the White Sox have carved out their own legacy, winning three World Series titles (1906, 1917, and 2005). Many Evanston baseball fans support both Chicago teams, celebrating the city’s rich baseball tradition.

🏈 Football – Chicago Bears (NFL)

• Chicago Bears – As one of the oldest franchises in the NFL, the Bears have a deep football legacy. They’ve won nine championships, including one Super Bowl in 1985, a season remembered for their dominant defense and unforgettable "Super Bowl Shuffle." Evanston football fans often make the short trip to Soldier Field for home games.

⚽ Soccer – Chicago Fire FC (MLS)

• Chicago Fire FC – Founded in 1997, the team won the MLS Cup in 1998 and plays their home games at Soldier Field. The Fire have a passionate following, and many Evanston soccer fans follow and support the team with pride.

🏒 Hockey – Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)

• Chicago Blackhawks – With a rich history and a rabid fan base, the Blackhawks have won six Stanley Cups, including three recent titles in 2010, 2013, and 2015. Star players like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Duncan Keith helped lead the team’s modern dynasty. Hockey fans in Evanston have long supported the Blackhawks as their hometown team.

Though Evanston may not have professional teams of its own, its close connection to Chicago ensures that locals have access to some of the top sports franchises in the country. From cheering in stadiums to gathering in local pubs, Evanston's sports fans are some of the most passionate in the state.

Evanston, Illinois is a charming city filled with history, culture, and a strong sense of community. Located just north of Chicago, it has its own unique flair and plenty of interesting facts that make it a special place to visit or call home. Here are some fun facts about Evanston:

1. Home of Northwestern University – Evanston is the proud home of Northwestern University, one of the top-ranked private universities in the country.
2. The Birthplace of Tinkertoys – The classic Tinkertoy construction set was first sold in Evanston back in 1914.
3. It Banned Alcohol Before Prohibition – Long before national Prohibition, Evanston was a dry city because of its strong ties to the temperance movement.
4. First City to Celebrate Earth Hour – In 2008, Evanston was the first city in Illinois to officially participate in Earth Hour, promoting sustainability and climate awareness.
5. Lake Michigan Views – The city offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and has several public beaches along its waterfront.
6. Birthplace of the Ice Cream Sundae? – One version of the story claims that the ice cream sundae was invented in Evanston to get around bans on selling soda on Sundays.
7. Rich in Architecture – Evanston features historic homes and buildings designed by famous architects like Daniel Burnham and Frank Lloyd Wright.
8. Movie Magic – Parts of classic films like Sixteen Candles, Home Alone, and Mean Girls were filmed in Evanston.
9. Green City – With over 75 parks and green spaces, Evanston is one of the greenest cities in the state of Illinois.
10. Historic Lighthouse – The Grosse Point Lighthouse, built in 1873, is a beautiful National Historic Landmark right on the lakefront.