Town guide · Cook County · Illinois

Living in Evanston

Moving here from out of town? Here are the facts newcomers ask about first: schools, utilities, commute and where to start. Everything links to an official source so you can check it yourself. We don't rank towns or schools.

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At a glance

Evanston: the basics

CountyCook County
Population78,110 (2020 Census)
Town websitecityofevanston.org
Getting aroundCTA Purple Line; Metra Union Pacific North (UP-N)
DriveTo the Chicago Loop: about 12 miles (estimate — traffic varies)
LibraryEvanston Public Library
ParksCity of Evanston Parks, Recreation & Community Services — 76 parks; city-owned lakefront beaches
Schools

Public school districts

These public school districts serve Evanston. Each card links to the district's own website and to the state's official school data page, so you can look at the numbers yourself.

Public school district

Evanston/Skokie School District 65 (elementary/middle)

District website · Illinois Report Card

Public school district

Evanston Township High School District 202

District website · Illinois Report Card

District lines don't always follow town lines. Before you sign a lease, confirm the assigned school for the exact address with the district. We'll help you check.

Utilities

Setting up service

Providers can vary by address. Confirm with the provider (or ask us) before move-in so service starts on day one.

Around town

Good to know

  • Northwestern University — Opened in 1855.
  • Grosse Point Lighthouse — At 2601 Sheridan Road; designated a National Historic Landmark (1999).
  • Evanston's parks and lakefront beaches are run by the City's Parks, Recreation & Community Services department, not a separate park district.
No cost to you

Live in Evanston before you buy in Evanston.

  • One move, not twoAsk for homes with an option to buy: live there first, buy at a price set up front, and skip the second move. A licensed Illinois brokerage arranges it in Illinois; I handle the Indiana side.
  • First look before listingWe ask around about homes coming open 60–90 days out, before they hit public rental sites.
  • Verified, no scamsA licensed Illinois brokerage confirms the owner and shows you the home, in person or by live video.
  • Commute checkRush-hour travel time from each home to your office, by car or train.
  • School district lookupThe official district and its address lookup for each home. Facts, never rankings.
  • Dates that fit your startYour broker asks owners for lease dates that line up with your move.
  • Chicago, suburbs or Indiana?Not sure which side? We lay out the city, the suburbs and Northwest Indiana side by side.

No cost to you: the Illinois brokerage may pay Flatland a referral fee, disclosed in writing first. HR and relocation teams: how we work with you.

Your broker: Douglas Willems. Licensed since 1997, a landlord since 1998, placing tenants since 2008. Not a tour guide.

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Nearby

Other towns we cover

Read the full moving guide for the Chicago area →

Sources

Where these facts come from

Last checked October 2026. Drive times are estimates. General information, not legal or tax advice. Something out of date? Call or email and we'll fix it.