Welcome to the Downtown of the North Shore!
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Northfield | Glencoe | Evanston | Deerfield | Highland Park
Located just north of Chicago, Evanston is a diverse and progressive community boasting wide sandy beaches on Lake Michigan, historic mansions on landscaped boulevards, tree-lined bicycle paths, beautiful parks, the world-renowned Northwestern University, and thriving business districts. And these are just a few of the many reasons why 75,000 people choose to call Evanston home.
The City of Evanston is a vibrant community comprising many strong neighborhoods, races, religions and levels of income. "There are many cultural outlets in Evanston, there is a thriving business economy and public lakefront recreation activities. Evanston continues to prosper and refuses to be overshadowed by Chicago." Source: City of Evanston Website
Evanston is a wonderful place for a business to thrive, or for starting a business. The city offers tremendous resources, a wealth of talent, convenient transportation, great places and spaces to locate, and a vibrant community. The Evanston Chamber of Commerce is the only non-profit business organization in the region solely supported by private industry. The Chamber provides leadership and services for its more than 650 member companies.
Home to Northwestern University, Evanston has a variety of excellent higher educational opportunities, as well as a successful public school system.
School Report Cards | Evanston/Skokie District 65 | Evanston Township High School | Parent Reviews| Northwestern University
Arts, culture and recreation
EvanstonArtsBuzz.com | Parks & Recreation |
Evanston boasts one of the largest and most diverse arts communities in the state, and there are abundant opportunities to get involved through the city's Cultural Arts Division. Art Week Evanston, held every October, highlights the various visual and performing arts disciplines. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center serves the community by providing low cost studio, rehearsal, office and performance space. Two of the most popular summer festivals are the Ethnic Arts Festival and the Lakeshore Arts Festival. The free Starlight Concert Series is held at various parks throughout the summer.
With a unique blend of one-of-kind shops & boutiques, national retailers, and close to 90 restaurants & cafes, walkable Downtown Evanston allows you to park just once at one of our easily accessible garages and explore on foot! Whether you're looking to grab a quick bite or linger over a five course meal, you'll enjoy the selection of international fare at prices for every budget. Entertainment is abundant - catch some live music or a double feature over popcorn. Evanston has a rich cultural arts community with an abundance of venues for visitors to experience, enjoy, learn and even participate.
Come visit the unique shopping areas along Evanston's Central Street. From Crawford Avenue on the west to Ridge Avenue on the east, find one of a kind shops, restaurants, and services along the northern border of Evanston. The Central Street Business Association sponsors yearly events, such as the Sidewalk Sale in the summer, retail evenings in the fall and spring, and holiday events in December.
With more than 60 shops and businesses in the Chicago/Dempster neighborhood, you’ll find everything you need -- from distinctive gifts to oriental rugs to home-baked bread. For more on our charming, historic shopping district, browse through the Shop Evanston website. You’ll find descriptions of each merchant, as well as links to those businesses that have their own Web sites.
Location & Getting Around
Directions & Transportation | Google Map
"The City of Evanston is the first suburb north of Chicago located on Lake Michigan. With its close proximity to Chicago, Evanston is extremely easy to reach. Evanston is only a half hour drive away from the bustling O'Hare International Airport and an hour away from Chicago Midway International Airport. The Chicago Transit Authority has extensive bus routes and trains running to and from Evanston to the city, the surrounding suburbs and the airports." Source: City of Evanston Website
History & Demographics | Evanston History Center
Northwestern University, a major landmark of Evanston, was actually founded before the City itself. In 1851, the plans for Northwestern began and in 1855, Northwestern University opened its doors for the first time to 10 students. The founders of Northwestern, one being John Evans, submitted to the county judge their plans for a city and their wishes to rename the town Evanston in 1854. In 1857, the town of Evanston was named.The Evanston History Center, located in the historic Charles Gates Dawes House, strives to capture and teach Evanston’s rich history.
