Evanston
Known as "The Downtown of the North Shore", the City of Evanston is a vibrant community comprising many strong neighborhoods, races, religions and levels of income. Evanston is located just north of Chicago along Lake Michigan.
Source: City of Evanston Website
"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
"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.
Today, Evanston is still thriving as an independent city. 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."
The City's website is absolutely packed with useful, fun information about everything from dining to shopping to museums and more.
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.
"Home to Northwestern University, Evanston has a variety of excellent higher educational opportunities, as well as a successful public school system."
Source: City of Evanston Website