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Evanston, Illinois

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What It Is Like to Retire in Evanston

Evanston, Illinois, is a north shore community on Lake Michigan, located approximately 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, which makes it a popular town for commuters.  The population in 2012 was recorded at 75,430, with a median age of 34.  Because of the many different types of architecture used in building prominent mansions along the waterfront, Evanston was nicknamed "The City of Homes".  The community  has an ongoing plan to help it to become "The Most Livable City in America", and it has won awards for what it has done to reduce the city's carbon foot print.  Evanston is home to Northwestern University, which sits on 230 acres and is ranked  as a top university in the country. It is Evanston's biggest employer.  Several movies have been filmed in and around Evanston, most notably "Home Alone". Photo of A part of downtown Evanston as seen in October 2005, courtesy of Wikipedia and Nutmegger (public domain); photo of Evanston Township High School courtesy of Wikipedia and Damperpedal Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/

Where to Retire in Evanston and Home Prices

According to Zillow.com, the median home value in Evanston was $476,872 in late 2021. 

What Is Special about Evanston

Evanston is just 12 miles from Chicago with rail service connecting the two cities;  Nothwestern University; five public swimming beaches on Lake Michigan; very walkable community; Evanston experiences all four seasons.

What Is Not Special about Evanston

It is cold and snowy in Evanston in the winter; high property taxes

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Who Will Like Retirement in Evanston

Retirees who want a walkable college town, and want to live near a lake.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Northwestern University is the town's biggest employer, with health care the second largest employer;  Evanston was one of  the first suburbs in the country to get a Sears and Marshall Fields, and retail is still important to the town's economy.

Climate and Physical Environment

The average January temperature is 24 degree and the average July temperature is 73 degrees.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Evanston hosts many festivals throughout the year which includes the Lakeshore Arts Festival, the Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival, and the Evanston Green Living Festival.

Crime

The crime rate is below average in Evanston.

Medical facilities

Evanston Hospital and St. Francis Hospital

Transportation

Part of Chicago's "L"  system runs through Evanston; There is also a bus system along with bike lanes.

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