Evanston Apartments and Rentals

Located just north of the beautiful city of Chicago, Evanston is the perfect mix of urban environment and small-town charm. Convenient transportation, a large university, plenty of unique local businesses and a close proximity to Lake Michigan's beaches helped Evanston make the 2009 Forbes list of America's Top 25 Towns to Live Well.

Those looking for Evanston apartments for rent will find plenty of options. With students, business owners and professors all abundant, the city is proud of its delightful mixture of culture, business and academics.

Evanston was named after one of the founders of Northwestern University John Evans in 1857, after the well-known college was founded in 1855. The city saw huge growth during the 1920s and managed to remain independent of nearby Chicago.

The city is made up of many diverse, vibrant communities, and 74,486 residents, according to the 2010 census. The sizeable population gives Evanston the appeal of a big city without overwhelming those looking for apartments in Evanston.

For those who want to wander into cosmopolitan Chicago every now and then, the city's close proximity to Evanston makes the trip easy. Chicago is just minutes from downtown Evanston and can be accessed via public transportation including both trains and busses.

With the highly respected Northwestern University in the middle of Evanston, the area is centered on knowledge and learning. This institution, which started out with merely 10 pupils, has grown to serve more than 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Northwestern boasts nationally known, prestigious programs, such as the Medill School of Journalism, the J.L. Kellogg School of Management and Feinberg School of Medicine.

Northwestern University also functions as the city's top employer, and many residents can enjoy an easy commute to the campus. Other educational systems that employ large numbers of residents are the Evanston/Skokie school district and Evanston Township High School. Healthcare is also a large industry in the area, and many people living in Evanston find employment with North Shore University Health System or Resurrection Health Care.

With plenty of students and professionals looking for apartments in Evanston, the search can initially seem overwhelming. Because of the diverse population, rents vary widely; though, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median monthly rental cost in Evanston in 2009 was $996.

Apartments tend to range from about $600 per month for a student budget apartment and up to $3000 per month for a luxury condo. Easily accessible public transportation, bike paths and a compact, walkable downtown area may assist residents in cutting their transportation bills if the rent in Evanston is a bit steep.

Northwestern University provides plenty of enjoyment for sports-loving locals. The Wildcats boast many highly touted sports programs, such as baseball, football and basketball. Those living in Evanston can attend home games, or gather with friends to watch at a local bar. Art and history lovers will rejoice in Evanston's art scene. Visits to the Evanston Art Center, Evanston History Center and Noyes Cultural Arts Center are educational and interesting ways for locals to spend their days. Those who would rather relax outdoors can enjoy Evanston's sandy beaches, right on Lake Michigan, for a swim or picnic.

For those looking to experience local culture, Evanston has quite a bit to offer. A multitude of locally owned businesses and restaurants make the city truly unique.

To find an Evanston apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.