Amenities
Downtown Evanston is the commercial hub for Chicago’s North Shore, with one-of-a-kind shops, diverse restaurants, fitness and wellness studios, and a variety of office buildings and condominiums. Combined with access to public transportation, incredible talent and resources at Northwestern University, proximity to Lake Michigan, and child and doggy daycares, downtown Evanston provides a convenient work environment and encourages a healthy work-life balance.
Transportation
Easily accessible via Purple line and Metra, many daily commuters use these systems as their main form of transportation to and from Evanston. The Davis Metra Station is just a 10-minute ride from Ravenswood. There is an abundance of parking available to commuters at public parking lots and three parking garages located downtown. Downtown Evanston is accessible by bike from Chicago and surrounding suburbs and features safe bike routes throughout downtown and Evanston. There are 3 Divvy stations, secure bike storage in parking garages, and a walk score of 96.6.
Retail & Restaurants
With over 60 restaurants, there is a wide variety of cuisines and styles in downtown Evanston. From French bakery-cafes to family-friendly burger joints to fine dining Thai and Chinese restaurants, there is a place for every occasion. Downtown Evanston has a healthy mix of national and independent retailers including Target, Blick Art Materials, World Market, and charming bookstores, frame shops, clothing boutiques, flower shops and more that make Evanston a unique place to live and work.
Arts & Culture
Downtown Evanston is home to a handful of cultural institutions and within walking distance of live music venues, art museum, and theaters.
- 12-screen movie theater - coming soon
- Music Institute of Chicago
- Halim Time & Glass Museum
- Northlight Theater - coming soon
- Evanston Public Library
- Evanston SPACE
- Northwestern University Block Museum of Art, Wirtz Center for Performing Arts, and Cahn Auditorium
- Evanston Arts Center
- Artists Book House - coming soon
Recreation
Lake Michigan is a half-mile from the center of downtown Evanston, offering beautiful lakefront trails for walking, running, biking and picnic areas for outdoor dining, including at the Arrington Lagoon. The City of Evanston and Northwestern University have sailing, kayaking and other aquatic activities during the summer months in addition to managing five public beaches.
More of a gym buff? Visit one of our 13 downtown workout and recreational facilities, including the Evanston Athletic Club, YMCA, Pure Barre, Urban Athlete, and a number of other options for a pre or post-work sweat sesh.
