Evanston's housing ranges widely. You'll find vintage condos and courtyard buildings, two-flats, Victorian and Prairie-style houses, and newer construction near downtown, all within a few miles of the lake. That range is why Evanston is often the first stop for buyers coming from the city, and why the right search depends on what kind of home you want.
All homes (houses, condos and townhomes)
12 months ending Sept. 2026 | 12 months ending Sept. 2025 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
Median sale price | $455,000 | $440,000 | +3.4% |
Average days from listing to contract | 21 | 18 | +3 days |
Sale price as % of original list price | 101.0% | 100.5% | +0.5 pts |
Homes for sale | 93 | 78 | +19% |
Detached houses
12 months ending Sept. 2026 | 12 months ending Sept. 2025 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
Median sale price | $850,000 | $806,000 | +5.5% |
Average days from listing to contract | 20 | 18 | +2 days |
Sale price as % of original list price | 103.9% | 100.4% | +3.5 pts |
Homes for sale | 33 | 33 | No change |
Source: MRED (Midwest Real Estate Data), Evanston (area 201), rolling 12-month figures as of Oct. 6, 2026. Data deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
What these numbers say:
Condos and co-ops. Evanston has a large stock of vintage condo buildings, plus newer high-rises and mid-rises near downtown. Before you write an offer on any condo, look at the building's reserves and board minutes. My guide to HOA reserves and special assessments covers what to ask for.
Two-flats and small multi-units. Some buyers live in one unit and rent the other. Zoning and rental rules matter here, so we'll check them for any specific property.
Single-family homes. Older houses dominate, many with original details. Inspection matters more than usual on older homes, especially for roofs, foundations, sewer lines and electrical.
New construction. Less common, and mostly infill.
Evanston is one of the few North Shore towns with both the CTA Purple Line and Metra's Union Pacific North line. Metra stops at Main Street, Davis Street and Central Street. Where a home sits relative to those stations shapes daily life more than most buyers expect, so we'll look at the walk from any address you're serious about.
If you're still deciding whether Evanston fits, start with my Living in Evanston guide. For a side-by-side look at Evanston and the other North Shore towns, read Moving From Chicago to the North Shore.
For the 12 months ending September 2026, the median sale price for detached houses in Evanston was $850,000, up 5.5% from a year earlier. Across all home types, including condos and townhomes, the median was $455,000, according to MRED.
Over the 12 months ending September 2026, Evanston homes went under contract in an average of 21 days. Detached houses averaged 20 days and sold for an average of 103.9% of their original list price, according to MRED.
Yes. Evanston charges its own real estate transfer tax in addition to the Illinois and Cook County transfer taxes. Rates can change, so confirm the current figure with your attorney or with me before you budget.
Yes. Evanston has CTA Purple Line stations as well as three Metra Union Pacific North stops: Main Street, Davis Street and Central Street.
Yes. Condos and co-ops make up a large share of Evanston's housing. Before you buy, review the building's budget, reserve study and recent board minutes.
