Purchasing a condo/townhome in Evanston,IL (Chicago, Elgin: for sale, real estate)

[Elizabeth Lerie]

My husband and I have decided that Evanston would be a great place to live. What can we expect to pay in a good neighborhood in Evanston for a 2 bedroom condo or townhouse? We currently are renting in Chicago and pay $2600 per month. I have heard and read that there are some bad areas in Evanston, which we would like to avoid. Also, could some one please provide street names of where the good neighborhoods start? I also have read anything north of Davis St, is safe. Is this true? Also we would love to be within walking distance of the train (1 mile at the most).

[Lookout Kid]

The sketchy parts of Evanston are the southwest corner and the western part near the high school. East and North are your friend, although there are some very nice stunning areas in southeast Evanston. And the northwest corner of Evanston by Skokie is very safe--for the most part.

Evanston has a lot more condos than townhouses. You're much more likely to find a flat, though there are a few townhouse developments that are recent. And most of the condos are rehabbed vintage buildings--unless you are downtown in a highrise.

[US-Traveller]

You should be able to find a nice townhouse for rent under $3,000. There are plenty of condominiums in Downtown Evanston, Chicago-Main, and Central Street available for rent around $2,600. If your willing to be in a more residential area further from trains and shops you can find some nice bungalows in Wesley Conference.

Example: Townhouse
521B Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL, 60202 - MLS ID#07191876 - Rentals real estate - REALTOR.com® (http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/521B-Chicago-Avenue_Evanston_IL_60202_1108584078 - broken link)

That townhouse is right near the train, shops, and just several blocks from Lake Michigan. It is also for sale for around $475k.

Example: Condo

800 Elgin Road Unit: 1109, Evanston, IL, 60201 - MLS ID#07127238 - Rentals real estate - REALTOR.com®

That condo is near both CTA & Metra. It is also near restaurants, movie theatres, Northwestern, and everything Downtown Evanston has to offer.

Example: House

2144 Grey Street, Evanston, IL, 60201 - MLS ID#07142911 - Rentals real estate - REALTOR.com®

That house is in Northwest Evanston. It is walking distance to Central Street, the channel sculpture park, and schools. It also is convenient if you need to get to the Edens Expressway or Old Orchard Mall.

Good Luck! Evanston also has a lot of nice places to buy, but I'd buy a house not a condo, because condos and townhouses are a lot harder to sell here in the suburbs.