Though we’ve tried to convince our friends at Northwestern that moving to Chicago won’t drastically increase their commute, we can’t quash our curiosity about rents in Evanston.
For $1,400 a month you could rent the three-bedroom two-bathroom apartment at 605 Hinman Ave in southeast Evanston (pictured right). Added bonus: the Northwestern shuttle stops at the corner. If you’re tired of splitting utilities three ways, just up the street, at 800 Hinman Ave, you could rent a studio for $625. Of course, you’d have to be willing to stomach the Berber carpet throughout and the agent’s insistence on calling Evanston E-Town.
If you’re looking to live closer to downtown Evanston – and willing to shell out more money – you could rent a two-bedroom at Optima Views, 1720 Maple Ave, for $2,400 a month. That includes an indoor heated parking space. Or you could rent a one-bedroom at The Park Evanston, 1630 Chicago Ave (floor plan at right), where rents range from $1,309 to $1,955. For that kind of rent you’ll get the usual downtown goodies: valet dry cleaning, pool, sunporch and party room with ping pong.