How Do Locals Feel About Living in Evanston, IL?
“Will I actually like living here?” wonders Jenna, a 32-year old graphic designer considering a job offer in Evanston. As an aspiring newcomer, she wants the real scoop on how current residents feel about their city. Is Evanston a happy place to call home?
Overall City Sentiment Score
In 2025, Evanston earns a sentiment score of 78/100—driven by strong community pride, safe neighborhoods, and a lively downtown scene. The city’s vibe is upbeat and welcoming, with an artsy, intellectual undercurrent thanks to prestigious Northwestern University.
Social Media Buzz in Evanston
On local Facebook groups like “Everything Evanston” and the r/Evanston subreddit, recent chatter is largely positive. Residents rave about the farmers market, new restaurant openings, and community events.
“Just moved here and blown away by how friendly everyone is! My dog has never gotten so many pets from passersby,” shared one Reddit user. “Yeah, Evanston has a real neighborly feel. People look out for each other here,” another replied.
The sentiment needle is pointing up, with excitement building around the revitalized Main-Dempster Mile and more young families moving in for the top-notch schools.
Local News Tone
Evanston’s local news coverage paints a portrait of an engaged, forward-thinking community. Headlines highlight civic progress and hometown pride:
- “Evanston Scholars Program Sends Record Number to College”
- “City Council Greenlights Affordable Housing Initiative”
- “Rotary Club’s 10,000th Volunteer Builds Habitat Home”
While not shying away from tough issues like racial equity, the overall media tone is one of hope and proactivity. Evanstonians are portrayed as can-do citizens invested in making their city better.
Review-Based Public Perception
On review sites like Niche and Nextdoor, Evanston consistently earns high marks for desirability, diversity, nightlife, and walkability. “Living here feels like being in a Norman Rockwell painting, but with better food and more Democrats,” one Google reviewer quipped.
Denser areas like Downtown Evanston score extra points for vibrancy and convenience. Meanwhile, the more residential northwest corner is beloved for its tree-lined streets and family-friendliness. A few gripes arise about high taxes and “Big Ten town” traffic, but the overall review tone is glowing.
Comparison to Nearby Cities
| City | Sentiment Score |
|---|---|
| Evanston | 78 |
| Skokie | 72 |
| Wilmette | 80 |
🏆 Evanston outperforms neighboring Skokie for cultural amenities and vibrancy. It’s neck-and-neck with posh Wilmette, which ranks slightly higher for schools and safety but can feel a bit snobbish, according to some locals.
What Locals Are Saying
“As a remote worker, I love being steps from indie coffee shops, the lake, and the L into Chicago. Evanston offers the perfect blend of city perks and suburban comforts.” —Alex S., 29, software engineer
“It’s an amazing place to raise a family. The schools are incredible, crime is low, and there’s a real commitment to equity and inclusion. Downside: high property taxes and ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ pressure.” —Lisa T., 41, accountant and mom of two
“I’ve lived here since the 1970s and it keeps getting better! The city does a great job with senior services and I can walk to everything I need. Only complaint is the brutal winters!” —Harold W., 77, retired teacher
Conclusion: Is Evanston a Happy City?
Based on social media chatter, local news coverage, online reviews, and resident interviews, Evanston emerges as an overwhelmingly happy place to call home. While no city is perfect, Evanstonians express deep pride and satisfaction in their community.
Of course, contentment often hinges on having a comfortable standard of living. To see how far your money goes in Evanston, check out these monthly budget examples. You can also explore how much you need to live comfortably in Evanston or drill down into specific housing costs by type.
So while Evanston prices may be steep, locals seem to agree: this North Shore gem is well worth it. For aspiring residents like Jenna, Evanston promises a truly happy home in Chicagoland.