Evanston, Illinois, is a vibrant and diverse city located along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, just north of Chicago. Renowned for its scenic beauty, historic charm, and intellectual energy as the home of Northwestern University, Evanston offers residents the best of both urban and suburban living. From bustling downtown streets to peaceful residential neighborhoods, the city provides a welcoming atmosphere for families, professionals, and students alike. Whether you’re exploring housing options or planning a relocation with experienced Evanston movers, this guide will help you understand why Evanston is such a desirable place to live, work, and grow.
Evanston prides itself on being one of the most diverse communities in the Chicago metropolitan area. Residents from a variety of cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds call Evanston home. The city has strong initiatives to promote inclusion and social equity, such as programs that support affordable housing, youth empowerment, and racial equity. Whether you’re relocating from nearby or cross-country with long distance movers in Evanston, you’ll find that Evanston offers a warm and welcoming community.
Evanston generally scores above average when it comes to safety. While, like any urban area, it has neighborhoods that experience some crime, the city benefits from a dedicated police force and active community policing initiatives. Many residents feel secure walking in their neighborhoods, especially in well-lit, residential zones. For families planning a move, moving companies Evanston often highlight the city’s reputation for being a safe and comfortable place to raise children.
The cost of living in Evanston is somewhat higher than the national average, driven largely by housing and property taxes. However, it is more affordable than many Chicago neighborhoods and offers a wide range of housing options—from historic single-family homes to modern downtown condos. Utilities, groceries, and healthcare are fairly consistent with the national average. While Evanston isn’t the cheapest city to live in, its lifestyle amenities justify the cost for many residents.
Evanston is known for its strong educational institutions. Public schools fall under Evanston/Skokie School District 65 for elementary and middle schools, and Evanston Township High School (ETHS) for secondary education. ETHS, in particular, is highly rated for academic rigor, diverse extracurricular offerings, and college prep programs. Northwestern University also adds prestige to the local academic environment, making Evanston a prime location for families focused on education. For those relocating for educational reasons, Evanston local movers are frequently hired to help families settle in areas with top-performing schools.
Evanston boasts a healthy job market with opportunities in education, healthcare, retail, and technology. Northwestern University is the city’s largest employer, offering jobs in teaching, research, and administration. Additionally, the city is home to several hospitals, tech startups, non-profits, and retail establishments. Its close proximity to downtown Chicago also makes it ideal for commuters working in the city. Whether you’re a young professional or a seasoned career changer, the job market in Evanston is promising and diverse.
Each Evanston neighborhood has its own character and charm:
With such varied neighborhoods, it’s easy to find a place that fits your lifestyle. If you’re moving to any of these areas, Evanston movers can help make the transition smooth and efficient.
Evanston is home to several top-notch healthcare providers. NorthShore University HealthSystem – Evanston Hospital is a highly respected medical center offering comprehensive healthcare services including emergency care, specialized treatments, and outpatient services. In addition, numerous private practices and clinics are spread throughout the city, providing residents with easy access to healthcare professionals. The quality of medical care in Evanston adds to the city’s appeal for families and retirees alike.
You’ll never be bored in Evanston. The city is home to theaters like The Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, art galleries, and music venues. The Evanston Art Center and Mitchell Museum of the American Indian offer cultural enrichment. Outdoor lovers enjoy North Shore Channel Trail, Lighthouse Beach, and more than 70 parks and green spaces.
The restaurant scene is diverse, ranging from upscale dining to global cuisine and cozy cafes. Seasonal farmers markets and street festivals add to the local charm. If you love entertainment and community events, Evanston won’t disappoint.
Evanston is extremely commuter-friendly. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra train services connect Evanston to downtown Chicago in about 30–40 minutes. Several CTA bus lines and the Purple Line make local and regional commuting simple. For those who drive, major roads like Sheridan Road and I-94 provide access to neighboring suburbs and the city. Many people moving to Evanston choose homes near transit stations to simplify their daily commutes.
Evanston experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant, perfect for lakefront activities. Fall brings beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures, while winters can be cold and snowy. Spring sees a gradual return to warmth with occasional rain showers. With proper seasonal gear, residents enjoy the variety and beauty of each season. For those unfamiliar with Midwest winters, it’s a good idea to prepare before moving, and seasoned moving companies in Evanston can help with packing tips.
Evanston, IL, offers the perfect mix of urban energy and suburban comfort. With top-rated schools, diverse neighborhoods, and a thriving job market, it’s ideal for families and professionals. The city boasts excellent healthcare, scenic Lake Michigan access, and a vibrant arts scene. While the cost of living is higher than average, the quality of life—including great restaurants, cultural events, and easy Chicago commutes—makes it worthwhile. Whether you need Evanston movers, local movers in Evanston, or long-distance movers, relocating here is a smart choice for those seeking a dynamic yet welcoming community.
Planning a move to Evanston? Let Hollander Storage & Moving Company make the process simple and stress-free. With over 100 years of trusted service, our expert Evanston movers are here to handle every detail—from local moves across the city to long-distance relocations from out of state. We understand the unique needs of our clients and deliver professional, reliable, and personalized service for every move.
Choose Hollander for a seamless, stress-free moving experience in Evanston. Our expert team is here to handle every detail with care and professionalism. Contact us today for a free quote and see how simple your move can be with trusted Evanston movers by your side. Your smooth move starts here!
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Great experience with Hollander’s crew: Dominic R, Alex P, and Chris C. They were contracted (military move) to deliver some of our things that had been packed up and stored for a year, in a different location. They were professional and worked without complaints in the heat, placing our items carefully where I requested. They maneuvered a large, deep freezer down a tight staircase easily. They were thorough in helping me check to make sure all our things were accounted for, since it had changed locations/companies a few times before making it here. They were so helpful and courteous – I am very happy with my experience and would definitely recommend them!
-Timm.
The driver was the head of the crew, and he was on top of everything. He made the experience working with Hollander Moving a pleasure. We have used others before but it was our first time using Hollander. Everything turned out great.
-Eric Y..
Every employee I worked with was courteous, professional, and exceedingly competent. I was nervous about the packing and long distance move (from Illinois to New Mexico, October 2009) and Hollander helped make the move as smooth as possible. Not a thing was damaged or broken
-Kay S..
I would recommend Hollander to any company thinking about switching vendors, and any family making a move. A Hollander rep even stopped by my new place when they were unloading just to check on things.
Wonderful service – first class!
-Julia C..
Everything Hollander has done was over the top. It was courteous people, polite, caring. Their friendliness was over the top. There was one member of the crew who’d been a friend for 30 years, and the rest was family. I couldn’t say enough about them.
-Jerry M..
I recently moved from Chicago to Tampa and expected a few road bumps along the way but was pleasantly surprised when everything from loading to delivery was flawless. Everyone I came in contact with was very professional and knowledgable. I highly recommend Hollander Moving and Storage as they are a class act.
-Sandy C..
This move envolved packing and delivery to four different destinations. Attention to detail and coordination were vital and effectively executed by Tony R driver and his crew. Ardene did a great job coordinating everything. The entire group were both extremely pleasant and efficient.
-Gary T..
1801 Pratt Blvd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
