Top Neighborhoods
Evanston isn't just one town—it's a collection of distinct pockets where your daily life can change drastically depending on whether you're five minutes from I-80 or tucked against the foothills. Choosing wrong means either a brutal winter commute or watching your property value stagnate while the rest of the town moves on.
Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in Evanston
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Rent Range | Best For | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastside | Family-focused, newer | $1,400-$1,800 | Families wanting modern builds | ~35 |
| Downtown | Historic, walkable core | $1,100-$1,500 | Young professionals, empty nesters | ~65 |
| West Park | Quiet, established | $1,200-$1,600 | Buyers seeking character | ~45 |
| Northwest | Budget-friendly, practical | $950-$1,300 | First-time buyers, essential workers | ~30 |
| Southwest | Rural-feeling, spacious | $1,300-$1,700 | Families wanting land | ~25 |
Eastside
Overview: This is where Evanston's newer money lives—subdivisions off Arrowhead Drive and near the high school with vinyl siding and three-car garages. It's the "safe" choice for families who want predictability.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,400 - $1,800/mo (1BR) | $1,800 - $2,400/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $380k - $420k
- 🚗 Commute: 8 min to downtown | 15 min to I-80 (if heading west)
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~35 (Car-dependent)
Local Intel: The real estate taxes here are noticeably higher than the rest of town—budget an extra $800-1,200 annually. The Bear River Greenway runs through here, but it's more of a walking path than a true commuting route. Avoid buying on the easternmost edge near the highway; truck noise is a real issue.
Who Thrives Here: Remote workers with kids who want a fenced yard and don't mind driving everywhere. Also popular with hospital employees who want a straightforward commute to Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Newer construction (post-2000) means fewer maintenance surprises
- ✅ Closest neighborhood to the high school and junior high—easy school runs
- ❌ Zero walkability; you'll drive for coffee, groceries, everything
- ❌ Cookie-cutter feel; you'll see the same 4 house models repeated
Schools: Sweetwater County School District #1. Schools here (Eastside Elementary, Evanston High) are rated average for Wyoming. Solid test scores but limited arts programs.
The Verdict: Move here if you want a modern home with a predictable mortgage payment. Avoid if you crave character or want to walk to dinner.
Downtown
Overview: The historic heart of Evanston, centered around Main Street and the railroad tracks. Victorian homes share blocks with renovated apartments and the occasional vacant storefront. This is Evanston's only truly walkable area.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,100 - $1,500/mo (1BR) | $1,500 - $2,000/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $250k - $320k (fixer-uppers start at $180k)
- 🚗 Commute: 3 min to downtown jobs | 12 min to I-80
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~65 (Somewhat walkable)
Local Intel: Parking is a nightmare during Railroad Days festival and any summer event on Main Street. The Bear River flows just east of downtown, but access is limited to a few gravel paths. The historic district has strict renovation rules—check with the city before buying if you plan to remodel. The old Carnegie Library building is now community center space.
Who Thrives Here: Professionals who work in town and want to skip driving. Empty nesters who appreciate historic architecture and being near the Wyoming Theater.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Real walkability to Bear River Diner and Main Street's bars/restaurants
- ✅ Strongest property value appreciation in town (up 12% last year)
- ❌ Older housing stock means expensive repairs (lead paint, old wiring)
- ❌ Can get sketchy a few blocks north of Main after dark—specifically near the rail yards
Schools: Same district as Eastside, but kids here attend elementary schools that draw from more diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Evanston's alternative high school program is housed downtown.
The Verdict: Perfect for buyers who want historic charm and actual neighborhood feel. Skip it if you need turnkey housing or have a strict parking requirement.
West Park
Overview: Established 1960s-70s neighborhood centered around the namesake West Park. Tree-lined streets, ranch-style homes, and a mix of owners and long-term renters. This is where long-time Evanston residents raise their families.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,200 - $1,600/mo (1BR) | $1,600 - $2,000/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $300k - $360k
- 🚗 Commute: 6 min to downtown | 18 min to I-80
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~45 (Somewhat walkable)
Local Intel: West Park itself has a decent playground and tennis courts, but the real gem is the network of unpaved alleys behind the houses—great for kids on bikes. The neighborhood's water pressure is noticeably better than other parts of town (old infrastructure advantage). Street parking gets tight during youth soccer season at the park.
Who Thrives Here: Families who want established neighborhoods without Eastside prices. Teachers, city workers, and third-generation Evanston residents.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Mature trees provide actual shade (rare in Wyoming)
- ✅ Strong community feel—people actually know their neighbors
- ❌ Homes here need roof and furnace updates; factor in $15k-25k
- ❌ No major grocery store within walking distance; you're driving to Smith's or Walmart
Schools: West Park Elementary is well-regarded for its community involvement. District is solid but not elite.
The Verdict: Ideal for families wanting neighborhood character and community. Not for luxury seekers or those wanting new construction.
Northwest
Overview: Working-class neighborhood west of downtown, bordering the rail lines. Smaller lots, modest homes, and the most affordable homeownership in Evanston. This is where the town's essential workers live.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $950 - $1,300/mo (1BR) | $1,300 - $1,600/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $220k - $280k
- 🚗 Commute: 10 min to downtown | 15 min to I-80
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~30 (Car-dependent)
Local Intel: The area near the Union Pacific rail yard experiences regular train horns—visit at 10 PM before renting/buying to test your tolerance. The neighborhood's eastern edge (near 9th Street) has the best access to downtown walking paths. Crime is low here, but property theft from unlocked vehicles is periodically an issue.
Who Thrives Here: First-time homebuyers, service industry workers, and anyone prioritizing affordability over amenities. Also popular with railroad employees given proximity.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Most affordable ownership opportunity in Evanston
- ✅ Short commute to both downtown and I-80
- ❌ Train noise is a legitimate daily reality
- ❌ Fewer parks and green spaces than other areas
Schools: Average district ratings. Elementary schools here serve economically diverse populations.
The Verdict: Buy here if you need to break into the market and can tolerate noise. Not for families seeking top-tier schools or quiet streets.
Southwest
Overview: Semi-rural area where Evanston bleeds into unincorporated county. Larger lots, manufactured homes mixed with site-built, and genuine open space. You're close to the Bear River but not in town.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,300 - $1,700/mo (1BR) | $1,700 - $2,200/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $320k - $400k (but lots of variation)
- 🚗 Commute: 12 min to downtown | 20 min to I-80
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~25 (Very car-dependent)
Local Intel: This area has well water and septic systems in parts—verify before buying. The Bear River Greenway has a trailhead near the Southwest Recreation Area, but the trails are unpaved and can be muddy for weeks after rain. Snow removal is slower here than in town proper.
Who Thrives Here: Families wanting space for kids/pets, hobby farmers, and people who genuinely want to feel "out of town" while still being 10 minutes from groceries.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Larger lots (0.25+ acres common) and genuine privacy
- ✅ Lower property taxes than Eastside
- ❌ Slower emergency response times (fire/EMS)
- ❌ Requires reliable vehicle; harsh in winter if you have FWD only
Schools: District #1, but bus routes are longer. Kids spend more time on buses.
The Verdict: Move here for space and quiet. Avoid if you need walkability or want to be near the action.
Final Advice
For young professionals, Downtown is your clear winner—you'll actually have a social life without driving 45 minutes to Rock Springs. Families should split between Eastside (for modern convenience) and West Park (for community feel), depending on your budget and tolerance for cookie-cutter houses. Budget-conscious buyers can't do better than Northwest, but test the train noise at night before committing.
Sweetwater County School District #1 is consistently average—don't base your decision on school ratings alone. All schools here are safe and functional, but none are exceptional by national standards.
The biggest mistake relocaters make is assuming Evanston is "small enough" that location doesn't matter. It absolutely does. Winter driving on I-80 from the southwest side can add 20 minutes during storms, while Eastside residents deal with icy overpasses. Visit in February before buying anywhere.