Overall score
Evanston
45.7/100
Evanston South
31.8/100
Evanston for investment and value; Evanston South for retirees.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Evanston
45.7/100
Evanston South
31.8/100
Crime rate
Evanston
87.0 / 1k
Evanston South
38.7 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Evanston
209
Evanston South
18
Population
Evanston
2,580
Evanston South
765
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Evanston | Evanston South |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 45.7/100 | 31.8/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 63.7/100 | 50.4/100 |
| Crime rate | 87.0 / 1k | 38.7 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | — |
| Public transport stops | 25 | 2 |
| Walkability | 63.0/100 | 3.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 209 | 18 |
| Planning activity | 44 | 11 |
| Population | 2,580 | 765 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 1/10 | 5/10 |
Evanston is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Evanston South is a well-connected metro smaller community with a familiar suburban feel. Evanston sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Evanston South is further out with more breathing room.
Evanston tends to lead on housing affordability and public transport access, while Evanston South stands out for a quieter safety profile and a calmer planning outlook. Evanston generally means more approachable housing costs, while Evanston South leans toward more sought-after housing.
Investors and value-focused buyers may find Evanston the better fit, while retirees are more likely to prefer Evanston South.