Student Housing Near Northwestern University
Find verified off-campus housing near Northwestern University in Evanston, IL
About Northwestern University
Northwestern University stands as one of America's most selective institutions, welcoming only 7% of applicants into its rigorous academic community on the shores of Lake Michigan. Located in Evanston, Illinois, this prestigious private university combines world-class research opportunities with an intimate graduate student experience, serving just under 9,000 scholars across its distinguished programs. With a remarkable 96% graduation rate and median SAT scores of 1,526, Northwestern attracts exceptional students who thrive in its collaborative environment. The university's lakefront campus fosters innovation across engineering, journalism, business, and countless other disciplines, while faculty members are leaders in their respective fields. Beyond academics, Evanston offers a vibrant cultural landscape with art galleries, independent bookstores, and diverse dining experiences that reflect the community's intellectual energy. Students benefit from direct access to Chicago's world-renowned institutions—museums, theaters, and professional networks lie just minutes away via public transit. Living near Northwestern provides the perfect balance: a tight-knit residential community with small-town charm, coupled with big-city opportunities. The tree-lined streets surrounding campus host numerous student-friendly apartments and housing options, while the lakefront location creates a serene backdrop for study and reflection. Evanston's walkable neighborhoods and strong student population ensure a welcoming, vibrant living experience.
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- Private
- Highest Degree
- Graduate
- Setting
- Small City
- Retention Rate
- 97%
- ACT Median
- 35
- Accreditor
- Higher Learning Commission
- Classification
- R1 Doctoral University
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual tuition and estimated costs
Northwestern's housing costs significantly impact the total cost of attendance, with on-campus and near-campus options ranging from $15,000-$18,000 annually. Even with an average net price of $27,143/year, housing represents a substantial portion of the overall financial burden for students.
- ✓Consider living on-campus for first 2 years to lock in guaranteed rates, then explore shared apartments in Evanston with roommates to reduce per-person costs by 30-40%
- ✓Look into Northwestern's subsidized housing options and housing lotteries for upper-classmen, which often offer better rates than private market rentals
- ✓Explore neighborhoods slightly further from campus (Rogers Park, Skokie) accessible by public transit to find 15-20% cheaper rentals while maintaining reasonable commute times
- ✓Apply for housing grants and emergency funds through Northwestern's financial aid office, as some aid can be directed toward housing costs beyond the standard package
Living Near Northwestern University
# Northwestern University Housing Guide Evanston offers a vibrant, walkable community perfect for Northwestern students. The area immediately surrounding campus features tree-lined streets with a mix of historic homes and modern apartment complexes. Popular student neighborhoods include the Dempster corridor, known for affordable rentals and young professionals, and the Rogers Park area, offering diverse dining and cultural venues. Most students live within walking distance or a short bike ride from campus. The Metra commuter rail provides convenient access to Chicago, while CTA buses connect throughout Evanston. Biking is especially popular—the lakefront path offers scenic routes along Lake Michigan. Downtown Evanston, just south of campus, features eclectic restaurants, boutique shops, and the Landmark movie theater. Church Street and Sherman Avenue offer casual dining, coffee shops, and student-friendly bars. The lakefront area provides parks, beaches, and recreational spaces. Evanston maintains a safe, college-town atmosphere with active community policing. The densely populated student areas feel lively and secure. Most neighborhoods offer a genuine community feel, blending academic life with local culture. Northwestern's presence has created excellent housing infrastructure specifically catering to student needs.
Other Housing Near Northwestern University
The Reserve
The Reserve is a 193-unit apartment community located at 1930 Ridge Ave in Evanston, IL, approximately 0.5 miles from Northwestern University. Built in 2003, the property features air conditioning, full kitchens with dishwashers and garbage disposals, and in-unit amenities including balcony patios. Residents have access to community spaces including a fitness center, business center, community lounge, courtyard, bike storage, and BBQ grill.
The Main
The Main is a 112-unit apartment community located at 847 Chicago Ave in Evanston, approximately 1.2 miles from Northwestern University. Built in 2016, the property offers amenities including 24/7 maintenance and fitness facilities, air conditioning, balconies, bike storage, business center, controlled access, dishwasher, elevator, EV charging, and a courtyard with BBQ grill and community lounge.
E2 Apartments
E2 Apartments is a 355-unit apartment community located at 1890 Maple Ave in Evanston, IL, just 0.3 miles from Northwestern University. Built in 2015, the property offers amenities including air conditioning, in-unit dishwashers, balcony patios, a coffee bar, business center, basketball court, bike storage, and controlled access.
AMLI Evanston
AMLI Evanston is a 214-unit apartment community located at 737 Chicago Ave in Evanston, IL, approximately 1.3 miles from Northwestern University. Built in 2012, the property offers amenities including 24/7 maintenance and fitness facilities, air conditioning, balconies, bike storage, a business center, and a clubhouse with community lounge.
Northwestern University : Goodrich
Goodrich is a 35-unit student housing property built in 1932, located at 2321 Sheridan Road in Evanston, approximately 0.7 miles from Northwestern University. The residence offers fully furnished units with full kitchens, high-speed internet, and individual leases. Amenities include 24/7 maintenance and on-site management, a fitness center, game room, laundry facilities, and utilities such as air conditioning, heating, and cable TV.
Evanston Place Apartments
Evanston Place Apartments is a 190-unit community located at 1715 Chicago Ave in Evanston, IL, just 0.1 miles from Northwestern University. Built in 1990, the property offers amenities including 24/7 maintenance, fitness center, business center, air conditioning, hardwood floors, dishwasher, garbage disposal, controlled access, elevator, bike storage, courtyard, balcony patios, and BBQ grill. The community is cat-friendly and features a breakfast bar.
Willard Residential College
Willard Residential College is located at 1865 Sherman Ave in Evanston, IL, directly adjacent to Northwestern University's campus at just 0.1 miles away. The property offers 161 residential units equipped with air conditioning, heating, high-speed internet, cable TV, and maintains smoke-free facilities throughout.
Main Station Apartments
Main Station Apartments is a 100-unit apartment community located at 855 Hinman Ave in Evanston, approximately 1.2 miles from Northwestern University. Built in 1950, the property offers amenities including a fitness center, business center, full kitchens with dishwashers, laundry facilities, bike storage, controlled access, and 24/7 maintenance. Units feature air conditioning, hardwood floors or carpet, ceiling fans, large windows, and elevator access.
Elder Residential Community
Elder Residential Community is located at 2400 Sheridan Rd in Evanston, IL, approximately 0.7 miles from Northwestern University. This student housing property offers residential accommodations for students attending the university.
Graduate Housing
Graduate Housing is a 243-unit student residence located at 1915 Maple Ave in Evanston, IL, just 0.3 miles from Northwestern University. Each unit comes fully furnished and the property includes on-site laundry facilities for resident use.
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