Evanston does not have one main street so much as a string of them, each with its own customers and character. The City of Evanston has described nine business districts. Its list has varied over the years, but the following are the commercial areas people mention most.
Most are clustered around train stations, which makes them easy to string together without a car. The Purple Line stops at Howard, Dempster, Main, Davis, Noyes, Foster and Central, and Metra’s Union Pacific North Line stops at Main Street, Davis Street and Central Street. A rider can visit three or four districts in a day with a single fare card.
Downtown
The largest district, next to Northwestern’s campus and centered on the Davis Street train stations. It holds more than 300 businesses and more than 85 restaurants, along with offices, apartment towers and three low-rise shopping areas.
Main-Dempster Mile
Just south of downtown, this stretch is served by CTA Purple Line stops at Main and Dempster and by the Main Street Metra station. It is known for independent shops and restaurants. The district is organized as a special service area.
Central Street
Central Street has a village feel, with small locally owned shops and restaurants in the blocks near the Central Street Metra and Purple Line stations. Northwestern’s Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena are nearby.
Noyes Street
Surrounded by single-family homes, Noyes serves neighbors as well as Northwestern students, faculty and staff. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is there, along with a mix of shops and restaurants.
Howard Street
Howard Street forms Evanston’s southern border with Chicago. The district stretches from the Howard CTA station on the east to Ridge Avenue on the west, and it includes cocktail bars, a brewpub and other independent businesses.
West Village
The city describes West Village as an arts and wellness area, anchored by the Heartwood Center.
Southwest Evanston
Mostly a shopping area. Its three shopping centers offer ample parking and national retailers, including stores such as Target, Best Buy, PetSmart, Sam’s Club, Aldi and Home Depot, though tenants change over time.
Other commercial areas
Older city lists have also identified the West End, historically Evanston’s industrial and manufacturing area, and Central Evanston, around Church Street and Dodge Avenue near Evanston Township High School. Check the City of Evanston’s website for the current official list and for each district’s business association.