Evanston Median Home Price Hits $493,385
Evanston median home price rose to $493,385, an 8.5% year-over-year gain reported by Zillow.
The median price for a mid-range home in Evanston reached $493,385. This represents an 8.5% increase from a year ago. The data comes from Zillow, which tracks values for single-family homes, condos, and co-ops. The gain places Evanston in the middle of the regional range. Nearby communities showed similar or higher growth rates.
Highland Park saw home values rise 9.2% to $807,638. Wilmette recorded the fastest growth in the area, with prices climbing 13.4% to $1.01 million. Chicago’s overall market grew by 5.2%. Rogers Park, a neighborhood within Chicago, saw a 5.55% increase. These figures highlight varying momentum across the broader metropolitan area.
Realtor data shows lower growth
The North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors reports a different trend. Their median sale price for non-distress properties in Evanston rose 3.4%. The price moved from $440,000 in August 2025 to $455,000 last month. NSBAR calculates its numbers based on all home sales. Zillow limits its report to mid-range homes. This methodological difference explains the gap in reported growth rates.
Across the entire North Shore and Barrington area, the median sale price fell by 2%. The new median stands at $745,000. This decline contrasts with the specific increases seen in Evanston. The broader regional market shows mixed signals. Some areas gain value while others see prices drop.
High rates fail to dampen demand
Mortgage rates recently approached 7%, with Freddie Mac reporting an average 30-year rate of 6.95%. This is the highest level since January 2025. Despite these high costs, the local market remains steady. Rachael Grzyb, operations director at NSBAR, cited continued demand for properties. She noted that fundamentals support the market rather than speculation.
Lauren Weiss, an Evanston realtor, says higher rates have little impact on the North Shore. The fall and winter seasons offer favorable conditions for buyers. Competition is lower during these months compared to other times of the year. The school year drives cyclical market behavior. Families often settle in place and wait until spring to move.
Seasonal timing favors prospective buyers
Weiss advises homeowners looking to sell in the spring to prepare now. Familiarity with the current market is essential. The period between fall and winter reduces the number of active listings. This creates a less competitive environment for those looking to buy. Sellers should use this time to assess their property and strategy.
