Steady Migration of Buyers from Chicago and North Shore to Evanston

WINNETKA, IL, UNITED STATES, September 29, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Mabadi Group, an Evanston-based real estate team affiliated with Compass, reports a steady migration of buyers from Chicago and the North Shore into the city. This trend, which has been consistent since 2020, has become a defining characteristic of the real estate market in Evanston.

According to Sally Mabadi, the principal of the Mabadi Group, the typical city buyer is in their thirties, preparing to start a family. These buyers are drawn to Evanston for its spacious homes, excellent schools, and proximity to the lakefront. Mabadi notes that about 60 percent of her business comes from people already living in Evanston, with about 25 percent from Chicago buyers and around 15 percent from out-of-town and North Shore relocations.

The team reports that buyers from Chicago neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, the Gold Coast, and River North are seeking more space and better schools. They are often in their thirties, looking to start a family, and appreciate the walkability of Evanston's neighborhoods, proximity to public transportation, and the quality of local schools.

On the other hand, buyers from the North Shore, including Winnetka, Glencoe, and Lake Forest, are usually downsizers and empty nesters. They are moving to Evanston for a more walkable community with easier access to restaurants, live music, and theater. Mabadi highlights that Evanston offers vintage condominium buildings, some with elevators, that allow longtime North Shore homeowners to keep cherished furniture and artwork in a more manageable package. She mentions a client who sold a large lakefront home on the North Shore and purchased a smaller lakefront home in Evanston near her grandchildren.

The housing market in Evanston reflects this diverse buyer base. Single-family homes and condominiums remain in demand across different buyer types. Homes in need of significant repairs or updates can be purchased in the 500,000 to 800,000 dollar range. Recently updated homes in strong condition in east and northwest locations tend to sell between 1.5 and 2.5 million dollars. Homes west of downtown generally trade between 800,000 and 2 million dollars. The Mabadi Group has closed more than 750 million dollars in sales, serving Evanston, the North Shore, and neighborhoods across Chicagoland.

Mabadi points to the proximity of the lake, the beauty of the environment, and the walkability of Evanston's neighborhoods as the features that consistently win people over. She notes that Evanston's housing stock is diverse, offering a range of options from large homes on acre lots to modern condos and vintage row houses. The city's unique character, combining the best of urban and suburban living, makes it an attractive destination for both city dwellers and North Shore residents.

In conclusion, the steady migration of buyers from Chicago and the North Shore into Evanston continues to shape the real estate market in the city. The Mabadi Group's expertise in serving this diverse market has contributed significantly to the success of the firm, with over 750 million dollars in sales closed since its founding.