Evanston Symphony Orchestra Receives 'Community Orchestra of the Year' for 2010!

Evanston is a vibrant community that is constantly growing and reaching new heights.  Recently, The Evanston Symphony Orchestra was named the “Community Orchestra of the Year” for 2010!  This recognition was given by the Illinois Council of Orchestras which is a stateside organization consisting of 188 professional and community orchestras. 

The award is based on musical excellence, community outreach, quality of programming and organizational capability.  This is a huge accomplishment and attests to Evanstons' attention and support of the arts.  Led by Musical Director Lawrence Eckerling, the Evanston Symphony Orchestra performs six concerts  a  year and consists of ninety members.

Community involvement is what Evanston residents find endearing about their city. The ESO has a great program, Music in Your World, which gives children ages 3-5 years old from low-income families a hands-on experience of rhythm and sounds.  “Play Me a Picture, Plan Me a Tune” is another outreach program that brings about a greater understanding and awareness of music to middle school children.

The Evanston Symphony Orchestra is just one of the many forms of artistic expression in this eclectic city.  If you would like to learn more about Evanston or are looking to move into this great community; I would be happy to meet with you!  There are many great homes and condos on the Evanston market and I can help you find one that will fit your needs and lifestyle perfectly!  Feel free to contact me today!


Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

Evanston Real Estate
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Evanston Real Estate Market on the Rise!

Evanston home sales are on the rise with the increase in sales across the Midwest.  It appears that the housing market is beginning to pick up and according to the National Association of Realtors, the largest gains have been in the Midwest and Northeast.  The past eight months have proved be more successful than the same eight months last year, and we all hope the momentum continues throughout this year.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist notes that,“The key test for a durable recovery comes in the next few months as the tax credit deadline approaches. If we see a surge in home buying comparable to last fall in the months leading up to the original tax credit deadline, then enough inventory should be absorbed to ensure a broad home price stabilization.” 

If you’re hoping to buy in Evanston, there are some amazing homes on the market!  There’s still a small window of opportunity left to cash in on the tax credit, which ends on April 30th.  Please contact me with any questions you may have regarding homes in Evanston.  The charm of the city and its active lifestyle make this one of the most desirable places to live in the Chicago area!  To view some of the beautiful homes, please visit JudyNewton.com or call me to set up an appointment.  I look forward to helping you find your next home!

Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

Evanston Real Estate
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Just Listed Homes in Evanston!

The Evanston Real Estate market is exciting with new homes to choose from on a weekly basis!  If you are looking to move to or buy a new home in Evanston, you are sure to find a place to fit your lifestyle and needs.  Below are two homes that have just been listed and are sure to go quickly!  They give an idea of the updated condo lifestyle and classic, well-maintained homes that Evanston has to offer.

719 Mulford Street Unit 1G

Bedrooms: 2 | Bathrooms: 2
$235,000

Great value!!! Recently gut rehabbed condo (2005) with fabulous upgrades throughout. Open floor plan with separate office provide excellent living space for today’s varied lifestyles. Features include cook’s kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, in unit laundry, master bathroom with whirlpool and individual HVAC. Parking and extra large storage space. Close to transportation, parks and shops.

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2500 Grant Street
Bedrooms: 3 | Bathrooms: 2.1

$578,000

Delightful, meticulously maintained home with all the amenities to enhance today's varied lifestyles.  Spacious family room with cathedral ceilings overlooks professionally landscaped yard and adjoins updated kitchen and eating area.  Lower level playroom or office and separate laundry room.  Master bedroom suite with private bathroom.  Good storage.  Freshly decorated.  New windows.  Located close to schools, parks, Central Street and transportation.

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If you have any questions on these homes or if you would like to view other homes in the Evanston area; please contact me.  I would be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have! 

Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

Evanston Real Estate
View Evanston Listings
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Evanston's Disctrict 65 School Board Approves Cap and Transfer Policy

It comes as no surprise that Evanston is a great town in which to live.  With its’ charm and historic character, young and old alike are drawn to this thriving community.  The number of people desiring to live in this outstanding city is increasing and with it comes a few growing pains.  These community issues of growth are not beyond solutions, but at times like these; the growth spurt can cause a demand for a quick fix.  This is recently seen in the March 2 meeting of the District 65 School Board members in which it was voted to put a cap on Kindergarten classes in Evanston. 

Growth is an exciting time and will greatly benefit the city for years to come, but when registration for Kindergarten for the coming 2010-2010 school year was predicted to overflow; something had to be done.  The recent meeting brought about the vote to use a “cap and transfer” policy to manage the student enrollment for the coming year.  This idea places a limit of 23 students for each kindergarten class and will then transfer those students who were among the last to register to a magnet school or school in that same area. 

As a short term solution, this policy is only set to be in effect for one year, and will only be used if absolutely necessary.  The long term solution, of course, would be to build another school or more classrooms and there are hopes that this cap and transfer policy will not need to be around for long. And while Evanston continues to grow, we will continue to adapt and make room for all who long to be apart of our community!

If you are interested in Evanston or have questions about the Evanston Real Estate market; I’m here to help!  There are many gorgeous homes for sale that I would be happy to show you!

Read the full Evanston cap and transfer article here.    


Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

Evanston Real Estate
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New Speed Laws Promote Evanston Students' Safety

Evanston is constantly on the lookout for ways to keep the community a safe and child-friendly place to live.  On March 8, a new law goes into effect that will contribute greatly to this endeavor.  School Zones will reduce speed limits to 20 miles per hour during the hours of 7 am to 4 pm when children are present outside, which will help drivers be more aware of children and allows for sufficient reaction time.

While the Educational Enforcement period has been in effect since February 26, a time which allows drivers to get used to the changes, the new law will be enforced this coming Monday.  The speed zones surrounding schools in Evanston has been a state law in the past have provided for a minimum fine of $150 with an additional $50 penalty paid to the school district and court costs.  As this law is now enforced under the new ordinance, violators will owe $500 plus a $50 penalty paid to the school district.  Read the full article here.

For those traveling by schools on a daily basis, this may take a little time to adjust to the new speed limit.  Be sure to allow extra time for your daily commute as this new ordinance will slow it down slightly.  This is something we can all take a part in supporting as the City of Evanston continues to make the community and enjoyable place to live.

If you have any questions regarding Evanston or Evanston Real Estate; I’d love to answer them for you!  Feel free to contact me any time!


Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

Evanston Real Estate
View Evanston Listings
Visit My Website
Email Me