What parts of Chicago are ok to stay in for vacation? Which areas charge for parking?

Evanston is a beautiful city. You will have Northwestern University to see and the incredible Mansions. See about a hotel there and take the train into the city. The purple lines starts there and then you transfer on to the red line. I think anyone coming to Chicago should get on the train. When people come to visit me, we just leave the car at my place (I live in Rogers Park which is the north side) and take the train and they are always fascinated by the scenes. It's a good way to see more than just the touristy places.