Naperville, IL, known as 'The Golden City,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in DuPage and Will counties, Naperville is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Chicago (28 miles) and Aurora (10 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Naperville's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Naperville is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Naper Settlement, the historic Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon, and the scenic Riverwalk Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Centennial Beach to the bustling Downtown Naperville, known for its shopping and dining. Naperville's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from American cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Naperville Ribfest and the Naperville Wine Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Naperville's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like North Central College contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Naperville is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Wentz Concert Hall and the Naperville Art League are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Naperville provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Naperville’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Chicago Fire FC (MLS) and the Chicago Red Stars (NWSL), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Naperville include healthcare, education, and technology, with significant employers such as Edward Hospital and Nicor Gas driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and Metra trains, making commuting convenient.
Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Located in the state of Illinois, Naperville is a moderately-sized city with a population of 147,734 residents. With a population density of 3,779 people per square mile, Naperville is well above the nation's average density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (70% White). Given that fact, Naperville could be considered less diverse than other cities. An important consideration when living in Naperville is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 34 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Naperville, Illinois could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Naperville and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, commute, education, employment and other important metrics.
The livability score in Naperville is 84/100 and the city is ranked in the 98th percentile of all cities across America. Clearly, Naperville is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Naperville also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Naperville ranks very well for amenities (B+), crime (A+), education (A) and housing (A+). The bad news for Naperville, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: cost of living (F).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Naperville, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Naperville undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Naperville are: Riverwalk, Hollywood Palms Cinema, and Dupage Children's Museum.
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 52 crimes per 100,000 residents, Naperville has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Naperville apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Naperville is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Naperville come in at $424,800, which is 143% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Naperville, the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 10% higher than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Naperville | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 34min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 68.7% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.3% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 9.6% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.4% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 14.9% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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