In 1831, Joseph Naper was drawn to a slice of land along the DuPage River about 28 miles west of Chicago, and in 1842 he drew the first map of what would become Naperville. The village was incorporated in 1957, and Naper was elected President of the Board.
Naperville has strong German roots, and families from the northeast United States as well as throughout Western Europe migrated to the area and created the city that it is today, the fourth largest in Illinois with a population that numbers 150,000.
Naperville is by far the largest suburb of Chicago, and can be considered a metropolis of its own. Among the communities in the Chicago western suburbs, Naperville has the most to offer for potential homeowners who desire a city-like environment. It is also one of the most racially diverse communities in the region.
Frequently listed as one of the best American cities for families, Naperville offers a diversity of neighborhoods with homes in all shapes and styles and price ranges. While it’s considered an upscale area, given its size affordable options abound, including condos and house and apartment rentals.
Naperville is noted for the strength of its well-funded public schools, which include 15 elementary and early childhood schools, five middle schools, and two high schools that rank among the top in Illinois. It also has many private school options, and the well-regarded North Central University offers a vibrant college campus life (and happens to be the current reigning NCAA Division III football champions).
The same feature that first brought Joseph Naper to the area almost two centuries ago remains the center of activity and nightlife in Naperville—the DuPage River—which snakes through the town like a breath of fresh air. Restaurants, parks, and a Riverwalk provide an outdoor atmosphere that is unmatched in the region.
Because of its market size, a number of notable restaurants in Chicago have opened their doors in Naperville. Catch 35 is a top seafood eatery in the area, and Cooper’s Hawk is a destination for wine and upscale American fare. There’s also Hugo’s Frog Bar, Rosebud for classic Italian, and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s Ramsay’s Kitchen (order the Beef Wellington!).
Near the Riverwalk, there’s local favorite Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Sixty Four Wine Bar & Kitchen, the farm-to-table Allegory, and Plank Bar & Kitchen, located in the upscale Indigo Hotel right on the Riverwalk. Enjoy a nightcap at Jackson Avenue Pub or grab dessert at Ben & Jerry’s.
The City of Naperville and the Naperville Park District offer a plethora of outdoor activities during the summer months. A Farmer’s Market operates every Saturday morning near the 5th Avenue Train Station and features vendors offering a broad array of produce and other eats and products.
The Naperville Park District operates dozens of parks and facilities in the area, including Centennial Beach along the DuPage River, a Paddleboat Quarry, and Fort Hill Activity Center. There are also movie nights, concerts, music recitals, theater, and a range of activities for kids.
With two train stops with easy access to downtown Chicago, Naperville is an ideal option for families with parents who work downtown. Express service during rush hour has commuters to Chicago’s city center in about 40 minutes.
Combined with its other amenities and given its diverse housing options, potential homeowners who may be buying their first home, wanting to upsize or downsize, or are heading into retirement should definitely consider looking closely at Naperville and all it has to offer.
