Naperville, IL
Why You’ll Love Living In Naperville, Illinois
Naperville, Illinois, is one of the largest suburbs of Chicago, but there’s much more to this burgeoning community than meets the eye. Its proximity to downtown is an obvious perk for commuters, and the great public transportation system reduces the amount of time you spend in the car each morning. But Naperville also offers job opportunities of its own in technology, education, health care and agriculture. Coupled with the abundance of restaurants, parks and cultural attractions, plus top-notch school systems, Naperville is one excellent place to put down roots.
Thinking of moving to Naperville, IL? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Naperville, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Naperville, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Naperville, IL, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Community is a hallmark of Naperville, IL, making the city stand out as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Furthermore, the city of nearly 150,000 people was recently named one of the safest cities in America. Not surprisingly, schools get high marks, as does the city’s public library, ranked among the country’s best. People can settle down here, raise a family, work and enjoy all that the community offers, not to mention that the cost of living is much lower than in nearby Windy City.
There’s a commitment to health, too, not only from the excellent hospital and health care options residents have access to but also an emphasis on being active. The Naperville Riverwalk, a 2-mile route along the DuPage River, offers trails, covered bridges, fountains and plenty of places to take in the beautiful surroundings. And true to its dedication to the community, it was developed by volunteers. The Riverwalk serves as a meeting space for festivals, get-togethers and concerts designed to keep everyone connected. Another plus is the ease of getting around, with commuter rail and bus service and O’Hare International, Midway International, DuPage and Aurora Municipal airports nearby.
Mix that sense of community with diverse restaurants, a vibrant arts scene, family-friendly activities and lively nightlife, and you can see why people want to call Naperville home.
Naperville, IL Quality of Life LivScore
Naperville, IL Top Categories
Health
Education
Housing & Cost of Living
Naperville ranks highest for health, education and housing.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Naperville, IL
Naperville experiences a blustery winter — with lows that reach the lower teens — but residents are rewarded with incredibly warm (but not too warm) summers. The average highs and lows are 82°F and 60°F (summer) and 34°F and 16°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Naperville is just over 29 inches per year.
The average annual rainfall in Naperville is around 39 inches, with July being the wettest month.
Naperville averages 200 sunny days a year.
Head to beloved Centennial Beach, a former limestone quarry turned swimming pool that has been entertaining swimmers since its creation in the 1930s (thanks to a WPA project).
Things To Do in Naperville, IL
Grab some friends and take your pups for a walk at Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve. Your four-legged friend will love spending time in a designated off-leash area or exploring the 7 miles of trails. Or, take a leisurely stroll through the Naperville historic district, which features 280 stunning houses in a variety of architectural styles like Cape Cod, four square and, of course, Victorian.
Take your kids to experience the magic of the DuPage Children’s Museum, where they can work with tools, explore toddler tunnels and create their next masterpiece.
Affectionately known as the “Crown Jewel of Naperville,” the Riverwalk is a breath of fresh air that beckons morning walkers, families out for a stroll, and runners looking to stretch their legs on the brick-paved paths along the DuPage River. Newcomers will find all manner of scenic views, fountains and art installations while strolling this nearly 2-mile path. Be sure to stop for an afternoon picnic at the Grand Pavilion.
Naperville has plenty to offer those seeking a little retail therapy. Downtown’s brick streets boast a charming collection of boutiques, specialty stores and national retailers, while the Main Street Promenade features a solid mix of pedestrian-friendly shops and restaurants. Fox Valley Mall is a popular regional shopping center with more department stores, and Naperville Plaza is the place to go if you want to peruse more locally-owned shops.
Narrowing down a place to go for dinner in Naperville is no small task. Consider choosing among Mesón Sabika, a Spanish tapas restaurant housed in a historic mansion; Catch 35, which specializes in seafood and steaks; or Jackson Avenue Pub, a popular sports bar with a pub-style menu and excellent cocktails.
Looking for live music and performing arts in Naperville? The Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College stands out among the crowd. Located in the heart of downtown, this hall hosts a variety of performances each season, ranging from classical concerts and jazz ensembles to theatrical productions and more.
Sip a fresh, flavorful cocktail (or two) at Zorba Cocktail Bar at Hotel Arista. The menu is full of delicious cocktails, and you can unwind from the day around the patio’s fire pit.
The Local and State Economy in Naperville, IL
Health care, education and professional services are the dominant industries in Naperville. Edward-Elmhurst Health, Indian Prairie School District 204 and Nokia are all major employers.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Naperville is 7.75%.
Yes, Illinois has a state income tax.
Naperville has several highly-rated health care providers, including Edward Hospital, a full-service hospital with a Level II trauma center, and DuPage Medical Group.
Students looking to continue their education in Naperville have access to North Central College.
Weather in Naperville, IL
Average Temperatures
59 high / 39 low
Average Annual Rainfall
39 in
Average Annual Snowfall
29 in
Quick Facts about Naperville, Illinois
- Median Home Value
- $433,840
- Median Property Tax
- $4,919
- Total Population
- 150,412
- Average Commute
- 25 min
- Median Household Income
- $148,213
- Median Monthly Rent
- $1,371
Map of Naperville, IL
Naperville, IL: Where to Live Now
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