Naperville

Welcome to Naperville

Located in the western suburbs of Chicago, Naperville is a picturesque community with all of the comforts you could ever need or desire. The area is home to a thriving population of 147,501 and is situated in both DuPage and Will Counties. In addition to having top conveniences and amenities, including fantastic shopping and dining, Naperville has many excellent attractions—including the DuPage Children’s Museum and the Naper Settlement.

One of the reasons Naperville is such a sought-after spot to relocate is its outstanding public schools. From pre-kindergarten through high school, children can attend award-winning schools just minutes from home. Families also love the abundance of parks and playgrounds in the surrounding area.

As you explore homes in Naperville, you’ll find many gorgeous properties. Everything from sprawling single-family builds to palatial dream homes is available on the market. The current median list price for homes in this city is $474,900.

What to Love

• Exceptional public schools
• Unparalleled conveniences and amenities
• Numerous parks, playgrounds, attractions, and golf courses
  

History

Naperville, Illinois, traces its roots to 1831, when Joseph Naper—a shipbuilder from Ohio—settled along the banks of the DuPage River with his family and a group of pioneers. Originally known as Naper’s Settlement, the town quickly grew into a vital hub due to its location along key trade routes and proximity to Chicago. By 1857, it was incorporated as a village, laying the foundation for what would become one of the largest and most desirable suburbs in the Chicago metropolitan area.

A central landmark in Naperville’s historical narrative is Naper Settlement, a 13-acre outdoor history museum that preserves 30 historic buildings, offering immersive insight into 19th-century life. Architecturally, Naperville blends classic Midwestern charm with the elegance of Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman-style homes—many of which can still be admired in the Historic District near downtown.

As Naperville expanded through the 20th century, thoughtful planning and civic engagement helped preserve its historic core while ushering in new developments. Today, it stands as a model of suburban growth that honors its past while embracing innovation and diversity.

Local Culture

Naperville’s local culture is a dynamic blend of Midwestern warmth, civic pride, and intellectual energy. Home to a vibrant arts scene, the city supports a variety of creatives—from muralists and sculptors to writers and musicians. Institutions like the Naperville Art League and Wentz Concert Hall serve as platforms for local and touring artists, fostering a community where creativity is both celebrated and supported.

Annual events like the Naperville Ale Fest, Last Fling, and Naperville Independent Film Festival punctuate the city’s calendar, drawing residents and visitors together in celebration of music, food, and cinema. The Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, hosted along Naperville’s scenic Riverwalk, is particularly notable—featuring nationally acclaimed artists and attracting thousands each year.

Civic engagement and philanthropy are also central to Naperville’s identity. Local nonprofits such as Loaves & Fishes Community Services and Little Friends play a pivotal role in serving vulnerable populations, while organizations like KidsMatter focus on youth empowerment. This culture of service, combined with a strong emphasis on education and wellness, contributes to Naperville’s reputation as not just a place to live—but a community to belong to.

Local Attractions

Naperville is rich in attractions that reflect both its natural beauty and community spirit. At the heart of it all is the iconic Naperville Riverwalk—a mile-and-a-half stretch of brick paths, fountains, covered bridges, and sculptures winding along the DuPage River. Often called the "crown jewel" of the city, the Riverwalk is a favorite spot for walking, picnicking, or simply taking in the scenery.

Just a short walk away is the Centennial Beach, a historic stone quarry turned swimming hole that’s been delighting residents since 1931. With its sandy beach, diving boards, and lap lanes, it’s a unique feature that blends recreation with a nod to Naperville’s past.

Nature lovers flock to Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve and Knoch Knolls Park for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Families enjoy Whalon Lake, which offers kayaking and a dog park, while golfers have access to several premier courses, including Springbrook Golf Course and Cress Creek Country Club—a private, member-owned club known for its championship-level greens and family-friendly amenities.

Public art installations, historical statues, and the picturesque Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon add visual richness to the cityscape, making Naperville both walkable and wonderfully photogenic.

Dining & Entertainment

Naperville’s dining scene is as diverse and sophisticated as its residents. Downtown Naperville is a culinary destination, offering everything from upscale dining to cozy local gems. For elevated experiences, Sullivan’s Steakhouse delivers classic cuts in a stylish setting, while Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House is renowned for its seafood and cocktails. Craving Italian? La Sorella di Francesca serves rustic pasta dishes in an intimate atmosphere.

Local favorites include Egg Harbor Café for breakfast, Mesón Sabika—a beautiful Spanish tapas restaurant housed in a historic mansion, and Quiubo, a modern Mexican eatery with a creative twist. For globally inspired fare, SanguCHE offers authentic Peruvian sandwiches, and Vasili’s brings Greek cuisine with a contemporary flair.

Entertainment is never far, with Paramount Theatre just minutes away in Aurora offering Broadway-quality productions, while North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall hosts concerts, lectures, and cultural events. For a more casual night out, Two Brothers Barrel House combines craft beer, live music, and hearty fare, while Hollywood Palms Cinema offers a full-service movie-going experience with tableside food and drinks.

Whether it’s a romantic date night, a family dinner, or catching live music on a weekend, Naperville offers entertainment options that suit every mood and palate.

Parks & Recreation

Naperville is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an abundance of green spaces, trails, and recreational amenities that promote a healthy, active lifestyle. The city boasts over 130 parks, managed by the award-winning Naperville Park District, each offering a mix of scenic beauty and recreational opportunity.

Knock Knolls Nature Center anchors a 224-acre park with extensive hiking and biking trails that weave through woodlands and along the confluence of the DuPage River’s east and west branches. The park also offers a disc golf course, nature-themed playgrounds, and educational exhibits that spotlight local ecosystems.

For beach lovers, Centennial Beach is a summer favorite, offering sandy shores, diving boards, and zero-depth entry zones ideal for kids. It’s the go-to spot for swimming, lounging, or catching a sunset by the water.

Equestrians and cross-country skiers appreciate Greene Valley Forest Preserve, where designated trails wind through rolling hills and prairies. Springbrook Prairie is another highlight, with nearly 2,000 acres of open space and a 5.5-mile loop trail perfect for jogging, biking, or birdwatching.

Naperville’s commitment to wellness extends beyond its green spaces. The city is home to a thriving fitness community with options for every lifestyle—from state-of-the-art gyms like Fort Hill Fitness to boutique studios offering yoga, spin, barre, and HIIT classes. Many facilities are integrated into local park district programs, making it easy for residents to blend indoor and outdoor routines year-round. Whether you're training for a marathon, lifting weights, or just starting your wellness journey, Naperville offers something for every fitness level.

It’s also a fantastic city for pet owners. With multiple dog-friendly parks, trails, and even pet-welcoming restaurants, residents can easily include their furry companions in their daily lives. Whalon Lake Dog Park and Greene Valley Off-Leash Area are popular weekend destinations, while many neighborhoods feature walking paths perfect for strolls with your pup. From pet supply boutiques to dog-friendly events,

Families benefit from a wide variety of sports leagues, community events, and fitness programs offered year-round. From tennis courts to skate parks to inclusive playgrounds, Naperville's outdoor offerings invite residents of all ages to get out and explore.

Schools & Education

Education is one of Naperville’s strongest assets, consistently ranking among the top suburbs in Illinois for academic achievement. The city is served primarily by two highly acclaimed public school systems: Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204. Both are nationally recognized for academic excellence, strong extracurricular programs, and high graduation rates.

District 203 includes top-performing schools like Naperville Central High School and Naperville North High School, both of which have earned distinctions from U.S. News & World Report. Meanwhile, District 204’s Neuqua Valley High School, Waubonsie Valley, and Metea Valley are also celebrated for academic rigor, STEM programming, and outstanding arts and athletics.

Private education is equally strong. Benet Academy, a Catholic college-prep high school just outside the city, maintains a stellar reputation, while All Saints Catholic Academy, The Montessori School of Naperville, and Chesterbrook Academy offer specialized curricula for younger students.

Naperville is also home to North Central College, a respected liberal arts institution that adds a collegiate energy to the area and provides continuing education and cultural enrichment for the wider community.

With its robust mix of public and private institutions, Naperville offers families confidence and choice—making it a top destination for those prioritizing education.

Commute & Accessibility

Naperville strikes an ideal balance between suburban comfort and metropolitan connectivity, making it a top choice for professionals and families alike. Located about 30 miles west of downtown Chicago, it offers convenient access to the city while maintaining a quieter, more relaxed pace of life.

For commuters, Naperville is exceptionally well-connected. The city is served by two Metra BNSF Line stations—Naperville Station and Route 59 Station—providing direct rail service to Union Station in downtown Chicago in about 45–55 minutes. Trains run frequently during rush hours, making it a popular choice for those working in the city.

By car, Interstate 88 (Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway) and Interstate 355 provide quick highway access to the greater Chicagoland area. Major arterial roads like Route 59, Ogden Avenue (U.S. Route 34), and Washington Street ensure smooth travel within Naperville and to neighboring suburbs.

For air travel, residents are within 30–40 minutes of both O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, depending on traffic. The nearby DuPage Airport also serves private and business aviation needs.

Public transportation within the city is supported by Pace Bus routes and a well-planned infrastructure of pedestrian-friendly paths and bike lanes—ideal for local errands, school commutes, or Riverwalk strolls.

Real Estate in Naperville

Naperville offers a diverse and highly desirable real estate market that caters to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. From historic homes near downtown to new-build estates in emerging subdivisions, there’s something for everyone in this well-rounded community.

In Downtown Naperville, you'll find charming vintage homes, bungalows, and custom-built properties with walkable access to boutiques, restaurants, and the Riverwalk. This area appeals to buyers who value character, location, and convenience.

To the south and west, master-planned communities like Ashwood Park, Tall Grass, and White Eagle Club offer larger homes, newer construction, and resort-style amenities like clubhouses, pools, and tennis courts. These neighborhoods often attract families looking for space and access to top-rated District 204 schools.

Condos, townhomes, and maintenance-free living options are also widely available—ideal for downsizers, young professionals, or those seeking second homes with less upkeep.

Real estate in Naperville remains competitive thanks to its school districts, safety, parks, and overall livability. Whether you're searching for a cozy starter home or a luxury estate, Naperville’s market is both stable and dynamic.

Browse real estate in Naperville, IL:

• Naperville Homes for Sale
• Naperville Luxury Homes for Sale
• Naperville Condos for Sale
• Naperville Lands for Sale

Architectural Styles

Naperville’s architectural landscape is a showcase of both historical preservation and contemporary design. The city's growth over nearly two centuries is reflected in its eclectic mix of homes, each telling a story of its era and the evolving needs of its residents.

In the Historic District near Downtown Naperville, you’ll find a concentration of Queen Anne, Victorian, and Colonial Revival homes—many restored to maintain their original charm. These properties often feature wraparound porches, intricate woodwork, and period-appropriate details that appeal to lovers of traditional craftsmanship and architectural heritage.

Moving outward, mid-century and Ranch-style homes dominate many established neighborhoods, offering single-story layouts and large lots ideal for families or downsizers. In newer developments, Craftsman, Transitional, and Modern Farmhouse designs are common, blending classic aesthetics with open-concept interiors, energy efficiency, and smart-home integration.

Luxury custom builds in neighborhoods like Ashwood Park or Tamarack South often lean into Contemporary, French Country, and Mediterranean Revival styles—featuring grand façades, stucco exteriors, and expansive outdoor spaces. Builders like King’s Court Builders and DJK Custom Homes have left a signature touch across these upscale areas.

Architecturally, Naperville is defined by thoughtful variety. Whether you're drawn to stately columns, steep gables, or sleek modern lines, there's a design language here that resonates with nearly every aesthetic.

Most Coveted Streets & Estates

Naperville is known not just for its neighborhoods, but for the micro-locations that carry an extra layer of prestige, walkability, or historical significance.

Ellsworth Street, Columbia Street, and Center Street, nestled in the Historic District, are some of the most beloved blocks in the city—lined with mature trees, century-old homes, and just steps from the Riverwalk and downtown. These streets are coveted for their charm, tight-knit community feel, and proximity to boutique shopping and dining.

Further west, Wehrli Road and Knoch Knolls Road border estates with sprawling lots and private lake access, often within gated communities or custom enclaves. White Eagle Drive, part of the exclusive White Eagle Club, is synonymous with golf course views and resort-style living.

In south Naperville, Book Road and 87th Street corridors house some of the most expansive newer builds, often within master-planned communities featuring private parks, pools, and trails.

Locals often refer to high-value pockets with names like "The Golden Triangle" (near downtown, North Central College, and the Riverwalk) or the "Ashwood Collection", where high-end homes and strong school zoning converge.

Who is Naperville For?

Naperville is ideal for those who want it all—top-tier schools, green spaces, cultural amenities, and access to Chicago—all wrapped in a safe, community-focused atmosphere.

• Young Families: Drawn to the excellent public school systems (Districts 203 & 204), family events, and countless parks and programs tailored to children of all ages.
• Commuting Professionals: Appreciate the Metra access, proximity to I-88, and Naperville’s growing tech and business park presence, all while enjoying suburban serenity.
• Upsizers & Executives: Seek luxury living in private enclaves or golf course communities like White Eagle and Tamarack, with room to entertain and grow.
• Empty Nesters & Retirees: Love the walkability of Downtown Naperville, access to healthcare, and the wide range of townhomes or maintenance-free living options.
• First-Time Buyers & Young Couples: Find value in Naperville’s western and southern neighborhoods, where starter homes and townhomes offer affordability without sacrificing quality of life.

Naperville is not just a suburb—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you're raising a family, downsizing, or investing in your forever home, it offers a compelling mix of stability, opportunity, and culture.

Best Naperville Neighborhoods

Looking for the perfect place to call home? Explore our Best Naperville Neighborhoods video series, featuring walk-throughs and insights on the city’s most beloved communities—from the charm of Downtown Naperville to resort-style living in golf course and pool & clubhouse communities.

Best Naperville Neighborhoods | Episode One | Downtown Naperville

Learn more about the Naperville Historic District, East Highlands, and West Downtown Naperville

Best Naperville Neighborhoods | Episode Two | Pool & Clubhouse Communities

Learn more about Brookdale, Saybrook, and Hobson West

Best Naperville Neighborhoods | Episode Three | Golf Course Communities

Learn more about Cress Creek, White Eagle, and Tamarak

Best Naperville Neighborhoods | Episode Four | Exploring the Naperville Lifestyle

Learn more about the Naperville lifestyle and all that this incredible suburb has to offer residents

Resource Guides

• City of Naperville
• Naperville Park District
• Naperville Visitors Bureau