Naperville, Illinois is located 28 miles west of Chicago in DuPage and Will counties. With a population of over 147,000 as of the 2010 census, it is the fourth largest city in Illinois behind Chicago, Aurora and Rockford. Naperville was originally founded in 1831 and quickly became an important farming community due to its fertile soil and proximity to the DuPage River. Today, Naperville has grown into a thriving suburban city with a vibrant downtown, bustling economy and excellent public schools.
Population and Demographics
Naperville has experienced rapid growth over the past few decades. Between 2000 and 2010, the population grew by over 38%. Much of this growth came from families attracted to Naperville’s safe neighborhoods, highly-ranked schools and abundance of parks, trails and recreational activities. According to census data, about 79% of Naperville’s population is White, 11% is Asian, 6% is Hispanic/Latino and 3% is Black or African American. The median household income is over $112,000, well above the national average, and only 3% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Economy and Major Employers
Naperville has one of the strongest economies in the Midwest, with unemployment rates consistently lower than national averages. Some of the major employers in Naperville include:
- Tellabs – Telecommunications networking equipment
- BP America – National HQ, Oil & Gas
- ConAgra Foods – Packaged foods company HQ
- Alcatel-Lucent – Telecom research and development
- Argonne National Laboratory – Science and engineering research lab
Other large employers are in the fields of healthcare, education, finance and insurance. The presence of these major corporations provides economic stability, sources of employment and contributes significant tax revenue to support municipal services.
Attractions and Entertainment
Naperville has a lovely historic downtown area right on the Riverwalk with over 100 shops, restaurants, galleries and other businesses. Some of the most popular attractions include:
- Naper Settlement – Outdoor history museum with colonial buildings
- Centennial Beach – Large beach along the DuPage River
- Naperville Riverwalk – Brick path along the river lined with fountains, artwork and outdoor dining
- Knoch Knolls Park – Large forest preserve with trails, playgrounds and natural areas
The city also offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities, festivals, concert series, sports leagues and summer camps. Key community events include the Last Fling festival over Labor Day weekend, Ribfest in the summer, and Christkindlmarket and Naper Lights during the winter holidays.
Schools
Naperville is known nationwide for its excellent public school system, which includes 18 elementary schools, 6 junior high schools, and 4 high schools. District 203 schools consistently rank among the best in Illinois and the U.S. according to measures of test scores, graduation rates, teacher quality and more. The city also has several highly-regarded private schools and parochial schools affiliated with the Catholic diocese.
Naperville is home to North Central College, a private liberal arts college founded in 1861 with over 65 undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs. Other nearby colleges include College of DuPage, Benedictine University, Lewis University and Aurora University.
Housing and Neighborhoods
There is a wide range of housing options throughout Naperville, from historic homes in the city center to new construction subdivisions on the outskirts. Popular neighborhoods include Central Park, Country Lakes, Ashbury and Mill Creek. The median home value is around $465,000, significantly higher than the national median. Due to the excellent schools and low crime rates, many families are willing to pay a premium to live in Naperville.
Parks and Recreation
Naperville is home to over 2,500 acres of public parkland, managed by the Naperville Park District. Some highlights include the Riverwalk, Centennial Park, Knoch Knolls Park, Commissioners Park, and Weigand Riverfront Park. There are over 130 parks with playgrounds, trails, athletic fields, dog parks, skate parks, golf courses and more.
The Park District also offers thousands of recreational and fitness programs for youth, adults and seniors. These include athletic leagues, arts classes, swimming lessons, summer camps and much more. The city’s plentiful parks and recreational amenities are a major benefit to Naperville residents.
In Conclusion
With its vibrant economy, low crime rates, top-ranked schools and abundant amenities, it’s easy to see why Naperville is considered one of the most desirable suburbs in the Chicago region. From raising a family to enjoying retirement, Naperville offers an excellent quality of life. If you’re thinking of moving to the Chicago suburbs, be sure to take a closer look at all that Naperville has to offer.