Illinois Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Naperville, Illinois

Population: 136,400

Located in Will County

Naperville is a beautiful city which covers approximately 35 square miles and has vast amounts of "green-space" including parks, forest preserves and golf-courses. It is vibrant, teeming with activity, with a downtown area and community spirit reminiscent of small town America. Naperville grew from a small settlement of 180 residents in 1831 to 137000 resident in 2005.

One of the most respected of the 350+ communities which make up the Chicago metropolitan area. Its citizens point with pride to its highly-rated schools (Districts 203 and 204), low crime rate and recent designation by Zero Population Growth as the "Most Kid-Friendly City in America". They also confide that it is really the "little things" that make Naperville a great place to live like viaducts and overpasses at all but a few rail crossings as mandated to avoid traffic delays. The Riverwalk, Centennial Beach and Naper Settlement; downtown establishments ranging from locally-owned shops to branches of high-end national retail chains. World-class restaurants; annually-scheduled/family-oriented events including the Ribfest and Last Fling.

Major corporations including Lucent Technologies, BP Amoco and Nicor are headquartered here as are literally hundreds of smaller businesses. This strong commercial base allows the city to provide top-notch services for its residents while remaining competitive with its sister communities "tax-wise".

The Riverwalk was built and dedicated in 1981 as a celebration of Naperville’s Sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary. Embraced as a gathering place, it has become a focal point of the community, drawing visitors from far and wide to take in its beauty; it is recognized as one of the most picturesque spots in the Midwest. Its covered bridges, fountains, lush landscaping and distinctive shepherd’s crook light poles aptly tie Naperville’s historic past as the oldest settlement in DuPage County to the city’s present. There also are many historic aspects of the Riverwalk that honor individuals and families for their contributions to the building of the community.

LETTER FROM THE MAYOR:

Welcome to Naperville! Whether you're planning on visiting Naperville, or if you are currently here in town,I'm glad you and your family thought of making Naperville a stop on your vacation, and I hope your stay is a pleasant one. Naperville, the oldest city in Dupage county, is also one of the most dynamic communities in the country. Historice charm abounds through the downtown with a blend of quaint shops and well-known retail stores. The city keeps its rich history alive by preserving its chronicled past, yet remains on the cutting edge of tchnology with a high tech corporate corridor. Discover "city styles and smalltown smiles" in the shops and restaurants along tree-lined streets in the charming downtown. Stroll the antique shops, unique boutiques and dine in one of the many fine restaurants. Meander down the Riverwalk, five miles of winding brick paths along the Dupage River, or journey through time to a place where pioneer and Victorian days live on at Naper Settlement, a 19th century Naperville willage, or spend your time at the DuPage Children's Museum. Naperville boasts wonderful educational opportunities with its two nationally recognized school districts and North Central College. Naperville also has had the distinction of being rated " The Best Place to Live in the Central United States." And, the library system was selected as number one in the country for six consecutive years. Visit our landmarks and experience our quality of life for yourself. I think you'll agree that Naperville is truly one of the most exciting and diverse communities to visit or call home.

Sincerely,

A. George Pradel
Mayor of Naperville