Naperville is proud to be America’s best city for the second year, making it a top choice for homebuyers nationwide. This lively community has 149,167 residents and is located just 28 miles west of Chicago. People are often amazed by its excellent quality of life.

The city’s consistent top ranking comes from its remarkable features. Naperville stands out for its award-winning school districts, over 130 parks, and strong economy. Life in Naperville, IL, brings together suburban peace and urban convenience. The cost of living index 129.6 shows its premium position among Illinois’s finest places.

This piece will show you everything about making Naperville your new home in 2025. You should move here for better career prospects, quality education, or family life. We’ll help you understand the housing market. We’ll also recommend the best neighborhoods. This Chicago suburb is America’s most desired city.

Why Naperville Tops the Best Places to Live in Illinois Rankings

The data tells a compelling story about why Naperville is one of America’s most desirable locations. Let’s examine what makes this Chicago suburb appealing to current residents and newcomers.

The data behind Naperville’s #1 national ranking

For two years, Naperville has claimed the coveted #1 spot on Niche’s “Best Cities to Live in America” list. This top ranking comes as no surprise. The city received A grades in seven of twelve assessed areas, including public schools, housing, jobs, and family-friendliness.

Naperville’s excellence shows up consistently. The city topped multiple rankings simultaneously – it’s the best city to raise a family and has the best public schools in America. Niche awarded Naperville an overall grade of A+ based on their thorough data analysis and feedback from more than 755 residents.

How Naperville compares to other Chicago suburbs

Naperville leads the pack in Illinois communities. The city ranked #1 out of 635 locations on Illinois’s list of best living places. Clarendon Hills and Hinsdale took the second and third spots, respectively.

The city’s excellence extends beyond Illinois. Naperville ranks as the #1 suburb among 293 Chicago-area communities. On their LivScore system, Livability gave the town an impressive 862 points out of 1,000, placing it among the nation’s top five cities. This score shows improvement from 841 in 2023.

What residents say about living in Naperville, IL

Residents’ experiences back up these impressive statistics. Many praise the city’s education system, with one resident noting that “the schools are top notch”. Many appreciate the convenience. They say it’s “a commuter rail that is easily accessible and fast” for Chicago residents.

The community spirit also gets high marks. A reviewer described Naperville as having “a wonderful community feel” while being “very safe and clean.” The city maintains what another resident called “the Mayberry charm of a small town” despite its population of about 149,000.

Naperville’s Standout Features: Beyond the Rankings

Naperville stands out as an extraordinary place to live, surpassing its impressive rankings. Let’s look at what makes this Chicago suburb unique for anyone planning to move here.

Award-winning school districts and education options

Education excellence shapes life in Naperville, IL. Naperville District 203 and Indian Prairie District 204 rank among America’s top 50 school districts, at #41 and #29, respectively. Each district earned an A+ grade from Niche and shines bright in academics, teaching quality, and college prep. Kennedy Junior High is the best middle school in Illinois. It ranks 87th out of 26,130 schools nationwide. Districts 203 and 204 claim 26 spots on Illinois’s top 50 elementary schools list.

The Riverwalk and downtown experience

The Riverwalk, Naperville’s “Crown Jewel,” stretches 1.75 miles along the DuPage River. This lovely path features fountains, bridges, outdoor sculptures, and fun spots that attract visitors from across the Midwest. Downtown Naperville is just 30 minutes from Chicago and offers more than 150 stores, spas, and restaurants in a charming historic setting. Residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life thanks to this perfect blend of natural beauty and city amenities.

Safety statistics and family-friendly environment

The safety numbers show why families love calling Naperville home. The city proves 83% safer than other U.S. cities, with a low crime rate of 3.81 per 1,000 residents. Your odds of facing violent crime here are just 1 in 1,565. The first half of 2023 saw zero homicides. Residents often say they feel “very safe” in their neighborhood.

Job market and economic opportunities

Naperville’s economy thrives with a median household income of $143,754, which doubles the national average. Health Care leads employment with 15,254 workers, followed by Professional Services at 13,683, and Retail Trade with 10,531 workers. The city’s AAA bond rating shows its strong financial health. Workers earn $74,307 on average annually, and a growing job market keeps drawing professionals to one of Illinois’ best places to live.

Understanding Naperville’s Cost of Living in 2025

The price tag that comes with living in Naperville shows why it ranks among Illinois’s best places to live. Looking at the actual costs will help you decide if a move to Naperville aligns with your budget in 2025.

Housing market trends and home buying tips

The Naperville housing market shows mixed signals in 2025. The median home price is $500,000, a 5.7% drop from last year. The median price per square foot went up 7.4% to $248. Prices vary by neighborhood, from $522,500 to $576,367.

Redfin gives Naperville’s market a score of 52/100, rating it “somewhat competitive.” Most homes get 3-4 offers and sell within 19-47 days[142]. Sellers usually get 98.5-99.5% of their asking price[142].

Buyers looking at Naperville in 2025 should know mortgage rates average 6.8%. Getting pre-approved is a vital step before you start house hunting. Your budget should include property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and upkeep costs.

Tax considerations for new residents

The property tax rate in Naperville stands at 0.6463, reaching its lowest point in over 50 years. A home valued at the median price of $433,400 comes with an $863 city property tax bill. This amount represents just one part of your total property tax.

You can reduce your tax burden through various exemptions. The General Homestead Exemption cuts your equalized assessed value by $8,000. Senior citizens qualify for extra exemptions.

Naperville residents also pay other taxes: a 1% sales tax, a 1% food and beverage tax, a 5.5% hotel tax, and a $0.04 per gallon local gas tax.

Daily expenses compared to Chicago and other suburbs

Naperville ranks in the top 9% of expensive cities worldwide. Your money goes further here than in Chicago for some expenses. Chicago’s rent costs 21.6% more than Naperville. A one-bedroom apartment in downtown Naperville costs $1,950, while Chicago averages $2,361.

Eating out costs less in Naperville. An essential meal runs about $15 compared to Chicago’s $25. Utility bills run lower in Naperville, though Chicago offers cheaper internet service.

The premium price reflects the quality of life that makes Naperville, IL, worth calling home for many residents.

Naperville Neighborhood Guide: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Finding the right neighborhood matters greatly when moving to America’s #1 city. Each area of Naperville has its charm and benefits that match different lifestyles and budgets.

Downtown and historic districts

Naperville’s heart features about 320 properties within the local historic district, which is 39 years old and includes part of North Central College and 253 homes. This area showcases architectural examples that add to the city’s character and economic strength. The federal historic district, which is 48 years old, spans even further with 492 contributing buildings.

A downtown Naperville home puts you just steps from over 150 shops, restaurants, and the Metra train station. The historic homes here showcase various styles, such as Victorian, Four-Square, and Cape Cod, many dating back to the 1860s. Neighbors often chat while they relax on their front porches.

Family-oriented communities

Several neighborhoods stand out for families. White Eagle, 38 years old, has homes from $200,000 to $1.3 million with great amenities like an Arnold Palmer golf course, a country club, an outdoor pool, and three parks.

Ashbury has grown over the last several years to more than 1,000 homes ($350,000-$600,000) and features an aquatic center, swim club, and clubhouse. Tall Grass (16 years old) offers custom-built dwellings ($450,000-$900,000) with tennis courts, volleyball facilities, and parks.

Hobson West (48 years old, $200,000-$550,000) and Riverwoods (40+ years old, $450,000-$650,000) are other family favorites that come with swim and tennis clubs plus community activities.

Luxury developments and newer neighborhoods

Naperville’s luxury market stays strong in 2025. “The West End” stands out with high-end homes that feature elevators, fitness centers, and rooftop entertainment spaces with downtown Naperville views. Corner lots here cost $3.2 million, while central lots go for $3 million.

New construction buyers can check out Naper Commons, which has single-family homes 4 miles north of downtown in a top-rated school district. Naperville Polo Club offers single-family homes and townhomes in the Plainfield 202 school district.

These luxury spots let residents enjoy all of Naperville’s excellent amenities in a peaceful setting, so they rank among the best places to live in Illinois.

Practical Steps for Moving to Naperville in 2025

Moving to America’s #1 city requires careful planning and preparation. However, your transition to one of Illinois’s best living places can be smooth with the correct timeline and local connections.

Timeline and planning checklist

Start planning your Naperville move 3-4 months in advance. First, create a detailed moving budget that covers all expenses—moving costs, security deposits, and utility setup fees. Book movers early to secure the best rates if you move during peak season (May through September).

Your pre-move checklist should include:

1. Notifying USPS about your address change
2. Transferring utilities before arrival
3. Researching Naperville neighborhoods if you haven’t selected one
4. Organizing packing materials and creating customized checklists

Before you move, learn about Naperville to better understand local amenities and neighborhood options.

Connecting with local resources

Naperville’s official website provides information designed specifically for new residents. For complete assistance, dial 211, a 24/7 service that connects you with DuPage County resources and social services. The helpline offers texting services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

DuPage County Community Services department (630-407-6500) provides excellent support with housing payment assistance, utility bill help, and transportation services for medical appointments. Local neighborhood resource centers are financial, educational, and social support foundations.

First-month essentials for new residents

Naperville is 91% safer than the national average, making safety a top priority. The city offers family-friendly attractions like Centennial Beach, where you can swim and picnic. Riverwalk Park provides playgrounds, walking trails, and paddleboat rentals.

Families should learn about Naperville’s 28 top-rated schools. These include 6 preschools, 15 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 2 high schools. The historic Naper Settlement showcases over 30 historic structures in an outdoor history museum.

Naperville’s walkability score is 34 100, so you’ll need a vehicle in most areas. However, some neighborhoods offer more pedestrian-friendly environments and less traffic congestion.

Conclusion

Naperville combines suburban comfort with urban amenities, making it one of Illinois’s best places to live. The cost of living shows its premium status. The city’s excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and strong job market make it worth every penny.

Moving to America’s #1 city requires proper planning because the housing market is competitive. The Chicago Property Sisters can help you find the right neighborhood for your lifestyle and budget.

Naperville will surpass your expectations with its top-rated schools, career opportunities, and family-friendly communities. Many families choose this outstanding Chicago suburb as their home because of its consistent top rankings, economic strength, and active community life.

A smooth transition to Naperville depends on good preparation and local connections. The best approach is to plan and get to know the various neighborhoods. Your choice to live in Naperville sets you up for a lavish lifestyle in one of America’s most sought-after cities.