Naperville, ILBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Located on the outskirts of Chicago, Naperville residents have it all. Top-rated schools, pristine parks and a bustling downtown offer a high quality of life at an affordable cost, and the city also fosters a vibrant, inclusive community.
Naperville, IL, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Naperville, IL, is often considered one of the best places to live in the U.S., and it’s not hard to see why. This charming western suburb of Chicago has all the hallmarks of a great community: Top-notch schools (seriously, they are among the best in Illinois), an excellent safety record (it was recently named the safest city in America) and one of the best libraries in the entire country. It can also boast a highly-rated hospital, which means you won’t typically need to head into the big city to receive an excellent standard of care.
But what makes Naperville stand out from the rest of the small towns and suburbs around the country is its commitment to community and voluntarism. In fact, one of the most beloved areas of Naperville — the Riverwalk, which is about a 2-mile stretch of gorgeous trails and event spaces alongside the DuPage River — was actually developed by volunteers. Various community get-togethers and festivals, like farmers markets and concerts, keep residents connected. In addition, the city of just under 150,000 is the perfect mix of big-city attractions and small-town magic, and the cost of living is lower than the neighboring Windy City.
Getting around is easy. Naperville residents have access to both a bus service and commuter rails. In addition, O’Hare International, Midway International, DuPage and Aurora Municipal airports are all reasonably close by if your travels take you further from home.
Naperville, IL Quality of Life LivScore
Naperville, IL Top Categories
Health
Safety
Education
Naperville ranks highest for health, safety and education.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Naperville, IL
Naperville experiences blustery winters — with lows that reach down to the lower teens – but you get 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 36 inches and typically occurs between November and March.
The average annual rainfall in Naperville is around 38 inches, with July being the wettest month.
Naperville averages 195 sunny days a year.
Head to beloved Centennial Beach, which is a former limestone quarry turned swimming pool. The pool has been entertaining swimmers since its creation in the 1930s (thanks to a WPA project).
Naperville Weather
195 days
Average Annual Sun
38 inches
Average Annual Rain
36 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Naperville, IL
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 that is the DuPage Children’s Museum, where they can work with tools, explore toddler tunnels and create their next masterpiece.
Live music, hand-cut steaks, craft cocktails — all in the adorable historic district of Naperville? Your sweetie is sure to be impressed at Sullivan’s Steakhouse.
Whether you want a classic iced coffee or something more adventurous like a pistachio rose latte, Yogi’s is the place to get your caffeine fix in Naperville.
The Local and State Economy in Naperville, IL
Health care, education and professional services are the dominant industries in Naperville, and Edward-Elmhurst Health, Indian Prairie School District 204 and Nokia are all major employers.
In 2023, 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.
Quick Facts About Naperville, IL
- Median Household Income
- $129,555
- Median Home Value
- $438,434
- Average State Property Tax
- $4,744
- Total Population
- 149,293
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,415
- Average Commute
- 25.51 minutes
Top-notch schools, an excellent safety record and ease of getting around contribute to Naperville’s inclusion as a best place to live in the U.S. Read more about what makes Naperville special and also consider other communities near Chicago. Another moving resource: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.