4 Things to Know Before Moving to Naperville IL
Scroll through any number of online ranking sites that rate communities across the United States on livability, affordability, and economy, and you’ll find the city of Naperville, Illinois starring on that list. The city with a population of 145,058 is routinely ranked among the Top 10 Cities to call home in the US.
In fact, as of 2017 the city was ranked the 2nd Best City to Live in America by Niche, a neighborhood ranking company. So, if you’re thinking about moving to Naperville, here’s a helpful guide full of the information you need to finalize your decision.
Quick Facts about Napervile, IL
Naperville is located along the DuPage River, which was the lifeblood of the city in the past when it was little more than a modest mill town. Today, the town in the western suburbs of Chicago boasts a good unemployment rate of 5.2%, median home prices of $370,700, and an average commute time of just 20.47 minutes. Not a bad commute given the city’s proximity to the congested freeways around Chicago.
Moving to Naperville, IL for the Economic Hub
As part of the greater Chicago area, Naperville was part of an economy that originated as a transport center in 19th and 20th century America. It was the crossroads of cargo headed west for settlers and agriculture heading east to feed the major population centers of America. Today, Naperville has a commercial and manufacturing economy that stands out for size and diversity, and is still part of the massive transportation hub that has grown around the region’s rail network and the major airports of Chicago O’Hare International and Midway airports.
There are 30 Fortune 500 companies located in and around Naperville, and you’ll find plenty of high-paying jobs awaiting in Naperville. Among the major employers in town are Edward Hospital with 5,800 employees, Nicor Gas with 2,000 employees, and Nokia with 1,800 employees.
A Family-Friendly Town
Naperville has one of the highest percentages of children as part of the population among American cities, and there are plenty of things to do to keep your children occupied throughout the year. In the summer, you can take the kids to Centennial Beach, an outdoor swimming pool with a sandy beach, diving boards, and picnic areas. Community leadership has invested heavily in programs geared toward children too, with Easter Egg hunts annually hosted by the city, DuPage Children’s Museum offering hands-on learning experiences, and outdoor concerts and symphonies throughout the year.
The Riverwalk is a 1.75 mile stretch of the DuPage River in the heart of town that offers covered bridges, fountains, and public art. Downtown Naperville has a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and opportunities to stroll through historic areas of town. Downtown is also home to North Central College, which hosts performing arts shows year round. Brookfield Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States, and is also located nearby to Naperville.
Where to Live when Moving to Naperville, IL
Naperville is one of the more expensive places to live in the United States, but the cost of housing is worth it when you realize that 88% of local students go on to graduate from college. There are a lot of options when it comes to neighborhoods to call home, with the following among the Top 10 in Naperville:
- Acorn Hill Estates: The single-family homes in this neighborhood were built in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Ashbury: This unique neighborhood was built in the early and mid-1990s with 1,000 single-family homes on 514 acres of land. The neighborhood has its own aquatic center, tennis courts, and ball fields.
- Carillon Club: For older adults looking to downsize their life in a move to Naperville, Carillon Club is an active 55+ only townhome community built in the late 2010s.
When Moving to Naperville, IL, Choose You Move Me
You Move Me is a local Naperville moving company that can help you every step of the way in your move. We offer professional packing services and carefully, efficiently move you to your new home in Naperville. Call us today for help with your move to Naperville.
