Reviews & Comments
Naperville, IL
Suburban Sprawl -
7/12/2006Since My own observations in the early 1990s, Naperville has grown in affluence and total population size having almost doubled in size in a mere decade. Owing to the sometimes blind obsession of 'raising kids right' many have chosen this area for the purposes of child rearing owing to the reports recieved about local schooling. However, schools aside, there is much to do, that is, if you have the money. It is not uncommon to spot recently initiated drivers behind the wheel of Ferraris or a new Lexus, nor is it common to see individuals without the latest gadgets or cellphone attachment while driving such vehicles. Given the influx of affluence this is to be expected, however strip away the short tempered, arrogent and impatient majority and the town retains it's small town charm. Centered around the oldest part of the city (simply called 'downtown' or with the prefix "The"), Naperville's main hub resides around two main streets, Jefferson Avenue and Chicago avenue. Inbetween these one can find at least three Starbucks (within visual range of one another), Upscale clothing retail, and all major Yuppie trendsetting resturants including the Mongolian BBQ chain and "Potbellies" nestled within these two streets. Although originally home to local businesses, with the rising affluence, few original locally owned stores remain including two Antique malls, a Furnature store, two bookstores (Which have been overshadowed by a Local Barnes and Noble/Starbucks), and little else. Expanded further with the installation of Condominiums ranging in the half a million dollar price range, congestion has suffered and it is inadvisable to drive, due to the sheet number and bulk of vehicles (in an era of Gasoline conscieness, Naperville is a postchild for the Hummer Generation.) Local activities include Cellphones, Starbucks, Working off excess weight through the nearby hospital which specializes in weight related illness, and the rarely used Centennial Beach, a former rock quarry turned Swimming hole. Managed by the Naperville Park District, which hosts classes and leagues for children and their often times vocally belligerant parents, a wide variety of sports such as basketball, baseball, local football, and even Mass group lead martial arts. Holding onto that 'small town' charm, Thursdays in the Summer are host to the Naperville Bandshell's classical outdoor concerts held at a bandshell located off of Jefferson. If one feels disinclined to the Cellphone using, Ga
Naperville, IL
A location of diversity -
7/12/2006Having lived in the town of Naperville since 1989 it would be wrong to state that the climate is either too hot or too cold. Instead, Naperville is a city which experiences on average a wide shift of weather conditions and the ambient temperature that comes with them. Due to it's location and relative topography, Naperville is exposed to traditional Midwestern weather in addition to the occasional shift brought on by Lake Michigan. Temperatures in the summer traditionally hover around the mid to high 80s, but the region has had the occasional extreme day in which temperatures reach triple digits, though these are traditionally limited to a couple times a year. Winter (especially January) is a period in which Arctic air from Canada is known to push down into the region and keep temperatures well below freezing. Coupled with the ever present 'wind chill' factor that comes with living in the Midwest, temperatures can often times go below zero degrees and in extreme conditions as low as -40 F. Yearly percipitation is to be expected with an emphasis on Spring being the primary season of rainfall. Additionally, Humidity should be considered as a factor in the spring and summer weather as relative humidity can reach high levels (as has been seen this July) making warm temperatures even more difficult to live in. In summation, the weather of the region is neither hot nor cold, nor temperate, but a mix of extremes.