Naperville, IL Reviews

People here don't know how good they have it - 3/17/2023
Naperville has a lot to offer. The schools are top notch, it is close to Chicago with a commuter rail that is easily accessible and fast, there are lots of parks and outdoor spaces, the downtown area is thriving, outside of downtown there are lots of conveniences like big box stores and little mom and pop places, there are tons of festivals, activities, and entertainment venues, it is moderately ethnically diverse, and there is Aurora and Bolingbrook nearby for a broader selection of diverse foods and experiences, and the housing is really affordable relative to comparable cities in other states. The problem with Naperville is that the people who live here have no idea how good they have it. People will ask you "Why did you move here?" and will look at you like your crazy. People who have left and come back understand that this place really has it all. There are just too many people who take it for granted. I'm really happy to live here and I've lived on all 3 coasts, both north and Read More

Downtown Naperville - 10/1/2022
Lived around the area my whole life, moved to the downtown Naperville 7 years ago and wow has it changed and not for the better. There is way too much traffic and no parking to handle it. People are parking in front of the houses in the historic district which is already bombarded by the college students and staff because they do not have enough student parking. But they keep putting up new college buildings. It's insanely busy with auto and foot traffic. The cost of housing is outrageous...multimillion homes and condos. I'm moving in a week and I couldn't be happier to be getting out of here. Read More

View of naperville - 4/10/2018
Went with my real estate agent to check out a few houses in Naperville.First impression was the town was adorable especially the downtown but way too many people.couldnt even drive downtown or anywhere really its wall to wall traffic and people and same with the stores and restaurants all overcrowded.Then when driving down ogden street i saw bums living in tents believe it or not.So needless to say i kept on Read More

Lived in Chicago suburbs my whole life. Napervill - 12/31/2014
I grew up in the Chicago area suburbs and have lived in every area. Naperville has, by far been my favorite! Yeah, Illinois drivers are total asshats and you're going to run into that no matter what Chicago suburb you live in, but it's a HUGE city with amazing culture and something to do no matter what your in to. There's an easy drive into "The City" (Chicago), PLENTY of shopping options and the schools are phenomenal.
I was a little surprised when I this website saying the cost of living is almost 40% higher than the U.S. average. I mean, it's a little pricier but I lived here when I was 24-26 y/o with my boyfriend and we got by swimmingly renting a 2bed 1.5bath apartment (with a really nice deck and huge kitchen) for $1300/mo. So, in comparison to living in "The City" and the dilapidated crap holes I've been in, it was MUCH CHEAPER.

I'm on this website looking for the next place to live because of the winters. They are seriously unbearable! Right now I'm Read More

Naperville Retirement - 7/30/2014
When the family has left the nest, move out to a different tree. The taxes here will eat up your retirement $ in an Read More

Nice City But With Attitude - 9/11/2012
Have lived in Naperville a long time, and love our quaint downtown and River Walk area (we even have a beach!), the proximity to Chicago, the multitude of in-town and nearby shopping options, the access to good healthcare, and the lush trees. Other than not-so-great midwestern winters, Naperville is a lovely place to live...but you have to deal with a bit of attitude. Case in point was children's story time at the otherwise wonderful library. The group leader introduced the kids to the song, "This is the way we wash our clothes, wash our clothes..." But, she then explained that because we were in Naperville, our version of the song would be, "This is the way we call the maid, call the maid..." Second verse? "This is the way we check our stock, check our stock..." This we're-just-a-bit-better attitude is fairly typical and generally demonstrated by those with the least reason to have it (not that it's ever warranted or appropriate). If you like driving a certain kind of car, whether or Read More

Don't move here - 3/2/2012
It is not a nice place to live unless you love strip mall after strip mall and lots of traffic-especially SUV's- riding your bumper even though you're already 10 mph over the speed limit. The winters are brutal(this one and only was an exception) and when it is warm enough to venture outside everything feels damp-in all the seasons. Houses that would sell in other states for 200,000 are in the 1/2 million price range here. The Riverwalk is overrated and there is really nothing to do downtown except eat. Chicago is rated #8 in the country for obesity probably d/t the plethora of restaurants and the lesser amounts of green space and hiking trails. There is an occasional fabulous neighborhood but for the most part, Naperville is overcrowded,over-built and Read More

Home is what you make of it... - 6/7/2011
I am a midwesterner looking at retiring somewhere warm and snow free. The winters here in Chicago and surrounding suburbs are brutal at times but for some reason people stay. Temps can reach -40 degrees in the winter and +95 degrees in the summer. Crime is much lower here in Naperville, Illinois and as compared to Chicago with a population of 4 million. And my point is, regardless of where you reside it's what you make of it. I am willing to give up the snow, cold winters and hot summers and low crime rate for the hot weather and beautiful sandy beaches in Florida. Hurricanes do concern me but with a little preparation and a back up plan most do survive. I survived a hurricane in Puerto Rico in the 80's and it helped me hone in on my survival skills. A little luck doesn't hurt though. Now where in Florida does one start the search? Terri from Hollywood, FL do you have the Read More

relocating to IL - 4/17/2011
I lived in IL the majority of my life. Am looking to return. Since you are moving to IL, I would suggest the western suburb of Naperville. There are other suburbs around there and they are just as pleasant. Plenty of shopping and very kid-friendly! There is a train that will take you into the city. I love this town, you will too. Great Pizza, White Castles, just to name a few of the wonderful things Read More

Great K-12 School System - 4/17/2009
Naperville schools are some of the best in the state of Illinois. They provide a complete educational experience to the students - from academic, to arts, music, recreation, and sports.

Naperville is a great place to raise a Read More