Naperville Overview

Naperville is a large, affluent suburb located about 30 miles west of downtown Chicago. With a population around 150,000, it’s the fourth largest city in Illinois. Naperville is known for its excellent public schools, community safety, abundance of parks, and its lively downtown.

Demographics

According to 2020 census data from census.gov, Naperville has a population of 149,559 residents, making it similar in size to cities like Providence, RI. Naperville is a majority white suburb at nearly 67% of the population as of the 2020 census. Asian residents make up 21%, followed by Hispanic at 7% and Black at 5% of the population.

Naperville’s age distribution consists of 25% being under the age of 18, 6% being under the age of 5, and 14% being 65 years and over. The remaining 55% of the population is between 18-64 with a median age of 39.5. The sex distribution between residents is approximately 50-50

The median household income as of 2022 was $143,754 with an income per capita of $67,706, well above the national average. Persons living in poverty as of 2022 was around 4%. The median gross rent as of 2022 was $1,787.

Downtown

Downtown Naperville is situated in the north-central area of Naperville. Downtown is positioned along the beautiful DuPage River and is the vibrant heart of the city! Downtown Naperville hosta a variety of street festivals and events. Some notable festivals and events are the Naperville Ribfest and Last Fling. Downtown Naperville’s beautiful architecture, scenic views of the DuPage River, and an abundance of shops, bars, and restaurants, offers residents the perfect blend of urban with a close community feel! 

Some notable restaurants, shops, bars, and attractions are itemized below:

Restaurants

Downtown Naperville offers residents an abundance of dining options. According to Yelp, the top ten choices for restaurants in downtown Naperville are (1) Allegory (2) Ramsay’s Kitchen (3) Gia Mia (4) Vasili’s (5) The Alchemist (6) La Sorella di Francesca (7) Santo Cielo (8) Fiamme (9) Meson Sabika (10) Proof No. 5

There are dozens of other food options available downtown Naperville. For a full list of restaurants downtown, visit the downtown Naperville business directory here.

Shops

There is no shortage of boutique shops for residents to choose from downtown. According to Yelp, the top ten choices for best boutiques in downtown Naperville are (1) Karisma Boutique (2) Homegrown Honey Boutique (3) Glam & Glitz Boutique (4) Standard Goods (5) Me Tu Boutique Bella (6) Marie Angeline Boutique (7) Little Luxuries (8) Blonde Boutique (9) Bri’Zan Couture (10) Apricot Lane Boutique

There are more shopping options available in downtown Naperville. For a full list of shops, visit the downtown Naperville business directory here

Bars

Downtown Naperville is home to a number of different bars ranging from dive bars, sports bars, and nightclubs. The nightlife in downtown Naperville is thriving! According to Yelp, the top ten choices for best bars in downtown Naperville are (1) Club Mamalu (2) Frankie’s Blue Room (3) The Northcott Liquorette (4) Jackson Ave Pub (5) Empire (6) Two-Nine (7) Towne Tap (8) Entourage (9) Hizemans (10) Miss Kitty’s Saloon.

There are dozens of other bars available in downtown Naperville. For a full list of bars, visit the downtown Naperville business directory here

Naper Settlement

The centerpiece of downtown Naperville is the Naper Settlement. The Naper Settlement is an outdoor history museum with 13 acres of history and learning that transports residents back to the 19th century. For more information on the Naper Settlement, you can visit their website here.

Top-Ranked Public Schools

According to Niche.com, the Naperville school districts ranked #10 in Illinois. The Naperville public school system is consistently ranked among the best in the nation. The district operates seventeen elementary schools, five junior highs, and two high schools.

The Naperville school district is consistently ranked one of the best in the country with a student enrollment greater than 16,000 and a graduation rate of 97%!

In addition to the highly-acclaimed public schools, Naperville has over a dozen private schools such as Naperville Christian Academy, Saints Peter & Paul Catholic School, Covenant Classical, and more.

Transportation

Naperville is served by Metra’s Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) line. This Metra line runs east & west, starting at Chicago’s Union Station and ending in Aurora, IL. Naperville is home to two separate BNSF lines. One is located downtown and the other located on Route 59. Both lines travel into Chicago’s Union Station. 

The Metra provides residents express options for morning and evening commutes going to or from Chicago. With a daily total of 2,500 passengers, the  Naperville station is the second busiest Metra line outside of Chicago. Overall, the Metra provides Naperville residents with two convenient locations to travel to Chicago either for work or leisure!

Top Things To Do in Naperville

Walk Along the Riverwalk

One of the best ways to experience Naperville is by taking a stroll along the scenic 1.75 mile Riverwalk in the heart of downtown. This paved path runs alongside the DuPage River, passing by fountains, public art, shopping areas, and restaurants!

The Naper Settlement 

The Naper Settlement is an outdoor history museum set on 13 acres that allows residents to learn about the history of the City. It takes residents back to the 19th century where visitors can depict life in the 1800s through different exhibits.

Shop and Dine Downtown

Downtown Naperville is home to over 150 shops, boutiques, and restaurants, and more. Browse popular boutiques such as Homegrown Honey, Glam & Glitz or grab a bite at some of the best spots such as Allegory or Ramsay’s Kitchen.

Tour Craft Breweries 

Naperville has a booming local craft beer scene. Check out breweries like Solemn Oath, Pollyanna Brewing, or Werk Force Brewing. Most breweries offer visitors tours and tastings.

Relax at Centennial Beach 

Centennial Beach is located along the riverfront in downtown Naperville. Residents and visitors can enjoy some swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and more!

See a Show at the Pfeiffer Hall

Pfeiffer Hall is located at North Central College and hosts performances throughout the year. At Pfeiffer Hall you can watch live music, theater, comedy acts, and more. Pfeiffer Hall features a main floor that seats 588 and a balcony that seats 469 guests. 

The Naperville Century Walk

The Naperville Century Walk features over 40 large-scale public art installations. The beautiful murals and art scenes showcase the city’s history and can be found on the sides of buildings across the downtown area. 

Golf at Springbrook or Naperbrook Golf Courses

Avid golfers will love these two highly-rated public courses located right in Naperville. Both offer scenic holes, challenging play for all skill levels, and decent greens fees. Check out the different courses and their rates here!

Naperville is a thriving, family-oriented community with no shortage of festivals, events, shopping, and world-class restaurants. At The ARG Team our agents and partners have extensive experience working with buyers and sellers in Naperville. Reach out today!