These neighborhoods are sure to please, with beautiful homes and plenty of amenities. Whether you’re looking for a quiet suburban oasis or a neighborhood with more activity, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

White Eagle Subdivision

White Eagle is located south of 83rd and west of Route 59 and is considered one of the most prestigious subdivisions in all of Illinois. It’s no wonder why, with its winding roads, gorgeous homes, and scenic views. This subdivision is perfect for families looking for a tranquil oasis to call home.

White Eagle is a townhouse and single-family home neighborhood built between the late 1980s to mid-1990s. A newer section was built starting in 2017. White Eagle has a pool and tennis community.

Here you will have access to a zero-depth pool that is perfect for those with young children. There is also a slide, lap pool, and eating area with food service surrounded by lush landscaping. Don’t forget the children’s sand pit and volleyball area! The White Eagle tennis facility includes 8 lighted tennis courts plus spring, summer, and fall programs for children and adults!

In addition, the clubhouse is available for rental by White Eagle residents and includes a full kitchen for your use. ​White Eagle is home to the White Eagle Elementary School and two public parks. Their community is also patrolled by a 24-hour / 365 days a year security service for your safety.

The White Eagle community surrounds the Arnold Palmer-designed White Eagle Golf Club. This private membership club provides its residents unparalleled access to open space and terrific views! Memberships are available through the club and are enjoyed by many residents! Homes here range from $452,000 to $1,400,000.

East Highlands Subdivision

East Highlands is one of Naperville’s highly sought-after neighborhoods conveniently located just minutes from everything downtown Naperville has to offer, including restaurants, shopping, coffee shops, bars, and Metra Train Station.

Award-winning District 203 schools are also conveniently located just a short walk from the neighborhood. East Highlands is great for raising a family or enjoying daytime or evening entertainment in Downtown Naperville.

East Highlands is a custom-built single-family home neighborhood built between 2005-2012. East Highlands has a private park adjacent to the DuPage River, where you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

The riverwalk runs along the DuPage River through all of Downtown Naperville and into the East Highlands neighborhood, where many residents walk, run, or biker along the scenic route. Homes here range from $525,000 to $1,839,712.

Ashwood Park Subdivision

Ashwood Park is located west of 248th Avenue and north of 111th Street. Ashwood Park real estate comprises large four, five, or more bedrooms to medium-sized three- or four-bedroom single-family homes.

Many of the residences in the Ashwood Park neighborhood are newer built. One way the Ashwood Park neighborhood stands out is that it has larger 4, 5, or additional bedroom homes and real estate than 99.0% of the neighborhoods in America. When you walk or drive around this neighborhood, you’ll instantly notice the homes’ size, which makes a strong visual statement.

There are currently six homes for sale ranging from $749,000 to $1,489,110. An extension of this community is the luxurious 8-million-dollar Ashwood Club, which offers its members unparalleled opportunities for fun and recreation. In the summertime, the pool area boasts an outdoor six-lane lap pool, a water slide, a separate adult pool, and a kid’s splash pad.

The two outdoor sports courts offer a choice of basketball or volleyball. All Ashwood Park students will benefit from attending schools in Naperville’s highly regarded Indian Prairie School District 204, which is recognized for its high academic standards, excellent test scores, and championship athletic teams.

Cress Creek Subdivision

Cress Creek was developed in 1962 and was the Chicago area’s first residential golf course community. The area has expanded and changed as people have bought into this genuinely unique neighborhood.

Cress Creek’s greatest feature is its range of properties and pricing levels. The eclectic mix adds to the neighborhood’s uniqueness and charm, unlike most planned communities that aim for uniformity and consistency. Driving down the tree-lined streets, you’ll see luxury homes that have been completely rebuilt, existing homes with extensive additions, or homes with original floor plans lovingly maintained.

The lifestyle component is equally unmatched by many other subdivisions within Naperville. In the heart of the community is Cress Creeks Golf Course and Country club. The golf course is a huge draw for visitors, as it’s one of the best in the area. In addition to that, there are two pools, clay tennis courts, competitive swim and water polo teams, and renowned culinary options. The location is also second to none.

Situated on the north side of town and within district 203 schools, the neighborhoods of Cress Creek are uniquely located within a 2-mile radius of I-88, the Naperville train station, and the well-known shops and dining options of downtown Naperville.

West of here lies the McDowell Forest Preserve, home to lovely walking and biking trails. You can also use these paths to reach downtown Naperville to the south or the Prairie Path to the north.

Hobson West Subdivision

Hobson West is the most desirable neighborhood in Naperville. Hobson West, which lies one mile south of downtown Naperville, is recognized as the friendliest community in Chicagoland and has some of the finest schools in Illinois.

Another key perk for residents is its amenities which include tennis courts and the Hobson West pool. Not to mention it’s one of Naperville’s most popular neighborhoods, with home prices rising 33 .3% year-over-year in 2022.

Hobson West is still rather reasonable compared to other well-known areas in the city, such as Downtown Naperville. The median listing home price is $599,800, and the reasonable price per square foot is $230. All of these elements combined to make Hobson West one of the best Naperville neighborhoods for families. 

Read below, where we cover everything that makes Naperville what it is today!

Reason #1 Schools and Education

Naperville is served by Public School Districts 203 and 204. Naperville is currently ranked the #1 city for public schools in America, with some of the best and brightest education institutions to choose from. With world-renowned education, Naperville’s mission is to give every child the very best opportunity to succeed — no matter what corner of the city you choose to live in. 

If you aren’t a family or a young person, then perhaps this factor doesn’t make number one on your list. But there’s much to say about living in America’s number one destination for public schools. 

Buying a house in a good school district is still a smart idea. When the schools are desirable, homes tend to hold their value better in down markets and appreciate more in good times.

Conventional wisdom tells us many factors people use when determining where to buy a home. What is the most important aspect for people when selecting a new home? You don’t have to be a genius to figure this out… location, location, location.

A school district, or even a single school within it, can increase demand for a certain area. Anyone you ask will tell you that a strong district and outstanding schools can impact house values by as much as 10% over a neighboring area.

Reason #2 Some of The Best Places to Eat

If you love food like me, Naperville is well worth considering.

With more than 250 restaurants to choose from, Naperville is a playground for foodies. Whether you’re looking for upscale, cozy, fusion, or fast, there’s a bite for everybody.  And the best part? You don’t have to venture into Chicago for a good meal. Restaurants like Meson Sabika, Sharkos BBQ, and Santo Cielo are all located in Naperville.

I usually stop at one of the numerous ice cream shops in the downtown area after a meal. It’s difficult to decide since there are so many, but I recently went to Ben and Jerry’s, which was fantastic!

Restaurants aren’t the only places to have a good time in Naperville. The city is also home to various bars and pubs, perfect for unwinding after a long day. I like to head over to Quigley’s, Quiuubo, or Catch 35 Naperville for a good drink and even better company.

Reason #3 The Vibrant Downtown

 My family and I personally love downtown Naperville. It’s the perfect mix of old and new, with a charming small-town feel. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another era when you enter Naperville’s downtown.

Downtown is home to an array of unique shops, restaurants, and businesses — many family-owned and operated. The Riverwalk is one of my favorite places in Naperville. It’s a beautiful place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or go for a run.

Most of us only have one or two days off each week to enjoy ourselves, so, amazingly, many people choose to spend them in Naperville. It has something for everyone, with over 50 restaurants and bars spread around the picturesque location around the DuPage river.

We’ve heard some people say that Naperville used to have more independent outlets – this might be true, and there are certainly a lot of national favorites in the suburb these days. But from time to time, who doesn’t love or need Barnes and Noble, Pottery Barn, or Sephora? 

Reason #4: Green Spaces and Parks

Recently I have been enjoying exploring new paths with a nice walk or run to begin my day, and in Naperville, there are plenty of places to take a peaceful stroll. With over 130 parks totaling more than 2600 acres, you’ll never get bored of the great outdoors here.

Naperville is excellent for outdoor spaces, both urban and natural.

However you like to spend time outdoors, Naperville’s Park District has something to offer everyone. The district manages over 2,499 acres of green space, including 136 parks, four-sport complexes, two golf courses, the riverwalk, a centennial park, a centennial beach, and five forest preserves. And if you’re looking for something a little more structured, the Park District also offers over 1400 programs and events throughout the year.

Some of my favorites include Knoch Knolls Park, its scenic views and walking paths, Springbrook Prairie, and the famous river walk!

We can’t overstate how many outdoor activities there are to do here.

Reason #5: Wide Variety Of Housing

When I consider purchasing a home, the first thing that comes to mind is what kind of lifestyle I want. There are communities for every taste in Naperville, from family-friendly subdivisions to the exciting downtown and luxurious condo developments.

Today, Naperville features a wide range of designs, pricing options, and locations. The city covers almost 40 square miles and extends north past I-88 as far south as 111th street. In the last 30 years, Naperville real estate has seen a tremendous growth spurt, with new subdivisions and rebuilds attracting home buyers from all around the Chicagoland area.

Naperville can be divided into three sections North, Central, and South. 

Naperville offers plenty of options if you’re looking for a family home. The neighborhoods around Naperville North High School and Neuqua Valley High School offer great schools and a suburban feel. Downtown is perfect if you want to be in the center of the action while still having a tight-knit community feel.

Downtown is an attractive location to reside in Naperville, with a diverse range of restaurants and bars. Many of the new luxury condominiums in downtown provide excellent services, walkability, and public transit while offering pleasant nightlife outside your door.

If you prefer a little more room, Naperville has numerous appealing subdivisions and planned communities.

Reason Not #1: Traffic/Parking

With parents on their way to school and workers traveling into Chicago, Naperville gets clogged up. Unlike quiet towns, you’re not only getting the flow out of the village and into Chicago, but you’re also receiving a lot of people who come into Naperville to work in downtown shops and restaurants or at Edwards Hospital shifts.

It’s not just about traffic; the suburb’s spread is also a factor. Naperville is sometimes called a metropolis because its size offers a lot to do. It also implies that getting around might take time, depending on where you reside. And if you don’t have a car, getting from one side of town to the other could be quite the challenge. Public transportation does exist, but it’s not as widespread as in Chicago.

If you are looking into buying or selling real estate in Naperville, feel free to give us a call or email us.

What is the cost of living in Naperville? The average home income in Naperville is $127,648, which classifies it as upper middle class. The median home sale price is also significantly higher than Chicago’s at $574,802 compared to $300,100.

For those of you who are considering moving to Naperville but need to take a closer look at the numbers before you commit to moving, this blog got you covered. Join us as we take a deep dive into the all-important areas of finance, including home prices, utility costs, and property taxes. 

Let’s get started. 

Average Rent Cost in Naperville

As you might imagine, in such a desirable city as Naperville, the prices you see for renting a home are towards the upper end of what’s available in the wider Chicago area. But with high-quality housing, great schools, exceptional amenities, and a great community feel in the suburb, you definitely get value for money. Here’s how rental costs in Naperville shape up compared with a range of suburbs in other parts of Chicagoland.

Data from niche.com.

As you can see, rental prices in Naperville are comparable to a number of other areas in the city. They are towards the top end of what’s available in this part of Illinois, but they’re not the most expensive and certainly not as eye-watering as in the super-exclusive suburb of Oak Brook. 

And within Naperville, this average price of $1516 per month sits in the middle of a range of prices depending on the kind of property you’re looking for. For example, according to data from numbeo.com, if you were to rent a home within the bustling center of Naperville, you would pay an average cost of $1518 for a one-bedroom apartment and $2550 for a three-bedroom place. 

But if you wanted to rent a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center, the average price you’d be looking at paying would be more like $1245 a month, or $1968 for a large three-bedroom apartment.

So it’s always worth shopping around when it comes to renting a home in the area and keeping a list of your priorities in mind. 

Even with the strong demand and high housing costs we’ve seen in recent years, it’s still possible to get a good deal, and Naperville is no exception to this.

Average Home Cost in Naperville

The cost of buying a home in Naperville has gone up significantly over the years, but this is no different from any other Chicago suburb. Here’s how home costs in the area compare with other parts of the metropolitan area. 

Data from niche.com.

As you can see from the stats, the cost of buying a home in Naperville is similar to prices in other popular parts of the city, such as Wheaton and Downers Grove. It’s towards the upper end, but you won’t have to fork out the kind of money that you would in Oak Brook or Glencoe, where the average price of a home has been pushing a million dollars. 

At an average cost of $416,700, purchasing a home in Naperville is a big investment. But for the chance to live in a beautiful part of the city with a thriving community, fantastic schools, and a safe and attractive environment, it could be one that’s well worth making. 

If you are interested in purchasing a home in Naperville and expect you’ll need a mortgage, consider getting pre-approved by your lender. That way, sellers will see you as a more attractive buyer, and you’ll be in a better position to negotiate a good deal on the home you want.

Transport Costs in Naperville

Once you’ve made yourself at home in Naperville, you’re going to want to get out and about and enjoy the city, and you might need to commute to work. Let’s look at the costs involved in getting from A to B in the suburb.

You might want to have the flexibility of commuting to downtown Chicago by car. If so, you’ll want to know what your fuel costs are going to be from Naperville. Here’s a table showing just that. 

For this calculation, we’ve assumed that you’ll be traveling in a car with average fuel consumption of 25 miles per gallon and that you’ll be commuting for 21 days a month. Also, it’s based on the cheapest available gas price in the suburb as of the end of May 2022, which was $4.95 a gallon.

Obviously, all of these factors are variable, but if you are thinking of commuting by car from Naperville, you will be looking at a rough monthly fuel cost of around 250 dollars. This compares with a cost of 190 dollars from Thornton or 100 dollars from Evanston, suburbs which are closer to downtown Chicago but not quite as desirable.

On top of the fuel cost, you might have to factor in parking fees in downtown Chicago. The average monthly cost you’d be looking at paying for that would be $190.

But maybe you’ll be living within a reasonable distance of the Naperville Metra station on East 4th Avenue, in which case it might be convenient for you to commute into Chicago by train. Here’s a look at the relevant fares based on taking the train to Union Station. 

As you can see, the monthly pass on the Metra is cheaper than the total cost of driving, but you won’t have the same flexibility. This is something to think about when choosing where to live in Naperville.

As for getting around the suburb, Pace operates its buses on a number of regular routes. The standard regular fare for these journeys is just 2 dollars.

Or maybe you prefer the privacy of a taxi, in which case you should expect to pay around $1.25 per mile. 

That just about rounds up transportation costs in Naperville, a well-connected suburb where you’ll have plenty of options when you’re looking at getting out and about.

Utility Costs in Naperville

No special factors in Naperville make the utility costs any different on average from anywhere else in the wider Chicago area, especially as the rates can be determined by state or national providers. Naperville has winter as they do in Downers Grove and summer as they do in Schaumburg, and of course, the cost will differ from property to property, factoring in size, age of the building, and general energy efficiency.

However, it’s worth noting down the average utility costs when planning financially for a possible move to the suburb. On a monthly basis, for electricity, water, heating, cooling, and garbage disposal, you’d be looking at paying something like $175, and that’s for an apartment that’s 915 square feet. 

On top of that, you’d want to factor in the cost of your home WiFi. In Naperville, this comes to an average monthly price of around $53, which is somewhat lower than the average for the wider Chicago area. 

Food Prices in Naperville

The other absolute necessity in life that none of us can do without is food. And just as your utility costs will depend on the specific conditions of your home, your food costs will obviously depend to a large extent on your tastes and lifestyle choices.

Some of you will want to be out in downtown Naperville, enjoying the nightlife and sampling its restaurants’ delights. You’ll surely want to visit places like Fogo de Chão, an upscale eatery where you can experience the churrasco grilling tradition of southern Brazil. A decent meal here can easily cost at least $60 ahead.

Or maybe you want to go out and enjoy yourself but prefer something a little more down-to-earth. In that case, you could try somewhere like Lou Malnati’s pizza joint on West Jefferson Avenue. Here you can get a pizza and drinks for two for something like $30. (Also, in case we’re working up your appetite, here are the five best pizza places in Naperville.) 

Or perhaps you prefer the simpler life and will be on more of a budget, cooking your meals at home. Whatever your specific lifestyle, it’s good to get a general idea of grocery prices in Naperville. We’ve listed them out for you here, and you’ll be pleased to know they are generally slightly lower than the wider Chicago average.

Tax Rates in Naperville

As the famous Benjamin Franklin saying goes, there’s nothing certain in this life ‘except death and taxes, and this truth can be avoided no more in Naperville than anywhere else.

As a decent law-abiding resident of the suburb, you’ll pay a number of indirect taxes on things you buy in the shops and elsewhere.

These include a 1% tax on food and beverages, a 5.5% tax on a night in a hotel or motel, and a 7.75% tax on retail items. Also, the City of Naperville collects 4 cents for every gallon of gas purchased in the district.

But the most significant tax which you will have to pay as a resident in the suburb is the property tax. And as this is levied on a county-by-county basis, it’s worth looking at a table of property tax rates from a few counties, including DuPage and Will, which the city of Naperville is split between.

Here you can see that the property tax rate payable in Naperville is in the region of between 1.71% and 2.05%. This means that, depending on the assessed value of your home, you might pay something like $5000 dollars annually. 

It’s important to bear this significant cost in mind when looking at the finances of a move to the suburb. 

Another thing that’s good to know is that Illinois cities use a flat income tax system. This is currently levied at 4.95%, regardless of the amount of money you earn.

Childcare Costs in Naperville

If you’re lucky enough to have a young family, one expense that you might need to factor in is childcare. 

Many variables affect childcare costs, but as a general rule of thumb, prices tend to be higher in more densely populated areas. This means that the average cost of childcare in Naperville is higher than somewhere like Aurora, but it’s lower than in the Chicago metropolitan area generally.

Of course, you will want to choose the right childcare for your child and their needs, but the kind of price you might be paying in the suburb will start at something like $200 per week. 

Depending on your income, it’s also worth remembering that you could be eligible for a childcare subsidy to help cover the cost. 

Regardless of what you end up paying, you’ll be comforted by the child-friendly feel of Naperville, which, as we noted, has been ranked as the number one place to raise a family in America.

Entertainment and Recreation in Naperville

When it’s time to let your hair down after a hard week, you won’t be disappointed with what’s on offer in the bustling downtown Naperville. There’s a great mix of bars, clubs, and restaurants here where you can enjoy the finer things in life. 

Perhaps you’ll want to head to the Old Town Pour House on Freedom Drive, with its fantastic selection of over 90 unique craft beers to choose from. Or maybe you prefer the vibe of the Bottom Up Sports Bar & Grill, with its wings and tacos and 20+ flatscreen TVs showing the big game. 

Whatever you decide, you’ll find that the going rate for a pint of draught beer in Naperville is around $5, or a dollar more if the beer is imported. And as we noted above, a mid-range bottle of wine costs around $10.

If you want to go catch the latest movie – at the popular Hollywood Palms cinema, say – you’ll be able to buy evening tickets for $11.50.

And if you feel like getting in shape and want to join a local gym, you’ll find, on average, that memberships cost around $28, which is lower than the Chicago average.

Ready to Move to Naperville?

Regardless of your lifestyle and your specific budget, we hope we’ve given you a good idea of the cost of living in the popular suburb of Naperville. We’ve also covered this city’s best sides in our Naperville community spotlight. 

Whether you’re looking at renting or purchasing a home, it’s always best to take a detailed look at your actual expenditure and get your finances in order before taking the plunge and moving. 

As life-long locals of the western suburbs, we consider ourselves to be experts on the area. If you need any help weighing up your options before moving out to the beautiful city of Naperville, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. 

Whatever you decide, we hope you’ll be happy and in the best financial health in your new home.

Cost of Living in Naperville

We’ve covered the delights of this leafy western suburb in many of our blogs and videos to date, so it’s no secret that Naperville has a lot of great things to offer its residents. But you might not know how much it costs to live in the suburb and how this compares with other parts of the wider Chicago area. 

For those of you who are considering moving to Naperville but need to take a closer look at the numbers before you commit to moving, this video’s got you covered. Join us as we take a deep dive into the all-important areas of finance, including home prices, utility costs, and property taxes. 

Let’s get started. 

Average Rent Cost in Naperville

As you might imagine, in such a desirable city as Naperville, the prices you see for renting a home are towards the upper end of what’s available in the wider Chicago area. But with high-quality housing, great schools, exceptional amenities, and a great community feel in the suburb, you definitely get value for money. Here’s how rental costs in Naperville shape up compared with a range of suburbs in other parts of Chicagoland.

Data from niche.com.

As you can see, rental prices in Naperville are comparable to a number of other areas in the city. They are towards the top end of what’s available in this part of Illinois, but they’re not the most expensive and certainly not as eye-watering as in the super-exclusive suburb of Oak Brook. 

And within Naperville, this average price of $1516 per month sits in the middle of a range of prices depending on the kind of property you’re looking for. For example, according to data from numbeo.com, if you were to rent a home within the bustling center of Naperville, you would pay an average cost of $1518 for a one-bedroom apartment and $2550 for a three-bedroom place. 

But if you wanted to rent a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center, the average price you’d be looking at paying would be more like $1245 a month, or $1968 for a large three-bedroom apartment.

So it’s always worth shopping around when it comes to renting a home in the area and keeping a list of your priorities in mind. 

Even with the strong demand and high housing costs we’ve seen in recent years, it’s still possible to get a good deal, and Naperville is no exception to this.

Average Home Cost in Naperville

The cost of buying a home in Naperville has gone up significantly over the years, but this is no different from any other Chicago suburb. Here’s how home costs in the area compare with other parts of the metropolitan area. 

Data from niche.com.

As you can see from the stats, the cost of buying a home in Naperville is similar to prices in other popular parts of the city, such as Wheaton and Downers Grove. It’s towards the upper end, but you won’t have to fork out the kind of money that you would in Oak Brook or Glencoe, where the average price of a home has been pushing a million dollars. 

At an average cost of $416,700, purchasing a home in Naperville is a big investment. But for the chance to live in a beautiful part of the city with a thriving community, fantastic schools, and a safe and attractive environment, it could be one that’s well worth making. 

If you are interested in purchasing a home in Naperville and expect you’ll need a mortgage, consider getting pre-approved by your lender. That way, sellers will see you as a more attractive buyer, and you’ll be in a better position to negotiate a good deal on the home you want.

Transport Costs in Naperville

Once you’ve made yourself at home in Naperville, you’re going to want to get out and about and enjoy the city, and you might need to commute to work. Let’s look at the costs involved in getting from A to B in the suburb.

You might want to have the flexibility of commuting to downtown Chicago by car. If so, you’ll want to know what your fuel costs are going to be from Naperville. Here’s a table showing just that. 

For this calculation, we’ve assumed that you’ll be traveling in a car with average fuel consumption of 25 miles per gallon and that you’ll be commuting for 21 days a month. Also, it’s based on the cheapest available gas price in the suburb as at the end of May 2022, which was $4.95 a gallon.

Obviously, all of these factors are variable, but if you are thinking of commuting by car from Naperville, you will be looking at a rough monthly fuel cost of around 250 dollars. This compares with a cost of 190 dollars from Thornton or 100 dollars from Evanston, suburbs which are closer to downtown Chicago but not quite as desirable.

On top of the fuel cost, you might have to factor in parking fees in downtown Chicago. The average monthly cost you’d be looking at paying for that would be $190.

But maybe you’ll be living within a reasonable distance of the Naperville Metra station on East 4th Avenue, in which case it might be convenient for you to commute into Chicago by train.

Here’s a look at the relevant fares based on taking the train to Union Station. 

As you can see, the monthly pass on the Metra is cheaper than the total cost of driving, but you won’t have the same flexibility. This is something to think about when choosing where to live in Naperville.

As for getting around the suburb, Pace operates its buses on a number of regular routes. The standard regular fare for these journeys is just 2 dollars.

Or maybe you prefer the privacy of a taxi, in which case you should expect to pay around $1.25 per mile. 

That just about rounds up transportation costs in Naperville, a well-connected suburb where you’ll have plenty of options when you’re looking at getting out and about.

Utility Costs in Naperville

No special factors in Naperville make the utility costs any different on average from anywhere else in the wider Chicago area, especially as the rates can be determined by state or national providers. Naperville has winter as they do in Downers Grove and summer as they do in Schaumburg, and of course, the cost will differ from property to property, factoring in size, age of the building, and general energy efficiency.

However, it’s worth noting down the average utility costs when planning financially for a possible move to the suburb. On a monthly basis, for electricity, water, heating, cooling, and garbage disposal, you’d be looking at paying something like $175, and that’s for an apartment that’s 915 square feet. 

On top of that, you’d want to factor in the cost of your home WiFi. In Naperville, this comes to an average monthly price of around $53, which is somewhat lower than the average for the wider Chicago area. 

Food Prices in Naperville

The other absolute necessity in life that none of us can do without is food. And just as your utility costs will depend on the specific conditions of your home, your food costs will obviously depend to a large extent on your tastes and lifestyle choices.

Some of you will want to be out in downtown Naperville, enjoying the nightlife and sampling its restaurants’ delights. You’ll surely want to visit places like Fogo de Chão, an upscale eatery where you can experience the churrasco grilling tradition of southern Brazil. A decent meal here can easily cost at least $60 a head.

Or maybe you want to go out and enjoy yourself but prefer something a little more down-to-earth. In that case, you could try somewhere like Lou Malnati’s pizza joint on West Jefferson Avenue. Here you can get a pizza and drinks for two for something like $30. (Also, in case we’re working up your appetite, here are the five best pizza places in Naperville.) 

Or perhaps you prefer the simpler life and will be on more of a budget, cooking your meals at home. Whatever your specific lifestyle, it’s good to get a general idea of grocery prices in Naperville. We’ve listed them out for you here, and you’ll be pleased to know they are generally slightly lower than the wider Chicago average.

Tax Rates in Naperville

As the famous Benjamin Franklin saying goes, there’s nothing certain in this life ‘except death and taxes, and this truth can be avoided no more in Naperville than anywhere else.

As a decent law-abiding resident of the suburb, you’ll pay a number of indirect taxes on things you buy in the shops and elsewhere.

These include a 1% tax on food and beverages, a 5.5% tax on a night in a hotel or motel, and a 7.75% tax on retail items. Also, the City of Naperville collects 4 cents for every gallon of gas purchased in the district.

But the most significant tax which you will have to pay as a resident in the suburb is the property tax. And as this is levied on a county-by-county basis, it’s worth looking at a table of property tax rates from a few counties, including DuPage and Will, which the city of Naperville is split between.

Here you can see that the property tax rate payable in Naperville is in the region of between 1.71% and 2.05%. This means that, depending on the assessed value of your home, you might pay something like $5000 dollars annually. 

It’s important to bear this significant cost in mind when looking at the finances of a move to the suburb. 

Another thing that’s good to know is that Illinois cities use a flat income tax system. This is currently levied at 4.95%, regardless of the amount of money you earn.

Childcare Costs in Naperville

If you’re lucky enough to have a young family, one expense that you might need to factor in is childcare. 

Many variables affect childcare costs, but as a general rule of thumb, prices tend to be higher in more densely populated areas. This means that the average cost of childcare in Naperville is higher than somewhere like Aurora, but it’s lower than the Chicago metropolitan area generally.

Of course you will want to choose the right childcare for your child and their needs, but the kind of price you might be paying in the suburb will start at something like $200 per week. 

Depending on your income, it’s also worth remembering that you could be eligible for a childcare subsidy to help cover the cost. 

Regardless of what you end up paying, you’ll be comforted by the child-friendly feel of Naperville, which as we noted, has been ranked as the number one place to raise a family in America.

Entertainment and Recreation in Naperville

When it’s time to let your hair down after a hard week, you won’t be disappointed with what’s on offer in the bustling downtown Naperville. There’s a great mix of bars, clubs, and restaurants here where you can enjoy the finer things in life. 

Perhaps you’ll want to head to the Old Town Pour House on Freedom Drive, with its fantastic selection of over 90 unique craft beers to choose from. Or maybe you prefer the vibe of the Bottom Up Sports Bar & Grill, with its wings and tacos and 20+ flatscreen TVs showing the big game. 

Whatever you decide, you’ll find that the going rate for a pint of draught beer in Naperville is around $5, or a dollar more if the beer is imported. And as we noted above, a mid-range bottle of wine costs around $10.

If you want to go catch the latest movie – at the popular Hollywood Palms cinema, say – you’ll be able to buy evening tickets for $11.50.

And if you feel like getting in shape and want to join a local gym, you’ll find on average that memberships cost around $28, which is lower than the Chicago average.

Ready to Move to Naperville?

Regardless of your lifestyle and specific budget, we hope we’ve given you a good idea of the cost of living in the popular suburb of Naperville. We’ve also covered this city’s best sides in our Naperville community spotlight. 

Whether you’re looking at renting or purchasing a home, it’s always best to take a detailed look at your actual expenditure, and get your finances in order before taking the plunge and moving. 

As life-long locals of the western suburbs, we consider ourselves to be experts on the area. If you need any help weighing up your options before moving out to the beautiful city of Naperville, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. 

Whatever you decide, we hope you’ll be happy and in the best financial health in your new home.

Let’s dive in.

Naperville IL Zip Codes

Naperville has 6 zip codes and over 32 constituent neighborhoods. The standard Naperville zip codes are 60564, 60565, 60540, and 60563 while the P.O. Box Zip Codes are 60566 and 60567.

· Standard Zip Codes: 60564, 60565, 60540, 60563

· P.O. Box Zip Codes: 60566, 60567

What is Downtown Naperville’s Zip Code?

What is Downt0wn Naperville Zip Code? Downtown Naperville’s zip code is 60540.

Since Naperville spreads through Du Page and Will counties, some zip codes fall under Du Page while others are in Will county. Read on to learn more about each of these standard zip codes and their respective neighborhoods.

Zip Code 60564 Description and Profile

Zip code 60564 is primarily located in Will county with some of its portions located in DuPage county. This zip code has a population of 47,628 with the white being the majority at 67.17%. Compared to other zip codes in Illinois, zip code 60564 can be classified as a Middle-Class community with a median household income of $157,787 and an average household income of $193,072.

This zip code has over 14,766 households, most of which are single-family, owner-occupied homes, and residential complexes built between 1990 and 1999. When walking or driving around this zip code, you’ll notice that most homes have similar architectural designs, with the serenity and tranquility of an opulent community. The average real estate asking price for zip code 60564 is $447,777 and a median gross rent of $1,856.

Neighborhoods in Zip Code 60564

This zip code has affluent neighborhoods with low crime rates, ideal for raising a family as well as retirement. Some of the neighborhoods in 60564 include:

· Spring Brook Plant

· Tall Grass

· Spring Brook Crossing

· Saddle Creek

· South Pointe

· Wood Lake

· Carillon Club

· Still Water

· Brighton Ridge

· Brook Wood Trace

Notable Locations In zip code 60564

· Wheatland Crossing Commercial Center

· Spring Brook Golf Course

· White Eagle Golf Course

· Tamarack Fairways Golf Course

· Springbrook Water Reclamation Center

· Wheatland Industrial Park

· Rose Hill Commercial Park

· Naperville Fire Department Station

· Koroluk Commercial Center

Schools in 60564 Zip Code

· Patterson Elementary School

· White Eagle Elementary

· V Blanche Graham Elementary

· Clifford Crone Middle School

· Oliver Julian Kendall Elementary School

· Arlene Welch Elementary School

· Scullen Middle School

· Fry Elementary School

· Robert Clow Elementary School

· Gordon Gregory Middle School

· Danielle-Joy Peterson Elementary School

· Neuqua Valley High School

· Steps Program

· Calvary Christian School

· Naperville Montessori School

· Wheatland Salem Christian Academy

· The Goddard School

Zip Code 60565 Description and Profile

This zip code sprawls between DuPage County and Will County. It has a population of 41,315 with a 74.05% majority of whites. With a median household income of $120687, zip code 60565 is categorized as a middle-class community that has an unemployment level of 5.2%.

Most residents here are college-educated folks working in high-tech corporations, retail chains, and major businesses within Naperville city. The cost of living in this zip code is 103.0 which is near the US average of 100.

Zip code 60565 has 12,002 family-occupied houses and condos and 1,701 renter-occupied apartments. The estimated median house/condo value here is $394,090.

Neighborhoods in Zip Code 60565

Zip Code 60565 is an affluent upscale suburban zip code with the following neighborhoods:

· Spring Brook Plant

· Spring Brook Crossing

· Farmington

· Brighton Ridge

· Brook Wood Trace

· Winding Creek Estates

· University Heights

· Hobbison West

· Timber Creek

· West Highlands

Schools in 60565 Zip Code

· Kingsley Elementary School

· Maplebrook Elementary

· Meadow Glens Elementary School

· Owen Elementary School

· Ranch View Elementary School

· River Woods Elementary School

· Scott Elementary School

· Spring Brook Elementary School

· Middle Schools

· Gordon Gregory Middle School

· Lincoln Jr High School

· Madison Jr High School

If you are interested to move to a neighborhood in this zip code, the average commute time to work is 33.6 minutes! This zip code has a deep sense of community, with most of the residents being medium-aged families who have lived for more than 5 years in their homes.

Zip Code 60540 Description and Profile

Spread over 14 sq miles, Zip Code 60540 is located in the Chicago metro area, DuPage County, in the state of Illinois. It has a total population of 42,996 and 15,534 total households. The population is majorly white with an extremely large number of middle-aged adults in their late 20s and early 40s.

Most homes in this zipcode are single, family-owned with less than 3 bedrooms. Most families in this Naperville IL zip code are doing well financially with a median household income of $121,115 that is projected to grow by 1.25% by 2025. The median real estate value in zip code 60540 is $380,100.

This zip code has an organized transportation system with an average commute time of 31.1 minutes. Most neighborhoods also have well-funded public schools and hospitals within their proximity. These amenities coupled with low crime rates make this zip code an excellent option to live, work, and retire.

Neighborhoods in zip code 60540:

· Downtown Naperville

· Huntington Hill

· East Highlands

· Brush Hill

· Center Point Business Park

· Hobson Village

· West Wind

· Naperville Riverwalk

· Pembrooke Greens

· Hobbison West

Schools in 60540 Zip Code

· Brookdale Elementary School

· Ellsworth Elementary

· Elmwood Elementary

· Highlands Elementary

· Mary Lou Cowlishaw Elementary

· May Watts Elementary School

· Naper Elementary

· Prairie Elementary

· Steeple Run Elementary

· Jefferson Jr High School

· Washington Jr High School

· Naperville Central High School

· S E Reg Alternative Prog

Zip Code 60563 Description and Profile

Zip code 60563 is an upscale suburban zip code in Illinois with a total population of 36,314. It has a total of 16,306 housing units, 8,081 of which are owner-occupied while 7,199 are renter-occupied. The median home value in this zip code is $343,076. The median household income in 60563 is $95,796, which is likely to increase by 1.09% by 2025.

This zip code has a higher-than-average population density. Most of these residents are college-educated white folks in their late 20s to early 40s. If you are interested in staying and working from this Naperville Illinois zip code, your average commute time will likely be 29.6 minutes.

Zip Code 60563 Neighborhoods

· Downtown Naperville

· Cress Creek

· Naperville Office Park

· Brookdale

· Odyssey West

· Lucent Technologies

· Naperville Center For Commerce and Industry

· Indian Hill

· Country Lakes

· Big Woods Marmion

Schools in 60563 Zip Code

· Beebe Elementary

· Longwood Elementary

· Mill Street Elementary

· Middle Schools

· Thayer J Hill Middle School

· Naperville North High School

REMEMBER: 60566 and 60567 are P.O Box Zip Codes. There is no demographic information available for this type of ZIP Code.

About Naperville Illinois

Naperville, Illinois, is a fast-growing, suburban city sprawling between Du Page and Will Counties. It lies 30 miles west of Chicago on the west branch of Du Page River. Founded in 1831 by Captain Joseph Naper, Naperville has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the region. Its story is one of progress, innovation, and unparalleled teamwork.

From its nascent years, this city was a crossroads town. The founding settlers would later build homes, mills, schools, churches, trading centers, and the now famous Pre-Emption house. But it was not until 1960 that the city saw its single largest geographical expansion after 1500 acres were annexed. From the 60s through to the end of the 20th century, the town saw stimulated growth, both in population and development.

Naperville has transformed from enchanting prairies to an exclusive city with expanding residential and industrial areas. It still maintains a dense suburban feel and has all the amenities of a modern city. This has made the city a top choice for young and old people looking for a family-oriented environment to raise children and retire.

In fact, Naperville has consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live in the US due to its safe neighborhoods and top-tier amenities. Its premier community integration indicates a respect for the past, a profound appreciation for its pioneer heritage, and a concern for the future.

Today, this well-to-do city is a center for high-tech industries, retailers, and factories. It also hosts a bunch of research centers, corporate headquarters, and midsized local companies. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that most of the residents here are educated elites and sophisticates working as managers, C-suite executives, managers, and sales workers. But with more people moving in, the growth of small and medium businesses and knowledge-based, at-home businesses is steadily on the rise.

Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and exciting nightlife, this city is now home to 148, 000 residents. 76.5% of this population is white, 14.9% Asian, 5.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.7% are black. With a median age of 35 years, most residents here are young families with a median household income of $118,187

Naperville was ranked as the wealthiest city in the Midwestern US and the 11th wealthiest in the nation. With the high affluence and sprawling wealth, properties in this city attract top dollar market prices. The average real estate price is over $410,800 with average rental prices of up to $1,290. Most houses are single-family, owner-occupied, making it super hard to get rental space in some of the city’s subdivisions. It isn’t a stretch to assume that people love the city’s good weather, low crime, well-funded amenities, and stable economy.

How far is Naperville from Chicago? On average, it takes 45 minutes to travel between Naperville, IL, and Chicago. Naperville is 30.3 miles from Chicago via Ogden Avenue and driving the shortest route (I-295) takes 38 – 45 minutes. The fastest BNSF train takes 40 minutes but slower schedules can be up to 1.25 hours. 

If you’re curious about the best routes to get from Chicago to Naperville (and vice versa) and wish to know a bit more about Naperville and what it has to offer, keep reading!

From Naperville to Chicago: Routes and costs

As disclosed above, Naperville and Chicago are separated by a mere 30 miles. Considering that Chicago is among the largest U.S and worldwide cities, it’s an enviously short commute. 

Here are the average travel times between Naperville and Chicago Union Station for various transportation options (and the cost of each): 

*Based on average fuel Illinois prices in January 2022 ($3.44) at 6.0L/100km 

Keep reading for more information on planning your journey between Naperville and Chicago. 

Car

By car, you should expect a 42-minute drive on average. If you take the I-290 (West lane), it’s a bit faster, but expect to pay tolls on the way. Alternatively, you can take the Interstate 55 S, which can increase travel time by 2-3 minutes under normal traffic, with a distance of 35.6 mi.

Public Transportation

There are two modes of public transportation you can use to go from Chicago to Naperville and vice versa.

Railway

The BNSF line, operated by Metra, offers train commutes from/to the Chicago Union Station. It is, by far, the quickest public transport choice and normally goes through Aurora (green). If you catch the short service (4 stops), you’ll arrive in Chicago in 41 minutes. The longer route makes 23 stops through Chicago’s suburbs and can take up to 1 hour 15 minutes. More sporadically, Amtrak’s Illinois Zephyr and Carl Sandburg trains provide significantly shorter commutes (a mere 30 minutes) but less frequently at lower frequencies.

A single fare on the BNSF costs $7.25, but if you buy a monthly travel pass you could save around $100 a month, provided you were commuting twice a day, 5 days a week. If you’re a senior, a student, or military, your fare will be around 50% cheaper. 

Bus

You can travel from Naperville to Chicago using the Greyhound or Burlington Trailway buses. There is the GLI 4566, which goes from the route 59 metra station in Naperville to the Chicago Bus Station in 40 minutes. It costs $19.00 and you can buy tickets here. There is also 1491, which is a Burlington Trailways service running between Burlington and Chicago. It stops at 105 E. on Fourth Avenue in Naperville and arrives in Chicago in approximately 1 hour. 

Biking

Biking between Naperville and Chicago is possible, but it’s a 3h 20m one-way trip, so you’ll probably need to make strategic stops along the way to endure the ride. There are two biking paths available:

• The W.Branch DuPage River Trail, through Alder Lane and Gartner Rd.
• The Illinois Prairie Path through Wiesbrook Rd. South.

It’s free, though your thighs and glutes might pay the ultimate price for this ambitious cycling trip. 

Walking

It’s only useful to walk from/to Naperville for cardio and recreational strolling, but not for job commutes. A round walking trip could span over 20 hours.

Now that you know what to expect regarding travel times, let’s explore Naperville itself a bit more.

What does Naperville offer to its locals and visitors?

Naperville, as we said before, is Chicago’s oldest brother, and it shows! Although it is still part of Chicago’s Metropolitan Area, it’s technically considered a city in its own right, albeit more comparable to much quieter cities – such as New Orleans – in terms of urban profile and population density.

In contrast to Chicago’s tall infrastructure, Naperville is characterized by buildings with much lower roofs and fewer stories above ground level, making it easier for sunrays to pass through.

It’s also very renowned for its optimal living conditions. Money Magazine once deemed Naperville the third-best place to live in America, and it was not an unwarranted award by any stretch.

In general, for those who work in Chicago but crave a quieter and less convoluted residential place, Naperville checks all the boxes. Here are the best and worst parts of living in Naperville, if you are interested.

Let’s delve a bit more into some of its most relevant data:

Population

When compared to Chicago’s enormous population (counting 2.7 million inhabitants), Naperville dwarfs this number significantly, barely reaching 147K inhabitants according to a 2019 census. It has a population density of 3.84 people per square mile, markedly lower than Chicago’s 11.88.

Services

Naperville residents can have access to:

• A public library.
• Museums, art galleries, concert venues, and nature centers.
• A great number of elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as a wide array of colleges and universities.
• Lots of parks, restaurants, and coffee shops.
• Access to the DuPage Airport, just 14 mi away from Naperville’s center.
• The Edward Hospital.
• A highly-accessible train service with lots of connections.
• A great source of alternative job opportunities.
• Among many others.

Festivities and Fun Activities

Being a dense suburban area, Naperville is not as packed with local festivities as could be the case with smaller towns or villages, Nevertheless, it regularly hosts large concerts, shows, and children’s events (such as the year-end Bubble Bash)

Other Data

• 76% of owners vs. 24% of renters.
• Median household income reaches $125K

For more information on Naperville, visit our Naperville Community Spotlight Blog to learn more about this beautiful City. Or, if you are interested in seeing what homes are for sale in Naperville click here.

Naperville and Chicago: Final thoughts

Naperville offers a nice residential option for those who still want to retain some semblance of urban life but coupled with a suburban vibe. Thanks to their proximity. It’s also great for young adults who work in Chicago but want to spend the rest of their day apart from Chicago’s non-stop jams and chaotic environment.

If you want information regarding housing opportunities in Naperville, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime. We’ll gladly provide you with all the relevant data on estimates and procedures: We guarantee competitive rates and a great variety of housing choices for you!

As life-long locals to the western suburbs, we’re going to weigh in on the best and worst parts of living in Naperville IL – no holds barred. Brace yourself because we’re going in! 

Worst parts of living in Naperville

5. The traffic and parking

If you’ve ever tried to get across Naperville during peak hours, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 till 7:00 pm, Naperville gets very congested with families doing the school run as well as commuters. Unlike quieter suburbs, you’re not only getting the flow out of the village and into Chicago, but plenty of people are also coming into Naperville to go to their retail and hospitality jobs downtown and shifts at Edwardsville Hospital. 

It’s also not just the traffic but the sprawl of the suburb itself. Naperville is sometimes dubbed a city, and thanks to its size, there’s a lot to do here. But it also means that depending on where you live, it can take a while to get around. The downtown is very walkable, but from most places in Naperville, you can expect to set aside twenty minutes to get there, which also applies to the metra. If you live on the Southside of the city, it may take you up to 35 minutes to get onto I-88 when traffic is particularly bad. 

Finally, there’s the parking. Naperville’s downtown is one of the most popular in the Chicago suburbs, so you’re not just competing with commuters for a parking spot – but you’re fighting off the daytrippers too. Luckily, Naperville has free street parking although it is two hours maximum. There are also several free off-street parking facilities for those longer stretches. Just be prepared to drive around for a while, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. 

4. The low housing inventory 

Be prepared to tough out the competition for real estate, because boy, oh boy, is Naperville popular right now. 

You could see this as a positive or a negative depending on your situation. If you’re looking to move to Naperville, getting onto the market at the moment can be a headache. Naperville has always been popular, but we’re still seeing extra increased demand since the post-lockdown swell. You will definitely need a realtor who is experienced with the Naperville area to help you close on the home you want. 

However, if you already own property in Naperville or are looking at a long-term investment, you should see the popularity as a definite plus. And even if you are an outsider coming in, look at it this way; with the right realtor, you will get onto the Naperville property ladder – at which point you’ll have a solid investment in your hands.

3. The competitive schools and daycare 

With the best public schools in Illinois, you shouldn’t be surprised that things can get competitive around here. Whether you see this as positive or negative is down to your subjective worldview. On one hand, a little healthy competition encourages students to strive for the best, giving them a great head start and teaching the reality of how competitive life can be. The flip side is that not everyone can compete and not everyone excels under pressure. It’s important to think about whether that’s the right environment for your family. 

The other thing to consider is whether the schools’ demographics suit your needs. Often people ask us whether Naperville is a diverse suburb and there isn’t a simple answer. In this case, bear in mind that the demographics within schools can be different compared to the overall population. 

If you look at the general Naperville population, you will see that it is a predominantly white suburb and that Asian people make up the largest minority group at 15% of the community. The high schools, however, are more diverse both in terms of ethnicity and in the percentage of low-income students. You can check out the figures yourself for each high school in Naperville at illinoisreportcard.com. 

Finally, on the subject of school populations – bear in mind that it’s not just the academics that are competitive. There are long waitlists for daycare and nurseries in Naperville. If you are an expectant family or have young children already, you should get on the waitlist as early as you can so you don’t come unstuck. 

2. The high expenses and cost of living

There are no two ways about it — Naperville is expensive! Of course, how you view the expense will depend on where you’re coming from but compared to many other suburbs in Illinois, you will face high home prices and property taxes. The average family income in Naperville is $125,926, which is almost twice the national average. We have seen other sources estimate that you need to make around $80,000 to enjoy the minimum comfortable living standards in Naperville. 

The average home value in Naperville is $410,800, so you can expect to pay around $9,102 per year in property taxes. The 2.22% property tax in Naperville is quite standard for DuPage County and compared to other DuPage suburbs, it sits in the middle of the road. 

Hinsdale, Elmhurst, Downers’ Grove, Clarendon Hills, and Darien all come in cheaper, whereas you’ll pay more taxes to live in Wheaton, Aurora, Glen Ellyn, or Warrenville. Property taxes in Naperville are actually modest if you compare them to Glendale Heights or Hanover Park, which come in at a few percentage points more. 

The other way to look at it is that, if you can afford it, it’s worth paying for the number 1 public schools in America and all the great amenities on offer here in Naperville. 

1. The people? 

Finally, we’re onto the most controversial criticism, which is the “Naperville Stereotype”. Some people say that Napervellians are snobby, rude, or that they are not inclusive of diversity. Yet, plenty of locals will tell you that this suburb is friendly and welcomes everyone. So, what’s the truth? 

Spoiler alert: We can’t give the ‘official truth’ about Naperville people, because there isn’t one. Just like anywhere in the world, your opinion will depend on who you associate with and who you cross paths with. Instead, we would say that no matter where you are moving, you should visit the place extensively to find out if it’s a good cultural fit for you and your family.

What we can do is give a little insight into the demographics. Statistically speaking, Naperville plays host to a largely white and affluent community that has somewhat moderate political views. 

That’s not the whole story though, as Naperville gets visitors from all walks of life and the diversity has increased in recent years. However, if you are looking for a very dynamic and open-minded suburb, you might consider checking out towns like Skokie or Aurora (or take a look at our full list of the best diverse suburbs in Chicago). They’ve both got their own vibrant downtown areas and are known for more diverse, liberal communities. 

Best parts of living in Naperville

As well as putting Naperville’s drawbacks under the microscope, it’s only fair to consider its best sides too. After all, there is a reason that this suburb has such an impressive collection of awards and accolades.

5. The varied supermarkets

When you first take a look at an area, it’s easy to be drawn to the fun and exciting amenities – the fancy restaurants or the shopping. But when you live somewhere, it’s often the day-to-day conveniences that make the difference. 

One of Naperville’s less bragged about qualities is that it has plenty of good stores in close reach. You’re never too far away from a Jewel-Osco or an ALDI, one of which is a 24-hour store. There’s also a Marianos, which is voted Chicago’s favorite for price and freshness combined.

Other popular stores in the Naperville area include Trader Joe’s and a Casey’s and, naturally, there’s Whole Foods and a Costco too. All your tastes and price points are pretty much covered here in Naperville and that’s without considering all the small shops and restaurants in the downtown area. 

4. The great outdoor spaces

Naperville is excellent for outdoor spaces, both urban and natural. The riverwalk through the downtown is one of the best in the state and it drifts through Burlington Park and Centennial Park. The more outdoorsy type can get their fix at the Springbrook Forest Prairie or McDowell Forest Preserve, and families here in Naperville love days out at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center. Last but not least is one of Naperville’s best-kept secrets, which is hiking up to the 190-foot scenic overlook in Greene Valley Preserve to watch the sunset over Naperville. 

We can’t overstate how many outdoor activities there are to do here. There are bike trails, dog walking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, picnicking, and bird spotting, most of which are free. In the summer, you can splash about or kick back at Centennial Beach or one of the multiple outdoor pools. In winter, you can go skiing. You don’t get opportunities like this in every suburb of Chicago, making Naperville a real breath of fresh air for outdoor spaces.

3. The schools, amenities, jobs, and safety

Naperville might be busy and slightly expensive, but those downsides come with a significant payoff – the quality of life here is great. We’ve already touched on this key point a few times because we think that you get a lot back for what you pay in property taxes in this suburb.

Naperville is far from being the most expensive suburb in DuPage county, yet it has the best schools, fantastic community events, beautiful parks, plenty of job opportunities, and very reassuring safety data. If money were no object, a lot of people would jump at the chance to have the quality of life available in Naperville and so it’s definitely worth appreciating. 

2. The vibrant downtown

Most of us only get one or two days each week off to enjoy ourselves, so it says a lot that so many people choose to spend theirs visiting Naperville. It has something for everyone; it’s a shopper’s paradise and has over 50 restaurants and bars, all of which are set in the picturesque location around the DuPage river. 

We’ve heard some people say that Naperville used to have more independent outlets – this might be true and there are certainly are a lot of national favorites in the suburb these days. But from time to time, who doesn’t love or need Barnes and Noble, Pottery Barn, or Sephora? 

Plus, Naperville does still have plenty of family-owned places and one-off stores; if you’re looking for something special, you can find jewelry boutiques, antique collections, and mom-and-pop type restaurants all over the downtown area and surrounding suburbs. Me and my family personally love downtown Naperville, and that’s why it makes second on our list of the Chicago suburbs with the best downtowns. 

1. The incredible school system 

If you aren’t a family or a young person, then perhaps this factor doesn’t make number one on your list. But there’s a lot to be said for living in America’s number one destination for public schools. Naperville is renowned for having some of the best and brightest places for students to flourish. There are 3 High Schools, 8 Middle Schools, and 34 Elementary Schools to choose from – put together, more than 90% of them have an A-rating and above by niche.com, signaling that they offer the very best education. 

Even if you don’t have a school-age child, living in an education-first suburb has its benefits. More than 30% of the population has a master’s degree and above and another 40% has a bachelor’s degree, making it no surprise that this suburb has great educational resources. Naperville has an impressive three public libraries, which together are considered a national treasure. There are also plenty of cerebral activities for adults and families to check out, including historical settlements, art galleries, a nature center, nearby museums, and more. 

So, what do you think? 

Do the pros of living in Naperville outweigh the cons? Perhaps you’ve found some surprises here that have changed your opinion about this popular suburb – let us know in the comments. 

And if you’re looking for a new home around here, we want to help you get to know the Chicago suburbs! We’ve lived around here all our lives and have helped many families successfully move into their new homes in Naperville. If you have any questions about this suburb or other areas in the Western Chicago suburbs, we want to hear from you. And if anything piqued your interest, or if you’re now wondering whether Naperville is right for you, then we can help you find the right place for you. 

Building your dream home is a big decision, but you’ll be making the best choice if you work with one of these companies. We hope you find this list useful when choosing your new custom home builder.

If you’re looking for a new home, there are several things to consider before deciding on which one is best for your family. One of the most important is the quality of workmanship and materials used by each company. The last thing any homeowner wants after investing in a house is to have it fall apart. 

Another factor you should consider before choosing your new home builder in Naperville, IL is their customer service history. You want a company that cares about the finished product as much as you do! A good way to find out about a company’s customer service is to read reviews; they’re a goldmine of unbiased real customer experiences. 

However, we understand that you might not have time to scour the internet for reviews. Building a home in a busy time! That’s why we’ve taken the time to do a deep dive into home builders in Naperville IL, so we can share the very best with you.  

Below is a countdown of the best custom home builders in Naperville.

8. Oak Hills Builders

Nick Stanitz, the son of a real estate entrepreneur, began building homes in 1988. Nick grew connections and started constructing houses in Naperville, becoming one of the area’s largest developers. He also developed important new subdivisions including Ashbury, Stillwater subdivisions, and most recently the Clow creek. Oak Hills Builders has produced over 40 homes per year. They built plenty of new subdivisions such as Stillwater and Clow Creek. 

Oak Hills Builders is a family-owned business, so you can always be sure their hearts and heads are in the right place when it comes to designing homes with integrity. As such, they are highly commended as a trusted home builder in Naperville. 

7. Overstreet

Best of Houzz Service 2015-2016

Overstreet Builders are three generations of Overstreet builders that have satisfied Napervillians for more than 60 years. The Overstreet family believes in hard work, integrity, and honesty. When you are looking for a new home, the best place to begin is with people who have been in business for more than 50 years.

Overstreet Builders are located in the Naperville area but build homes throughout DuPage County and surrounding areas. They now have sites available in Ashwood Park and Hidden Creek, but you may also build a custom house anywhere your heart desires.

The Overstreet family will work with you to create your perfect dream home. You can expect quality craftsmanship when you choose Overstreet builders for all of your new construction needs. 

When building a custom house, there is no limit on how creative they can get. So you can expect a beautiful one-of-a-kind masterpiece when working with Overstreet builders. If you are wondering what’s the most expensive part of building a house find out here. 

6. T6 Construction and Development Inc

T6 Construction and Development, Inc. is a firm based in Downers Grove, Illinois. They specialize in general contracting, construction management, and design/build construction. T6 construction builds expertise, knowledge, and integrity into every project it undertakes. In the words of T6 themselves, they “…offer a full range of services, from pre-construction and consulting through constructing their clients custom homes and buildings.”

T6 Construction and Development has built a reputation in the industry for quality, honest service by maintaining strict ethics in its bidding policy and providing a safe work environment. All carpenters and laborers are employed in-house, giving them maximum control over the process from start to finish. 

In addition to T6’s experience, clients also benefit from the firm’s principles. They endeavor to be personally involved in every aspect of a project to ensure its ultimate success. They consider themselves a key player on any home-building team, as they can generate costing budgets and propose alternative construction plans during the design development stage. They can get creative and provide engineering at very competitive prices, making them the general contractor of choice for anyone looking for the whole package. 

5. M House Development

Best of Houzz Design 2018-2021 | Best of Houzz Service 2018-2021 | 10 Reviews

M House Development is a custom home builder in Naperville, IL that prioritizes quality design with fresh, modern finishes. M House’s reputation for high-quality workmanship, originality, and attention to detail distinguishes it from the competition. They have that contemporary flair that many people desire nowadays.

M House was created by Scott Mathieson. His dedication to the field is evident in his job, as well as the long-term impression he makes on his clients. Clients are kept up to date on the progress of their order throughout the building process, thanks to his open communication and straightforward business approach. His previous 18+ years of homebuilding expertise have equipped him with the knowledge and skills to design and build over 3500 single-family residences.

The desire to make a difference in people’s lives, coupled with a love for beautiful design, inspired the creation of M House Development. This Naperville home builder knows that every family is unique, which is why they will work with you to create your perfect dream house. M house is based in Naperville but builds homes though-out the western Chicago Suburbs.

4. Crestview Builders Inc

Crestview Builders is a firm that provides spec and bespoke homes in the Naperville area. Over the last four decades, the firm has established 21 subdivisions and constructed over 1,800 houses in Naperville and neighboring communities. That’s a lot of houses! They currently offer sites at Ashwood Park, Hidden Creek, and Hobsons Pond in Naperville.

Crestview builders are just one of many home builders in Naperville, but they are unique since this family-owned company takes pride in hiring only the best to work on your house. Mike Steck, the owner of Crestview has over 40 years of experience in real estate development, which makes him a leader in this industry.

Crestview is committed to bringing their clients only the highest quality houses at an affordable price tag. Crestview Builders is a family-owned and managed firm that has a team of locally-raised employees with long histories with the company. They are known for being upfront and honest with all customers about who they are and what they can provide them.

3. Charleston Building and Development

Best of Houzz Design 2018-2021 | 13 Reviews, 5.0

With Charleston Building’s median project cost of over $1.5m, you will see some of the most extravagant and customs designs on this side of the Mississippi. Charleston was voted “Best Builder in Naperville” by Naperville Magazine. It’s not hard to see why; one look at their portfolio and you’ll find nothing but luxurious, high-end homes that are sure to blow you away.

Charleston’s office is small, stylish, and feels like home; they like to think of it as a reflection of their team. Since 1998, Larry Van Someren has innovated home building with his creative modernist designs. The business is now run by both of his sons with an in-house designer.

Charleston Buildings can be found all around the Chicago suburbs but many are found right here in Naperville! Charleston is a master at designing luxury custom homes for any kind of clientele, whether you only have $500k or over $20mil to spend – they will build it (and beautifully). If you are looking for something truly unique, Charleston is the company for you.

2. Kings Court Builders Inc

Best of Houzz Design Award 2013, 2019, 2020 | Best of Houzz Service Award 2013-2016, 2018-2021 | 42 Reviews, 5.0

Another long-time builder in the Naperville area is Pete Stefani, with Kings Court Builders. Pete has years of expertise in constructing houses and is one of the most well-known and trusted builders in the region. Kings Court Builders has a history of excellent customer service and continues to provide high-quality workmanship for homeowners throughout Naperville.

Homeowners are impressed with Kings Court Builders’ dedication to delivering a top-quality home. They have several different floor plans for you to choose from and modifications are welcomed, which means the options are endless! Many of their homes feature premium materials and great attention to detail in all aspects of design.

They have sites available in Ashwood Park and Americana Estates, but they may also build custom homes if you already own a plot of land you’d like to use. They also have a professional team of designers and consultants to guide homeowners through the entire building process.

1. DJK Custom Homes

Locally Owned, Eco-friendly, 32 Years In Service

Best of Houzz Design 2016 | 2018 Best of Houzz Service 2015-21 | 64 reviews, 4.9 | 131 Projects in Naperville

Dan Kittilsen and his wife Kim own and operate DJK Custom Builders. DJK Custom Homes was founded in 1988 and has been delivering high-quality, cost-effective, eco-friendly homes to Naperville residents ever since. Dan is still involved in each new home development, ensuring that you get the authentic experience every time. Many of the homeowners speak highly of DJK’s meticulous attention to detail and honesty.

DJK Custom Homes is locally owned and operated, which means they take pride in the work they do for Naperville homeowners. They are committed to building only the highest quality homes; ones that meet all local regulations as well as energy efficiency standards. 

DJK Custom Homes is proud of its excellent customer service record; many homeowners even remark on how responsive they are to their questions or concerns throughout the process. They have a staff of experts on hand to guide you through the construction process, so you can rest assured that your home is built to last.

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Naperville is home to several spacious and beautiful golf courses. Approximately three private golf facilities and at least three public golf facilities attract over 100,000 golfers yearly to Naperville.

Perhaps you have tried all the golf courses in Naperville and are looking for other golf courses near Naperville. Naperville has a few other golf courses within proximity of at least three miles. We have compiled a list of the best private and public golf courses near Naperville.

Public Golf Courses Near Naperville

Seven Bridges Golf Club, Woodridge, Illinois

The Seven Bridges is an 18-hole municipal golf course that features 7,111 yards from the longest tees for a 72 par. It was opened in 1991 and was designed by Richard P.Nugent, ASGCA.

The front nine provides a meandering and hilly stroll via the woods of Woodridge. We find it a great way to warm up your chops for the ultimate fun and challenges ahead. On the other hand, the back nine is no walk in the park for beginners. It starts with three challenging holes, all featuring crowned fairways and surrounding water. As tough as it seems, there are four tees to choose from, allowing all levels of golfers to enjoy the challenge.

After your game, you can enjoy drinks at the club’s restaurant, The Dock Bar and Grill. Generally, the Seven Bridges is among the best and well-kept golf courses near Naperville and in Chicagoland. It is located approximately 4 miles from Naperville center.

How Much Does it Cost

It cost between $50 to $85 to tee depending on several factors like tee time and your preferred mode of transport.

River Bend Golf Club, Lisle, IL

The River Bend is a 9-hole public golf course with 3,238 golf yards from the longest tees for a 36 par. In addition, the course was opened in 1993 and designed by William J. Spear, ASGCA.

This PGA-approved public course has a beautiful layout that features bent grass tees, fairways, and greens. It has four sets of tees to accommodate all golfer skill levels.

What’s more? The facility has a Pro Shop with a select line of apparel, golf accessories, and locker room. In addition, the clubhouse has a full-service public restaurant, Wheatstack- A Midwestern Eatery & Tap, which is open for lunch and dinner service.

Generally, the course tops the list of the best public golf courses near Naperville and is situated roughly four miles from the center of Naperville.

How Much Does it Cost?

The rates for River Bend Golf Club range from $17 to$34 depending on factors such as whether you are a resident or not, among others.

Arrowhead Golf Club, Wheaton, IL

The East 9-hole East Golf Course is one of the most reliable public golf courses near Naperville. It features 3,337 golf yards from the longest tees for a 36 par. The golf course was opened in 2011 and was designed by Ken Killian, ASGCA.

The course is well manicured and surrounded by a forest preserve with zero houses in play. It features greens, tees, and fairways typical of a quality golf course.

The course is located 5 miles from the center of Naperville. It is also considered one of the finest municipal courses in the Chicago area.

The golf facility features an amazing restaurant and bar that serve residents and non-residents the ultimate dining experience. It has unique American cuisine and a premium selection of spirits and wines.

How Much Does it Cost?

The prices for this golf course range from $39.50 to $79, depending on several factors such as tee time, among others.

Private Golf Courses Near Naperville

White Eagle Golf Club, Naperville, IL

The White Eagle Golf Club facility is home to three different golf courses: the Red Golf Course, Blue Golf Course, and White Golf Course.

· Red Golf Course

The 9-hole Red private golf course features 3,628 yards from the longest tees for a 36 par. It was opened in 1989 and was designed by Arnold Palmer.

How Much Does it Cost?

Being a private golf facility, its rates are not open to the public unless you have a membership. However, expect to find plenty of top-quality amenities that will be worth your subscription/ membership.

· Blue Golf Course

The golf course features 3,468 yards from the longest tees for a par of 36.

· White Golf Course

This 9-hole course features 3,557 golf yards from the longest tees for a par of 36.

Generally, the White Eagle Golf Club has an amazing dining experience. Enjoy year-round access to an exquisite menu featuring foods from local farms prepped by Anthony Correll, an executive chef.

The golf course is located 4 miles from the center of Naperville.

Stonebridge Golf Course Aurora, IL

Located 6 miles from Naperville, this course features 3,168 golf yards from the longest tees for a 72 par. The golf course was opened in 1990 and was designed by Thomas Fazio, ASGCA.

You can enjoy a full schedule of golf tournaments throughout the golf season, from match play and individual stroke tournaments to the Bridge Classic, an annual member-guest tournament.

For your dining needs, you can enjoy multiple options, from a casual post-golf burger to a gourmet meal prepped by the facility’s culinary team.

How Much Does it Cost?

The golf course is a private facility with set rates open to its members. As a private golf facility, it has amazing amenities designed to improve your luxurious feeling while on and off the course.

Final Thoughts

Are you looking for the best golf courses near Naperville? The options mentioned above have all the amazing golf amenities you would ordinarily expect from a world-class golf facility. They are located near Naperville and provide better alternatives to golf courses in Naperville. Check out our options if you just ran out of options for golf courses in Naperville.

Here are six of the best spa spots you check if you are ready to be pampered. Let’s explore!

6. Arista Spa & Salon

Anyone in Naperville can splurge for Arista Spa’s premium offerings. The venue is upscale but not stuffy. Their therapies restore the senses and reboot the body.

Ambiance: The design combines aesthetics with modern innovations. The result is a comfy and relaxing environment where time passes quickly. There is even a couples’ room so you can enjoy these beautiful moments with someone special.

Service: You can expect skin rejuvenation treatments, massages, facials, and more. The estheticians seem to enjoy their work. It adds to the thrill of the whole experience.

Accolades: Positive online reviews.

5. Me Spa

Me Spa is a family business. They treat each client as part of the family. You can expect a soothing experience that makes you forget your troubles. Expect a comprehensive menu of rejuvenating and relaxing beauty and wellness services.

Ambiance: Great place to relax with friends and family. Ideal for a reunion spa party. They also host birthdays and bridal parties. The environment feels, smells, and looks heavenly.

Service: ME SPA runs monthly promotions that highlight some of its top-selling services and products. If you visit, you’ll get 80 minutes of signature massage, facials, and advanced corrective facials. You can also get 30-minutes of hydro dermabrasion for the same amount of money.

Accolades: Great review on Google and Yelp. Their service’s standout feature includes the complimentary soothing foot soak ritual for every facial or body service.

4. Blue Seas Med Spa

The Blue Seas Med Spa deluxe venue focuses on harmonizing medicine and beauty. Services are designed to keep you youthful forever by enhancing your appearance using noninvasive procedures, makeup, and skincare.

Ambiance: The space is intimate, warm, sanguine, serene, and a little hospital-like. They are a med spa, that is why. They do the impossible task of merging health and beauty. The spa is designed with meticulous attention to the details to soothe your body and enrich your soul in this special location.

Service: They have an extensive combination of beauty-focused spa treatments, clinical procedures that are elemental to anti-aging. If you choose this spa, you can expect premier medical aesthetics and skin enrichment services including liposuction, laser hair removal facial skin tightening, laser treatment for cellulite, facial peels, and wrinkle relaxers.

Accolades: Voted the number 1 Med Spa in Naperville.

3. Zano Salon and Day Spa

This Spa Naperville IL is artfully built with attention to the finest details to soothe the body and enrich the soul. For the entire spa experience, you can expect excellent customer service and a first-class standard of services and products at a fair price.

Ambiance: You walk into a quiet sanctuary, and leave behind your hectic, everyday life. You get to wash away your worries. Indulge, relax and enjoy in a clean and visually appealing spa and salon.

Service: At Zano Salon and Day Spa, they love and cherish their clients. Their estheticians smile a lot! You can expect the best of breed esthetic services and client care. They offer a full list of relaxing & revitalizing spa services from waxing to massages and facials.

Accolades: They’ve won Local Best Awards for best salon and spa in Naperville 3 times in a row (2018-2020). They are famous for creating personalized skincare treatments that fit each client’s skin issues. They customize each service to fit your lifestyle and budget.

2. Solaia Luxury Salon and Spa

Solaia gives you a chance to experience a new generation of full immersion salon and spa. They promise total transformation and a memorable experience.

Ambiance: Here, guests encounter a fresh approach that beats every aspect of the traditional salon and spa. Think of experiences woven around video technology, refreshments, music, and exceptional service.

Phenomenal spa features include virtual technology and video walls that will stimulate your visual senses and take you to another world. You’ll feel as though you are on top of a waterfall, trekking in the Amazon forest or chasing the aurora. The immersive video technology people at this spa know their craft.

Service: At Solaia, you’ll truly experience an escape to a perfect reality every single time. They have every spa service for your needs, be it is a special occasion or daily beauty needs. Services include massage, waxing, and sunless tanning.

Accolades: They have wine and beer too! Solaia Luxury Salon and Spa offer guests an extensive menu of premium wine and beer. No wonder they were voted the Best in the Western Suburbs, Leaders Choice Awards 2019.

1. Niki Moon Salon and Spa

Niki Moon Salon is a spa and hair salon. They dedicate their time to understanding everything there is to know about hair and sharing that information with you.

Ambiance: It is a serene and tranquil space that relaxes the muscles and soothes the soul. They try to make every visit relaxing and enjoyable. They offer each guest complimentary beverages. You can enjoy a glass of wine, vodka, coffee or espresso, soft drinks, and, water.

Service: When it comes to their client service, guests are treated like royalty. You can expect full-service hair care, highlights, color melting, lowlights, women’s haircuts, special occasion styles, extensions, microdermabrasion, and red-light therapy, among other services.

Accolades: The Spa & Saloom was officially opened in 2012 and got expanded into a much larger locality in Dec 2015. In a short time, they have always been open and bagged many awards.

Niki Moon Salon was voted #1 in Naperville on the Yelp. They are featured on the top 20 list in the Best Salon of the Year event by Today Salon magazine.

Further, they were nominated among the best 100 business Coast to Coast in all of North America.

That’s it! This has been the top Spas to enjoy yourself in Naperville Illinois. Spoil yourself and enjoy Naperville!

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With the possible exception of the internet, nothing is as integral to modern humans’ survival as meat. Thankfully, Naperville is a meat lover destination. You won’t have to travel far to find the best-tasting beef, lamb, pork, or even game meat. If you are looking for the best steak paradise in the city on weekends or weekdays, start here. Here are our Five Best Steaks In Naperville.

5. City Gate Grille

2020 Calamos, Naperville, IL 60563

My friend and I discovered this eatery and gave it a shot on a Sunday night for dinner. Expect an incredible ambiance, perfect steak, and signature cocktails. My friend ordered the filet mignon, and I had the most extraordinary T-bone with béarnaise. Everything, including the appetizers, bread, drinks, and our main entrees were on point.

The steakhouse is easy to get to, and they have ample parking. Their service is phenomenal, going by the dinner experience we had. Their menu was filled with dozens of options, from salads to salmon, potatoes, and others.

We were lucky. They had live jazz music during our visit, which truly elevated the dining experience. Apart from the fact that they provided ample servings, the food was mouthwatering. The steak was tender and well-seasoned.

Pureed potatoes, green beans, carrots, yams, cranberry sauce, mixed greens, rolls, and a giant pumpkin pie—it was all phenomenal. City Gate Grille offers just the same quality of meats as you would find in premier steakhouses across the states, except that their price is reasonable and their service is much more streamlined.

4. Walkers Char-house

8 W Gartner Rd, Naperville

Walkers Char-house is a great Naperville steakhouse to enjoy good food and discounted drinks. It is a great place to meet new people and start random conversations.

I came here with my in-laws. The food was dazzling; I requested the Bone-in Ribeye – which was cooked flawlessly! The Desi light cuts were the top pick! The Prime Rib was drool-inducing.

The servers were remarkably efficient and served us faster than I expected. It was also a very clean atmosphere—I felt very safe eating there, and the workers ensured that we felt at home.

Toward the end, the owner came and thanked us all, and he even introduced us to the Head Chef. He was classy and professional and gave us a sneak peek of the magic that happens behind the scenes. We were embarrassingly blown to bits.

3. Morton’s

1751 Freedom Dr, Naperville

What’s good? Cajun Ribeye Steak

Ask one of the waitresses, “What’s good today?” and most of them will enthusiastically recommend the Cajun Ribeye Steak. It was tender, juicy, and flavorful. It comes from farm-fresh beef, they say. I also had the option of choosing from many stews, salads, and potato dishes.

My server took the time to explain everything on the menu. He provided great suggestions and made me feel at home. Even with social distancing and all COVID 19 protocols at the restaurant, it was still an experience to live for!

The steakhouse is centrally located in Freedom Commons, the new shopping mall at Interstate 88 at the Naperville Road exit. Boasting a glam and cozy interior and a beautiful terrace, Morton’s is simply a must-try steakhouse in Naperville.

They serve beer and wine too. Apart from steals, expect an extensive menu of seafood, mac and cheese, and nearly everything you can think of. What started in Chicago in 1978 is presently quite possibly the best steakhouse chain in the nation.

2. Hugo’s Frog Bar and Fish

55 S Main St, Naperville

What’s good? Each bite is a party in the mouth.

When I heard a friend describe Hugo’s this way, I dismissed it as hyperbole. Then one day, when I had a business engagement on S Main St., I checked in for lunch, and it was truly exceptional.

If you are looking for the best quality meat in town, add Hugo’s Frog Bar and Fish House to your list of must-try steakhouses. Apart from steak, their menu is diverse, including fresh fish and seasonal dishes.

The Naperville eatery boasts an excellent sitting area room, which can accommodate 12 to 40 individuals for dinner and 75 for a cocktail party. They serve three meals a day so that you can pop in any time.

They serve ASDA quality meats. That means you get the best grade of beef for whatever steak you choose. All steaks are served with salad, mashed potatoes, and a choice of soups.

Is it expensive? Sure. This is a fancy café popular among Naperville’s upscale diners. However, for their great food, fantastic atmosphere, and excellent services, the experience is worth every penny.

1. Sullivan’s Steakhouse

244 S Main St, Naperville

What’s good? Good music and good food

This is the place to be when you need fresh hand-cut steaks, signature mixed drinks, and vibrant music, all intended to allow you to loosen up and enjoy the weekend. It’s easy to get here, given its conspicuous location in the Historic District. The exceptional midtown Naperville eatery teleports you to some other time in history.

I first came here with my cousin, and the experience was mind-blowing. After the River Walk, the Prairie Nature Reserve, and a whole morning of sightseeing, we got here famished and ready to eat anything available.

The reception was A-OK. I immediately fell in love with classic interior design and ambiance. Their Wonderful menu was full of flavorful choices taking things to a whole new level.

My cousin had shrimp and lobster bisque and seared salmon with green beans. I went for a plate of Caesar greens, Delmonico steak, roasted garlic, and horseradish pureed potatoes. There are numerous steakhouse chains around Naperville, but Sullivan’s surely stands out from the rest.

If you are on the hunt for the best steakhouses in Naperville, IL, try one of the above five options. Expect clean and great dining atmospheres, sumptuous and luscious steaks, and friendly service to boot.