Firstly why Naperville, Illinois?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Naperville
• State: Illinois
• Population: 148,155 people
• Naperville’s quick summary would be Celebrated for its charming Riverwalk, historic downtown, and excellent schools.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 14,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 16,000 annually
• Net Migration: -2000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,200
• Number of Homeless people: 300

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its strong schools and family-friendly activities attracting families

Perk #1: Naperville Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 39%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 86%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Asian
• The median income is (and growing)  $95,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Naperville is $40,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-55000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Naperville’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 110 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $8,822
• Property Tax %: 1.97%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,500
• Rent for an average house: $2,300
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown Naperville
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Naperville, Aurora, Wheaton, Bolingbrook, and probably could include Plainfield
• Avg. Age of Homes in Naperville: 30 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Naperville’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Naperville are  Healthcare, Education, and Retail
• Naperville Job Scene: growing job market in education and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech presence primarily focused on software and engineering services , ,
• Naperville Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Naperville: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 140 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 7

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Naperville

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-88 serves as the main artery through Naperville
• Commute Time: 28 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on Route 59
• Transportation Score: 56 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Naperville: 95,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Naperville: cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 70 of 100
• Local Airport: Chicago Midway International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Naperville’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Naperville is best described as enjoys a climate featuring cold winters and hot summers with mild spring and autumn seasons and remarkable seasonal color changes
• Winter Weather in Naperville i’d describe as cold and snowy
• Spring Weather in Naperville can be described as cool with chances of rain
• Summer’s in Naperville are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Naperville is usually cool with sunny spells
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 91 days in summer
• Days in a row in Naperville below Freezing: 22
• Average Annual Rainfall: 37 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely sustained by local efforts
• Naperville Winter Air generally good air quality influenced by seasonal emissions

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Naperville Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Naperville 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Napervilles’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Naperville Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Naperville Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Naperville only Doctors is about 70
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Naperville only Police Officers is about 200
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Naperville’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Naperville’s Monthly Gym Membership: $55
• Naperville’s Water Quality Score: 76

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Naperville

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 9 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: affluent suburb with a strong community and schools
• You might enjoy concerts at the Naperville Riverwalk
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Naperville  offers a vibrant nightlife with local breweries restaurants and clubs for social gatherings and fun nights out

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Naperville

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a blend of upscale restaurants and casual dining
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 50 scattered around Naperville
• The Popular Sports Team is Naperville North High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Naperville can be described as predominantly conservative suburb with a focus on family-oriented policies
• Naperville’s Longer standing religious establishment is Naperville Presbyterian Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Naperville Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Naperville has 50 Parks?
• Naperville Riverwalk is Naperville’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Naperville Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Running, biking, and river activities

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Naperville Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Naperville can be described as steady suburban lifestyle with vibrant shopping and dining areas
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Naperville hiking local trails community picnics visiting parks
• The Cities people commute to from Naperville are Chicago 36 miles away Aurora 11 miles away Bolingbrook 15 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Naperville or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: backups on Route 59. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Naperville’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown Naperville is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Naperville are Chicago 36 miles away Aurora 11 miles away Bolingbrook 15 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Naperville has 22 days in a row below freezing and 91 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Naperville people have an average (positive or negative) $-55000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   300 homeless people living in Naperville. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general predominantly conservative suburb with a focus on family-oriented policies could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Naperville.

Retiree & Senior Life in Naperville

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might access property tax exemptions easing their financial situation
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Springs at Monarch Landing
• Naperville Senior Center hosts diverse programs including health screenings and social activities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Naperville, Illinois?

If Naperville, Illinois ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Naperville, Illinois, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!