Comfort, family and history seem to seldom go hand-in-hand with massive corporate facilities. But somehow, in Naperville, they do.
Impressive corporations like Bell Labs, Nokia, BP, Ineos, Nalco, Calamos, Nicor, Tellabs, ConAgra and Dukane Precast happily co-exist and thrive here alongside scores of families, the fascinating 1831 Naper Settlement, a picturesque 1.75-mile Riverwalk, a thriving downtown filled with retailers and restaurants, the campus of North Central College and the 72-bell Millennium Carillon in the majestic 16-story Moser Tower.
This year Money Magazine has once again included Naperville on its “Best Places to Live” list, the eighth time since 2004, and in 2013 it was rated first on The Kiplinger Report’s list of the best cities for early retirement.
In 2017 niche.com named the city second on the list of the “Best Cities to Live In,” first on the “Best City to Raise a Family In” list and also named it the safest city in America.
And when it comes to business, Money Magazine has recognized Naperville twice in the last five years as a “Top Earning Town.”
Even though Naperville, with its population of over 147,000, is now the fourth-largest city in Illinois, it still manages to feel like a quaint small town.
Founded in 1831 by Joseph Naper, it was originally known as “Naper’s Settlement.” After DuPage County was split from Cook County in 1839, Naper’s Settlement became the DuPage County seat, a distinction it held until 1868. Naper’s Settlement was incorporated as the Village of Naperville in 1857 and reincorporated as a city in 1890.
Today Naperville is a community with big-city amenities and opportunities on the doorstep of a great metropolis. When you shop in its diverse businesses; dine in its quaint restaurants; and enjoy its interesting atmosphere, you will find it difficult to believe that you are only minutes from Chicago.
Naperville’s picturesque Riverwalk is considered its crown jewel, featuring brick paths, fountains, bridges, meeting and event places, outdoor sculpture and artwork, recreational facilities and celebratory memorials. The Walk was created in 1981 as a permanent memorial of Naperville’s 150th anniversary, but improvements are constantly being made to enhance it.
The Walk’s list of amenities also includes Centennial Beach, an outdoor swimming pool with a sandy beach that boasts 6.2 million gallons of water that starts with zero depth and goes as deep as 15 feet.
In addition, Naperville groups and organizations host many events during the year, including historic events at the Settlement like marathons, outdoor symphony concerts, children’s seasonal events, parades and food/music fests with carnivals.
Naperville is safe, clean and vibrant. Outstanding health care is readily available, as are recreational facilities and educational attractions like the historic Naper Settlement and the DuPage Children’s Museum.
It is also important to note that Naperville’s community leaders invest heavily in programs that help children develop into educated, confident and interested adults who can remain in their hometown to thrive as adults and raise a new generation of Naperville residents.