No wonder Naperville, Illinois is consistently ranked on Money magazine’s “Best Places” list. For 2006, the beloved city of 141,600 came up as the #2 “Great American Town.” Granted, some may object, saying that the median home prices are too high. Truth is that for those who go after their dreams, the purchasing power of the dollar goes far beyond the price of real estate in Naperville.
Some of those people like keeping great company in Naperville but they search for property in Aurora, Berwyn, Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Elgin, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Schaumburg and Wheaton—all the neighboring communities where DuPage county real estate may be more affordable.
Naperville homes are enhanced by more green space than most cities, the results of a 1972 land-donation ordinance. Another prized feature is the miles of brick pathways along the DuPage River, a trademark of the historic Naperville real estate downtown that brings people out of neighborhoods and businesses for some fresh air. Folks stroll or jog along this River walk while others are colorfully sprinkled on grassy Rotary Hill—watching a traveling minstrel, a performance or one another.
Money compiles scores in several categories. Besides the Financial and Housing categories, Education, Quality of Life, Leisure and Culture, Weather, Health, and Neighbors were all assessed. With college entrance scores among the State’s highest and with access to 10 institutions of higher learning, hats are off to educators, volunteers, parents and students. With lots of parental and adult involvement in the community, children are given safe haven playing in the neighborhoods. With low average commute times and descent air quality, moderate weather and a relatively stable population, points added up. Adding a healthy long-term business sector and superb cultural and leisure amenities within 30 miles every direction, it’s easy to see why the community has a lower body mass and illness rate—there’s so much to do besides watch TV!
As Mayor George Pradel told Money, “Naperville was designed to be a small town. But we grew and grew.” Newcomers to the town are quick to appreciate the friendly helpful attitude, saying that the community far exceeds any of their preconceived expectations.
Gathering insightful comments from residents, http://money.cnn.com offers firsthand experiences such as:
“Naperville is different than other towns for one main reason - it has spirit of small town. The people here are involved in the community. It's up to residents of Naperville not the state or federal government. Parents care about their children and are not afraid to dedicate a free time as volunteers. Naperville is like no other town, and we hope it will stay this way. And we have great Mayor and the City Council, too.”
“Yes, for sure the unemployment is lowest in the Midwest so that compensates for the price you pay to live there….”
“The people are strong willed, family oriented and hard working. They are all aspiring to (if not already) living the true American Dream which comes with a safe and secure city, good schools (because of the teachers), well rounded residents—all who want the same thing, a happy community.”
“The town is rich in history and next year, deserves #1! It has a wonderful downtown, great medical care with Edward Hospital and many related clinics & practices, fabulous restaurants and shopping, numerous job opportunities and great access via train and a tollway. For kids the parks are modern and well maintained, plus there's a wonderful kid's museum and Naper Settlement living history village.”
Web Site Design © Copyright 2007 IMC, Articles by FeaturedHome.com