Naperville blends a lively, walkable downtown with quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods, well-regarded schools and an easy commute to Chicago. I've helped families buy and sell here for more than 35 years, and it's still one of my favorite places to call home.

Living in Naperville

Naperville is one of the largest cities in Illinois, yet it keeps a small-town feel. The city sits in both DuPage and Will counties, about 30 miles west of downtown Chicago, and it is the oldest community in DuPage County.

The heart of town is the Naperville Riverwalk, a brick-paved path along the DuPage River that connects downtown shops and restaurants with parks, fountains and covered bridges. Along the way you'll find the Millennium Carillon and the Paddleboat Quarry. Nearby are Centennial Beach, a historic quarry turned swimming spot, and Naper Settlement, an outdoor museum of 19th-century Naperville.

The Naperville Park District manages more than 2,400 acres of parks, trails, sports fields and golf courses, plus nature centers and activity centers. Forest preserves like Springbrook Prairie add miles of open space. Summer concerts, community festivals and a busy downtown dining scene keep the calendar full year-round.

A Few of Naperville's Neighborhoods

Naperville has well over 100 subdivisions. Here are some of the best known in each part of town.

Don't see your neighborhood listed? Naperville has many more subdivisions. Buying? Search all Naperville homes for sale. Selling? Get a free home value report for any Naperville neighborhood.

Homes in Naperville

Naperville offers a wide range of homes. Near downtown you'll find historic homes and newer infill construction on established streets. Much of the city was built from the 1970s through the 2000s, so many neighborhoods feature two-story colonials, ranches and traditional family homes with mature trees. The south side includes many newer subdivisions, often with clubhouses, pools and walking paths.

There are also plenty of townhomes and condominiums, including options close to downtown and the Metra stations, plus 55+ communities for buyers who want low-maintenance living.

Naperville Schools

Most of Naperville is served by two highly regarded public school districts:

• Naperville Community Unit School District 203
• Indian Prairie School District 204

Some neighborhoods on the far north side are served by Community Unit School District 200 (Wheaton-Warrenville), and some on the far south side by Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202.

Naperville is also home to North Central College and several private schools. School boundaries can change, so always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address directly with the district.

Commuting from Naperville

Naperville sits along I-88, with quick access to I-355 and I-55. Average drive times from Naperville:

Off-peak times shown in the circles. Times vary by starting point and traffic.

By train

Naperville has two stations on the Metra BNSF line: the downtown Naperville station and the Route 59 station on the city's west side. Express trains reach Chicago Union Station in about 35–45 minutes, and local trains take about 50–60 minutes. See current times on the Metra BNSF schedule.

Naperville Real Estate Market

Naperville homes are consistently in demand, and conditions can differ a lot from one neighborhood to the next. For current prices, days on market and recent sales, see today's Naperville real estate market report.

Why Work with Kimberly Thurm in Naperville

I've been selling homes in Naperville and the western suburbs for more than 35 years, including 12 years as a broker/owner and years in real estate management. I know Naperville street by street, and I help buyers, sellers and relocating families make confident decisions.

• 500+ homes sold or partnered on
• 2025 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices President's Circle
• ABR, CRS, GRI, SFR and Corporate Mobility Specialist (CMS) for relocation

Call or text me at (630) 464-1181, or send me a message.

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