Best Places to Live in Naperville

Would you like to find out where you should live in Naperville, IL? If you are moving to Naperville, check out these seven great neighborhoods in Naperville, along with local favorites!

Naperville, Illinois, is found just outside of Chicago and is considered one of the best places to live in Illinois. Best known for its family-friendly atmosphere and low crime rate, Naperville has many friendly neighborhoods and suburban areas to call home. Designated to be safer than 85% of other cities in the United States and 82% safer than other cities in the state of Illinois, Naperville is a safe place to live, especially around the southwest part of the city.

If you are moving to Illinois and want to make the city of Naperville home, then you should know where you should live in Naperville. Offering its residents a dense suburban feel, have your choice of historic single-family homes or chic apartment complexes. Whether you want to live near the hustle and bustle of Downtown Naperville or in a quiet suburban neighborhood, there is a place to live in the city for any lifestyle and cultural background.

While Naperville may be considered snobby and more expensive, finding a home within your budget is possible with the help of our knowledgeable Realty Specialists. While moving, in general, can be overwhelming, finding a good place to live for you and your family is often one of the most challenging parts of the home-buying process. Luckily, with the help of this neighborhood guide, learn about where you should and should not live in Naperville.

That said, read on for more information about the seven Best Neighborhoods in Naperville, IL!

Here are the best neighborhoods in Naperville! 

Downtown Naperville

If you are moving to Naperville, then check out Downtown Naperville. Often described as picture-perfect, this thriving Downtown neighborhood is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the midwest and Naperville. Blending both old and new architecture, many buildings in Downtown Naperville date back to the 1800s. With over 100 stores that line the streets, this part of town attracts many residents and visitors to the area for its trendy boutiques and specialty shops.

As the prime location in the city for dining, entertainment, and first-class amenities, living in Downtown Naperville is ideal for young professionals, couples, and families. Plus, as the go-to spot for events and festivals, there is always something going on in this neighborhood that brings the whole community together. Some of the most popular festivals that residents enjoy are Naperville Soulfest, the Naperville Food Truck Festival, and the Naperville Bluegrass Festival.

Local Favorites:  

Allegory: Specializing in farm-to-table dishes, customers can enjoy southern comfort food with a twist. Make sure to order a cocktail with your meal.  

Quiubo: Best known for its Sunday brunch, this modern Mexican restaurant serves excellent food and delicious craft cocktails. Make sure to order the avocado or Pescado tacos.  

Hugo's Frog Bar and Fish House: This popular seafood restaurant is the best place to order oysters, tuna, shrimp, and crabs. There is even outdoor seating and a piano bar.  

SixtyFour - Wine Bar and Kitchen: Enjoy tapas and charcuterie while sipping high-quality wine. There are 64 wines to choose from that differ in price.  

La Sorella di Francesca: Dine on pizza, pasta, and other homemade favorites in this authentic upscale Italian restaurant. Fresh bread is served with every meal.  

Naperville Historic District

The Naperville Historic District comprises 613 buildings, 544 of which are historically significant. Located in an older, eastern section of Naperville, this neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of Naperville's quietest and most peaceful neighborhoods. Made up of homes over 100 years old, the houses and structures in this neighborhood are perfect examples of the city's historical heritage and magnificent architecture.

Featuring Cape Cod, Victorian, and Four-Square architectural styles, residents that live in this historic district value Naperville's aesthetic character and distinct charm. With well-lit streets, manicured lawns, and large backyards, the Naperville Historic District is a great place to live for families and retirees alike. Plus, with easy access to parks, public transportation, restaurants, coffee shops, and other sought-after amenities, it is no surprise that the Naperville Historic District is one of the best places to live in Naperville.

Local Favorites:

Naperville Riverwalk: A great place to walk, run, or bike, this riverwalk and urban park have a paddleboat pier, playground, scenic trails, and horseshoe pit. This is the perfect family time or date day destination.

Naper Settlement: Established in 1969, this historical settlement has 30 historical buildings and a 12-acre pioneer reenactment village. This is an excellent place to bring the family to learn about local Naperville history.

Quigley's Irish Pub: Check out this upscale Irish pub for traditional Irish fare and pints. There is even live music and a dog-friendly patio.

Tapville Social - Naperville: Specializing in American comfort food, pub grub, and beer. This family-friendly restaurant is an excellent spot for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Cress Creek

If you are looking for a family-friendly community with affordable housing, look no further than the neighborhood of Cress Creek in Naperville. With a large selection of single-family homes to choose from that will suit any budget, Cress Creek is located on the North side of Naperville and is a unique and friendly place to live.

Built around scenic trails, parks, and top amenities, the Cress Creek community is found in an ideal location for its access to outdoor recreation activities and local hot spots. For those moving with school-aged children, Cress Creek is also part of a highly-rated school district that values the importance of a good education inside and outside the classroom. The top public schools in the area include Mill Street Elementary School, Jefferson Junior High School, and Naperville North High School.

Plus, with Downtown Naperville and the Naperville Historic District only minutes away, this neighborhood is an excellent option for residents who commute Downtown for work. Cress Creek is one of the best places to live in Naperville.

Local Favorites:

Cress Creek Country Club: Founded in 1963, this country club features a golf course, swimming pools, tennis courts, and dining options.

Centennial Beach: What was once an abandoned quarry has since been turned into one of the neighborhood's most popular watering holes. Residents can pay daily admission or can buy an annual beach membership.

Cress Creek Square Shopping Center: Featuring a good selection of stores and restaurants, including a Fresh Thyme grocery store.

Cress Creek Commons Pool: This swim club is open to both residents and non-residents. The pool is always clean, and the staff is always friendly.

Cress Creek Park: This local neighborhood park is great for bringing your kids for a day of fun on the playground and basketball courts. Not only is this park hidden away in a quiet section of the neighborhood, but it is always clean and well-maintained.

Still Water

The neighborhood of Still Water is a great community that values close relationships. Known to be another great neighborhood to raise a family, Still Water is a safe place to live, with many large, competitively priced single-family homes. While housing prices here may be higher, residents will find that they are paying for plenty of backyard space, well-constructed homes, a prime location, high quality of life, and an abundance of sought-after amenities nearby.

With most homes built between the late 1990s to 2012, Still, Water is a relatively newer residential neighborhood that continues to develop. With a walk score of 25 out of 100, residents are encouraged to bring their car or use public transportation. For those moving with school-aged children, the best schools in the area include Arlene Welch Elementary School, Scullen Middle School, and Neuqua Valley High School.

Local Favorites:

Blue Sushi Sake Grill: Get your sushi, sake, and cocktails fix. There are also plenty of vegetarian options available.

Santo Cielo: Serving favorite international dishes in a dining room with spectacular views of the city skyline.

Vasili's: Enjoy top-notch food and service. The dessert options, in particular, are fun and creative.

Plank Bar and Kitchen: Located in Hotel Indigo, this American restaurant serves breakfast and dinner in a modern setting.

Hobson West

The neighborhood of Hobson West is located in DuPage County, just one mile south of Downtown Naperville. Home to about 1,080 residents, Hobson West, is a well-established residential neighborhood that features large homes that are competitively priced. Offering a large variety of single-family homes built in the early 1980s, as well as apartment complexes, condos, and townhomes, residents have a variety of property types and architectural styles to choose from.

Considered to be one of the most welcoming neighborhoods due to its friendly residents and tight-knit community, Hobson West is attracting young professionals and families to the area. With its access to some of the best public schools in the state, excellent dining establishments, specialty shops, and prime entertainment, it is no wonder that Hobson West ranks among the top neighborhoods in Naperville.

Local Favorites:

Hobson West Ponds Park: A great place to walk around and bring the kids on a lovely sunny day.

Ron Ory Community Garden Plots: Rent your garden plot and have the chance to grow your food. This is also a great way to meet new people.

Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea Central Park Place: This locally-owned coffee shop is a relaxing place to catch up on work while sipping a latte, tea, or milkshake. Pastries are also served.

Rosati's Pizza: Specializing in Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

Hobson West Park: Featuring open green space and walking trails.

South Pointe

The lively neighborhood of South Pointe is located on Route 59 and is comprised of beautiful single-family homes constructed between 2008 and 2010. With a reasonable price point, the real estate in this well-established neighborhood is affordable and marketed explicitly toward families.

With busty streets lined with bakeries, bookstores, coffee shops, markets, and cafes, residents will always have things to do when living in South Pointe. Plus, with an abundance of parks and outdoor spaces, this is the perfect place to explore, only minutes away from Downtown Naperville. For those moving with school-aged children, some of the top-rated schools in the area are Freedom Elementary School, Heritage Grove Middle School, and Plainfield East High School.

Local Favorites:

South Pointe Park: Featuring well-maintained green spaces and soccer fields.

South Pointe Swim Club: This swim club is clean, fun, and open in the summer.

Sharko's BBQ: Enjoy smoked meats and sides and a variety of sauces. Make sure to order the macaroni and cheese.

Burrito Parilla Mexicana - Naperville: Dine on classic Mexican fare incuding tacos, enchiladas, and burritos in a casual setting.

La Borra Cafe Naperville: This cafe is dog-friendly, and the food and coffee are delicious.

Ashbury

Considered a premier subdivision in southwest Naperville that offers its residents luxurious active lifestyles, the Ashbury neighborhood was built in the early to mid-1990s and is one of the best places to live in Naperville. With over 1,000 single-family homes on 514 acres of land, Ashbury is designed for families and is beloved for its active homeowner's association and annual community events to unite the community. Ashbury has parks, an aquatic center, tennis courts, and athletic fields that residents can take advantage of.

Local Favorites:

Traverso's: Serving thin crust pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes.

Currito: Specializing in build-your-own burritos, salads, and smoothies.

Paris Bistro: Dine at this upscale French restaurant for sweet and savory crepes, French breakfast, and other favorites. 

Best Neighborhoods in Naperville, IL - The Bottom Line

Naperville is a safe area with plenty of friendly neighborhoods that are either perfect for raising a family or spending time after work. With plenty of property types to choose from that will fit any lifestyle and budget, finding the home of your dreams is possible with the help of our talented realty team.

If you are searching for the best places to live in Naperville and want to know more about the best neighborhoods in the city, contact us! 

Check out our other local area guides: 

Moving to Chicago 

Best Neighborhoods in Chicago