Naperville, IL

Naperville consistently shows up on best-places-to-live lists for its good schools, easy commute to Chicago, its lively downtown, and great parks including the five-mile Riverwalk and the sandy Centennial Beach on the banks of the DuPage River.

Boasting a population of more than 140,000, Naperville is ranked the fourth-largest city in Illinois. It was first settled in 1831 by Joseph Naper and his family. Shortly thereafter, hundreds of settlers found their way to this growing area. But it wasn't until construction on Interstates 88 and 355 began in the late 1980s that the population really took off. Just in the past few years, more than 20,000 people have taken up residence in this suburban town.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

With about 40 restaurants, a retail mix of local and chain stores, and the Riverwalk, downtown Naperville remains the vibrant center of town.

EVENTS

Ribfest: Typically held during the Fourth of July weekend, Ribfest draws more than 15 rib vendors from all over the country. On the Fourth of July, patrons can gain free admission after 8:00 p.m. and can view a magnificent fireworks show put on by the city. With nationally known entertainment also present, it's no wonder that Ribfest was voted one of the top festivals in the Midwest.

Naper Days: Its theme is to celebrate fun, family, and community, and the Naper Days festival does not disappoint. The event is celebrated in the middle of June, and children can enjoy a petting zoo, trolley rides, and barnyard bingo. Naper Days even hosts a baking competition for all ages, encouraging children under the age of 12 to participate.

Last Fling: Commemorating the end of summer, the Last Fling takes place during the Labor Day weekend. With free performances, a large carnival, and plenty of food, it's a chance for people to let loose before cooler weather officially hits.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Naperville is home to many technology companies and automobile retailers. The city was one of the ten fastest growing communities in the nation during the 1990s. The median income of households is $93,338.

Major companies that have headquarters or divisions in Naperville are Tellabs, Laidlaw, Bill Jacobs, Bell Laboratories, Alcatel-Lucent, OfficeMax and Dukane Precast.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Naper Settlement: With more than 150,000 annual visitors, the Naper Settlement's outdoor museum complex receives plenty of notoriety. It contains dozens of historic structures, and the Martin Mitchell Mansion is noted on the National Register of Historic Places.

Millennium Carillon: This bell tower reaches heights of more than 160 feet, which is higher than the Statue of Liberty. The tower houses 72 bells, the largest of which weighs 5 tons. The bells play through an automatic system or with the assistance of carilloneurs, or chime players. During special occasions and on Tuesdays in the summer, special concerts are performed. Visitors can climb the 14 stories of the bell tower or take the elevator to obtain a spectacular view at the observation deck or see the Carillon's magnificent bells.

DuPage Children's Museum: Located on Washington Street, the Children's Museum provides hands-on experiences for children to explore. The museum was founded in 1987 with the focus of math, science, and art through interactive exhibits. In 2006, it was named one of Chicagoland's top 10 cultural attractions because of its exquisite exhibits and its annual attendance of more than 300,000 visitors.

Centennial Beach: More than 2,500 visitors can be seen on this former quarry when the weather cooperates. The beach features several acres of terrain with numerous park facilities. First opened in 1932, the beach is open yearly on all non-school days from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Riverwalk: This four-mile walkway through the heart of downtown features an open-air amphitheater along the scenic DuPage River. The riverwalk has seen a recent upgrade to its retaining walls.

EDUCATION

North Central College: This private, four-year liberal arts college features a campus in the historic district of Naperville. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the college participates in NCAA Division III athletics and the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin. North Central College has an enrollment of about 2,500 students.

LOCAL MEDIA

Naperville has a variety of media sources:

• The Naperville Sun: This newspaper is published 6 times a week and circulated to around 20,000 readers. Owned by the Sun-Times group, it is Naperville's top source for up-to-date news.
• WPFP, AM 1610: This station reports local news, road construction, and city information.
• WONC, 89.1 FM: This station is the North Central College station.
• Naperville Community Television, Channel 17: This station plays tapes of government meetings, area events, and other local information.