Naperville, Illinois
Where families thrive and communities flourish
Niche (2025)
#1 Best Cities to Live in America
Money Magazine (2024)
#4 Best Places to Live
WhereAtHome Score
75.7
Cout of 100
Overview
Naperville consistently ranks at or near the top of national "best places to live" lists due to exceptionally low crime, high household incomes, and strong public schools. Although home prices are above the national average, the income-to-housing ratio remains favorable. Its proximity to Chicago and stable economic profile make it one of the safest long-term residential bets in the U.S.
Key Highlights
- Ranked #1 Best Place to Live by multiple publications in 2025
- Exceptional school district with nationally recognized programs
- Very low crime rate - among the safest cities in America
- Strong job market with access to Chicago metro opportunities
- Riverwalk and downtown district with local shops and dining
Key Metrics
2024 Presidential Election
DuPage County (county-level results)
Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more
Climate
Summer High
84°F
Winter Low
18°F
Annual Rainfall
38"
Sunny Days
189
Amenities & Infrastructure
140+ Parks
Green spaces and recreation
2 Major Hospitals
Healthcare access
1 Universities
Higher education institutions
Public Transit Available
Bus, rail, or metro service
Major Employers
Score Breakdown
6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.
Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)
How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)
Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)
Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)
Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)
Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)
Location
Compare with another city
Start ComparisonLast Updated: 2026-07-01
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.
Related Reading
How to Compare City Crime Rates: The Seven WhereAtHome Safety Tiers
What Very Low through Very High actually mean, how FBI data becomes a tier, and why Naperville and Pittsburgh need a closer look.
relocation tipsCity Comparison Criteria: How to Decide What Actually Matters to You
A practical framework for filtering out deal-breakers first, then weighting what's left, shown with five real cities ranked three different ways.
market trendsHome Values vs. Housing Affordability: Why Cheaper Isn't Always More Affordable
Naperville, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco show why a home's price tag and its real affordability can tell very different stories.
Similar Cities by Score
Collinsville, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$198,331
Population
23,779
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
79
Freeport, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$129,722
Population
23,136
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
42
East Moline, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$156,179
Population
20,806
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
33