Founded in 1831, Naperville is the oldest community in DuPage County. Captain Joseph Naper arrived from Ohio with his family, drawn by the area's proximity to the DuPage River and key position near major thoroughfares and trails. Naperville was incorporated in 1857. Visitors and residents can still immerse themselves in the feel of a 19th century community by visiting Naper Settlement, a museum village complete with costumed interpreters and historic reenactments. The village includes a Victorian home, an 1830's log house and a replica of the Pre-Emption House, the first hotel and tavern west of Chicago. Although increasingly home to large corporations such as General Motors, Nalco and Crate & Barrel, Naperville retains a rich historic charm and strong community spirit.

Naperville offers many recreational facilities and maintains over 100 parks. The Riverwalk is a network of brick pathways that wind through the city's downtown district along the DuPage River, featuring fountains, a large sled hill, an eatery and the Riverwalk amphitheater. A sunny day provides residents the opportunity to visit Centennial Beach, an approximately six-acre outdoor aquatic park founded in 1931. Naperville also offers annual traditions such as the Farmer's Market every Saturday from June to October as well as the Municipal Band Summer Concerts series from June to August. Naperville also plays host to a number of seasonal community events including the St. Patrick's Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day parades as well as many annual festivals including Rib Fest, Last Fling, and Octoberfest.

An especially unique attraction of Naperville is the Millennium Carillon. One of only four worldwide spanning full six octaves, the Millennium Carillon is properly known as a Grand Carillon. The Carillon has seventy-two bronze bells, the largest of which weighs almost six tons. At 11am, 4pm and 7pm daily, musical selections are played automatically on the bells. In addition, artists from around the world perform at the summer recital series.

Naperville offers a variety of shopping options, from sizeable shopping centers featuring name-brand stores to quaint, independently owned shops such as Anderson's Bookshop and City Meat Market. In regard to cuisine, a prestigious Chicago magazine called Naperville "an oasis of fine dining in the Western suburbs." Gourmands can choose from Spanish tapas, sushi or traditional Greek food. Mesón Sabika, a Spanish restaurant housed in a 19th century European villa and surrounded by 150-year-old oak trees, serves distinctive Spanish fare.

Parents can feel confident that their children will gain the most from education in Naperville. Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 are both highly rated. The International Association for the Evaluation of Education Achievement has recognized Naperville School District 203 as having the "Best Science Students in the World." The school also ranked 6th for "Best Math in the World." This family-oriented community is also home to a YMCA, providing students and children in the area with a place to learn and have fun.

As for real estate, Downtown Naperville is one of the hottest areas for custom new construction. From tear-downs to newly renovated historic homes, the Downtown Naperville area is where it's at. These newly constructed homes start in the $800,000s range and surpass $1,000,000. Prices for homes boasting substantial acreage can also exceed $1 million. The many small subdivisions of Downtown Naperville are reminiscent of the neighborhood atmosphere that Chicago is so well known for. Each has its own unique qualities of community. Many of the subdivisions are home to not only schools and places of worship but to parks, pools and clubhouses that serve as meeting places for the many neighborhood social activities and clubs that are offered through out the area.

One can also not ignore the benefit of being close to Chicago, one of the greatest cities in the world. The Windy City is only a 45 to 60-minute drive via Interstate 55 or Interstate 88 and the Eisenhower Expressway or, if you prefer, a 30-minute express train ride on the Metro into downtown Chicago's Union Station. Interstates 294, 355 and 80 are just a short distance from Naperville and provide easy access through the rest of the state. In addition, Naperville is less than 45 minutes from both O'Hare International and Midway Airports. Chicago offers world-class shopping and dining, amazing entertainment, and celebrated museums.