Pros and Cons of Living in Naperville, IL

[@shadowtactics1940]

Living there for over a decade here’s what’s definitely true. The peoole: With the privileges we are blessed with & quality of life. There are definitely a lot of people that stick up their nose up, But.. But when it comes to just having a casual encounter, many are friendly & open. Very diverse culture, from Japanese visitors, to Russian, to African esc. Food is surprisingly good. (Not Chicago good) but can keep up. Overpriced property is an issue. Plenty of “High end apartments” where you over pay more for the area than what you are getting. (We had a mice infestation). Maintenance was awful, & didn’t want to come out in fix the problem even when paying top dollar. Winter: they actually do a decent job at clearing the streets. Men: Cool, chill for the most part. (Can even seem like hippies). Women: this unfortunately is where we got the “Napervillians” are stuck up. (Lots of Karens from different culture background). Many parents spoiled their children (both male & female to be fair). Great to grow a family, it’s so safe there that I saw people leaving their house doors open, & falling asleep in their cars in public areas. Naperville Library - Free music studio to produce music - 3d art machine designing - free Wi-Fi - free books - free movies(blu-ray also) - Free updated video game library - snacks/vending machine - children play area - Free business/entrepreneur classes Naperville river walk You’ll sometimes catch dancers/art performances. (Breakdancers) Car shows Culture festivals Sports Awesome mall with indoor skating & some other options.

[@ralphieandryan]

thank you for taking the time to share that information with us!

[@susanw6289]

I’m from an old Naperville family, and quite a few have generations that stayed here. Many, mine included, were farmers, and you could not find more down-to-earth and friendly people. I am sad about some of the changes, but that’s life, and I will always consider it my hometown. High taxes and other things should affect who is elected, so you need to pay attention and vote. I won’t judge all the new people that have moved here, but some are pretty impressed with themselves. Tearing down old houses and then thinking they are the only ones that count in old, established neighborhoods. I’ve heard they call us “those people.” It can be difficult for kids when some get anything they want without effort, and your kid has a job or a reasonable allowance. It was nothing like that when I grew up. The people like that can stay in their little groups, and the rest of us will continue to love our hometown and all it has to offer. I have many memories of farmland, corn, and gravel roads. My mom drove into town in a horse-drawn buggy, and my friend and I rode our horses into the south side. I miss the farms, but I know you still don’t have to go too far to find them. I love Naperville, and I can’t imagine anything that could change that.

[@ralphieandryan]

This is very detailed! Thank you for sharing with us ☺️

[@iewtcher6604]

My Great Grandpa came from Germany and started a farm as well in Naperville. His farm was on the corner of Naperville and Warrenville Rd. My Grandpa's home is still standing that he built near St. Peter & Paul and many are buried there. My mom was the youngest of 10 kids and grew up there. There name was Barkei. Curious if we are related somehow as many were.

[@KP-rh5qz]

@@iewtcher6604 I remember that farm

[@bonniedeibel1546]

I lived 11 years in Naperville & really loved it back when I was there. Transferred with Kodak to northern Colorado in 1988. Otherwise I would have stayed in Naperville. I have no college degree but was still able to live very well there. If I were to ever move back to the Chicago area, I’d still want to live in Naperville.

[@ralphieandryan]

That is awesome! Thank you for sharing that with us!

[@susanw6289]

I just noticed this is an old post so never mind. Funny, it was the first to come up when I searched Naperville.

[@dineshts1437]

very good review..keep up the great work 👌🏻👍

[@ralphieandryan]

Thank you!

[@bobcantstandzyobitz9778]

Winfield is quieter. Been here 2 years, love it.

[@ralphieandryan]

I'm glad you're enjoying the quieter vibes in Winfield! It's always nice to find a place that feels like home. Winfield is an excellent spot with quality schooling in a great location.

[@bcsimon15]

The outdoor spaces are wonderful! One omission: ss for supermarkets, don't forget Casey's Foods, next to Trader Joe's! They have real butchers will the best meats.

[@ralphieandryan]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@danm2173]

Really neat video. Although I disagree with your statement of Lack of Parking in the downtown area. There are 3 large & very convenient parking garages that hold 900+ cars & the main one practically in the middle of town & holds 600+ by itself & as you mention are all free. I also disagree with the comment about income status. I don't make anywhere near $80.000 & in fact much less & I easily survive here & have for nearly 20 years. I do rent vs owning a house & that is why but I'm well within easy walking distance of downtown. I might have missed the part if you were being specific about owning a house in Naperville vs just living in Naperville. Traffic is definitely a thing during those peak hours but in defense of Naperville there is a rhythm that works & rarely deviates. Even when it's bad it always moves along & once you know the pattern & understand it on a daily basis it really is not so bad. Naperville is really a awesome place to live & the downtown is one of the best there is. There are a few parades that run right through the middle of town throughout the year, there are festivals that happen right in the middle of downtown with live music & more & it's all free. During the summer there is live music everywhere & much of it can be seen & heard by just walking by & stopping. There is a lot to discover & that is the real fun of it. I spend all my free time just being there when I can for the experience. I strike up conversation with dozens of random people throughout the summer & people are really nice in general but there are plenty of Napervilliians that are in their own world & could be considered snobby by most standards.

[@ralphieandryan]

Thanks for your comment! It's great to hear that you have such an appreciation for the city of Naperville and all it has to offer. You make some great points about the parking garages, income status, and traffic. It's true that there is a certain rhythm to the traffic and once you get used to it, it's not so bad. I'm glad you have such fond memories of growing up in Naperville and that you still enjoy visiting the downtown area. Thanks again for your feedback!

[@That_dude_from_Chicago]

I live there. It’s like heaven

[@aps125]

Naperville is a diverse suburb with over 90 subdivisions. Some are better than others. The section along Bailey is ghetto and you couldn’t walk safely in the evening while other places like Knoch Knoll reminds me of affluent North Shore communities. I live in a close by neighborhood called River Woods. It’s decent if not exceptional.

[@ralphieandryan]

Thanks for your comment! Naperville is a diverse suburb with a variety of different neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. While some areas may be more desirable than others, overall Naperville has a lot to offer, from excellent schools to a thriving economy. Thanks again for your feedback!

[@marinareynolds2955]

You didn't mention the huge drug problem.

[@dovemalone2702]

Please elaborate, thank you!

[@aps125]

@@dovemalone2702 just go to Naperville central, it’s an open secret

[@dovemalone2702]

@@aps125 Hi hun, I’m too old to go to what I assume is a high school, but if you could give me just a little more info I’d appreciate. Thank you

[@aps125]

@@dovemalone2702 I had chit chats with some of my neighbors. They all warned me about the drug problems at school. My kid is too young, she is attending grade school. I am contemplating about putting her in a private school.

[@dovemalone2702]

@@aps125 thank you for the warning, my child is also young, but I will keep this in mind for the future.

[@JulieOrt]

Is it customary to not have fences? Thinking of moving from TX. Every house here has fenced backyards.

[@ralphieandryan]

It is not customary to have fences here. If you're thinking about moving down here, we would love to chat with you about how we may be able to help you accomplish that. Link in description for contact information

[@susanw6289]

Could be lots of dog owners want them to have a little freedom,

[@pinkrose4824]

I’ve lived here all of my life and in the downtown area there are VERY few fenced yards, and people tend to go for the higher end fencing if anything (wrought iron). As you drive out of town, you’ll see more privacy fencing.

[@jeanwoodhouse6456]

traffic sucks

[@irmakalember9403]

I love Naperville. But it’s pricey and it’s lots of rich privileged people.

[@ralphieandryan]

Thanks for sharing your love for Naperville and your honest perspective! It's true, Naperville is known for its quality of life, which can come with a higher price tag. The community does have a reputation for affluence, but it also offers a diverse range of amenities and activities that appeal to many. It's this balance that makes Naperville a unique place to live. We appreciate hearing all viewpoints and experiences, as it gives a fuller picture of what living in Naperville is like. Thanks again for your comment!

[@georgewilson1184]

I don’t like Naperville he covered it very well Schools I say B.S. it is up to the Parents & individual students and that’s anywhere Oh Yeah I get the “ Naperville” Culture ??? Yeah right Me I am old old school I think I am more at home in near west suburban Melrose Park Illinois the greatest place on earth no need for comparison Melrose Park is home sweet home C’mon “Henry hurry up “MA”is cooking up some sausage& peppers I’m starving !!!!

[@dereishus01]

Oh no, please do not live in Aurora if you want to live

[@AndyMa-t2r]

Why?????

[@benjaminfajardo9469]

2 Costcos not one .. lol

[@doodlethebeagle2078]

Lived at Arbors 20 yrs ago. Wished I never left. Grass is not always greener, make the best of what you have. 🍀

[@YourFluffBallKitcat]

Naperville less go home town

[@ralphieandryan]

less goo 🙌

[@DJhuggo]

Hellou Tamar...um live in Brazil and I dont understing thats expression . You explained tô me please ? Thanks!

[@pinkrose4824]

I was born in Naperville, live here now, and have lived here most of my life. It started out like Mayberry, and today it is actually VERY diverse (and I’ve never encountered any bigots). One negative in my view is that the majority of people are transferees, not townies, and are not as friendly because they are mostly transient and tend to move on. The WORST part is the fact that it is in Illinois, just outside of Chicago (out of control crime). Since 2014, 516,000 people have FLED Illinois. That is more than the total of Naperville, Aurora, and Joliet COMBINED (source: The Telegraph 12/28/22), due to the poorly Democrat-majority-run political system where if you are even remotely conservative, the electoral college leaves you with NO VOTE. Illinois is also OBSCENELY in debt mostly due to unfunded public schoolteacher and state government official pension giveaways. Our neighbor to the east, Indiana is WELL run, solidly in the black, and the real estate is far cheaper. I will also be fleeing Illinois for retirement. It’s nice …if you have a lot of money …and you don’t have conservative values.

[@ralphieandryan]

Thanks for your comment and your insight! It's great to hear that you have been living in Naperville for most of your life and have seen the city transform over the years. You make some great points about the transient population and the political climate in Illinois. It's true that there are some issues that need to be addressed, but it's also important to remember that there are many great things about living in Naperville. We hope you'll find a place to retire that meets all your needs and wishes!

[@theflyingturkey]

There's no state or local level electoral college. That only exists for presidential elections.

[@trumpdonking6337]

You forgot to mention the gay bars in naperville and too many drag shows in the weekend😺

[@TheLgonzal1]

*Laughs in southern californian*

[@Moonstruck_Diva]

Oh wow! Checking this off my list, nothing but suburban hell and endless grids. Yuck!

[@ralphieandryan]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It sounds like Naperville's suburban layout isn't quite what you're looking for, and that's totally okay. Everyone has their own preferences for what makes a place feel like home. If you're interested in exploring other types of communities or have specific qualities you're looking for, I'd be happy to provide suggestions that might better match your tastes. Feel free to reach out or keep watching for more insights into different areas. Your feedback is appreciated!

[@JMVideos7676]

I moved from Naperville to San Diego and there is no comparison in the weather, quality of life, and ability of the people to get along. California might be suffering under the mismanagement of liberal Democrats, but Naperville was and still is much worse. Your results may vary.

[@vaishx]

Bruh in no shape or form is Naperville worse than Cali

[@JMVideos7676]

@@vaishx Higher property taxes, worse weather, and much worse political corruption.

[@vaishx]

@@JMVideos7676 worse weather I agree. But the rest of the stuff you said is much worse in Cali. In fact, all taxes are high in Cali and at least Naperville don’t got a bunch of homeless wandering around and the cost of living isn’t atrocious!

[@JMVideos7676]

@@vaishx Only New Jersey has higher property taxes than Illinois. From lowest to highest Ca. is ranked at #16, while Illinois is ranked 50th most expensive state for property taxes in list that includes DC.

[@vaishx]

@@JMVideos7676 but outside of property tax everything else is higher in California. Plus at least you can afford a decent size home in Naperville at a much fairer price unlike Cali where ya gotta pay over $1 million dollars for one. Other than the weather and scenery I see no valid reason to pick Cali over Naperville