Naperville, Illinois

The Vibe
This is the most active part of the city. Restaurants, shops, apartments, and the Riverwalk all overlap in a space that is feeling increasingly city-like. And we mean that in a good way. There’s movement and pedestrians/errand-runners throughout the day, including weekdays, and it’s the only part of Naperville where walking can replace driving for many errands.

Schools
- Ellsworth Elementary
- Washington Junior High
- Naperville North or Naperville Central (boundary dependent)

Housing snapshot
- Condos, apartments, some older single-family homes
- Median home price: ~$650K–$900K
- Rent: ~$2,200–$3,200 for apartments and condos

Similar neighborhoods:
- Hinsdale Village (Hinsdale)
- Downtown Wheaton
- Downtown Glen Ellyn

The Vibe
These are established neighborhoods that are west of downtown Naperville, between Washington Street and Route 59, south of the I-88 corridor. They're close enough to downtown for short drives, but daily life in the neighborhood centers on home, schools, and neighborhood streets. It's less walkable and more car-oriented than Downtown and other neighborhoods with commercial centers. Hobson West has been rated the friendliest neighborhood in Naperville, so if you like nice, friendly people, then put it on your shortlist.

Schools
- Elmwood or Prairie Elementary
- Lincoln Junior High
- Naperville Central High School

Housing snapshot
- Larger single-family homes
- Median home price: ~$650K–$900K
- Very low turnover

Similar neighborhoods
- Hobson Village (Naperville)
- Central Wheaton neighborhoods
- West Glen Ellyn

The Vibe
East Highlands is immediately east of downtown, between the DuPage River and Naper Boulevard. It's one of the closest residential areas to the city center so there is an element of walkability to it that isn't available in the rest of the city. That said, it is still quiet with tree-lined streets, with nicer older homes, and a tight community.

Schools
- Highlands Elementary
- Kennedy Junior High
- Naperville North High School

Housing snapshot
- Mostly single-family homes
- Median home price: ~$700K–$1M+

Similar neighborhoods
- Central Glen Ellyn
- Northeast Hinsdale
- Old Town Downers Grove

The Vibe:
Cress Creek is in north-central Naperville, just south of I-88 and west of Naperville North High School.**** It's
close to the suburban office corridors and I-88, so the commute works for locals working there, but is farther from downtown. Most daily errands require driving. It's a planned golf course community with beautiful streets and plenty of local amenities like a championship golf course, tennis courts, swimming pols and member dining.

Schools
- Beebe Elementary
- Jefferson Junior High
- Naperville North High School

Housing snapshot
- Single-family homes
- Median home price: ~$600K–$800K

Similar neighborhoods
- White Eagle (Naperville)
- Arrowhead (Wheaton)
- Butler National area (Oak Brook)

The Vibe:
South Pointe is located in the southern part of Naperville, generally south of 75th Street and west of Route 59, with nearby subdivisions immediately north and south of it. This cluster feeds primarily into the Neuqua Valley High School attendance area. It's farther from downtown Naperville than many other neighborhoods, so you're going to be driving for daily errands. It's a mix of planned subdivisions with newer construction, sidewalks, and large family-sized lots. Streets often loop or curve rather than follow a strict grid to give my bucolic vibe to the area.

Schools
- Lowrie Elementary
- Scullen Middle School / Gregory Middle School
- Neuqua Valley High School

Housing snapshot
- Single-family homes and townhomes
- Median home price: ~$550,000–$750,000
- Rentals available, especially in townhomes or newer attached product

Similar neighborhoods (Chicago metro)
- Ashwood Park (Naperville)
- Prairie Crossing (Hoffman Estates)
- Settler’s Hill (Aurora)