naperville|the golden city · 2019-06-03 · naperville has been named among the top five...
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Naperville |The Golden City
Home to Reveal. Naperville is a city in DuPage and
Will counties in the U.S. state of Illinois, and a suburb
located 28 miles
west of Chicago.
Recent estimates
put the population
of Naperville at
147,000 and it
was ranked among the nation’s safest cities by
USAToday and Business Insider. In 2018, Naperville
was named the best city to live in Illinois on Wall
Street’s list of Best Cities to Live in Every State as
well as the Best City to Raise a Family in America
by Niche. Naperville is named the third best
place to visit in 2018 by Livability, and in August,
the City took the No. 12 spot on Safewise’s
2018 Safest College Towns in the Nation report.
Recognized nationally and internationally as one of
the top communities in which to settle down, raise a
family and retire, Naperville has made headlines for
its outstanding quality of life. Our picturesque, quaint
city combines the values and charm of small-town
life with the vibrancy and boldness of a modern,
thriving economic powerhouse in the Chicago area.
Our residents enjoy internationally accredited Police
and Fire Departments that provide unparalleled
levels of public safety. Our law enforcement’s
dedication to addressing traffic safety concerns
was recognized when our Traffic Safety Initiatives
were ranked No. 1 in the world by the International
Association of Chiefs of Police. As a recognized
National Weather Service – Storm Ready Community,
Naperville is prepared for severe weather when
seconds count and safety matters.
According to Zero
Population Growth,
Naperville has been
named among
the top five “kid-
friendliest” cities
in the nation since 1997. The DuPage Children’s
Museum has been rated the Reader’s Choice Best
Museum by Suburban Life.
Naperville works hard to preserve a unique blend
of big city amenities and small-town charm. Well
known for its picturesque Riverwalk, Naperville’s
quaint downtown offers an array of shopping, dining
and cultural activities to fit every budget. Residents
also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options
and an active civic community. With a strong
education system and several top-rated schools,
endless festivals, museums and bike trails, there is no
shortage of amenities.
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Naperville |The Golden City
The most important decision you will make as a
parent – is deciding what school for them to enroll
in. When looking for the best place to live that has
the best schools
to send your kids,
the Naperville
community ranks
#3 for Best School
Districts in Illinois as
of 2018.
The U.S. Census Bureau agreed in their 2004 report
“Children and the Households They Live In.”
Naperville is home to two nationally recognized
public school systems and a number of highly rated
private schools. Average scores on standardized
tests, such as the
Illinois Standard
A c h i e v e m e n t
Test (ISAT)
Program and
ACT and SAT
college entrance examinations, consistently rank
among the highest in the state and in the nation.
Additionally, graduation rates far exceed state
and national averages. North Central College,
in the heart of downtown Naperville, has been
an integral part of the community for more than
125 years. A number of other higher education
institutions have primary or satellite facilities in
and around Naperville providing residents an
opportunity to advance their learning. Considered
a place of tranquility along the DuPage River is
Naperville’s Riverwalk, a 1.75-mile pathway that
includes bridges, fountains and outdoor sculptures
for walkers and joggers. The Riverwalk is often
called the city’s crown jewel, providing a natural
park to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors.
Shopping Surrounding NapervilleChicago Premium Outlet Mall located only 12-15
minutes from our Naperville office and 40 minutes
from downtown Chicago! Chicago Premium
outlets gives you an incredible experience for
less. This outlet mall
has over 170 stores
such as Kate Spade,
MOVADO, Tommy
Hilfiger, Calvin Klein,
Coach, J. Crew,
Adidas, Nike, Vera
Bradley and many more. Also, this outlet provides
great amenities such as fireplaces, art installations,
a play area, and a reflecting pond. It provides
a great spot to bring the family, friends, or just
yourself to explore and simply enjoy. Click Here for
more Naperville attractions.
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• Downtown: Downtown Chicago has all of
your top attractions: Magnificent Mile shopping
district displaying the second oldest water
tower in United States, The “Bean” at Millennium
Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Historic
Theatre District as well as art galleries, cocktail
lounges and shopping on Michigan Avenue.
• South: Chicago’s South Side boasts an
array of cultural and social offerings. From
monuments in Bronzeville to the Museum
Campus in South Loop to Chinatown’s
authentic cultural cuisine, diversity runs deep.
Chicago, the birthplace of the modern skyscraper,
is still a trendsetter in urban architecture and
a must see. But the Windy City offers a lot more
than architecture
alone: it is a
bustling city, with
p h e n o m e n a l
r e s t a u r a n t s ,
vibrant nightlife
and plenty of great
museums. It is also
a great city to live in, which has a lively atmosphere
and even nice beaches on Lake Michigan.
Chicago – 28 miles East of NapervilleChicago is the third largest city in the United States,
and can seem overwhelming for first-time visitors, but
being well-informed you’ll be able to hit the ground
running in The City of Big Shoulders. The Jewel of the
Midwest. The Windy City. No matter what you call
it, Chicago is a true American city with a storied
past and a promising future. If you’re considering
packing up
your life and
heading to
the City that
Works. The
backbone of
Chicago is in its
77 well-defined neighborhoods — each with
their own mix of attractions, culture, history and
personality. From Lincoln Square to Hyde Park,
residents settle in and stay loyal to their own areas.
• North: Chicago’s North Side neighborhoods
offer an electric atmosphere — from catching
a Cubs game in Wrigleyville to boutique
shopping in Bucktown and live jazz in
Uptown, you’ll always have something to do.
• West: The West Side offers a truly authentic cultural
experience. Dine at ethnic restaurants, enjoy the
Mexican flavor of Little Village and take in the stunning
murals, monuments and churches within the area.
Chicago|The Windy City
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Summers in Chicago
By the time you’ve fully thawed from the polar
vortex, summer in
Chicago will quickly
make you forget all
that. The weather
is glorious, and
you’ll find yourself
soaking up every
possible moment, whether that’s lazing about at
the beach, reading in a park or throwing back a
beverage on a patio. Even though the city doesn’t
have an oceanfront or much terrain to speak of,
it’s easy to take in nature’s beauty at the city’s
many parks, conservatories, nature preserves and
a gorgeous river.
Lake MichiganWho needs an ocean when you’ve got this? The
lakefront offers many miles of beaches and a
massive biking and running trail that outdoorsy types
will flock to. And the backdrop of the city’s iconic
skyline isn’t so bad either. It’s the sort of view that
takes the breath away from even the most jaded
C h i c a g o a n .
Chicago may
be known for its
frigid winters and
concrete jungle
structure, but its
beaches are one of the most popular places to
hang with your friends and family. While many out-
of-towners probably don’t think of Chicago as a
prime beach destination, the city offers 26 miles of
sand along
Lake Michigan and an impressive summer beach
scene. Must see beaches include:
31st Street BeachFree of charge, you can’t compete with the
beach’s painted trees to climb, a spray ground,
and climbing spider-web rope structures for the
kids. Grab some food from Pier 31 and listen to live
music every evening.
Montrose BeachFor every dog lover out there, Montrose Beach
is one of the only beaches in the city to offer a
designated dog-friendly zone. Elsewhere along the
shore offers volleyball nets, kayaks, and cabana
rentals.
North Avenue BeachJust a short walk from Lincoln Park, and home to
the popular restaurant and bar Castaways, this
beach offers volleyball courts, impressive views of
the skyline and great seating areas for Chicago’s
Air and Water Show.
Adventures in ChicagoYou’ll need to
get out and
meet new
people, and it’s
extremely easy.
If you’re looking
for things to do
with your family in Chicago, you don’t have to
look far. Adventures Include:
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Chicago|The Windy City
Adventures in Chicago Cont:Navy Pier: Known as the most popular attraction in
Chicago, the 3,300-foot long pier offers a 50-acre
playground, 150-foot Ferris wheel and excellent
views of the
city right on the
shoreline of Lake
Michigan. The Pier
was established to
oversee the redevelopment of one of the most
civic landmarks in the U.S. and is now one of the
top-visited destinations of the world.
Millennium Park: Construction of Millennium Park
began less than 20 years ago, but it’s already
becoming a huge part of the Chicago experience.
Today, the 25-acre
park contains some
of the greatest public
art pieces in the world
in addition to the Jay
Pritzker Pavilion, Cloud
Gate, Crown Fountain and Lurie Garden.
Willis Tower: Formerly known as the Sears Tower,
the 110-story building is the second tallest building
in the U.S. It’s one of Chicago’s most popular
tourist destinations, so
you’ll want to check this
one out. The Skydeck
opened on June 22,
1974. It is located on the
103rd floor and offers
remarkable views at 1,353 in the air! This is the
highest observation deck in the United States and
one of Chicago’s most famous attractions. Looking
to meet new people or make connections?
Meet-up groups offer something for everyone in
Chicago — whether you’re a dog lover, political
junkie, student athlete or more. With hundreds of
groups in the city, it’s likely that your crew is waiting
for you to meet them.
Chicagoans Take Grub SeriouslyWe’re not just talking about deep dish pizza and hot
dogs here. Chicago is
brimming with some of
the most phenomenal
food in the world, an
eclectic mix of fare
that reflects the city’s
diverse population.
From four-star dining to greasy-spoon excellence,
carnivore fantasies to vegan decadence, if you
can dream it up, you can get it in Chicago. If you’re
moving to the food-centric Windy City, you’ll soon
grow accustomed to the three signature staples:
the hot beef sandwich, the deep-dish pizza and
the Chicago-style hot dog. Prepare for beloved
beef sandwiches at Al’s Beef, the best deep-dish
you’ve ever had at Pequod’s and a traditional
dog served at Hot Doug’s. And remember: in
Chicago, ketchup on your hot dog is considered
a sin.
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Chicago|The Windy City
Sports in ChicagoThe recent success of the Blackhawks and Cubs
can definitely make it feel like the entire city
is just as sports-obsessed as the iconic “SNL”
sketch indicated. This is a city that gets behind
its sports teams. But if rooting for the Bears isn’t
your ticket, the city has a lot more to offer you.
From the major sporting franchises to its die-hard
fans, Chicago loves its sports teams. It’s in your
best interest to become a loyal and passionate
fan (or at least pretend to be), rooting for one of
Chicago’s many professional teams.
Chicago Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox: We can
finally say Chicago Cubs won the World Series back
in 2016! They’re one of the most beloved teams in
the country and fans can’t wait for opening day at
Wrigley. Beware of “The Crosstown Classic” — an
affiliation split between the north and south side of
Chicago.
Chicago Bears: It’s also been a while since “da
Bears” went to the Super Bowl, but at least they
made it to the playoffs in 2018. Chicago fans
love showing their football fandom at Soldier
Field (and keeping the spirit of former head
coach Mike Ditka, now a national TV personality,
local legend and successful restaurateur, alive).
Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks have
dominated the Chicago sports scene over the
last few years, winning three Stanley Cups in the
last six seasons. And to think, it wasn’t that long
ago when their home games weren’t even on
television 1,353 in the air!
The United Center is home to both the Chicago
Bulls and Chicago
Blackhawks. The arena
is named after its city-
based corporate
sponsor, United
Airlines. This arena
was the Chicago Stadium, originally “Madhouse
on Madison”, which was torn down after the new
arena opened for business on August 18, 1994.
The plan to build the arena was created by then
Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz and Bulls owner Jerry
Reinsdorf. The east side of the arena features
statues of Michael Jordan (known as “The Spirit”).
Meanwhile, a statue of various Blackhawks sits
to the north on Madison Street; this is where the
Chicago Stadium was located.
Chicago Bulls: Michael Jordan. Do we need to
say more? The Chicago Bulls joined the National
Basketball Association for the 1966-67 season and
that very first season the Bulls made the Playoffs,
the only expansion
franchise to ever
accomplish that. In
the early 1990s the
Bulls went on to win
three consecutive
NBA titles 1991, 1992
and 1993. Two years later they won three more
titles in 1996, 1997 and 1998 at the United Center.
The 1996 team, which won a record-breaking 72
games, is considered by most to be the best team
of all-time.
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Chicago|The Windy City
Sports in Chicago Cont:Chicago Fire: It all began with a legend. On
the 126th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire,
October 8, 1997, an announcement was made.
The new Major League Soccer team assigned to
Chicago would be called the Chicago Fire. Its
inaugural season was in 1998. The team competes
in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the
league’s Eastern Conference. No matter which
team you’re rooting for, sports teams are a fun
and competitive event for the whole family!
We Take Our Music Seriously Too! Chicago is also a music lover’s dream come true.
The birthplace of the
blues and some of the
best house, rap, gospel
and alternative music
ever made, the city
continues to breed
promising new talent.
Better yet, there are concert venues, featuring
local and international stars alike, around every
corner and some of the nation’s best music festivals
take place here each summer. “Chicago has this
huge, rich musical history which, yes, blues, but
also stepping and house music, which was born
here in the ‘80’s, and now juking music is popular
with young South Side Chicagoans, and has made
its way across the globe as well,” says Chicago
Tribune writer and lifelong resident Brittany Julious.
Chicago has the most dance music festivals in
the entire country, due to its house music origin
many decades ago, including the largest outdoor
dancing series in the U.S.
A Comedy Town A laundry list of comedy’s biggest names — Bill
Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Amy Poehler
and Tina Fey got their start on the main stage of
Chicago’s Second City. The next generation of
funny men and women continue to rise through
the ranks here at the city’s many options for
improv, sketch and stand-up comedy.
A Shopping TownThe Second City has serious style and is arguably
a first-rate shopping destination. Michigan
Avenue features a mile-long stretch of tucked
away boutiques, restaurants and high-rise malls.
For the ultimate “Magnificent Mile” shopping
experience, begin at one end of North Michigan
Avenue and
try to make
your way to
the other.
Wr ig leyv i l le :
For the best
sports shopping in the city, head to Wrigleyville—
where you can find a Cubs jersey, a Blackhawks
hat or Bulls and Bears gear. Oak Street: When it
comes to shopping in Chicago, Oak Street has
long been a symbol of designer-label shopping.
Enjoy high-end shops and local boutiques
located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast.
But you may have to keep your eyes peeled–
many of the shops are quaintly tucked away
into converted townhouses.
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Chicago|The Windy City
A Shopping Town Cont:State Street: State Street was Chicago’s first-
ever shopping district. While Michigan Avenue
is now the most
populated area,
State Street is still
well worth the visit.
You’ll find discount
stores, hot lunch
destinations and
Macy’s at State Street–a city landmark and one
of the largest department stores in the world. It
even features the largest Tiffany’s glass mosaic
dome in the U.S.
An Art Town Home to one of the world’s most revered art
museums, the Art Institute of Chicago, the art
doesn’t stop there. Areas like Pilsen are known for
their beautiful murals while galleries throughout
the city showcase the budding talent of local
artists. On top of that, companies like the Joffrey
Ballet and the Lyric Opera make it easy to take in
world-class performing arts in town as well.
A Theater Town Thanks to incredible companies like Steppenwolf,
the Hypocrites and many others, some of the
nation’s best theater is born in Chicago. In fact,
some have even called it the theater capital of
America.
The ArchitectureThere’s a good reason that the Chicago
Architecture Foundation’s boat tour is probably
the only tourist activity locals will openly admit
to actually enjoying: This city is home to an
overwhelming number of stunning skyscrapers,
churches and libraries dreamed up by some of
the world’s best architects.
Chicago’s trains and buses are your best friend,
inexpensive and relatively widespread, especially
if you’re living on the north side of the city.
Between public transit, the city’s improved bike-
lane strategy, bike-sharing, car-sharing and Ubers-
a-plenty, Chicago has more than enough ways to
get around.
Before Long, You’ll Be One of UsAny given day in the city is packed with endless
events and activities, many of them cheap or free.
If you keep a close eye on event listings from Time
Out and the Reader, you’ll soon have a calendar
that’s overflowing with adventures. It just doesn’t
get better than
the free summer
concerts at
Millennium Park
and just about
any other park
in Chicago and
surrounding towns. Chicago isn’t just a place, it’s a
feeling of home. No matter who you are or what
you love, you’ll fit right in exploring award-winning
restaurants, acclaimed museums, jaw-dropping
waterfront, vibrant music and spectacular art and
architecture.
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