Welcome to Naperville. Whether you’re relocating from Chicago, moving in from another state, or trading apartment life for your first house, this guide pulls together the practical first-30-days information that locals wish someone had handed them on day one. Use it as a starting map; every link below points to a deeper guide on Naperville.com.
Why people move to Naperville
Naperville consistently ranks among the top places to live in the United States. Families come for the schools (District 203 and District 204 both rank in the top tier statewide), professionals come for the short Metra ride to downtown Chicago, and retirees come for the walkable downtown, the Riverwalk, and a deep network of parks and trails. The city is large enough to offer the amenities of a small city — major hospitals, a dense restaurant scene, North Central College, and Naper Settlement — and small enough that civic events still feel like community gatherings.
Step 1: Get to know your neighborhood
Naperville is split between DuPage County and Will County and is served by two school districts. The neighborhood you choose drives your school assignment, your park district programming, and even your library card. Start with the Naperville neighborhoods guide to see how each area is laid out, and use the schools directory to compare District 203 and District 204 attendance areas before signing a lease or closing on a house.
Step 2: Set up the essentials
- Utilities: The Naperville Utilities Guide walks through water, electric (the City of Naperville is its own electric utility), gas, and internet provider options.
- Library card: Sign up for a Naperville Public Library card on your first weekend — it unlocks free streaming, study rooms, the maker Studio, and weekly programs for kids and adults.
- Driver’s license and vehicle registration: The Illinois Secretary of State office in Naperville handles license and plate updates for new Illinois residents. Bring two proofs of address and your out-of-state title to update plates.
- Voter registration: Register at the DuPage or Will County Clerk’s office (whichever county your address is in) and confirm your polling place before the next election.
Step 3: Explore Downtown Naperville
The Riverwalk is the heart of downtown and the easiest way to get your bearings. Walk it end-to-end on a Saturday morning, then loop back through Jackson Avenue for coffee, brunch, and a Main Street stroll. The Eat & Drink guide covers everything from family-friendly cafes to date-night fine dining. For an introduction to the city’s history, plan a Sunday afternoon at Naper Settlement, the 13-acre outdoor history museum in the middle of downtown.
Step 4: Find your community
Naperville’s calendar is built around community events. Browse the events directory to find this season’s festivals, charity 5Ks, farmer’s markets, and live-music nights. Standout annual events to put on your calendar:
- Naperville Last Fling — Labor Day weekend festival with carnival, parade, music, and 5K
- Naperville Memorial Day Parade — civic parade down Jackson Avenue every Memorial Day morning
- Naperville Ribfest — a longtime summer ribs-and-music festival (location varies by year)
- Riverwalk Wine Walk — a downtown spring/fall fundraiser hosted at participating downtown venues
- Naperville Garden Club Plant Sale — annual spring plant sale at Aero Estates
Step 5: Sort out parks, fitness, and family time
The Naperville Park District runs more than 130 parks, multiple recreation centers, the Riverwalk’s Centennial Beach swimming quarry, and dozens of athletic leagues. If you have a dog, the Oldfield Oaks and Blackwell dog parks are local favorites. For families with younger kids, the year-round park district programs and Centennial Beach summer membership are usually the two highest-value first purchases.
Step 6: Build your local services rolodex
Within the first few months, most new homeowners need a handful of local pros — an HVAC technician, an electrician, a roofer, a landscaper, a home inspector, and a general handyperson. Browse the Naperville Places directory for vetted local service businesses, or start with our Promote Your Business page if you run a service company that should be in the directory.
Need more help moving in?
If you’re still house-hunting or weighing neighborhoods, the Dan Firks Naperville Real Estate team specializes in helping new families find the right neighborhood, school district, and home for their budget. The team’s neighborhood expertise pairs naturally with everything you’ll find on the rest of this site.
This guide is a starting point. If you spot anything that is out of date, or you want a specific topic added, get in touch through the Connect page.