@properties: Naperville

Naperville is a regular on the "best" lists. The community has not only been ranked one of America's best places to live by Money magazine; it's also among the safest cities in the country, according to USA Today.

Incorporated in 1857, Naperville grew rapidly through the 1980s and 1990s with the construction of two tollways, nearly quadrupling as Chicagoans and corporations moved to the suburb. In addition to the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway and Veterans Memorial Tollway, the community is served by nearby Metra and Amtrak stations, making it ideal for commuters.

With plentiful amenities, Naperville continues to capture the interest of homebuyers. Downtown Naperville has a popular Riverwalk with nearly two miles of brick paths, bridges, artwork, fountains, and recreational facilities along the DuPage River. To the west is historic Centennial Beach, which goes from zero to 15 feet deep, and nearby Centennial Park, which has an inline skating and skateboarding facility.

Residents and visitors also enjoy an assortment of local boutiques, well-known retailers, and fine restaurants in downtown Naperville. Meanwhile, Naperville Crossings offers more shops, eateries, and a movie theater.

Naperville embraces its history as a rural community and retains its small-town charm with farmers markets, sidewalk sales, a summer concert series, and culinary events such as the ever-popular Ribfest. The community's character is also preserved in the Naperville Historic District, where hundreds of buildings showcase its heritage.

The DuPage Children's Museum is located in Naperville as well as the award-winning Naperville Public Library, which has made several appearances on the "best" lists.