How Do Locals Feel About Living in Naperville, IL?
Overall City Sentiment Score
Is Naperville a happy place to live? In 2025, Naperville earns a sentiment score of 82/100—driven by strong community pride, excellent schools, low crime rates, and high quality of life ratings.
Social Media Buzz in Naperville
Recent themes on Reddit and Facebook groups like “Naperville Moms” paint a picture of a tight-knit, family-friendly community. One user shared: “We moved to Naperville for the schools and haven’t looked back. It’s such a welcoming place to raise kids.” Another posted: “I love how safe I feel walking around downtown, even at night. Naperville police are the best.” Sentiment has trended positive over the past year.
Local News Tone
Naperville news coverage tends to highlight the city’s accolades, community events, and development. Headlines like “Naperville Named Safest City in America” and “Ribfest Draws Record Crowds” contribute to an overall tone of civic pride. The rare critical stories, such as “Residents Protest New Subdivision,” still emphasize high engagement and passion among locals.
Review-Based Public Perception
On review sites like Niche and Nextdoor, Naperville consistently earns high marks, with an overall grade of A+ and 4.5 stars. Locals rave about the “suburban oasis” feel, “idyllic downtown,” and “community connectedness.” As one reviewer summed up: “Naperville isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty darn close. Yes, it can feel a bit ‘Stepford Wives,’ but I’ll take manicured lawns over litter any day.”
Comparison to Nearby Cities
| City | Sentiment Score |
|---|---|
| Naperville | 82 |
| Aurora | 68 |
| Bolingbrook | 71 |
🏆 Naperville outranks neighboring suburbs for overall resident happiness, with higher ratings for safety, schools, and community engagement compared to Aurora and Bolingbrook.
What Locals Are Saying
- “As a young professional, I appreciate how many community events and volunteer opportunities Naperville offers. It’s easy to get involved and meet people.” – Jenna, 28
- “Naperville schools are top-notch, but the academic pressure can be intense. I sometimes worry about student stress levels.” – Mark, 42
- “I’ve lived in Naperville for 30 years and watched it grow. Sure, traffic is worse, but the town has done a great job maintaining green space and charm. I can’t imagine retiring anywhere else!” – Linda, 65
Conclusion: Is Naperville a Happy City?
With its pristine neighborhoods, vibrant downtown, and strong community spirit, Naperville earns its reputation as a city of happy locals. While no place is perfect, Naperville’s high sentiment scores reflect residents’ overall contentment and pride in where they live.
Considering a move to Naperville? Check out these resources to learn more: