Naperville is a prominent city in DuPage and Will counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. Located roughly 28 miles west of Chicago, it is the state's fourth-largest city and is consistently recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. It blends the historic charm of a Midwestern town with the economic power and amenities of a major modern suburb.
The city is best known for its high-performing public schools, an expansive public library system, and the Naperville Riverwalk—a nearly two-mile brick path winding along the DuPage River that serves as the community's central gathering place. Naperville also anchors the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor, hosting numerous corporate headquarters, tech firms, and a highly educated workforce.
Interesting facts about Naperville include its unique ownership of its own public electric utility, which is rare for Chicago suburbs. Furthermore, its local public library system has frequently been ranked as the number one public library in the United States for cities of its size. From its roots as a 19th-century agricultural hub to its post-World War II explosion into a thriving metropolis, Naperville remains a vibrant and essential pillar of the Greater Chicago area.