By Walker Schuchardt, western suburbs Realtor · Market data Aug 2026
[WALKER'S TAKE — how to choose between north and south Naperville, 203 vs. 204, what to watch for.]
Living in Naperville
[OPENING PARAGRAPH IN WALKER’S VOICE.]
Downtown Naperville runs along the DuPage River Riverwalk, with restaurants, shops and events through the year. Centennial Beach, a converted quarry, is a summer staple.
The homes
[WALKER — the range from older homes near downtown to large subdivisions on the south side; price bands; townhome options.]
Getting around
Naperville has two stations on Metra’s BNSF line, Naperville (downtown) and Route 59, with service to Union Station in Chicago. Interstate 88 runs along the north side of the city. Inbound weekday trains take about 64 minutes from downtown Naperville to Union Station, and the fastest express makes it in 39; from Route 59 it’s 45 to 68 minutes. (Metra weekday schedule, October 2026.)
Schools
Naperville is split between Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204. Because the boundary doesn’t follow town lines, Walker checks the assigned schools for every home before you make an offer.
