Some say the “good life” doesn’t come cheap and it seems there is no greater truth for residents of Naperville. The city was recently ranked 45th on Money magazine’s 2019 list of 100 best places to live in the U.S.
Money describes Naperville as the “quintessential suburb of Chicago.” Moreover, the magazine’s determining rankings are the local economy, cost of living, diversity, education, housing, health and safety, amenities and ease of living, superb education and proximity to the Windy City.
Ashley Chubirka, associate director of admissions and resident of Naperville, believes these rankings hold truth. Chubirka said Naperville is an “excellent community” and enjoys its proximity to Chicago.
But it’s not a small price to enjoy Naperville’s charm. For example, median home prices are about $400,000. In addition, property owners in Naperville pay more than 0.7% in taxes, which is twice the national average.
Colleen and Mark Turner, personal trainer and chiropractor, own The Turner Method and real estate in Naperville. They mention that the high taxes are one of Naperville’s downfalls. The Turners believe a superb high school education is to credit their four children’s college success.
The Turners said Naperville tends to be a bubble for kids and doesn’t offer much adversity. They also mention how the financial status of kids’ parents plays too much of a role.
“On the upside,” said Turner. “We feel very safe here and love the community.”
On the contrary, Chubirka says she loves the diversity of Naperville, mentioning that her child is in the largest public elementary school in the district. They offer a wonderful immersion program, where 80% of the classes begin learning Spanish starting in kindergarten.
She also mentions how safe she feels in her neighborhood, as well as having one of the only hospitals with a child-specific emergency room.
“The taxes are high, but the money is going back into the community. The schools, the police, fire and infrastructure are all outstanding,” said Chubirka.
Naperville lives up to its charm, it seems, even though the cost of living is high. The sacrifice residents make financially just might be the price to pay for the “good life.”
