One of the Most Livable Cities in the US
By John Parks

With easy access to all the cultural and other amenities offered by a major urban area, but without all the crowding and other potential negative aspects, Naperville, IL, located on the edge of busy Chicago, is consistently ranked among the best small cities in the United States.

Like much of Illinois, Naperville, IL, has its roots firmly established in farming and agriculture, but its proximity to Chicago has enabled it to grow and thrive, finally becoming known as a vital city in its own right, home to many successful, wealthy individuals who enjoy the vibrant ambience of the city but crave the smaller hometown feel of Naperville, IL.

The city itself was founded in 1831 by settler Joseph Naper and his wife and extended family. Naper named the area he founded "Naper's Settlement." Native Americans were firmly established in the area, and in its early years, Fort Payne was constructed at the settlement to protect the settlers against the possibility of attack. By 1857, the settlement had grown to a population of 2,000, and was officially incorporated as the Village of Naperville, IL. Following a period of growth, the village was reincorporated as a city in the late 19th century.

Naperville, IL, remained largely rural in character until the last half of the 20th century when a new, large toll road brought a huge influx of new residents to the area. The last 20 years have seen the population of Naperville, IL, quadruple in numbers.

The city features some lovely original examples of 19th- and early 20th-century architecture, as well as more modern edifices, and a lively downtown area. One of the most prominent examples of modern architecture is the Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon, constructed in 1999 in honor of the turn of the 21st century. The carillon features 72 bells, and its notes span four octaves, making it one of only four such carillons in the world.

Another recent addition to the cityscape is the Naperville, IL, riverwalk, which extends along the shoreline of the DuPage River. The riverwalk was an effort, which began in 1981, and reflects mostly the work and dedication of numerous volunteers who sought to turn a former eyesore into a place where residents and visitors could spend relaxing hours along winding paths, and is dotted with fountains and benches overlooking the river. The riverwalk also allows a glimpse into many diverse neighborhoods in Naperville, IL, and today has become known as the crown jewel of the city.

Once an agrarian economy, Naperville, IL, now depends upon the wealth of high-tech companies that make the area their home, In fact, Naperville is part of the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor, and is near major offices of Bell Labs, Amoco Labs, and world famous Fermilab. Moreover, Naperville, IL, is home to one of the nation's largest retail districts, with its Main Street Promenade featuring numerous upscale shops, and attracting customers from a wide area.

Another "crown jewel" in Naperville, IL, is its public library system, which for nearly a decade has been ranked first among all library systems in the United States.

For more information on Naperville, Illinois visit http://napervillemicroblog.com and http://illinoismicroblog.com

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