← Back to US Cities

Naperville

Illinois · Chicago Metro
Strong DanceColdMid Cost
82
/ 100 match score

Consistently ranked #1 or #2 safest large city in the US. Top-tier public schools (Naperville 203 and 204 districts are nationally elite). 35 miles from Chicago — access to ballet and arts without city costs.

Match Score Breakdown
Cost of Living
13/20
Family Safety
20/20
State Tax Burden
6/10
Healthcare Quality
20/20
Dance Training
9/12
Musical Theater
6/8
Career / Remote
8/10
Financial Snapshot at $360K Income
State income tax
5.0%
$17,820/yr
Est. after-tax income
$249,355
incl. FICA + federal
Annual living costs
$99,000
$78,000–$120,000 range
Annual surplus
+$150,355
King: 2.5×
Rent: 3BR family home
$2,200–$3,200/mo
Median SFH purchase price
$520,000
Dance Training
Midwest Ballet Theater and several elite private studios. Direct Metra to Chicago for Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Chicago, and Hubbard Street access. Strong competitive dance community.
Healthcare
Edward-Elmhurst Health system nearby. Northwestern Medicine accessible via Chicago proximity. Among the highest primary care physician ratios in Illinois.
Career & Remote Work
Strong remote-work suburb. Corporate HQs nearby (Nicor Gas, OfficeMax). Chicago tech scene accessible. No city income tax unlike Chicago (2.4%).
Musical Theater
Strong
Strong youth MT training culture throughout the western suburbs — multiple competition-level studios in Naperville, Aurora, and Wheaton with consistent regional and national competition results. Naperville North and Central drama programs are among the most competitive in Illinois with dedicated facilities and strong director pipelines. Paramount Theatre in Aurora has a youth education arm. The Chicago metro competition circuit is one of the most active in the country, giving students regular performance and audition experience. Solid BFA pipeline.
Safety
Violent crime rate:50 per 100KVery Safe

US national average: ~370/100K. Lower suburbs are typically 50–80% safer than city-wide averages shown.

Pros
  • +#1 safest large city in US
  • +Top 1% public school districts
  • +Strong dance training ecosystem
  • +No city income tax
  • +Downtown Naperville walkable and beautiful
Cons
  • −Illinois flat income tax (4.95%)
  • −Cold winters
  • −Property taxes among highest nationally
  • −Car-dependent outside downtown
Internet Quality
Excellent1,000+ Mbps
AT&T Fiber and Comcast Xfinity both offer symmetric gigabit. Naperville has one of the highest fiber penetration rates in the Midwest.
Quick Stats
School rating
10/10
Healthcare rating
9/10
Tech job market
good
Remote friendly
Yes

Financial estimates assume $360K gross income: FICA 7.65% + rough federal bracket + state rate shown. Does not include city income taxes, municipal taxes, or deductions. Actual tax liability varies. Consult a CPA.