Love Naperville? 5 Nearby Towns to Add to Your Search

If you’ve started looking at homes in Naperville, chances are you already know why people love it. There’s the Riverwalk, a lively downtown, great restaurants and shopping, plenty of parks and recreation, two Metra stations, and a huge variety of neighborhoods and housing options.

But here’s something I tell buyers all the time: you don’t necessarily have to live in Naperville to enjoy many of the things that attracted you there in the first place.

Expanding your search by just a few miles can open up different housing options, price points, neighborhoods and lifestyles—while keeping you close to the restaurants, shopping, jobs, schools and entertainment you want.

Here are five nearby communities worth adding to your search.

1. Warrenville

If you love Naperville’s location and amenities but want to explore a smaller community, take a look at Warrenville.

Located just west of Naperville, Warrenville gives you easy access to the I-88 corridor, shopping and restaurants throughout the Naperville area, and outdoor recreation including the West DuPage Woods and the Illinois Prairie Path.

Housing is a mix of established neighborhoods, townhomes, newer construction and larger properties, giving buyers a different range of options than they might find in some of Naperville’s most competitive neighborhoods.

And perhaps one of its biggest advantages? You can be in Naperville in minutes without actually living there.

2. Lisle

Lisle is another great option for buyers who want convenience without limiting their search to Naperville.

The village has its own Metra station, a charming downtown area and easy access to I-88 and major roads. It’s also home to attractions like the Morton Arboretum, giving the community plenty of green space and outdoor appeal.

Lisle offers a mix of older homes, established neighborhoods, townhomes and newer construction. Its location also puts you within easy reach of Naperville, Downers Grove, Oak Brook and other western suburbs.

For buyers who want location, Metra access and a suburban feel, Lisle is worth a look.

3. Aurora

Don’t let the size of Aurora fool you into thinking it’s all one type of community.

Aurora is a large and diverse city with everything from historic neighborhoods and established homes to newer subdivisions and townhomes. The city also offers a wide range of shopping, restaurants, parks and entertainment.

The Fox River runs through the community, and the historic downtown area offers restaurants, shops, theaters and local businesses. And for shoppers, the Route 59 corridor puts you close to many of the same retail destinations that draw people from throughout the western suburbs.

Depending on where you are in Aurora, you can also be surprisingly close to Naperville—making it worth including in your search if you're looking for more housing variety and a larger geographic area to explore.

4. Plainfield

If space is high on your wish list, put Plainfield on your radar.

Located southwest of Naperville, Plainfield offers a mix of historic homes, newer neighborhoods, townhomes and larger properties. Many buyers are drawn to the community for its newer construction and the opportunity to get more space, while the historic downtown provides restaurants, shops and a distinctly local feel.

You’re also still within easy reach of Naperville's shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

Plainfield can be especially interesting for buyers who have a Naperville-sized wish list but want to expand the map and see what else their budget can buy.

5. Bolingbrook

Bolingbrook is another community worth considering if you're focused on location and convenience.

Its position near I-55 and I-355 makes getting around the western suburbs relatively easy, and you're close to major shopping, restaurants, recreation and employment centers.

The housing market includes everything from condos and townhomes to established single-family neighborhoods and newer homes. The community also has extensive parks and recreation facilities, making it appealing to buyers who want plenty to do close to home.

And because Bolingbrook borders Naperville, you can easily take advantage of many of the restaurants, shopping destinations and other amenities in the surrounding area.

Don't Limit Your Search to a City Boundary

One of the easiest mistakes buyers can make is deciding on a town before they've really explored the surrounding area.

If Naperville is at the top of your list, that's great—but don't stop your search at the city limits.

Depending on what matters most to you—price, commute, lot size, age of home, new construction, downtown access, Metra, schools or neighborhood feel—one of the communities next door might offer something you hadn't considered.

Sometimes the best way to find the right home isn't to change what you want. It's simply to expand the map.

School assignments, property taxes and other factors can vary by exact address, even within the same community. Always verify the details for a specific property before making a decision.