Naperville - Question for out of State transplants (Chicago: preschool, subdivisions)

[WannaBeinBoston]

Hi Folks, apologies if this is a beaten topic but am curious to get some thoughts from out of state transplants that have moved to Naperville.

1. What's your experience like?
2. Have neighbors and parents from your kids school been welcoming?
3. Has it been easy for the kids to make friends?
4. Did you have to join any sort of social or country club?

Thanks in advance.

[Joel67]

I do not yet live in Naperville but my children started school there this fall (ex moved there over the summer, I’m in the process to improve my proximity to the kids). My opinion:



1. I’d do a search here. You will see many with first hand experience and can draw your own conclusions. Keep in mind that people who are satisfied do not generally make postings, it is typically those with an issue or question. There is a reason why it is one of the most commonly mentioned suburbs: it has a lot going for it. Good schools, shopping, dining, nightlife. Cute downtown and reasonable Metra access to the city (about 35 minutes on an express train from downtown). It is also quite large and that can be a drawback.
2. I’ve been to a number of school related functions and everyone has been very nice, welcoming, etc. I’m a typical white male so I can’t comment on the experience for someone of a different ethnicity, but I am divorced so I even though I feel self-conscious in a school where I mostly see traditional families, people have all been very kind.
3. Similar to 2. My kids had playdates, and party invitations almost immediately and the transition has gone much more smoothly than I’d expected it to. One of my children is quite social, while the other is more introverted but neither had issues.
4. Most subdivisions in Naperville do not have country clubs. Some have pool clubs but Chicago is so cold most of the year that pool clubs are just that: a membership to let you swim there on nice days rather than the center of people’s social lives.

[doodlemagic]

1. What's your experience like?

I think most people will love or hate Naperville. Some may say it's too cookie cutter, not enough culture, stuck up,etc. Others love it. It's a safe place to live, good schools, people are friendly, there's plenty of groups to join, etc.

2. Have neighbors and parents from your kids school been welcoming?

Honestly I don't really talk to my neighbors much and I don't really see people outside that much but I will say younger families with kids do tend to get together more than others so I don't see this being an issue.

3. Has it been easy for the kids to make friends?

Yeah Naperville has tons of activities and lots of transplants so it's not as if every kid in school has known each other since preschool like som other places.

4. Did you have to join any sort of social or country club?

Country clubs like white eagle are expensive. There's plenty of moms groups to join, sports or activities, etc.