If you’re searching for a location to reside in Illinois that provides a good quality of life, positive health outcomes, and numerous options for leisure and well-being, you should consider Naperville.
Naperville is a city located in DuPage and Will counties, approximately 28 miles west of Chicago, boasting a population of around 149,000. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Naperville as the 16th healthiest place to live in the United States, and the healthiest place to live in Illinois.
Why is Naperville Such a Model of Good Health?
According to the U.S. News & World Report, Naperville performs well in various aspects of health and well-being:
- Obesity rate: Naperville’s obesity rate is 19.8%, which is lower than the national average of 31.3% and the state average of 29.9%.
- Smoking rate: Naperville’s smoking rate is 9.4%, which is lower than the national average of 17.1% and the state average of 15.5%.
- Alcohol abuse rate: Naperville’s alcohol abuse rate is 15.9%, which is lower than the national average of 18% and the state average of 17.4%.
- Access to health care: Naperville boasts a high ratio of primary care physicians to residents, with 231.9 doctors per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 77.6 and the state average of 123.9.
- Mental health providers: Naperville also has a high ratio of mental health providers to residents, with 395.4 providers per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 200.9 and the state average of 239.4.
- Access to fitness centers: Naperville offers ample access to fitness and recreational facilities, with 19.9 centers per 100,000 people, surpassing the national average of 10.5 and the state average of 9.9.
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What Else Does Naperville Offer?
In addition to being a healthy living environment, Naperville also provides numerous other advantages for its residents, including:
Education
Naperville’s public school system is of high quality, receiving an A+ rating from Niche. The city is also home to several colleges and universities, including North Central College, Benedictine University, and the DePaul University Naperville Campus.
Economy
Naperville’s economy is robust and varied, boasting a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national average of 6% and the state average of 7.1%. Additionally, the median household income in Naperville is high at $125,926, surpassing the national average of $62,843 and the state average of $65,886.
Safety
Naperville boasts a low crime rate, earning an A+ rating from Niche. The city’s violent crime rate stands at 0.9 incidents per 1,000 people, while the property crime rate is 9.8 incidents per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the national averages of 3.7 and 22.0, respectively.
Culture
Naperville boasts a diverse and lively culture, offering a range of attractions and events for both locals and visitors. The downtown area is bustling with a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
Additionally, Naperville is home to numerous museums, parks, libraries, and theaters, including the Naper Settlement, the Riverwalk, the DuPage Children’s Museum, and the Naperville Art League.
The city also plays host to various festivals and celebrations throughout the year, such as the Naperville Independent Film Festival, the Naperville Jazz Fest, the Naperville Ale Fest, and the Last Fling.
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Conclusion
Naperville, a city in Illinois, provides numerous benefits for its residents, particularly in terms of health and well-being. It has earned the distinction of being named the healthiest place to live in Illinois and one of the healthiest places in America according to U.S. News & World Report.
Naperville boasts low rates of obesity, smoking, and alcohol abuse, along with excellent accessibility to healthcare and fitness facilities. Additionally, it offers a top-notch education system, a robust and varied economy, a low crime rate, and a vibrant and diverse cultural scene. Naperville is a city that supports a long and fulfilling life.
