Country Lakes Naperville, IL

In 1831, Joseph Naper arrived on the banks of the DuPage River and founded Naper Settlement. By 1857, it was called Naperville and had a population of over 2,000. The population increased steadily, and today it is Illinois' fifth largest city. The Country Lakes community was created in the 1980s to meet the needs of Naperville's growing population.

The city sponsors a variety of seasonal and cultural events throughout the year. One of the most well-attended and beautiful events is the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair. Each September, local artists display their finest works along the Riverwalk Park paths. Experience the spectacular fall foliage and meet promising new artists. Much of the artwork on display can be purchased, allowing visitors to bring home the perfect finishing touch for any room, or find a one-of-a-kind housewarming gift.

Walk the streets of downtown Naperville, and find restaurants for every taste and budget. Fine dining rubs elbows with down-home cooking while neighbors arrive from around the world. Indulge any craving — no matter how obscure — in the heart of this suburban food scene.

Hear the angels sing when you taste the authentic Cajun cuisine at Heaven on Seven. Try the shrimp and grits; the combination of cheese and shellfish is a little unorthodox, but it forms one of the most incredible flavors this side of the pearly gates. Alternatively, you can bring several friends who don't mind getting their hands dirty and order the three-pound crawfish boil. Check out the wall of over 1,000 hot sauces from around the world, and if you arrive with a variety not represented, get $30 off your bill.

Impress a date or out-of-town friends with sushi and hibachi from Shinto. Trendy with a capital "T," the decor and lighting are equal parts colorful and modern. Arrive ready for laughs and entertainment, and delight in the antics of the hibachi chefs. Order the shrimp flambé for a meal that is as exciting to watch as it is to eat. Make reservations for a Tuesday night and enjoy $5 martinis. If eating sushi makes you dream of becoming a chef, sign up for a lesson in creating this edible art.

At Gemato's Wood Pit BBQ, Greek favorites and American barbecue staples marry and live happily ever after. Don't be put off by the bland exterior; this unassuming little diner serves the best lunch in town. You can't go wrong with the gyro, but do try the smoked brisket and Greek potatoes. Feta cheese makes a perfect companion for spicy barbecue sauce. Be prepared to eat leftovers the next day, as the portions are very generous.

In this area, you can discover new entertainment every night of the week. Between the stage performances, the live music, the dancing and the pubs, you'll never find yourself sitting at home in front of the TV.

Usually dinner and a movie means visiting a theater and a restaurant, but you can enjoy them together at Hollywood Palms. Enter the lobby conservatory filled with hundreds of live palm trees and tropical flowers, and choose from eight themed screening rooms. Arrive early to view the incredible artwork found throughout the theater. The waitstaff brings food and drinks during your movie, so forget missing important scenes. The theater shows a wide range of movies, including old classics, making it a great choice for either date night or family night.

Miss Kitty's Saloon avoids the stuffiness of many area bars with its relaxed Old West atmosphere. This bar focuses on live music with solo musicians and bands performing three nights a week. Inexpensive drinks and a friendly crowd of regulars keep people coming back. Everyone who participates in karaoke receives applause, so stop by and exercise your vocal chords on Thursday nights.

This area offers more transportation options than most suburbs, but like all suburbs, you can't manage without a car. You will find heavy rush-hour traffic on popular commuter routes, but parking proves to be both free and plentiful overall.

The League of American Bicyclists designated this area as a Bicycle Friendly Community, and as such, the community ensures the safety of cyclists with bike lanes and bridges across some of the busiest intersections.

The suburban bus service, Pace, not only transports you to and from the train station, but also stops at schools, shopping centers and hospitals.

Commuters on their way to Chicago or Aurora can take the stress out of getting to work by hopping on the Metra train. One of two Metra stations lies just a few blocks away from this neighborhood.

Even with its bustling downtown area, you won't see taxis driving around. Taxis do arrive upon request, but Uber car services do not extend this far from Chicago.

The nearest airport is Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and despite the crowds, it remains the most popular choice for residents.

Step out your front door and into Country Lakes Park. A park just for the neighborhood, it has everything you need for year-round recreation. Play basketball and softball, or stroll the shaded trails if you don't feel up for more vigorous activity. The large playground contains play structures for children of all ages. End your visit with a picnic lunch on the covered patio. Don't let cold weather keep you away from this park; the sledding hill provides winter fun for the whole family. This park offers free admission free for everyone and welcomes canine family members as well, provided they remain leashed.

Experience unspoiled nature at Knoch Knolls Park and Nature Center. Walk over 4 miles of trails crossing rivers and streams, and watch for the beavers that build their homes in the pond. Inside the Nature Center, learn about native fish species and how the plants and wildlife work together to maintain balance. A friendly staff educates visitors on the importance of environmental sustainability. Tours and seasonal events at the center cost nothing to the public, although dogs are not permitted.

Apartments in the area typically rent for $900 a month or more. While this sounds exorbitant, most buildings here provide swimming pools, fitness centers and other amenities to provide renters with a good return on their monthly rate.

The distinction of being considered one of the best places to live in the United States doesn't come cheap. The cost of living in Naperville is 23 percent higher than the state average and 21 percent higher than the national average. Gas prices prove reasonable at only two percent higher than the national average. A beer, however, can get a little pricey at around $7. A one-way ticket to downtown Chicago costs around $7, but monthly passes save several dollars per trip.

In this neighborhood, you'll drive less than 10 minutes to the grocery store. Find Jewel, Mariano's, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, all within just a few miles of home. The farmers' market arrives on Wednesdays and Saturdays in two separate locations, so buying fresh fruits and vegetables can be squeezed into even hectic schedules. Hundreds of local vendors set up shop through the summer and fall, providing not just produce, but cheese, eggs, honey and more.

Head downtown and wander in and out of the small boutiques. Take a peek inside Lil Js Bohemia, and discover a psychedelic world of crystals and incense. Pick up a set of tie-dye workout gear and become the talk of your yoga class. Even if you don't make a purchase, you'll leave with plenty of good vibes.

Add a little kick to your cooking with spices from Penzeys Spices. With an inventory of over 250 herbs and spices, no recipe proves too obscure to tackle. Discover new flavors that take home-cooking to the next level, or find gifts for the amateur chefs in your life. Gift sets of themed spices come beautifully packaged, with no wrapping required.

Adorn your home with handcrafted decor from SaraBoo Creek. Find signs, plaques and holiday decor with your name on it — everything made in the studio comes personalized. Hang a family name on your door, or decorate a child's room with his initials. The monogrammed picture frames make special gifts for grandparents and other family members. If you don't see anything in the store that suits you, ask about their custom creations.