Cress Creek - Naperville, IL

Naper Settlement was built in 1831 when Joseph Naper chose the banks of the DuPage River as his new home. The population experienced rapid growth, turning Naperville into Illinois' fifth largest city. Cress Creek was established in the 1960s to meet the city's need for quiet family-friendly neighborhoods.

Naperville preserves almost 300 historic homes, which feature in the National Register of Historic Places. This collection of Tudors, Victorians and Cape Cods attracts visitors from throughout the city. Attend the annual Naperville Historic District Garden Walk, and experience the vivid gardens of the city's oldest homes. Some mimic wild expanses of untouched nature, and some are groomed to the smallest detail, but all are unforgettable.

Children learn through play at the DuPage Children's Museum. Visit the museum for inexpensive family fun on dreary days. Build your own working robot with a combination of imagination, recycled materials and a little advice from University of Illinois engineering students.

The Cress Creek area caters to every taste and budget with a selection of restaurants that easily rivals downtown Chicago.

Indulge in the ultimate "surf and turf" at Hugo's Frog Bar. Although it's famous for frog legs and steaks, don't limit yourself to old standbys. Order the Bookbinder's Soup and experience the edible version of a warm hug. Homemade seafood stock envelops generous portions of fresh fish, vegetables and potatoes to create the coziest item on the menu. Fresh crab — flown in daily — elevates Cajun chicken to new heights. Buttery chicken provides a harmonizing backdrop for contrasting bites of sweet crab and fiery andouille sausage. Come prepared to share as Hugo's plates are never skimpy.

Satisfy your sweet tooth and your savory tooth at the White Chocolate Grill. Even during busy hours, the dining area remains quiet enough for intimate conversation, making this a great choice for date night. Order the Citrus Soy Salmon; its sauce combines tangy, sweet and salty elements for strong flavors without heaviness. Always leave room for dessert, and try the white chocolate bread pudding; the crisp edges and creamy custard center build layers of texture in each sinfully rich bite.

Fire it Up specializes in Mexican fusion cuisine with a focus on unusual tacos. Stop by on a Tuesday night for $3 tacos and a decent selection of locally brewed beers. For a taste found nowhere else, try the cheeseburger taco. Ground beef, Colby cheese and all the fixin's are arranged inside the tortilla of your choice, but whether you top it with ketchup or salsa is up to you. Share a plate of deep fried brownie chimichangas for a unique treat.

Avail yourself to the free parking throughout the area, and explore the area's downtown scene. Whether you engage in philosophical conversation or dance all night, Naperville caters to your every whim.

Practice your rumba and your mambo on Tuesday nights at Esteban's. If your moves are rusty, show up early for a quick lesson, and when your feet are finally exhausted, grab a drink, and watch professional dancers twirl to live salsa music. Friday nights are not for the faint of heart, as local DJs arrive to present a raucous crowd with the best in hip hop, house and techno.

A true neighborhood dive bar, White Tavern is a place to kick back with friends and enjoy the game. With a reputation for being unpretentious and cheap, White's is one of the city's best kept secrets — an escape from overpriced trendy hotspots. Enter the pool tournament, or try your hand at darts while enjoying live music by local bands.

When clubs and bars fail to excite you, visit Exhale Hookah Lounge. Recline on leather sofas, and discuss the meaning of life while you savor the pineapple hookah. While popular in Chicago, hookah lounges rarely appear in the suburbs, making Exhale an exotic stop on your weekend excursions.

Cress creek cuts down on driving with its park, pool, tennis courts and day care center all within walking distance, but commuting to work and shopping necessitate owning a car. Significant traffic can be a hassle, but the city's free parking is a nice perk.

This area received recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists. Cyclists appreciate the area's many bike lanes and bridges designed for safely crossing busy intersections.

Commuters traveling to Chicago or Aurora can take advantage of the two Metra train stations, each accessible by bus. Pace, the suburban bus service, makes stops throughout the city. These stops include the train stations, major shopping centers and schools, and extra buses are added during the holidays.

Downtown Naperville never sleeps, but there isn't a taxi in sight. They are available upon request and remain a popular choice for getting to the airport. Uber cars do not make an appearance this far from Chicago.

Residents choose Chicago O'Hare International Airport for most flights, as it is conveniently located.

Residents adore this area's beautiful parks and preserves. Playgrounds appear everywhere and are always well-maintained by the city's large park district staff. The famed Riverwalk Park attracts visitors from miles around with its paddleboats and covered bridges.

Members of the Cress Creek community have many parks nearby, and Century Farms Park is a perfect picnic spot. Playground equipment occupies the kids while adults and dogs walk the shady trail. Leashed dogs are always welcome, and everyone can enjoy a peaceful lunch in the gazebo.

Hiking and fishing are right next door in the 465-acre McDowell Grove forest preserve. Seven miles of trails allow for hours of exploration, or fish for smallmouth bass in Mud Lake. The solitude of the forest lets you imagine you're miles from home. Watch carefully for the rare eastern bluebird which makes its nests in this preserve.

Rent in Cress Creek is lower than much of the city, with one-bedroom apartments at around $900 a month, and apartment dwellers may access the same community facilities as home owners.

Residing here requires a full wallet, as the cost of living is higher than both the national and Illinois average. In terms of food, gas and utilities, Cress Creek is on par with the rest of the city.

In this neighborhood both bargain hunters and high-end shoppers find everything they need and want. Your favorite grocery chains, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, are nearby. On Saturdays from June through October, purchase your fruits and vegetables at the Naperville Farmers' Market. The Market brings vendors from around Illinois and neighboring states so shoppers know that what they're eating is local and fresh. If the convenience of shopping malls appeals to you, your options are numerous, but the best shopping experience is found downtown. Independently owned shops line the streets, waiting for you to discover the unique items within. The arrival of a new baby requires the purchase of a special gift. Bows & Babes is a boutique baby emporium supplying baby clothes, toys and gear. Welcome a new family member with a handmade Bunny by the Bay. Outdoor enthusiasts need to dress for adventure, and they find exactly what they need at Endure It Stop by in the evening to purchase weatherproof gear, and attend a talk on healthy living. Aspiring yogis should check out the selection of yoga mats and accessories. Anderson's Bookshop offers more than just books. Authors from around the world give talks nearly every night of the week. Learn what inspires writers, and spark your own creativity. If you love young adult literature, join the Not For Kids Only book club, and meet others who share your devotion. When your dog is family, only the best will do, so Two Bostons pet boutique provides the finest foods and accessories. Only grain-free food is sold here, so those with sensitive pups should make this a regular stop. Wish your dog a happy birthday with freshly baked canine cookies and a personalized collar and leash set.