River Run - Naperville, IL

Naperville was built along the Dupage River, and it straddles Will and Dupage Counties, just outside of the greater Chicago metropolitan area. The city's namesake, John Naper, founded Naperville in 1831. Over time, it became connected to Chicago via rail, but in the early years, it was still too far away from the city to be considered a suburb. With the addition of commuter rail service, Naperville became a budding suburb. A post-World-War-II population boom gave this suburb the boost it needed to become one of the largest municipalities in the area. Today, the city ranks third behind Aurora and Chicago for the largest, most populated areas in northern Illinois.

River Run's convenient access to downtown Naperville gives residents plenty of options for dining and nightlife. With many of these businesses located so close together, it's possible to visit several different establishments in one evening.

Q-BBQ serves up southern-inspired barbecue to locals. This Michelin-rated restaurant has a casual, laid-back atmosphere. In true fast-casual style, customers order at the counter and make their way to the tables to dig in. Q-BBQ gives the authentic barbecue experience, right down to the paper towel rolls in place of napkins. The pulled pork and spicy Brussels sprouts earn rave reviews from regulars.

For the neighborhood pub experience, head over to Jackson Avenue Pub. With a slightly upscale decor, this pub makes a great spot for date night. Grass-fed burgers top the menu as fan favorites, while daily drink specials keep regulars coming back for more. Jackson Avenue Pub has a unique drink menu that provides not only an extensive beer list, but also an extensive list of bourbons, whiskeys and Scotches. This local pub has busy lunch and dinner rushes, so be sure to get in early. .

Naperville sits north of Interstate 55, providing a main artery to the rest of the southern suburbs. Interstate 88 lies just to the north, providing access to an east-west expressway that stretches from Iowa to Interstate 355. Residents who choose to drive have access to metered parking in the downtown Naperville area.

This suburb is a commuter's dream, with easy access to the Metra suburban commuter rail system. Pace bus service connects Naperville to other outlying suburbs and gives River Run residents access to local colleges, shopping centers and other attractions. Hailing a cab may not be possible in this area, but taxis and Uber cars are available if ordered in advance.

River Run has many cyclist-friendly roads, and the greater Naperville area also sports some excellent bike trails. Dedicated bike lanes can be found in some areas of the suburb, though they're not all connected to each other. While there are trails and areas for recreational walking, accessing local restaurants and attractions by foot in the area proves to be difficult for most residents.

River Run residents have access to the extensive offerings of the Naperville Parks Department. With dozens of parks and facilities to choose from, locals have no trouble finding a park for every possible need. Apache Park gives parents a chance to relax while little ones play on the brightly-colored playground equipment.

Whalen Lake Dog Park provides access to beautiful scenery and gives pooches plenty of room to run without their leashes. Owners love this park for its tranquil feel and wide-open spaces. When not getting their exercise from running with their dogs, locals head to the DupAge River Sports Complex for access to its basketball and tennis courts, baseball diamonds and disc golf course.

Every year, Naperville plays host to Ribfest. The week-long festival coincides with the Fourth of July, and it features live entertainment, rides, games, and activities for kids. The star of the show, of course, it the selection of ribs from local eateries. If you plan to head to this event, be prepared to park remotely and take one of the many shuttle buses to Knoch Park. Get there early, especially on July 4, as the event has been known to close its gates once the park becomes filled to capacity.

The average rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment in the area costs $1,249 per month, making it comparable to some of the other areas in and around Chicago.

Gas prices in the area sit about one percent below the national average, but for those who think the gas prices are too high, public transit is a viable option, as a one-way ticket to downtown Chicago via Metra costs $5.75, and weekend travel to and from the city costs just $7 for unlimited rides.

You can expect to pay around $6 for a bottle of imported beer, and slightly less for domestic beers on tap. A typical meal for two averages $60 at a mid-range restaurant.

Fox Valley Mall provides the most convenient option for River Run residents looking for a range of options. Stores in this mall include the trendy Akira to the family-friendly Build-a-Bear Workshop. Shoppers who want a more intimate experience can head to one of the many boutiques and high-end stores in downtown Naperville.

Dean's Clothing carries designer label clothes for men and women to fit most any occasion. The on-site tailor will make alterations to casual apparel and formal clothes. High school students in the area head to Dean's Clothing for prom dresses and tuxedos in the springtime. You may want to head here if you find yourself in need of a custom-made suit.

For flowers, small gifts and home decor, River Run residents shop at Little Luxuries. This cozy boutique sells lots of tiny treasures, from candles and wreaths to wall art. The store has limited space, so shoppers with strollers might have a hard time navigating the displays.

With so many grocery store options available in the area, locals can find virtually anything they need within a short drive. Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Jewel/Osco all serve area residents. Locals take advantage of Naperville's two farmers markets. The Naperville Farmer's Market Association hosts a Saturday market from June to October, while the market at St. John's Episcopal church opens its doors to the public on Wednesdays from June to September.