Brookdale - Naperville, IL

The earliest European settlers came to the area in 1831, establishing the community of Naper. The town remained predominantly rural for many years, but a commercial and residential boom starting in1960s and lasting until the 1990s brought in a large population of families and business professionals from the Chicago area. Brookdale stands as one of the city's more modern neighborhoods built to accommodate the community's suburban expansion.

To experience the area's rich culture and history, head downtown to check out the DuPage Children's Museum or the Naper Settlement Museum, where you can also attend the Naper Nights Community Concert Series. Don't miss some of the city's most anticipated annual events, which include the Naperville Winter Ale Fest and the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair.

Brookdale stands as a largely residential community, but its dining scene is everything but monotonous and features a collection of creative restaurants bringing authentic cuisine from across the globe to spice up the Midwestern suburbs. Dine on Latin American, Mediterranean or Indian dishes, and discover everything from popular chains to fine dining scattered along the main thoroughfares.

Most locals head for the lounges and bars in downtown Naperville when searching for nightlife, but you always find a lively crowd at Danny's Pub and Grill. Stop by for live music while shooting some pool, and don't miss trivia and karaoke nights. Here, you find cheap tequila and huge drink specials every day.

Satisfy your steak taco cravings at The Jalapeno Grill, a local favorite serving up Tex-Mex staples at prices that keep you coming back. Feast on fresh tortilla chips and guacamole before sampling the sizzling enchiladas or spicy chorizo tacos. Order a bottle of Jarritos soda for an authentic experience, and don't forget to top off your meal with fried ice cream drizzled with honey.

For an anniversary or birthday celebration or just a nice night out, SugarToad has you covered with an inventive menu of gourmet cuisine inspired by all-American favorites. Tucked away in the Hotel Arista, this restaurant serves up entrées like veal shoulder, crab cakes and oxtail risotto with bigger portions than you find at most fine dining establishments. Leave room for dessert to sample delicaces like tangerine creme brulee and marbled red currant cheesecake.

Fill up on homemade hummus and fresh-baked pita bread at Pitaville, an authentic Mediterranean eatery that caters to the lunch crowd. Vegetarians have plenty of choices with menu options like the falafel wrap, veggie platter and Jerusalem salad, and the beef kafta entrée with saffron rice satisfies even the biggest of appetites.

Hop on Ogden Avenue to visit downtown Naperville, or head to Interstate 88 to reach central Chicago. Residents enjoy free parking throughout neighborhood, and a variety of parking decks, lots and street spaces in downtown Naperville also provide free parking. If you need a quick ride, you can always call Naperville King's Taxi or a ride-share service like Uber.

Take a ride on a Pace bus from one of Brookdale's frequent stops to get around the city, or catch a train at the Route 59 Metra railway station for a quick ride to downtown Chicago. Named a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, Naperville welcomes bikers with a number of bike-friendly roads throughout the Brookdale neighborhood. Just remember to get your bicycle license before taking to the streets. You can reach most basic amenities with a moderate walk, and Naperville's AAA Pedestrian Protection Award gives extra peace of mind to residents traveling on foot.

Brookdale's rich collection of public parks and green spaces gives you plenty of places to kick back on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Head to the McDowell Grove Forest Preserve to run or bike along the well-groomed DuPage River trail while enjoying views of meadows and thick forests. Chat with your neighbors while walking your dog or enjoying a quiet picnic. For a change of pace, head to Queensbury Greens Park to watch your kids climb on the playground or play a game of soccer or Frisbee in the open fields. Each summer, celebrate Independence Day with your community by participating in the annual Brookdale 4th of July Parade and Picnic.

The cost of living in Brookdale falls a little below average for Napersville. If you opt to rent, expect to pay around $1,137 for a standard one-bedroom apartment. Prepare to pay around $1.75 to take the bus into downtown Napersville, or fill up your tank while paying around 11 percent above the national average for gas. When you head out to Danny's for a drink, prepare to pay around $3 to $4 for a pint of beer.

Although downtown Naperville holds most of the city's fashion boutiques and specialty stores, Brookdale has its own modest retail scene. Explore the neighborhood to purchase home appliances, pick up a new rug or find top-quality furniture for your new home. Stop by the shopping plazas along Route 59 to run your errands or hunt for a unique gift.

If you're in the market for an engagement ring or a new watch, stop by Naperville Jewelers to browse a wide selection of custom options for every budget. The shop also does top-quality jewelry and watch repairs to keep your pieces looking and working beautifully.

Nothing expresses love, sympathy or gratitude like fresh flowers, and #1 Flowers & Gifts makes gift-giving easy with beautiful arrangements for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and baby showers. Order a fruit basket or a gourmet food basket for a quick Christmas gift, or purchase a green basket garden to liven up your home.

Enjoy easy access to several Indian grocery stores like Spice Mart and Chutneys for a wide range of spices and imported ingredients. For fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies, stop by the Woodstock Farmers Market each Tuesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May through October.