Century Hill - Naperville, IL

Century Hill lies within the suburb of Naperville, which has a rich history dating back to 1831 when its namesake, Joseph Naper, arrived in the area with several other settler families. One of Chicago's most tragic train disasters occurred in Naperville in 1946, and the area's train station has a sculpture dedicated to those who died as well as to the rescuers who helped. While Naperville spent much of its history as a rural area, it saw significant population growth starting in the 1960s and continuing for several decades.

The Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum, located east of Century Hill on the second floor of the Michael and Kay Birck Hall of Science at Benedictine University, is the closest museum to the neighborhood. Downtown Naperville holds a variety of annual events, with one of the most popular being its classic car show every Father's Day weekend.

The Century Hill neighborhood has plenty of fun, family-friendly restaurant options within walking distance on Maple Avenue, while exciting bars are only a short drive away.

For fine Italian cuisine, look no further than Angeli's Restaurant . This popular location draws quite the crowd, so consider making reservations if you're going at a popular time of day. Don't worry about being treated like just another diner, though, as Angeli's makes sure every guest feels like family. If you like seafood, don't leave without trying the crab ravioli. The eggplant parmigiana stands out as another diner favorite.

If you feel in the mood for a cup of coffee and an uplifting vibe, go a bit farther down Maple to Grounds for Hope Cafe . This cafe is all about comfort, with large couches, Wi-Fi, and TVs for the adult guests, along with a large play area for the kids. A portion of the shop's proceeds go to charitable organizations, so dining here also benefits those in need.

The Century Hill area has a relaxed, low-key nightlife, but those in search of more action can find it by driving towards U.S. Route 34. To head to a local option that's open late, stroll down Maple Avenue to the Country House, a great place for a burger, a beer, and a ballgame. If you're looking for live music, take a five-minute drive over to Miss Kitty's Saloon . Every night, Miss Kitty's features different music and drink specials. Saturday features live bands, or go during the week if you want to test your voice with some "Kitty-oke."

While you can take a relaxing walk around the neighborhood or handle small errands on foot, most residents of Century Hill travel by car. U.S. Route 34 sits just north of the community, running east and west. You can park on the streets in Century Hill free of charge, but make sure to check for any signs first.

Naperville's Pace Suburban Bus services Century Hill, with route 689 running through the neighborhood. Although it connects with other buses, expect it to add some time to your commute. Uber covers the entire Naperville area, making it a convenient option if you need a ride, or you can phone a cab.

Century Hill's quiet streets provide a peaceful backdrop for a bike ride. While Naperville has some bike lanes, using a bike for longer commutes tends to be difficult.

Two parks sit just north of Century Hill, giving residents the chance to spend some time outside working up a sweat and connecting with nature. Go up to Plank Road to visit Seager Park, which has a sprawling outdoors area featuring a playground and a picnic area. Sports fans can enjoy the basketball and volleyball courts, while adults who want to get in better shape can try one of the adult fitness classes. Fees vary depending on the class.

Peach Creek Park lies on Burnham Street, providing a relaxed setting with beautiful trails. A small playground keeps the kids entertained while parents take in the scenery.

Both parks have plenty of activities for kids, and you can bring your dogs, too; just make sure to keep them on a leash. While neither park has any annual events, Continental Motors of Naperville presents a concert series called Concerts in Your Park. Concerts take place in multiple parks throughout Naperville, and residents vote in February every year to decide which parks hold the concerts.

When it comes to costs, Century Hill falls in line with Naperville, which carries a higher cost of living than Chicago. A one-bedroom apartment in Century Hill typically rents for about $790.

A ride to the city center on a Pace Bus costs $1.75, and gas prices come in around 19 percent higher than the national average. A pint at the local pub costs about $7.

Those who enjoy staying active should stop in at Dick Pond Athletics. While the store has all kinds of athletic gear, it focuses on running shoes. If you need a new pair, come here for assistance from an expert sales staff that can help you find just the right fit.

Boutique lovers can head west down Chicago Avenue towards downtown for several different unique shops. For artsy women's clothing and accessories, give Ootra a try. The shop's owner hand-picks the pieces for the store. If you want some outfit assistance, ask the friendly sales staff, who can give you some suggestions or even help you create a whole new wardrobe for yourself.

For grocery shopping, residents have a Butera Market on East Chicago Avenue, covering all your food needs. Century Hill doesn't have any farmers markets, but one takes place a short drive away by the 5th Avenue train station.