Naperville has landed the No. 1 spot on Niche’s 2026 ranking of Best Cities to Live in America. This is the third year in a row the city has claimed the top honor.
Overall A+ grade for the city
The online rating database looked at 12 different factors, giving Naperville an overall grade of A+. The city earned that same grade in public schools, good for families, and health and fitness.
It got an A in the category of outdoor activities, with an A- for housing, jobs, and nightlife. Its lowest grade was a C+ for weather.
How rankings are determined
Niche looked at city data from multiple sources, including the U.S. Census, CDC, and FBI, to come up with its rankings, along with millions of reviews.
Some of those reviews for Naperville noted the city’s “strong school system, safe environment, and active community,” and its mix of “modern amenities and a small-town feel.”
Other No. 1 honors for Naperville
Naperville also claimed the No. 1 spot in several other Niche categories: “Best Cities to Buy a House in America,” “Best Cities to Raise a Family in America,” and “Cities with the Best Public Schools in America.”…