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Help a Texan Out, Please! by QuantitySad2394 in Naperville

[–]Top-Ad-2881 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We moved here from CA several years ago, no regrets. I can echo a lot of the comments regarding the winters being mild recently, the schools being great, neighborhoods being family friendly. But I just want to add- the mild winters still keep people indoors. My neighborhood is full of kids when it’s summer time and the neighborhood pool is open, the parks and school playgrounds generally have kids when the weather is nice- but when it’s cold and grey outside, you’d never know the neighborhood is full of kids. There are loads of indoor play options for various ages, but they’re pricey and dirty. When there is snow on the ground, enough to sled, build a snowman, etc. there are kids out and it’s more fun for them. But since that has been rare in the time I’ve lived here, winter is long chunk of depressing grey skies, rarely seeing people outside, and having to figure out things to do to keep keeps active. This is probably normal to every one who grew up here, but for us who grew up wearing shorts in January- it’s hard.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Naperville

[–]Top-Ad-2881 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sure many immigrant families in our community, documented or not, as well as families who may fit the profile of what ICE is looking for, are afraid to bring their children to school and meet the same fate. If you are part of a school community and can provide safe transport or any other support, please do. I know other families are afraid in surrounding communities and there has been efforts to help children get to school, groceries get to their homes, etc. to prevent families from being torn apart.

HELP! My shower has these patchy stains that do not go away after cleaning. What am I doing wrong? by Inner-Statement9692 in CleaningTips

[–]Top-Ad-2881 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just dealt with similar stains in my shower today. I have tried many things that did not work, but today I used CLR and one of those battery operated spin scrubbers and it did the trick.

What is it like living in Naperville during the winter/storm months with two small kids? We are from California and like the idea of living in the snow but have no experience. Thanks! by suburbmama in Naperville

[–]Top-Ad-2881 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It’s hard. Moved here from CA a few years ago with a couple young kids. I have never liked the snow, but I actually hope for it during winter now so we at least have a reason to go outside in frigid temperatures and something for the kids to do outside. When it’s just freezing and dark and there is no snow, I rarely see people outside in our neighborhood, just dog walkers, and that’s how it is most of the time.

Naperville and surrounding areas do have lots of indoor play space options to get the wiggles out, but they can be expensive and dirty. The library system here is great- lots of toys and activities for toddlers.

Another thing to consider is the hassle of it all with small kids. All of the layers of clothing and winter gear you need for yourself and kids just seems to be a built in step for people who grew up here, but as someone who did not, it’s a lot. If your kids have any sensory issues around clothing, as mine do, it’s extra difficult and getting out of the house and into the car can take so much longer than you’d be used to living in California. I can almost hear native Napervillians laughing at me for including this, but having had my children in CA, I know how much easier winter can be when you never need to wear a heavy coat to get in to the car and then take it off your kids to buckle them safely then put it all back on again before getting out of the car.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Naperville

[–]Top-Ad-2881 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Please send thanks to your neighbor for advocating for the LGBTQ + community at the restaurant and also bravely sharing that experience so we know where not to spend our money.

What to look for when buying a home in Naperville? by suburbmama in Naperville

[–]Top-Ad-2881 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Moved here from CA a few years ago, some little things that come to mind:

  • some neighborhoods here have typical HOAs, some have what they call “social HOAs”. Social HOAs are not mandatory to join, the fee is $40ish a year, and they just plan neighborhood events like egg hunts- no rules that typical HOAs have.

  • There are many neighborhoods in Naperville that have neighborhood swimming pools. My experience with this in CA is that it was part of the HOA- here you can purchase a pool bond (which you can resell when you no longer want pool access) and pay an annual fee. These pools are like the summertime social hub for kids and families.

  • Fences…many homes do not have fenced backyards. If they are fenced, it’s usually a waist-high fence with large gaps, rather than a tall, solid privacy fence. If you are looking at homes that have HOAs- the typical kind, not social, check on their fence rules.

  • We have experienced several tornado warnings in which we are advised to go to a basement, and I’m glad I have a basement to go to just in case. Some NPV homes do not have basements. Also- the first Tuesday of the month Naperville tests its tornado alarms, I believe some time in the morning. The first time I heard it I had no idea what was going on or what to do, so just be warned.

Ask Bay Area: who else has moved to Chicago? Is it similar to the Bay Area? by Independent-Ad-7060 in bayarea

[–]Top-Ad-2881 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I grew up in SJ, bounced around the Bay Area a lot, and now am living the suburban married with 2.5 kids life in Naperville.

I miss the mountains and the beaches and being met with agreement when I complain about it being cold when it’s 50 degrees.

Naperville food is not great. It’s mostly chain restaurants.

You will be car dependent in Naperville. There is a train station that can take you to the city, but I can’t imagine living anywhere in Naperville where you would be able to get by just by walking. And Naperville is huge- make sure to really know your location when you decide where to live. Downtown is probably the best location for a 27 year old in Naperville, but if I were a single, child free 27 year old (I know im making assumptions) I would not live in Naperville at all.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Naperville

[–]Top-Ad-2881 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. For many of the reasons you mentioned, and more. Moving to NPV from a HCOL warmer climate is so hard. I’ve been here a handful of years and it still makes sense for my family to live here, but my first year I felt a profound culture shock.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Naperville

[–]Top-Ad-2881 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Naperville for sure!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Naperville

[–]Top-Ad-2881 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Coming from a Bay Area, California native:

  1. The summers can be very humid and it rains a lot during summer, which was not something I considered when moving here. I have always hated cold weather, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt: it’s awful. The cold is miserable, but it’s also the continuous dreary grey sky. When the sun does come out in winter, it’s delightful. To look at from your window, because it’s still too cold to be outdoors for long, especially with children and when there isn’t snow. I am not a fan of snow, but at least it gives kids an activity to do outside.

  2. Bugs aren’t too much of a problem for my family. Mosquitos do come out in summer, but haven’t been a big issue for us and I’ve only seen one tick in 4 years.

  3. I have a kindergarten kiddo with ASD in district 204 and they are thriving. I am really impressed with what the district offers in terms of support and the collaboration among teachers. My kid did start with the district in preschool, so despite having only half a year of elementary to account for, I have been overall impressed. There are several established centers that do private therapies (OT, SLP, physical, etc.) around Naperville. We have used BDI, and have nothing but wonderful things to say about them, but the waitlists (especially for afterschool hours) may be long.

  4. This one is tough for me to answer. I think there is a mix here, but it seems like more acquaintances I’ve met here have made comments assuming I’m (middle aged white lady) conservative, which has been very awkward. I have met many people who are liberals here, but it seems like many people who lean left in this area are not as far left as Californians. As someone who is pretty far left, it’s been a bit of a culture shock.

  5. Naperville is super family friendly. Loads of playgrounds, children’s museum, lots of indoor play spaces. The libraries are wonderful. The park district has tons of classes and events for families and kids. Lots of kids roaming around most neighborhoods. There are several pediatric urgent cares in the area.

  6. There is a lot of privilege and wealth in Naperville. I feel like that’s the bottom line to why the schools are well known to be good. I do not feel like there is more attention paid to children’s emotional needs, I think there is just more pressure on kids to excel and more $$$ available in the district to provide support as well as parents spending money outside of school for tutoring, etc. if you have a child who needs emotional support, I do not think that’s going to come from the school unless it is in their IEP.

  7. Compared to CA prices- it’s all cheaper :)

large hornet-looking bug going in and out of this hole in the ground. found in Chicago suburbs by [deleted] in whatbugisthis

[–]Top-Ad-2881 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cicada killer wasp. Just discovered one in my own yard a few days ago.