Happy Friday!

🏆 Naperville just ranked as the third-best place to live in Illinois, according to U.S. News & World Report. With high scores in quality of life, value, and job market strength, the city continues to earn its reputation as one of the most desirable places to call home.

⛅ Today’s weather: Mostly cloudy with a high of 77°F (25°C).

📺 Watch this: In this week’s video, we’re going inside Block 59 — the massive new development transforming Route 59 into Naperville’s next downtown destination. “Inside Block 59: Naperville's NEW Downtown” is now live.

🍴 Check out The Foodie’s Guide for this week’s best eats, and scroll down for WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? — your weekend events roundup. 

Let’s dive in!

 - Brandon Blankenship, Founder of Living Chicago Suburbs / Realtor with Keller Williams Premiere Properties

Events

This Weekend Events…

🥓 Blues, Brews & BBQ

📍Location: The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
🗓️ Date & Time: June 7th | From noon to 3pm
🎟️ Tickets: $68.00
🔗 More Info

🛫 Cavalcade of Planes

📍Location: Bolingbrook's Clow International Airport, Bolingbrook
🗓️ Date & Time: June 7 and 8 | from 10am to 4pm
🎟️ Tickets: $5
🔗 More Info

🍷 Downtown Naperville Summer Wine Walk

📍Location: Sullivan's Steakhouse - Check In, 244 South Main Street, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: June 8th | 12pm to 5pm
🎟️ Tickets: $60
🔗 More Info

Nothing in this section is sponsored, I will let you know when it's sponsored

News

Driving the news: Naperville continues to earn praise for its strong quality of life, coming in at No. 3 on U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of best places to live in Illinois.

Details:

• Naperville scored a 6.3 out of 10 overall, just behind Arlington Heights (6.4) and Buffalo Grove (6.4).

• Median household income: $147,382

• Average home value: $473,285 (about $100K above national average)

• Average commute: 25.76 minutes

• Unemployment rate: 5.15%

Why it matters: Naperville’s high ranking reflects its blend of economic opportunity, safety, and suburban comfort. For families, professionals, and retirees alike, the city continues to deliver strong value despite its higher housing costs.

The big picture: U.S. News based the rankings on five key indexes: quality of life (26%), value (25%), desirability (24%), job market (23%), and net migration (2%). Naperville’s well-rounded performance shows its consistent appeal across multiple categories.

What’s next: With a top-100 placement in U.S. News’ national list (No. 76 overall), Naperville is once again positioned as one of the Midwest’s most desirable suburbs.

The bottom line: Naperville keeps proving it’s more than just a suburb—it’s a community with strong roots, smart growth, and national recognition.

JOIN THE FUN ON INSTAGRAM 🎉

Find us on Instagram @LivingChicagoSuburbs where 70,000+ people love the content! ⤵️

Food

BREAKFAST

☕️ Prairie Cafe (Elmhurst)

We love fresh food, flavorful food, food that’s in season, and food that’s distinct. Every morning before opening our kitchen, we stock our shelves with market fresh ingredients, so that the food we serve you is as fresh and flavorful as can be. We welcome you to our restaurant, and wish you a hearty appetite. 

CHECK IT OUT

LUNCH

🥘 Moveable Feast (Wheaton)

Moveable Feast is a neighborhood café + catering company that brings artisanal cooking from our kitchen to your table.

CHECK IT OUT

DINNER

🍝 Livia (Geneva)

Established in Geneva, May 2017, Livia Italian Eatery menu features Northern Italian cuisine. The Livia menu offers a broad palette of culinary delights from pastas, fresh greens, flatbreads and house specialty entrées like our crowd favorite, New Zealand lamb chops.

CHECK IT OUT

Watch This

In today's video, we're taking a look inside Block 59, Naperville's new downtown that will change everything! This is located on Route 59 and has been in the works for a while!

Market

The real estate market in the Chicago suburbs (especially Naperville, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn) remains active and competitive. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, having the right local expert makes all the difference.

Thinking of selling? I’ll craft a strategic marketing plan and help you price your home to attract serious buyers and get the best return.

Ready to buy? With today’s interest rates and available inventory, now could be the perfect time to make your move. I’ll help you find the right home and navigate every step of the process with confidence.

🗞️ In Other News…

• 5 June activities to celebrate the start of summer

• Giant duck sculptures make a big splash in downtown Naperville

• Celebrating Pride Month in Chicago: festivals, events and more

🏠 Are you thinking of buying, selling, or investing in the Chicago Suburbs? We’d love to be your Real Estate Resource of Choice. Get started here!

Brandon Blankenship Real Estate Broker
Powered by Keller Williams Premiere Properties

The #1 Solo Agent with Keller Williams Premiere Properties

call or text @ 630.923.9535