Trying to choose between the charm of Downtown Naperville and the space and convenience along Route 59? You are not alone. Buyers often weigh price, home type, commute, walkability, schools, and long‑term value. This guide breaks down the real trade‑offs so you can decide what fits your lifestyle and budget. Let’s dive in.
Downtown vs Route 59 at a glance
- Downtown: walkable core near the Riverwalk, dining, shops, and the main Metra station. Homes range from historic houses to condos and townhomes, often on smaller lots.
- Route 59 corridor: newer subdivisions with larger lots and easy access to big retail and I‑88. Car‑forward lifestyle with pockets of new, more walkable development.
- Citywide values have hovered around the six hundred thousand range in recent snapshots, with central 60540 typically trending higher than some west‑side zips. Your street or subdivision can vary.
Home types and price
If you want a historic home, a renovated cottage, or a low‑maintenance condo near the action, Downtown offers many options. Lots tend to be smaller, and attached living is common closer to the core. Zip‑level data shows central 60540 often carries higher prices than parts of the west side.
Along Route 59 you will see many post‑1980 subdivisions, larger yards, and floor plans with more square footage for the money. Townhomes and condos exist, but single‑family homes are more prevalent. To compare apples to apples, request a current CMA for your target streets rather than relying on city averages.
Commute and transit access
Downtown Naperville puts you a short walk from the BNSF Metra station, plus errands and dining in the core. Typical train times to Chicago Union Station commonly range from about 45 to 70 minutes depending on the service. Walkability in the core is rated very high by Walk Score.
On the west side, the Route 59 Metra station is one of Metra’s busiest non‑downtown park‑and‑ride stations. If you plan to drive to the train or need fast highway access, the Route 59 and I‑88 interchange makes commuting by car straightforward. Walkability varies, and many areas along Route 59 are more car‑dependent.
Lifestyle and amenities
Downtown centers on the 1.75‑mile Naperville Riverwalk, with frequent events, boutiques, restaurants, and cultural anchors like Naper Settlement and North Central College nearby. You can step out for coffee, dinner, or the Riverwalk without getting in the car.
Route 59 is home to big retail, movie theaters, and a growing dining scene. The Block 59 redevelopment is adding restaurants and entertainment with pedestrian‑friendly plazas, creating a new evening and weekend draw. Day to day, the corridor still caters more to drivers, though pockets are becoming more walkable.
Schools and boundaries
Naperville spans two large public districts: Naperville CUSD 203 and Indian Prairie SD 204. School assignment depends on the exact address, and boundaries can shift. Always verify your specific property’s assignment directly with the district’s tools and offices, starting with Naperville CUSD 203.
Property taxes and carrying costs
Property tax rates vary by township, assessment, and recent sales. Effective rates and dollar amounts can differ from block to block. Before you write an offer, review recent tax bills and consult your lender for a realistic monthly estimate, and explore area data through resources like ATTOM Property Navigator.
Resale and future development
Downtown benefits from ongoing public investment, including the Riverwalk master plan, which supports long‑term appeal. Condos and townhomes downtown can attract renters and buyers who prioritize walkability, though HOA costs and price per square foot are key.
Along Route 59, redevelopment such as Block 59 continues to reshape the corridor’s image and amenities, which can broaden the buyer pool for nearby subdivisions. For either area, focus on micro‑market data like days on market and sale‑to‑list ratios for your street or subdivision rather than relying on citywide numbers.
How to choose your best fit
- Commute test: time your route to the nearest Metra station and to I‑88 at peak hours. Check parking rules at Route 59 station.
- Space priorities: list your must‑haves for yard size, garage bays, and bedroom count, then compare to typical Downtown vs Route 59 inventory.
- Walkability vs convenience: review Walk Score snapshots for target addresses, including Route 59 corridor points, and visit at different times of day.
- School check: confirm address‑level assignments with district tools, starting with Naperville CUSD 203.
- Safety research: read recent local reporting on crime trends, such as NCTV17’s overview, and consult official police statistics.
- Taxes and payments: have your lender run estimates for each candidate address and review the most recent tax bill, using resources like ATTOM Property Navigator.
If you want a side‑by‑side comparison tailored to your commute, budget, and wish list, we are here to help. At Latitude Realty, we pair concierge‑level guidance with local market data so you can buy with clarity and confidence.
FAQs
What are the main cost differences between Downtown and Route 59 in Naperville?
- Central 60540 areas near Downtown often show higher typical values, while some west‑side zips offer more square footage for the price; verify with a current CMA for your specific streets.
How long is the Metra commute from Naperville to Chicago?
- Typical train times on the BNSF line commonly range from about 45 to 70 minutes, whether boarding Downtown or at the Route 59 park‑and‑ride.
Is Downtown Naperville more walkable than the Route 59 corridor?
- Yes, the downtown core scores very high for walkability, while many Route 59 areas are more car‑dependent with some newer, more walkable pockets.
What is Block 59 and how could it affect living near Route 59?
- Block 59 is a dining and entertainment redevelopment that is adding pedestrian‑friendly plazas, which can boost convenience and weekend activity on the west side.
How do I confirm which schools serve a specific Naperville address?
- Use district tools and offices to verify address‑level boundaries, starting with Naperville CUSD 203’s resources.
Are property taxes notably different between Downtown and Route 59 areas?
- Taxes vary by address based on assessments and recent sales rather than a simple Downtown vs Route 59 split, so review the latest bill and lender estimates for each property.
