West Highlands
Parks and schools are highlights of the West Highlands neighborhood. Just south of Naperville Central High School, West Highlands is couched among several recreational and shopping areas, including the Naperville Plaza, Knoch Park and Sportsman's Park. The neighborhood has thrived for more than four decades, and some residents have lived in the West Highlands for just as long. With its proximity to Edward Hospital, Naperville's largest employer, the West Highlands' central location is ideal.
Good to know
"I like living here. We have nice trees, nice neighbors.”
Dick Jecha, resident more than 40 years
"We liked the school system here, with Elmwood, Lincoln and Central. Our neighborhood is very quiet. We like our yard; it’s very private.”
Kathleen Sullivan, resident 37 years
• According to www.city-data.com, the West Highlands has an area of 0.661 square miles.
• Also according to www.city-data.com, the population is 2,302, with a lower population density than Naperville's average.
• The ZIP code is 60540.
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Next week
Discover the River Woods community east of the DuPage River on the south side of town.
1. Edward Hospital: What was named the 10th largest Chicago-area hospital by Crain's Chicago Business in 2007 was conceived of in 1907 by Eudora Hull Gaylord Spalding. Edward Hospital began as a tuberculosis center, named Edward Sanitorium, in memory of Gaylord Spalding's husband, Edward Gaylord, according to the Edward Hospital Web site. In 1955, the hospital officially became Edward Hospital, which is the largest employer in Naperville. How to get to there: The hospital is on Washington, south of Ogden Avenue at 801 S. Washington St.
2. Knoch Park: Almost 40 acres of land make up Knoch Park in Naperville, which is at the corner of West and Martin near Naperville Central High School. According to the Naperville Park District Web site, Knoch Park has four football fields, eight lighted tennis courts and 203 parking spaces. Adjacent to Knoch Park are three other parks: Sportsman Park, Broeker Park and Hobson West Park, making the area one of the best recreational spots in Naperville. How to get to there: The park is accessible by taking Washington south from Ogden, then making a right on Martin. At the corner of Martin and West is Knoch Park at 724 S. West St.
3. Naperville Plaza: The plaza is the site of many popular retailers and restaurants in Naperville, including mainstay Colonial Café, which began in the 1930s in St. Charles and now has seven locations in northern Illinois. "Colonial Café is very popular," said West Highlands resident Kathleen Sullivan, whose daughters worked at the restaurant. In addition to Colonial, famous for its kitchen sink ice cream dessert and its corresponding bumper sticker, Trader Joe's and Casey's Foods are among the shopping options. How to get to there: Naperville Plaza is on Washington, south of Edward Hospital, just past Gartner Road.
