Friendly, kid-centric Century Hill

"Friendly" is the first word to roll off the tongues of the residents of Naperville's Century Hill neighborhood when asked how they would describe their community.

On a recent early fall day, leaves strayed across the lawns of the Century Hill neighbors, many of whom were having conversations with one another on their driveways or squeezing in some outdoor exercise in pairs before the approach of another Chicagoland winter.

It’s a nice neighborhood. People are really involved. We have a women’s club, a Century Hill community club. There are lots of kids, it’s safer and we have old trees.”
Judy Reiser, with son Will; resident for six years


We moved here one month ago. The schools were the number one reason. (Century Hill was also) the friendliest neighborhood. Also, it’s safe and close to my wife’s work.”
Rob Kuzelis, resident

Century Hill, which is beginning to approach its own half-century anniversary, was built in more than one phase, resulting in a slight distinction between the homes. But the constants remain: tall trees, lush lawns and gardens, and friendly people.

Pearson added that some of the original owners are "flopping houses. There is a new, younger crowd moving in."

Rob Kuzelis is one such resident. Kuzelis said along with the great schools, the many children and friendly neighbors were part of Century Hill's appeal.

Already, "the kids have friends in the neighborhood," Kuzelis said.

1. Dating back to 1921, the Naperville Golf Club has long been a fixture of Naperville. The 124-acre property was developed from farmland, according to the golf club Web site. Golf facilities include an 18-hole course, renovated in 2007. Also recently renovated is the ballroom, part of a club featuring both elegant and casual dining. A tribute to its origins stands in front of the Naperville Golf Club clubhouse: an original, red water pump from the years before the well, which provided water to the grazing herds of the farm, was sealed.

How to get there: The Naperville Golf Club is at 25W570 Chicago Ave., which is accessible by heading south from Ogden Avenue on Naper Boulevard and making a right (west) on Chicago Avenue.

2. Grace Pointe Church in Naperville is one of two campuses for the church, a nondenominational organization with the vision of "making disciples and planting churches," according to its Web site. Grace Pointe's second location is in Plainfield. The church was formed in 1964 with initial worshipping taking place in a garage before a second location of Highlands School. The current Naperville location is the former Gregory Farm property. The church continues to work toward its mission "to make as many people as much like Jesus Christ in the shortest time possible."

How to get there: At 1320 E. Chicago Ave., Grace Pointe Church can be reached by taking Naper Boulevard south from Ogden Avenue. Make a right on Chicago Avenue. The church is on the left-hand side at the intersection of Chicago and Olesen Drive.

3. Located just inside Century Hill is Southeast Alternative School , a program of the School Association for Special Education in DuPage County. Celebrating 50 years, SASED is a cooperative with 18 school districts for students with disabilities in DuPage County, according to its Web site. Services are provided to 6,442 students between the ages of 3 and 21. The Southeast Alternative School has an enrollment of 108 students, with classes no larger than 13 students each.

How to get there: SASED is at 6S331 Cornwall Road on Cornwall just north of Chicago Avenue and west of Naper Boulevard.