Pradel on Naperville's snobby ranking: 'That's really not what's happening here,” mayor says.
Naperville is the fourth-snobbiest mid-sized community in America, according to a real estate blog that often compiles lists.
Movoto Real Estate Blog put only one Midwest town on its list, saying this about Naperville:
“If this place seems like a bit of an odd man out on our list, don't be fooled. Naperville had the second highest household income, and over 66 percent of locals had a college degree, so these are some world-wise and wealthy people. Plus, they're able to congregate together in their seventh place country clubs, probably to sample wine and discuss recent stock market trends.
“This city may not have the highest ranking in refined restaurants, but it does have a somewhat refined palate. If you don't believe me, you can try the cuisine at Morton's The Steakhouse and you'll know for sure you're in a place all about class. Just be sure to bring a well packed wallet, these savory steaks do not come cheap. Who ever said the best things in life are free? It definitely wasn't Naperville.”
Longtime Mayor George Pradel, considered by many to be the city's most ardent booster, took a glass-is-half-full approach to news of the city's snob ranking.
“I'm taking a positive attitude toward that. Actually it puts Naperville on the map again,” Pradel said. “Naperville is a great city. I think we are very fortunate to have us be recognized.
“If you look at their statistics, the background, homes, income, education, one could assume that this could be a snooty area. But it's not until you actually get out in the community when you find out that's really not what's happening here,” he said. “That's just kind of looking at it on the surface. You find that this is a very, very friendly city and people care about each other.”
Indeed, the blog compiled the list by awarding points for the following:
• Median home price (the higher the better)
• Median household income (the higher the better)
• Percent of population with a college degree (the higher the better)
• Private schools per capita (the more the better)
• Performing arts per capita (the more the better)
• Art galleries per capita (the more the better)
• Fast food restaurants per capita (the fewer the better)
• Country clubs per capita (the more the better)
Half the towns that made the list are in California. Here is the snobby top 10, as determined by the blog:
1. Pasadena, California
2. Thousand Oaks, California
3. Alexandria, Virginia
4. Naperville, Illinois
5. Santa Rosa, California
6. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
7. Glendale, California
8. Sunnyvale, California
9. Fullerton, California
10. Eugene, Oregon