Last Updated on: 10th March 2025, 10:32 am
Living in Buffalo Grove IL is a dream come true for families. Just outside of Chicago is Buffalo Grove, often called VBG, a beautiful town filled with young families with kids. Buffalo Grove is known for its many parks, early childhood development programs, and athletics, making it the perfect town for those with growing families!
Those living in Buffalo Grove enjoy a short commute to big cities, like Chicago (30 miles away), and safe, suburban neighborhoods. There’s also a small downtown area, which is perfect for those wanting to create an urban feel without all the traffic that comes with living in a big city!
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Where Is Buffalo Grove Illinois?
What county is Buffalo Grove IL in? Buffalo Grove is located in both Lake County and Cook County. Is Buffalo Grove considered Chicago? Those residing in Buffalo Grove are part of the Chicago Metro area. Moving to Buffalo Grove IL is attractive thanks to a short commute to a large city!
What Cities Are Close to Buffalo Grove Illinois?
The cities close to Buffalo Grove are Arlington Heights, Deerfield, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, and Vernon Hills.
Where Is Buffalo Grove IL On a Map?
Check out this map of Buffalo Grove to view more of the suburb, subdivisions, parks and the rest of the community located in Lake County and Cook County.
Buffalo Grove, IL Population & Demographics
According to the Census Bureau, the population in Buffalo Grove is 43,934 people. The median age is 41.6 in Buffalo Grove, and the city is filled with families and their young kids. The population density in the Village of Buffalo Grove is 4,518.7 per square mile. Those migrating to Buffalo Grove can expect high household incomes and employment rates. The median household income in Buffalo Grove is $127,553, which is more than the median annual income in the United States.
The Buffalo Grove government operates smoothly, making residents say this is one of the best places to reside. Since 1968, the Village of Buffalo Grove has operated under the Council-Manager form of government. In this system, the Village President and Board of Trustees appoint a Village Manager to oversee daily operations.
What Is the Ethnicity of Buffalo Grove?
The racial demographics of Buffalo Grove are 61.4% White (Non-Hispanic), 25.4% Asian, 3.5% Hispanic, and 3.58% Black.
Is Buffalo Grove a Safe Place to Live?
Yes, Buffalo Grove is a safe place to live. Living in Buffalo Grove IL is safe and secure. The Buffalo Grove Police Department has 62 sworn police officers and 9 volunteers. The violent crime rate in Buffalo Grove is 38 per 100,000 people, reflecting its reputation as a safe place to live. However, as with any community, property crime does occur, though Buffalo Grove remains well-protected, thanks to active law enforcement and community initiatives.
The property crime rate in Buffalo Grove is 612 per 100,000 people. You can expect a safe suburb experience while living in Buffalo Grove IL.
Buffalo Grove Cost of Living
The Village of Buffalo Grove isn’t one of the most affordable places to live. The cost of living in Buffalo Grove is 25% more expensive than the rest of Illinois. The Village of Buffalo Grove’s cost of living is 23% more expensive than the national average in the United States. However, it’s mostly due to housing expenses.
Buffalo Grove’s housing is 58% more expensive than the national average. The housing market in Buffalo Grove is considered to be competitive, but houses for sale in Buffalo Grove IL usually sell for 3% less than what the listed price was. The average price of homes for sale in Buffalo Grove IL is $375,000, which is 6.6% more costly than it was last year.
The homeownership rate in Buffalo Grove is 78.4%, so the majority of people living in Buffalo Grove will buy their home. In fact, now is a great time to buy one of the many Buffalo Grove, IL homes for sale!
However, many people still rent in the small downtown area of Buffalo Grove. The houses for rent in Buffalo Grove IL have an average rent cost of $2,095, and the rent growth trends in Buffalo Grove are rising at about 13% each year. There are also apartments in Buffalo Grove IL.
Though the homes for sale Buffalo Grove IL has can be expensive, other everyday items are considered fairly inexpensive compared to the overall costs of items in the United States. According to the website Numbeo, you can expect to pay around these prices:
Typical Buffalo Grove IL Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $18.50
- Domestic beer: $4.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.15
- Dozen eggs: $3.34
- 1 pound of chicken: $5.54
- Average Buffalo Grove monthly utility bill: $206.71
Source: Numbeo
Buffalo Grove, IL Neighborhoods
There are many neighborhoods where you can reside in the village of Buffalo Grove IL with sidewalks and single family homes. There are also plenty of new construction in Buffalo Grove IL to choose from. The most popular Buffalo Grove neighborhoods are Old Farm Village, Prairie View, and Aptakisic. Aptakisic is a great place for families as its accessibility to the elementary schools is perfect for families. Old Farm Village offers larger homes with bigger lots than the other communities in Buffalo Grove, so it’s one of the most expensive Buffalo Grove neighborhoods.
For those looking for an urban feel and close proximity to downtown, Prairie View is city-like and offers more apartment rentals. This community in Buffalo Grove is full of younger adults and has a little bit of nightlife. Living in Buffalo Grove IL comes with many choices!
Weather Buffalo Grove IL
Buffalo Grove has warm, wet summers and cold, windy winters. The running joke is that Chicago has the winter season and construction season, and that is true in Buffalo Grove as well. When the weather is nice, construction season is alive and well! Along with “construction season,” you also have the golf season, where the weather is nice enough to finally check out the amazing golf courses in the Village of Buffalo Grove.
The average temperature in Buffalo Grove during the summer ranges from lows of 65°F to highs of 83°F. The temperatures in the winter can be as high as 36°F and as low as 20°F while living in Buffalo Grove IL. Buffalo Grove’s climate gets around 125 days a year of rain and snow, which amounts to 36 inches of rain and 36 inches of snow on average each year!
Things to Do in Buffalo Grove, IL
There are many fun activities to do in Buffalo Grove. Whether you want to play inside or explore the outside, we have ideas for you:
K1 Speed
One fun and friendly activity in Buffalo Grove for all ages is go-kart racing! This is exciting for adults and children alike living in Buffalo Grove IL. With over 700 positive reviews on Google alone, it’s clear that this is the place to be. Go ride the go-karts with your family or take a date there for a night out!
301 Hastings Dr, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, (847) 941-9400
Raupp Memorial Museum
This Buffalo Grove museum is a great thing to do with kids. Filled with the history of Buffalo Grove, each person is given the opportunity to view and understand the area better. The museum is kept neat and has high-quality exhibits that every visitor can enjoy! This museum in Buffalo Grove is rated highly and surpasses expectations.
901 Dunham Ln, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, (847) 459-2318
Old Farm Park
Looking for the perfect playground to take your kids to? Old Farm Park is a beautiful green space and playground in Buffalo Grove. Your kids will love coming here on a warm spring day to play for hours.
1300 Highland Grove Dr, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Additional Things to Do in Buffalo Grove:
Living in Buffalo Grove IL also offers many shopping opportunities, including Buffalo Grove Town Center and Woodland Commons. Buffalo Grove Days is one of the many fun events to check out in the Village of Buffalo Grove. At Buffalo Grove Days, there is a festival with live music, craft booths, and businesses that are active in the community. You’ll also see the famous Buffalo Grove fireworks there! There is plenty to do, and it’s a top event that many individuals and families attend.
Buffalo Grove Restaurants
Wondering where to eat while living in Buffalo Grove IL? Check out some of the best Buffalo Grove restaurants that people rave about. These are the top-rated eateries in Buffalo Grove to go to when you’re craving something yummy.
Countyline Tavern
This Buffalo Grove tavern has the typical American food items but with a twist. It brings comfort and satisfaction and combines them into one! They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner. Within those meals, you’ll find many options, including chicken, soups, salads, and much more. The next time you are craving American cuisine, come to Countyline Tavern, which is truly the best family-friendly Buffalo Grove restaurant!.
800 W Lake Cook Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, (847) 520-7447
Flambe India
With a five star rating on Google, this Indian restaurant in Buffalo Grove is a must-go! Those residing in Buffalo Grove come here for lunch and dinner. Flambe India also offers vegetarian options for people who can’t eat their other dishes. This restaurant in Buffalo Grove is great for people who have dietary restrictions and are looking for a healthy meal.
1155 McHenry Rd 102 B, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, (847) 383-6284
Giordano’s
Giordano’s in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, is renowned for its authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, a tradition they’ve upheld since 1974. Beyond their signature stuffed pizzas, the menu features a variety of Italian dishes, including hand-stretched thin-crust pizzas, starters, salads, sandwiches, and classic Italian entrees.
270 McHenry Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL
Buffalo Grove employs 22,900 people living in Buffalo Grove IL. The past few years, Buffalo Grove has had a 1.69% decline in the employment rate. The most popular jobs in Buffalo Grove are in manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and scientific and technical services. Many people living in Buffalo Grove commute an average of 27.7 minutes to their jobs in bigger cities.
The average salary in Buffalo Grove is $85,000. Many people also commute to nearby Chicago. If you plan to do this, click on the link for directions from Buffalo Grove to Chicago, which is 33 miles.
Buffalo Grove, IL Schools
One of the biggest reasons people relocate to Buffalo Grove is for the amazing public schools. Smart kids, smart teachers, and amazing members of the community who help out on the daily are what you’ll find in this district! The elementary schools are serviced by Kildeer Countryside School District 96, which is committed to educating your children in a safe and challenging environment. Meanwhile, Buffalo Grove High School is in the Township High School District 214.
There are many schools in Buffalo Grove that people can choose from while living in Buffalo Grove IL. The best-rated schools in Buffalo Grove are Buffalo Grove High School, Aptakisic Junior High School, and Henry W Longfellow Elementary School.
Private schools in Buffalo Grove include St Mary School, Buffalo Grove Montessori School, and Montessori World of Discovery. These are all rated well on Great Schools thanks to data on their low student to teacher ratio and high test scores!
Is Buffalo Grove, Illinois a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Buffalo Grove IL is a great place to live! Here are some facts about what to expect when living in Buffalo Grove IL:
- Residents will experience a wet climate year-round
- There are many activities and places to explore
- The cost of living in Buffalo Grove IL is slightly more expensive than the national average
- Enjoy a meal at one of the many tasty restaurants
- Experience good employment opportunities
- Those living in Buffalo Grove IL have top-rated schools for kids
Buffalo Grove IL Statistics & Information
- County: Lake & Cook
- Area: 9.6 square miles
- Buffalo Grove IL zip code: 60069 and 60089
- Area codes: 847
- Elevation: 682 feet
- Time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-5 & -6)
- Closest airport: Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
Moving to Buffalo Grove? Contact Federal Companies!
Thinking of moving to Buffalo Grove IL? This is truly one of the best places to reside. Let us help! Federal Companies is a top-rated Buffalo Grove moving company. We can help you with apartment moving, long distance moving, local moving, storage, and more! We’re here to take your stress away! Call 800-747-4100 for a free quote today.
