Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Buffalo Grove is a vibrant suburban community. Always well-loved by its residents, the village has been turning heads in recent years–even earning a place on Money magazine’s “top 100 best places to live” list!
Buffalo Grove residents enjoy lovely homes and a welcoming community. The village’s superior recreation amenities include picturesque parks, golf courses, pools and tennis courts. The community comes together for its annual festivals, including the super-fun Buffalo Grove Days.
Chicagoland buyers and renters appreciate the area for its affordable housing options. Mostly single-family homes–one can also find townhomes, condominiums, and a few apartment complexes in the village. In their quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods, residents enjoy large lots and nearby parks and elementary schools.
For work or play, getting to Chicago is easy with Metra’s North Central Line station and nearby I-94 and I-294 highways!
Buffalo Grove Village Guide
Buffalo Grove residents enjoy a comfortable, laid-back lifestyle.
A great place for families- the area offers top schools, parks, and safety numbers. And with great shopping, dining, and entertainment options, residents are never without something fun to do!
Buffalo Grove Food and Drink
From date night to a casual lunch, Buffalo Grove has you covered. Some local favorites include Hanabi Japanese, for delicious sushi and Japanese cuisine, and Wiener Take All, a classic Chicago hot dog joint. For adventurous eaters, Versailles serves Russian dishes including a delicious oxtail stew. Meet the community at Rack’em Up Chicago, a friendly sports bar. Looking for something familiar? You can also find chain restaurants (such as Culver’s and Lou Malnati’s pizza) in the village.
Village Shopping
With big-name retailers and locally owned stores, Buffalo Grove offers residents plenty of shopping options. The hub of the community is the downtown district and the Buffalo Grove Town Center. There one can find Target, Walmart, Walgreens, and a Jewel-Osco. Other grocery stores, including a Mariano’s and several independent grocers and bakeries in the community. For fresh produce, The Buffalo Grove Farmers Market is held every Sunday during the summer.
Buffalo Grove Festivals
Every year, the community comes together for two major festivals. In July, more than 30,000 come out for the Invitational Fine Art Festival. Held in the Buffalo Grove Town Center, over 150 local artists show their work alongside food, refreshments, and live musical performances. In September, the Buffalo Grove Days Festival is the highlight of the year for many residents. Over 5 fun-filled days, the community offers carnival rides, an art fair, food tent, and live music and dance.
What’s Nearby?
Buffalo Grove offers a number of village attractions to keep residents having fun! Chicago Indoor Racing is a great rainy day attraction, offering great go-kart tracks. For sunnier weather, the village offers two great municipal courses, the Buffalo Grove Golf Club and the Arboretum Club. Candy Lovers will have a blast touring the factory in the area’s Long Grove Confectionary. You might even get some free samples!
Village Recreation
Buffalo Grove residents enjoy an extensive parks system including over 50 parks and 45 miles of bike paths. Most parks are conveniently nestled within winding neighborhoods, offering great places for children to play within an easy walk. Buffalo Grove parks are well maintained and include sports fields/courts, forest preserve areas, and miles of walking and bike trails. The Park District offers youth and adults sports leagues, arts programming, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Buffalo Grove History
Early History (1830-1900)
The area was first settled by Euro-American’s in the 1830s, mainly by migrants from New England. In the 1840s, these first settlers were joined by a significant group of German immigrants. These residents, mostly farmers, benefited from fertile soil and sold their goods at Chicago markets. The area remained a farming community into the mid-20th century.
From Farms to Subdivisions (1900-1960)
In the early 1900s, the hub of the community was Saint Mary’s Church and a small downtown anchored by a small tavern, general store, and post office. The area was first connected to the neighboring suburbs when Dundee Road was paved in the 1930s. After its construction, the area began its transition into a residential suburban community. The first major subdivision was built by developer Al Frank in 1957. The village was incorporated in 1958, and within two years, grew from 164 to 1,492 residents.
Modern Buffalo Grove (1960-Present)
As many relocated from Chicago and first-ring suburbs, Buffalo Grove grew rapidly from the 1960s to the 1980s. To accommodate this growth, many new subdivisions were built in those years. During the 1970s, the community became home to a large Jewish community making up roughly 30 percent of the village’s population. Today, Buffalo Grove is an affluent and popular suburban community and is home to more than 40,000 people.
Buffalo Grove Homes
Buyers and renters have their pick of a variety of housing options, both in price and style. The majority of homes in the community are detached single-family single family homes, ranging from new construction to well-maintained homes dating back to the 1950s. Architectural styles include colonials, ranch houses, and stunning Georgians. Buffalo Grove lots are quite big, with large lots and some even with large wooded areas. Many of these homes are placed in winding subdivisions, each featuring parks, sidewalks and plenty of activities. One can also find a number of condominiums, townhomes, and apartment complexes in the village.
With a welcoming population, affordable homes, and top amenities, its no surprise that Buffalo Grove is a favorite Chicago suburb. Come check it out!
