Move to Buffalo Grove IL 60089
Considering a Move to Buffalo Grove IL 60089? 15 Reasons to Say “YES” and Love the Place You Live!
Buffalo Grove, IL - At a Glance
Art imitates life in Buffalo Grove. For all its small-town charms and neighborly vibes, you might guess Buffalo Grove had been the muse for Norman Rockwell’s idyllic paintings. Of course, you don’t have to be an art aficionado to appreciate what this all -American city has to offer; for residents, Buffalo Grove is simply home.
Pride of ownership is obvious here as you stroll the neighborhoods of Buffalo Grove. If the beautiful landscaping, manicured tree-lined streets, and stunning Americana homes fail to invite those passing through town to daydream their next move, the friendly neighbors and terrific schools, including nationally recognized Stevenson High School, certainly will!
Don’t forget – this picturesque suburb is a mere 35-miles north of Chicago, home of the deep-dish pizza, breathtaking architecture, and notorious Al Capone.
After hearing just some of the highlights, let’s dive a bit deeper into our top 15 reasons to lay out the “Welcome Home” mat in one of Buffalo Grove’s stunning properties.
#1 Community – The Best Reason to Move to Buffalo Grove
According to Niche.com, Buffalo Grove came in at #7 among the best American cities to live in the nation and the best place to live in Illinois. This ranking is based on several factors, including: crime rate, quality of public schools, cost of living, and job opportunities.
Of course, it wasn’t just the cumulative public reviews from the popular neighborhood ranking website that thinks so highly of Buffalo Grove – data from the U.S. Census, FBI, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention were all considered when determining the city rankings.
While, safety, schools, wholesome family-fun entertainment, and affordability are all important barometers when evaluating a city’s livability, our view is the community is what makes our city so special. Buffalo Grove has a tight-knit community in spades with its delightful mix of friendly residents who all embrace the pride and positivity of living in our little slice of paradise.
Yes, when it comes right down to it, it’s the Buffalo Grove residents that keep us here for the long haul. The outstanding quality of life and personal satisfaction is obvious in the faces of the people you meet each and every day.
When considering Buffalo Grove is a short drive from Chicago, it’s surprising you can find such a small-town manner in just about everyone you meet. Going for a short walk? Don’t be surprised if everyone you pass on your leisurely stroll greets you with a boisterous “good morning!”
Just a hop, skip, and jump from the world-renown city of Chicago while maintaining the idyllic and safe suburb? Buffalo Grove is a clear winner, providing residents city-fun and local community – the best of both worlds!
#2 – Who Will YOU Meet in Buffalo Grove?
In a nutshell? Smart peeps! Of the 41,591 residents, 64.3% have earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Young professionals raising a family who desire living in a home they can take great pride in and live in a friendly community where neighbors smile and chat in the streets will fall head over heels in love with Buffalo Grove.
Many residents utilize the convenient train access to the city, as well as bikes, for their commuting needs. On that note – bikes abound in the numerous bike lanes, encouraging residents to minimize their carbon footprint and living as environmentally friendly as possible.
While the majority of residents are Caucasian, there are a great number of ethnicities in Buffalo Grove, including Jewish, Mexican, Polish, and Indian – with many different languages spoken among family members in their homes.
#3 – Buffalo Grove is a Great Place for Jobs
The median annual income of households in Buffalo Grove is $100,098, which is more than the median annual income in the United States. This high income per household is a reflection of the bountiful job opportunities Buffalo Grove has to offer, making unemployment quite low.
A few of the most common job groups by Buffalo Grove residents is Management (15.6%), Administrative (12.3%), Computer and Mathematical (9.2%), and Education and Training (7.6%).
What are the most common industries in Buffalo Grove? It’s a diverse bunch to say the least. Residents work in professional, scientific, tech services, pharmaceutical, insurance, financial and more. Regarding the latter, an unusually high proportion of Buffalo Grove residents are in the highly specialized fields of scientific and tech services.
As of 2013, Siemens Industry, Inc., specializing in electronics manufacturing, employed 1,002 Buffalo Grove residents. Other major players include: Caremark, Rexam, and Plexus Corporation.
#4 – The Indian Food is Dang Good!
Buffalo Grove is the spice of life! For lovers of contrasting flavors, heat, and aromatics that are so characteristic of Indian cuisine, dozens of authentic Indian restaurants can be had right here in Buffalo Grove.
From the garlic naan at India Bhawan to the robust vegan buffet at Rivaj Indian cuisine, locals are spoiled to the teeth with Indian dishes so authentic, you may believe you’ve been transported to the Indian subcontinent.
Rivaj Of India, Indian Cuisine – 1034 Weiland Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
#5 – The Other Food in Buffalo Grove is Mouth Watering, Too!
Buffalo Grove offers a smorgasbord of all-American eats as well as international dishes ranging from favorites, such as: burger and fries to Italian pizzerias, modern Mediterranean seafood, authentic sushi, and finger-licking Korean Barbeque.
Locals swear by the Italian hit, Pastabilities, for lunch and dinner. This Buffalo Grove eatery offers a thorough menu with all the Italian dishes you love, such as eggplant parm and fettuccine alfredo, as well as a unique spinach tortellini with pink sauce, their signature dish. Reviewers range from busy professionals grabbing a quick bite with colleagues, to families with picky toddlers. Both the professionals and toddlers are known to lick Pastabilities’ plates clean. Perhaps it’s because of the motto – “anything is possible at Pastabilities”? What can we say, Buffalo Grove has its share of comedians!
Another crowd pleaser is Greek gyro house, Dengeos. This restaurant is great for sit-in or take-out, offering gyro sandwiches, steak sandwich dinners, fresh salads, and much more. Customers rave over how flavorful the meat is without a tremendous amount of salt. Portion sizes are also highlights in the numerous reviews for Dengeos.
Buffalo Grove also has its share of local pubs, taverns, and quirky dives. Locals swear by the “solid food” served up at the all-American bar, Prairie House Tavern. For fine dining experiences, locals frequent nearby Lincolnshire at a mere 6-miles away, home to Wildfire, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Winebar, and Eddie Merlot’s.
Eddie Merlot’s Prime Aged Beef & Seafood Lincolnshire – 185 N Milwaukee Ave, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
For foodies with Michelin Star bucket lists, Chicago is home to over 174 Michelin-starred restos.
#6 – Buffalo Grove is Perfect for Michelin Star Bucket Lists
Elegant and refined, Grace is everything you would expect from a three-starred Michelin restaurant. Diners are given a choice between two menus that change based on the season: the vegetarian “Flora,” or the omnivore “Fauna.” Either menu you choose, you can be sure the dishes will weave the intricate flavors of Vietnamese and Thai cooking into a magical union on your palate.
Diners are also encouraged to appreciate another side of this labor-intensive cuisine, behind the camera, so to speak. Visitors may book kitchen tours to view the magic behind-the-scenes of this memorable location.
Within such proximity to Chicago, Buffalo Grove residents are hard-pressed to run out of tantalizing dining experiences.
Of course, they choose to eat-in and prepare food inside their immaculate homes.
#7 – Affordability of Homes for Sale in Buffalo Grove
The ratio of homeowners to renters is significant in Buffalo grove, with 79% of residents owning their home. We believe this is a testament to the quality of the city and value of the properties available. While the median home price in Buffalo Grove is $294,500 – certainly higher than the national average of $178,600, it’s a bargain when you consider the price of homes in nearby suburbs with comparable amenities and location.
For example, Highland Park, rated the #27th best place to live in Illinois has a median home price of $532,100. Northbrook, rated the #9th best place to live in Illinois has a median home price of $521,800. Need I remind you Buffalo Grove is rated the #1 place to live in Illinois? As well, Buffalo Grove has one thing other Illinoisans haven’t got: Adlai E. Stevenson High School.
#8 – One of the Best High Schools in Illinois
Parents from nearby suburbs often funnel their high schoolers to the region’s crown jewel: Adlai E. Stevenson High School. Within District 125, Stevenson High School serves the communities of Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, and Prairie View, Deerfield, Mundelein, Hawthorn Woods, Vernon Hills, Lake Forest, Indian Creek, Wheeling, Lake Zurich, Riverwoods, Kildeer, Palatine, and Mettawa.
Stevenson High School – 1 Stevenson Dr, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Offering over 200 courses in mathematics, science, social science, foreign languages, fine arts, and more, as well as a Nationally-renown Advanced Placement program. Stevenson regularly leads the Midwest region in AP participation, with 77%, and has ranked in the top five worldwide.
Stevenson’s course offerings are as diverse as the student body, with a minority enrollment of 34%. However, we think Stevenson deserves the highest of accolades for the fact that 97% of their graduates attend college. No wonder 43 SHS students were advanced as semifinalists in the 63rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program, a competitive program offering over $32 million.
#9 – Education, and More Education!
We’ve already touched on Stevenson High School of District 125, however, Buffalo Grove has a gamut of high-quality education for our younger Buffalo Grove residents, as well as residents from nearby suburbs.
District 102 serves Tripp and Pritchett elementary, Meridian Middle School, and Aptakisik Junior High. Tripp and Pritchett were both bestowed with a National Blue Ribbon School Award in 2016. This honor is unique, with only 21 Illinois Schools being recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for overall academic excellence and closing achievement gaps among vulnerable student subgroups. This is quite an achievement, as fewer than 8,500 schools are given Blue Ribbon status across the country!
Aptakisic-Tripp Community Consolidated School District 102 – 1231 Weiland Road, Buffalo Grove,IL 60089
Prairie Elementary School Buffalo Grove Il and Twin Groves Middle School Buffalo Grove of KCSD96 school district also received National Blue Ribbon School Awards, further elevating Buffalo Grove’s educational opportunities for our youngsters.
Twin Groves Middle School – 2600 N Buffalo Grove Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Buffalo Grove residents are also served by District 21 schools which include: Cooper School Buffalo Grove Il, Longfellow Elementary School Buffalo Grove Il, and Kilmer Elementary School Buffalo Grove, whose goal is to “provide a learning environment for all students to become lifelong learners and productive citizens.”
“Productive citizens” is certainly the truth, as many students from across all school districts participate in community involvement and volunteerism, from helping hurricane victims to crafting holiday cards for American troops. It seems the Buffalo Grove sense of community is interwoven across all age brackets and populations.
#10 – Art and Fun in Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove also attracts its share of day trippers – and then some – with the 5-day Buffalo Grove Days. This event is “where the community comes to play,” harkening to the days of old time community picnics. The event exhibits a car show, parade, and hosts a BBQ challenge, live music, a carnival, arts and crafts, contests, and much more, drawing visitors from throughout the region.
Locals look forward to this event as an opportunity to get together, reminisce, and forge new memories. It’s also a perfect place for the kiddies to socialize, play, and discover new hobbies and passions.
Not to mention, the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band performs a variety of music, from classical, jazz, to pop. The most beloved orchestral event is, of course, the annual Independence Day Concert at the Buffalo Grove Rotary Green. This July 4th spectacular draws 3,000 people for a two hour concert, followed by a jaw-dropping fireworks display for any and all who wish to participate in the viewing.
#11 – Eat Local Sunday Farmer’s Market
The community is invited to get social, listen to live music, and eat local at the Buffalo Grove Farmers’ Market which takes place every Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Vendors offer produce grown locally in Illinois and nearby states, with many organic and certified organic options.
There isn’t a more amusing and relaxing way to spend Sunday morning than strolling through the stalls and chatting up the farmers on their homegrown eats. Every visit yields something new – a fruit or vegetable that you may not be familiar with – and it’s the farmers who are always eager to answer questions on how to prepare the mysterious tuber or what not. Local favorite is the “Mirai Corn” – if this varietal is unfamiliar to you, check it out!
Visitors can also purchase cheeses, meats, sweets (doughnuts, yay!), and even specialty dog food. Although it’s great fun for the whole family, our furriest family members must sample their organic dog food and treats outside of the Farmers’ Market.
#12 – Parks and Recreation for Dozens of Pastimes
All forms of physical exercise are welcome in Buffalo Grove’s variety of parks. Whether you want to kick flip your deck at the Mike Rylko Community Skate Park or play a game of bocce at Twin Creeks Park, Buffalo Grove is sure to have the park facilities you need to fulfill in your passions.
Twin Creeks Park is home to an accessible baseball field, bocce courts, playground, pickleball courts, and more. Emmerich Park Buffalo Grove features not one, but two baseball fields, two tennis courts, a playground, and two indoor studios for fitness and dance enthusiasts.
For a nominal fee, kids of all ages can join in the fun at the Buffalo Grove Park Spray ‘N Play. This unique park offers over 20 water fountains and sprays to splash and play. There is also a picnic area, making this a keeper for children’s birthday parties.
For fun in the water of a more mellow kind, there’s the Willow Stream Pool. This outdoor lap pool is perfect to swim away stress or work sore muscles after playing a game of golf at, not one – but two – of the most stunning greens in the region –
#13 – Did Someone Say “Golf”?
Why, yes! Lovers of the sport have their pick between The Buffalo Grove Golf Club and The Arboretum Golf Course. The former features bent grass greens and mature trees. All skill levels are encouraged to try their hand at the three sets of tees. Course amenities include a driving range, putting green, and more. Members and non-members alike are invited to dine at the on-course restaurant.
The Arboretum Golf Course conjures images of lush greenery and landscaping. The name rings true on this refined course, featuring a 27,000-square foot clubhouse, pro shop, bar and restaurant.
#14 – Over 50 Miles for Two-Wheelers
Get the lead out on one of the 50 miles of paths and trails dedicated to walking, biking, rollerblading, and jogging enthusiasts. These dedicated trails, combined with the numerous miles of sidewalks and biker-friendly roads make Buffalo Grove a biking and walking paradise.
#15 – Read a Book with Someone!
What better way to cap off our list of 15 reasons to relocate to Buffalo Grove than a mention of our cities lovely library network, Indian Trails and Vernon Area Public Library. Both libraries are at the heart of what makes our city special: the love and appreciate of learning, epitomized by Stevenson High School, and our deeply felt sense of community.
Buffalo Grove libraries are a mecca for members of the community of all ages to meet up and connect over literature and knowledge, as well as hundreds of special events held throughout the year. From sing-a-longs and magic shows for kids to public information sessions on a wide range of topics, including the Affordable Care Act, volunteerism, and much more.
#16 – BONUS: New Plans for Downtown Buffalo Grove
I couldn’t resist. There has been a lot of talk of late about plans to redevelop areas of downtown Buffalo Grove. A variety of ideas are on the table, with residents making their voices heard to city planners.
Just a few of the exciting proposals floating around are the development of additional open spaces, a community garden, athletic fields, and a sensory park. Officials have mulled over the idea of revitalizing the downtown, adding a civic campus type-feel with open spaces and mixed-use buildings.
As a Buffalo Grove resident myself, I appreciate that both residents and Buffalo Grove officials are always looking ahead – brainstorming ways to further improve the livability of our beautiful town for generations and relocators to come.
This is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
The people I know who moved to Buffalo Grove, Illinois did so because they were looking for a place where they could set roots and make lifelong friends. After scouting several cities, deciding to move to Buffalo Grove is an easy choice. Not only is the community outstanding, the nationally recognized Stevenson High School, proximity to the lake, and affordability had me immediately. Added to that, the access to the world-class city of Chicago, with all the entertainment, commerce, and distractions that the big city offers, while living in a town at just the right distance to avoid certain pitfalls associated with city life makes Buffalo Grove a no-brainer. On that note – Buffalo Grove crime is very low, averaging 79% lower than the rest of Illinois, making safety a top draw for newcomers desiring a secure and safe home town.
Buffalo Grove is where the heart is – and these 15 reasons are just the start to why “Buffalo Grove” hold their town so dear.
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