Buffalo Grove 77 Exceptional
Buffalo Grove Livability #163 ranked city in Illinois#3,025 ranked city in the USARanks better than 89% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Pros and Cons of Living in Buffalo Grove

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Schools Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

What's it like Living in Buffalo Grove?

Buffalo Grove, Illinois is a moderately-sized city with a population of 41,884 residents. In Buffalo Grove, there are 4,416 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. At 70%, the majority of the Buffalo Grove population is White; this is followed by 22% Asian and 3% Black. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Buffalo Grove entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 30 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like crime, cost of living, health & safety and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Buffalo Grove and in the areas around Buffalo Grove is a much easier task.

The livability score in Buffalo Grove is 76/100 and the city is ranked in the 88th percentile of all cities across America. This is a fantastic score, as Buffalo Grove ranks well in multiple categories! For each of the livability categories, we see that Buffalo Grove ranks very well for crime (A+), education (A) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Buffalo Grove does not have favorable grades for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 21 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Buffalo Grove boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Buffalo Grove, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.3% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Buffalo Grove apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Buffalo Grove is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Buffalo Grove come in at $616,482, which is 99.8% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Buffalo Grove, the home price to income ratio is 3.6, which is 2.9% higher than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Buffalo Grove

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Compare Buffalo Grove, IL Livability

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      Buffalo Grove transportation information

      Statistic Buffalo Grove Illinois National
      Average one way commute30min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.8%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.6%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit6.6%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.7%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home13.3%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Buffalo Grove, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.