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About Buffalo Grove.

Voted one of the top 100 best places to live by Money magazine, Buffalo Grove offers beautiful parks, homes, and active, friendly residents. From the weekly farmer’s market to summer festivals such as Buffalo Grove Days, the village welcomes its families to congregate, share, and care for their community.

Location

Buffalo Grove is 35 miles from downtown Chicago.

Information

In July 2009, Buffalo Grove was listed on CNN Money “best places to live” list.

Author Raymond Benson—writer of the adult James Bond novels—is a current resident of Buffalo Grove.

Actor Vince Vaughn—famous for his roles in Anchorman, Old School, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith—grew up in Buffalo Grove.

Vaughn also starred in Couples Retreat, a Peter Billingsley-directed comedy that features a scene shot in Buffalo Grove. The scene shows a van turning off eastbound Lake Cook Road onto Southbound Raupp Boulevard.

History

The first pioneers came to Buffalo Grove in 1834 and originated from New England. However, by the time the village was established, land records displayed English French, and Scottish names. In the 1840s, German immigrants moved into the area to pursue farming, purchasing land from the original settlers. German Catholics congregated in Buffalo Grove while the Lutherans moved into Long Grove.

While the origins of the village name are uncertain, Buffalo Grove historians claim it derives from the buffalo that roamed the area when English, French, and Pottowatami Indians ranged through northeast Illinois. Buffalo Creek earned its name from a buffalo skeleton found by its banks.

Many of the park and street names in Buffalo Grove have been taken from the names of original settlers. Weidner and Raupp, for example, were some of the first families to farm in the area around St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Real Estate

The median home and value in Buffalo Grove is $395,170. Homes in this price range feature 2-4 bedrooms, 2-4 car garages, and 2-3 bathrooms. Apartments range from $800 to $1100/month for a one-bedroom unit and $1200 to $2500 +/month for a two-bedroom.

Nightlife

Rack’em Up Chicago on 312 McHenry Road (847) 541-2500 is a classic billiard hall and sports bar. The bar is known for its great prices, relaxing environment, and generous shots. Rack’em Up also offers tournaments and lessons for pool enthusiasts.

Entertainment

Looking for fun on a rainy day? Chicago Indoor Racing on 301 Hastings Drive (847) 941-9400 is a great place to spend the afternoon with friends and older children. In addition to go-karts, Chicago Indoor Racing hosts a variety of sit-down activities, including pool, poker, and other card games.

The Buffalo Grove Farmer’s Market is held every Sunday from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm at 951 McHenry Road. Market sellers offer home-grown fruits and vegetables, cheeses, breads, and other items made with locally produced goods. The Market also features a unique booth for Sharpening by Dave. Residents drop off their used kitchen knives and scissors with Dave, shop around the tables, and pick up freshly sharpened tools when they’re finished.

Avid golfers enjoy Buffalo Grove’s fine municipal courses, the Buffalo Grove Golf Club on 48 Raupp Boulevard (847) 537-1819 and the Arboretum Club on 401 Half Day Road (847) 913-1112. The Buffalo Grove Golf Club provides an attractive and challenging setting with lush trees, sand, and water. The Arboretum Club provides and elegant playing and dining environment with its newly built 27,000 foot clubhouse.

Restaurants

For high class dining in a friendly and approachable setting, locals head to Hanabi Japanese on 734 Buffalo Grove Road (847) 215-9088. The food is as fresh and tasty as it is affordable, with a number of inexpensive rolls and 25 lunch specials. Every order comes with miso soup, rice, tea, and mochi ice cream for dessert!

Versailles on 135 West Dundee Road (847) 465-1526 is a Russian restaurant perfect for the adventurous diner. From eel to cheesy veal, Versailles offers a number of daring and delicious dishes. The restaurant also features authentic music, dancing, and a highly attentive waiting staff. The yucca frita and the oxtail stew are most highly recommended.

Weiner Take All on 1117 Welland Road (847) 634-2325 is favored for more casual dining. This hot dog joint boasts huge portions, small prices, and delicious crispy fries.

Festivals/Parks

With over 50 parks and 45 miles of bike paths, Buffalo Grove offers many options for outdoor recreation.

Spray ‘n Play on 951 McHenry Road (847) 793-0570 is a great place to take the kids of a hot summer day. The park features over 20 spray, mist, and fountain toys, including an interactive water table. There’s also a shaded table area for group and family picnics.

Busch Grove Community Park on 801 McHenry Road is a well-maintained forest preserve, home to many species of wildlife and wildflowers. The park includes a beautiful pond, and an asphalt trail runs through the trees for bikers and walkers. The east end of Busch Grove features a hockey and ice rink as well as skate park.

Buffalo Grove Days at 50 Raupp Boulevard are the highlight of the year for many residents. The five-day event includes a carnival, parade, craft fair, bbq cook-off, craft tent, food tent, and a firework display! The festival also features live entertainment from local music and dance groups.

The Invitational Fine Art Festival is held in the Buffalo Grove Town Center on the corner of Lake Cook Road and Route 83 (847) 459-2518. The festival runs from July 17th to 18th from 10:00am to 5:00pm and showcases original work from over 150 artists. The Fine Art Festival also features food, refreshments, and live musical performances.