BUFFALO GROVE, IL – Buffalo Grove is the best place to live in Illinois, according to new rankings from U.S. News & World Report, which also placed the village at No. 15 nationwide.
The new 2026-2027 Best Places to Live rankings evaluated communities across the country based on quality of life, value, desirability, job market and overall livability.
“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible people and partnerships that make Buffalo Grove such a special place,” Village President Eric Smith said in a statement. “Buffalo Grove has always been a community that thinks boldly about the future while never losing sight of what matters most, its people.”
Village officials said Buffalo Grove’s schools, neighborhoods, parks, libraries, trails and open space helped drive the recognition. They also pointed to redevelopment projects including The Clove, Bison Crossing and Chase Plaza, along with infrastructure and long-range planning efforts.
Patch has also reported on where other Illinois communities landed in the new U.S. News rankings. Those in Illinois named to the Best Places to Live In the U.S. in 2026-27 are:
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