Buffalo Grove vs Vernon Hills
Two popular IL suburbs of Chicago, side by side. Here's how they compare on the metrics that matter most to families.
Summary: Buffalo Grove leads in 3 of 6 metrics. It edges out on commute to chicago, median home price, walk score. The best choice depends on your family's priorities.
Character & vibe
Buffalo Grove
Adlai Stevenson HS is one of the top public schools in Illinois. Strong community, diverse, and practical. One of the best school values north of Evanston.
Vernon Hills
One of Lake County's premier planned suburbs with Hawthorn School District — consistently among Illinois's top-performing districts. The Hawthorn Center mall anchors commerce. Corporate campus employers (Baxter, Rust-Oleum) provide local employment. Metra North Central Line.
Who should pick which?
Pick Buffalo Grove if you...
- ·Want the shortest commute to Chicago
- ·Need to keep your home budget in check
- ·Value walkability and a pedestrian-friendly downtown
Pick Vernon Hills if you...
- ·Want lower annual property taxes
- ·Drawn to the family character
Still deciding?
Burbia scores both Buffalo Grove and Vernon Hills — and every other town in the Chicago Area — based on your specific commute, budget, and priorities. Not a generic list.
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