Long 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: Vernon Hills leads in 4 of 6 metrics. It edges out on commute to chicago, median home price, annual property tax, walk score. The best choice depends on your family's priorities.
Character & vibe
Long Grove
Lake County's most charming historic village with a covered bridge, apple orchards, chocolate shops, and wine tasting rooms. Buffalo Creek Preserve and Ryerson Conservation Area provide exceptional nature access. Stevenson HS District. Well-established acreage estate properties mixed with a walkable historic village center.
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 Long Grove if you...
- ·Drawn to the historic character
Pick Vernon Hills if you...
- ·Want the shortest commute to Chicago
- ·Need to keep your home budget in check
- ·Value walkability and a pedestrian-friendly downtown
- ·Want lower annual property taxes
Still deciding?
Burbia scores both Long Grove and Vernon Hills — and every other town in the Chicago Area — based on your specific commute, budget, and priorities. Not a generic list.
Talk to Burbia →