Long Grove

Tucked into the rolling hills of Lake County, Long Grove, Illinois, is the kind of place people discover and immediately start scheming about how to move there. With its storybook historic village center, equestrian estates, and genuine small-town feel just 35 miles north of Chicago, this community offers something increasingly rare in the suburbs: a sense of place. But it’s worth understanding what life here actually looks like before you fall completely in love with the apple orchards and covered bridge.

A City That Fits Multiple Lifestyles

Long Grove draws a specific type of resident — typically established professionals and families who want space, quiet, and quality without sacrificing proximity to the city. The community’s population of just over 8,200 people keeps things genuinely intimate. You’ll recognize faces at the Long Grove Strawberry Festival or the fall Apple Fest, and your neighbors are likely to know your name within a few weeks. The lack of a traditional downtown grid in most of the area means development is spread across wooded lots and private roads, giving the whole community an almost rural character despite its suburban address. For empty nesters seeking tranquility or families wanting top-ranked schools in the Stevenson High School district, the fit tends to be excellent.

Cost of Living and Housing

Let’s be straightforward: Long Grove is expensive. The median home price sits at around $746,700, and that number reflects the reality of what you’ll find here — large single-family homes on generous lots, many with custom architecture, horse facilities, or significant acreage. Property taxes in Lake County are substantial, so budget accordingly when you’re running your numbers. The median household income in Long Grove is approximately $235,000, which tells you something important about who the community skews toward financially. If you’re stretching to afford entry here, the ongoing costs of maintenance, taxes, and the general lifestyle expectations of the area can add up quickly. That said, for buyers in the right financial position, the value is real — you get land, privacy, and quality construction that’s harder to find in more densely developed suburbs.

Employment and Economy

Most Long Grove residents commute rather than work locally. The Metra North Central Service line provides rail access, and major employment hubs like Libertyville, Buffalo Grove, and the broader Route 53 corridor are all within reasonable driving distance. Large employers in the surrounding Lake County region include Abbvie, Baxter International, and Aon, along with a healthy professional services sector. The median resident age of around 49 reflects the fact that many households here are in peak earning years, often with careers well established before the move to Long Grove. Remote work has made this community even more attractive in recent years — a home office in a quiet wooded setting is a genuinely different experience than a city apartment.

Lifestyle and Recreation

The lifestyle here is the main attraction. Long Grove’s historic village district along Robert Parker Coffin Road offers independent shops, wine bars, and seasonal festivals that bring the community together throughout the year. Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve provides miles of hiking and wildlife viewing practically in residents’ backyards. Equestrian culture is deeply embedded — horse boarding and riding facilities are common, and many properties are zoned to accommodate animals. For families, the combination of outdoor access, low traffic, and strong schools creates a childhood environment that’s hard to replicate.

The Bottom Line

Long Grove rewards those who are truly ready for it. If you have the financial foundation, value space and natural beauty over urban convenience, and want a community with genuine character rather than cookie-cutter development, this village delivers in a meaningful way. Visit during a festival, drive the back roads in October, and talk to current residents — the honest enthusiasm you’ll encounter will tell you everything you need to know.