Buffalo Grove is one of the many Chicago suburbs. Classified as a village, Buffalo Grove is located across two counties, Lake and Cook. Buffalo Creek runs through the village, deriving its name from the bison that were commonly seen by Potawatomi Native American tribe. The bison also frequented the grove near the creek, lending the area its name.
Population and Number of Homes
The 2020 census indicates that 43,212 people live in Buffalo Grove. With approximately 17,000 housing units, the population density is around 4,800 per square mile.
The ages of the overall population are fairly spread out. About 22% of residents are under 18, while around 6% are between 18 and 24. Approximately 22% fall in the 25–44 range, and about 30% are between 45 and 64. Roughly 20% of the population is over the age of 64.
Local Economy
Buffalo Grove has a diverse local economy supported by manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, education, and municipal services. Several mid‑sized companies operate facilities in the village, and the surrounding region provides additional employment opportunities. The largest employers in and around Buffalo Grove today include:
- Siemens Healthineers – medical diagnostics manufacturing
- FedEx Supply Chain – logistics and distribution
- Buffalo Grove Park District – recreation and community services
- Local school districts (102, 96, and 125) – major educational employers
- Village of Buffalo Grove – municipal government and public safety
Average Weather
Buffalo Grove enjoys a mild climate with 4 real seasons. The coldest temperatures typically occur in January when the thermometer can get as low as 11 degrees. The warmest time of year is in July when the highs can reach 83.
Precipitation is common and spread out over the year. About 36 inches of rainfall occurs over the course of 12 months. During the winter, the town will receive a grand total of approximately 33 inches of snow.
Universities, Colleges, and Junior Colleges
There are no colleges or universities located directly in Buffalo Grove. However, within roughly 20 miles, there are several well‑known institutions that residents commonly attend:
- Oakton College – Des Plaines, IL
- Harper College – Palatine, IL
- American InterContinental University – Hoffman Estates, IL
- College of Lake County (CLC) – Grayslake, IL
- Northwestern University – Evanston, IL
Public School System
Because Buffalo Grove spans both Cook County and Lake County, the village is served by several different school districts. Students attend one of three high schools depending on their address:
- Buffalo Grove High School (District 214) – Located in Arlington Heights, serving many Buffalo Grove students
- Wheeling High School (District 214) – Serves portions of Buffalo Grove in Cook County
- Adlai E. Stevenson High School (District 125) – Serves the Lake County section of Buffalo Grove
Private Schools
Buffalo Grove does not have a large number of private schools within the village limits, but several nearby options serve local families. Within the community, St. Mary Parish operates a preschool program, but it does not offer a full K–8 school. Families seeking private or faith‑based K–8 education typically look to neighboring towns, where several well‑established schools are located.
Nearby private and parochial options commonly used by Buffalo Grove residents include:
- St. Mary Parish Preschool (Buffalo Grove) – Faith‑based early childhood program for ages 3–5
- St. Mary of the Annunciation School (Mundelein) – Catholic K–8 school
- St. Viator High School (Arlington Heights) – Catholic college‑prep high school
- Christian Liberty Academy (Arlington Heights) – Christian K–12 school
- St. James School (Arlington Heights) – Catholic K–8 school
These schools provide a range of academic and religious programs and are all within a reasonable commute from Buffalo Grove.
Important Stats for Level of Education
For Buffalo Grove residents over the age of 25, the education levels are notably high:
- 97% have graduated from high school
- 68% have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher
- 27% have earned a graduate or professional degree
- The unemployment rate is approximately 3%
Transportation Options
Along with interstates and US highways, Buffalo Grove is served by the Metra North Central Service. This service offers a rail from Antioch to Chicago and has daily stops.
Popular Restaurants and Other Hot Spots
Buffalo Grove has many restaurants sure to fill any appetite. Popular local options include:
- Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – Chicago‑style deep‑dish pizza
- Hakuya Sushi – Japanese cuisine and sushi bar
- Firewood Kabob Mediterranean Grill – Mediterranean dishes
- Grande Jake’s Fresh Mexican Grill – Mexican cuisine
- Deerfield’s Bakery – Sandwiches, pastries, and baked goods
- Wooil Korean Restaurant – Traditional Korean cui
Hospitals
There are no major hospitals located directly in Buffalo Grove. Residents typically rely on several full‑service medical centers in nearby communities, all within a short drive. The closest and most commonly used hospitals include:
- Northwest Community Hospital – Arlington Heights
- Advocate Condell Medical Center – Libertyville
- NorthShore Highland Park Hospital – Highland Park
- Glenbrook Hospital – Glenview
Within Buffalo Grove itself, there are numerous urgent‑care clinics, primary‑care offices, specialty practices, and outpatient medical facilities, providing convenient access to everyday healthcare needs.
Outdoor Activities
Buffalo Grove offers a variety of outdoor and community activities for residents of all ages. The Raupp Museum, operated by the Buffalo Grove Park District, highlights the village’s history through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive programs that showcase the community’s heritage.
The Buffalo Grove Town Center remains a central retail area, though the entertainment mix has evolved over the years. While the former movie theater and large indoor entertainment complex have closed, the area still features restaurants, shops, and services. For family entertainment, residents now frequent nearby venues such as Bowlero, Par‑King Skill Golf, and other regional attractions.
Buffalo Grove hosts two major annual festivals that draw large crowds during the summer and early fall:
- Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Arts Festival (July): A juried arts event that attracts thousands of visitors each year, featuring artists from across the country.
- Buffalo Grove Days (September): A multi‑day community festival with carnival rides, food vendors, arts and crafts, live music, and family activities. The celebration traditionally concludes with a fireworks display.
These events, along with the village’s extensive park system, trails, and recreation programs, make Buffalo Grove an active and engaging place to live.
Why Choose Us as Your Buffalo Grove Mortgage Lender?
Choosing the right mortgage lender matters. We combine local expertise with a full suite of loan programs to help buyers, homeowners, investors, and self‑employed borrowers achieve their goals with clarity and confidence. Our team provides personalized guidance from application to closing, backed by fast communication and a partner‑first approach.
Local Knowledge, National Strength
We understand the Buffalo Grove market and the unique needs of buyers in this area. Our loan officers, processors, and support teams work together to deliver a smooth, transparent experience whether you’re purchasing, refinancing, or investing.
Programs for Every Type of Buyer
We offer a wide range of mortgage solutions designed to fit different financial situations and property types. Our programs include:
- Conventional Loans
- FHA Loans
- VA Loans for eligible veterans and service members
- USDA Loans for qualifying rural areas
- Jumbo and high‑balance loans
- Bank Statement Loans for self‑employed borrowers
- DSCR Loans for real estate investors
- Condo financing, including warrantable and select non‑warrantable buildings
- Low‑down‑payment options for first‑time buyers
Fast, Clear, and Responsive
We prioritize communication and efficiency. From prequalification to closing, our team keeps you informed at every step. Our streamlined process helps reduce delays, minimize surprises, and keep your transaction moving forward.
Dedicated Support from Start to Finish
Our loan teams and branch partners work closely with buyers, homeowners, and real estate professionals to ensure a smooth experience. We take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and recommend the best loan options for your situation.
A Partner‑First Culture
We believe in building long‑term relationships based on trust, transparency, and exceptional service. Our commitment to doing what’s right for our customers has earned us strong reviews, repeat business, and industry recognition.
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, investing, or refinancing, we’re here to help you navigate the mortgage process with confidence.
Home Financing Options in Buffalo Grove
Buying a home in Buffalo Grove doesn’t require a one‑size‑fits‑all mortgage. Whether you’re a first‑time buyer, a move‑up buyer, an investor, or someone with non‑traditional income, there are multiple loan programs designed to fit different financial situations and property types. Many buyers are surprised to learn how flexible today’s mortgage options really are.
Low‑Down‑Payment and No‑Down‑Payment Options
You don’t need 20 percent down to buy a home. In fact, many buyers qualify for programs that require little or no out-of-pocket money. These include:
- FHA Loans – 3.5 percent down with flexible credit guidelines
- VA Loans – 0 percent down for eligible veterans and active‑duty service members
- USDA Loans – 0 percent down for qualifying rural areas
- Conventional 3 percent down programs for first‑time buyers
These programs are designed to make homeownership more accessible, even if you haven’t saved a large down payment.
Family Opportunity Mortgage
The Family Opportunity Mortgage is designed for situations where one family member wants to help another purchase a home. This program allows qualifying buyers to purchase a property for an elderly parent, a child with disabilities, or a college‑aged student without treating the loan as an investment property. This often results in lower rates, lower down payments, and more flexible qualification guidelines.
- Buy a home for an aging parent who cannot qualify on their own
- Provide housing for an adult child with disabilities
- Qualify using primary‑residence terms instead of investment‑property terms
This program can be a powerful solution for families who want to support loved ones while also benefiting from more favorable mortgage terms.
Financing Options for Self‑Employed Borrowers
Self‑employed buyers often have high income but limited W‑2 documentation. Bank Statement Loans allow qualifying borrowers to use business or personal bank statements to verify income instead of tax returns. This can be a great fit for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent contractors.
Investor and Rental Property Loans
Real estate investors have access to specialized programs that make purchasing rental properties easier. DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) Loans qualify based on the property’s rental income rather than the borrower’s personal income. This is ideal for investors building or expanding a rental portfolio.
Jumbo and High‑Balance Loans
For higher‑priced homes, Jumbo Loans offer competitive rates and flexible terms. These programs are designed for buyers who need loan amounts above conventional limits and often include options for lower down payments than many people expect.
Condo Financing
Condos require specific financing guidelines, and not all lenders specialize in them. We offer FHA, VA, conventional, and non-conventional condo financing, including options for warrantable and select non‑warrantable buildings. This helps buyers access more properties with confidence.
Refinance and Equity Options
Homeowners looking to lower their payment, shorten their loan term, or access equity have several refinance options. Cash‑out refinances can help fund home improvements, debt consolidation, or other financial goals.
Which Program Fits You?
Every buyer’s situation is different. Your income, credit, property type, and long‑term goals all play a role in determining the best mortgage program. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, investing, or refinancing, we can help match you with the loan that fits your needs.
