Buffalo Grove has been ranked No. 15 in the 2026-27 Best Places to Live in the U.S. list, making it one of the highest-ranked Chicago-area suburbs in the national ranking.

The northern Illinois suburb earned strong placement in the U.S. News & World Report ranking, which reviewed 250 communities using factors tied to everyday livability, including quality of life, value, desirability, job market and other public data points.

Why Buffalo Grove Ranked High

Buffalo Grove’s position reflects its appeal as a suburban community with access to the broader Chicago region while still offering a quieter residential setting. Rankings like this often draw interest from families, professionals and homebuyers comparing suburbs based on housing, safety, schools, commuting access and overall quality of life.

The list placed Buffalo Grove ahead of many fast-growing suburbs across Texas, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Washington, giving the village a notable position among U.S. suburbs.

Chicago-Area Suburbs in the Top 50

Buffalo Grove led Illinois communities in the national ranking at No. 15. Naperville ranked No. 26, Arlington Heights ranked No. 32 and Palatine ranked No. 46, placing several Chicago-area suburbs inside the top 50.

The results suggest that suburban communities around Chicago continue to attract attention for residents seeking a balance of job access, housing options and livability.

Midwest Suburbs Show Strong Performance

The Midwest had a strong showing in the 2026-27 ranking. Carmel, Indiana, ranked No. 1, followed by Fishers, Indiana, at No. 2. Other highly ranked Midwest communities included Ankeny, Iowa; Rochester Hills, Michigan; Troy, Michigan; and Noblesville, Indiana.

For Buffalo Grove, the No. 15 placement adds national visibility at a time when many families and workers are comparing suburbs not only by home prices, but also by long-term quality of life.