Long Grove

Long Grove real estate draws buyers who want something genuinely different from the typical Chicagoland suburb: a low-density, historically preserved village where large wooded lots, top-ranked schools, and a pedestrian-friendly historic downtown coexist within commuting distance of the city. Located about 35 miles northwest of Chicago in Lake County, Long Grove covers 12.3 square miles and has a population of roughly 8,400. It is one of the most recognizable luxury communities in the northern suburbs, defined as much by what it refuses to allow as by what it offers.

What to Love About Long Grove

• One of Illinois' oldest designated historic districts, with a downtown that has maintained its 19th-century architectural character for over 60 years
• Strict village ordinances preserve the rural feel: no sidewalks, no residential streetlights, no fences, no chain stores in the historic core
• The iconic 1906 covered bridge (listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018) is a working landmark and symbol of the village's identity
• Zoning requires minimum lot sizes of one to two acres, keeping density genuinely low and green space abundant
• Feeds into Adlai E. Stevenson High School, consistently ranked one of the top open-enrollment public high schools in Illinois
• Three signature annual festivals (Chocolate Fest, Strawberry Fest, Apple Fest) draw over 100,000 visitors combined
• Access to hundreds of acres of preserved parkland, forest preserves, and trail systems within and around the village
• No chain development in the downtown core means the shopping and dining scene stays local, independent, and genuinely interesting

Real Estate and Homes

Homes for sale in Long Grove are defined by space, privacy, and quality of construction. The village's zoning framework has consistently enforced large-lot development, which means nearly every property sits on at least one acre. Many estates sit on two or more acres, with mature trees, natural landscaping, and winding private driveways.

Architectural Styles

The dominant styles are Colonial Revival and Tudor-inspired homes, which fit the village's traditional character. More recent builds lean toward Farmhouse-inspired designs, blending traditional exteriors with open floor plans and modern finishes. Custom-designed estates are common throughout the village, and buyers will find a wide range of architectural approaches rather than cookie-cutter subdivision homes.

Property Types

• Single-family homes are the near-exclusive property type. The village has very little condo or townhome inventory.
• Luxury estates with multi-car garages, finished basements, and high-end custom features make up a significant share of the market.
• Waterfront properties are available on Diamond Lake, offering private beach access, boat launches, and water views.
• Vacant lots for custom builds are increasingly rare but do come to market periodically.

Notable Subdivisions

White Oak Estates: 66 homesites averaging over two acres, rolling terrain with ponds and mature shade trees. One of the most sought-after addresses in the village.

Ravenna: Water views and private cul-de-sac positions. Known for estate-scale homes on premium lots.

Lakes of Long Grove: Community-oriented with water features and established landscaping.

Autumn Woods / Beaver Creek Estates / Eleanora Estates: Wooded subdivisions with classic Long Grove character: generous setbacks, mature trees, privacy.

West Shore Park (Diamond Lake area): Waterfront living with docks, a community boat launch, and a neighborhood pier. Summer-focused lifestyle, tight-knit community.

Local Tip: Long Grove deliberately prohibits fences, sidewalks, and residential streetlights. If you're used to more conventional suburb infrastructure, this is an intentional design choice and part of what makes the community feel different from neighboring towns.

Lifestyle and Local Highlights

Historic Downtown

The downtown is the heart of Long Grove's identity. It is Illinois' oldest designated historic district, established in 1960. The streetscape is defined by 19th-century commercial buildings, cobblestone paths, and an absence of national chain retailers. The Robert Parker Coffin Bridge, originally built in 1906 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018, sits at the entrance to the downtown and appears on the village's official logo.

Dining and Drinking

• The Village Tavern (established 1847) is the oldest continuously operating tavern/restaurant in Illinois, family-owned for 60 years, known for half-pound custom-ground burgers
• Chatterbox of Long Grove offers upscale dining inside a restored historic barn, with a casual country atmosphere
• Corked is a wine bar with an extensive international selection in a relaxed setting
• Buffalo Creek Brewing is Long Grove's own craft brewery, specializing in German and Belgian-style beers, situated right along Buffalo Creek adjacent to the covered bridge

Shopping

Downtown boutiques focus on gifts, home goods, and specialty items:

• The Irish Boutique (Paddy's on the Square): A family-operated import shop with over 40 years of history in the village
• Scout & Forge Vintage Store: Antiques and vintage goods
• The Sock Monkey Snack Co.: A beloved local confection and novelty shop

Festivals and Events

Long Grove's festival calendar is one of the most active of any village its size in the Chicago suburbs:

• Chocolate Fest (May): Chocolate-focused food, drinks, and specialty menus across downtown vendors
• Strawberry Fest (June): Strawberry-themed cuisine across brick-and-mortar businesses and pop-up vendors
• Apple Fest (September): Apple pies, cider donuts, caramel apples, apple wine, and fall activities
• Craft Beer Fest (April): Highlights local and regional craft brewers including Buffalo Creek Brewing
• Irish Days (September): Celebrating the village's Irish heritage
• October Days: Pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and fall family activities
• Vintage Days (June): Antiques and vintage market event
• Holiday Season: Month-long holiday festivities in the downtown district

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

• Long Grove Park District owns approximately 450 acres of parkland within the village, including ponds, streams, wetlands, woodlands, and active recreation areas with baseball fields.
• Reed-Turner Woodland Nature Preserve: An on-site nature preserve featuring upland oaks and hickories, wet meadows, and over 116 documented bird species.
• Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve: A 408-acre preserve just outside the village with 5.5 miles of gravel trails for walking, cycling, and cross-country skiing.
• Lake County Forest Preserves: The broader system protects nearly 31,000 acres with over 208 miles of multi-use trails, fishing ponds, and nature education programs.
• Diamond Lake: Residents in lakeside neighborhoods enjoy water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, private beaches, and a community boat launch.
• Independence Grove Forest Preserve: A short drive away, centered on a 129-acre lake with extensive recreation programming.

Schools

Long Grove is served by multiple school districts depending on address. Most of the village feeds into Kildeer Countryside Community Consolidated School District 96 and Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125.

KCSD 96 includes Country Meadows Elementary and Kildeer Countryside Elementary (both located directly in Long Grove), plus Woodlawn and Twin Groves middle schools. All District 96 graduates feed into Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, which has been ranked the top open-enrollment public high school in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report multiple times.

Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103 also serves portions of Long Grove for elementary and middle school grades.

Commute and Transportation

Long Grove is a car-dependent community by design, but it is well-positioned for highway access.

The village sits approximately 35 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, accessible via Illinois Route 53 and Route 83. Drive time to downtown Chicago typically ranges from 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. O'Hare International Airport is roughly 30 to 40 minutes away.

Metra commuter rail is not available within the village itself, but nearby communities (Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Libertyville) have Metra stations within a short drive, offering a park-and-ride option for city commuters. The village has actively opposed the proposed extension of Route 53 through Long Grove, prioritizing preservation of the community's rural character.

Local Tip: Long Grove is best suited for buyers who are comfortable with a car-based commute. The payoff is a daily environment that feels genuinely removed from suburban sprawl, even while remaining accessible to the city.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long Grove

What types of homes are available in Long Grove?

Almost exclusively single-family homes on large lots, typically one to two or more acres. Architectural styles range from Colonial Revival and Tudor-inspired traditional homes to newer custom estates and Farmhouse-influenced builds. There are no condos or high-density housing in the village. Waterfront properties on Diamond Lake represent a distinct niche within the market.

What makes Long Grove different from other Chicago suburbs?

The village has enforced rural preservation since its incorporation in 1956. Strict ordinances prohibit sidewalks, fences, and residential streetlights. There are no chain retailers in the historic downtown. Minimum lot sizes keep density low. The result is a community that genuinely looks and feels different from conventional suburbs in the region.

How far is Long Grove from Chicago?

About 35 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. By car, depending on traffic and route, that typically translates to 45-60 minutes. The village is not served by Metra directly, so driving is the primary commute mode, though nearby Metra stations are accessible.

What is the covered bridge in Long Grove?

The Robert Parker Coffin Bridge was built in 1906 and is one of only two remaining covered-bridge structures in the greater Chicagoland area. The decorative wooden covering was added in 1972, modeled after a historic New Hampshire bridge. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018 and appears on the village's official logo.

What festivals happen in Long Grove?

The three biggest are Chocolate Fest (May), Strawberry Fest (June), and Apple Fest (September), which collectively draw over 100,000 visitors. The village also hosts a Craft Beer Fest, Irish Days, Vintage Days, October Days, and a month-long holiday season celebration. All events are centered in the historic downtown.

Are there good outdoor recreation options in Long Grove?

Yes. The Long Grove Park District manages roughly 450 acres of local parkland. The Reed-Turner Woodland preserve offers birding, woodland trails, and wetland habitat. Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve (408 acres, 5.5 miles of trails) is nearby, and the Lake County Forest Preserve system's 31,000 acres and 208 miles of trails are accessible throughout the area. Diamond Lake provides summer water recreation for lakeside residents.

Is Long Grove a walkable community?

No, and intentionally so. The village prohibits sidewalks as part of its rural preservation ordinances. Life in Long Grove is car-dependent. The historic downtown is walkable once you arrive, but getting there from residential areas requires driving. Buyers who prioritize walkability should weigh this carefully.