One Chicago Suburb Ranks High On Best Places To Live In 2026 List

Sure, Illinois is still among the top states for having residents that want to move elsewhere, but not everyone in our state feels that way.

If you’re looking for proof that Illinois still has some pretty great places to call home, a brand-new ranking from U.S. News & World Report delivers some good news, especially for one particular Chicago suburb.

Buffalo Grove just landed at number 15 overall on the publication’s new “Best Places To Live In The U.S.” rankings for 2026-2027, making it the highest-ranked Illinois community on the list.

The rankings looked at 250 cities and suburbs across America, evaluating factors like quality of life, housing affordability, crime rates, schools, job market strength, and overall desirability.

Before We Get To What's Special About Buffalo Grove, Let's See Which City Ranked Number-One In The Entire Nation

According to the US News & World Report piece, the two top places to live in the whole country are in...Indiana. It's also the first time neighboring suburbs came in at number-one and number-two.

Here's the national top ten:

1. Carmel, IN
2. Fishers, IN
3. Flower Mound, TX
4. Ankeny, IA
5. Johns Creek, GA
6. Hoover, AL
7. Rochester Hills, MI
8. Leander, TX
9. Frisco, TX
10. Sugar Land, TX

So, What Makes Buffalo Grove, Illinois Stand Out?

For starters, the village has long been known for highly rated schools, safe neighborhoods, extensive park systems, and a strong sense of community.

Located about 35 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Buffalo Grove sits in both Lake and Cook counties and has a population of around 44,000 residents. The suburb is also regularly praised for its family-friendly atmosphere, public services, and convenient access to shopping, dining, and transportation options.

Buffalo Grove has actually been collecting accolades for years. Recent Niche rankings also named it one of the best suburbs in Illinois and among the best places in America for public schools.

While no Illinois city cracked the national top 10 this year, several other suburbs still ranked highly. Naperville came in at #32 nationally, while Arlington Heights landed at #46.

For Illinois residents, Buffalo Grove’s strong showing is another reminder that the Land of Lincoln still has communities that rank among the very best places to live anywhere in the country.