Long Grove
Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves, stepping out onto your porch to breathe in the crisp morning air, all while knowing that the excitement of the Windy City is just a short drive away.
Sounds like your ideal scenario? Then, continue reading as we delve into the charming bliss of Long Grove, IL – where small-town warmth meets big-city convenience.
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WELCOME TO LONG GROVE, IL
Located in the rolling landscapes of Lake County, Illinois, the village of Long Grove offers a picturesque retreat from the stresses of city life.
Spanning just under 18 square miles, Long Grove occupies a prime position in Chicago’s northern suburbs, bordered by Buffalo Grove to the east, Kildeer to the north, and Lake Zurich to the west. The village also offers easy access to major highways such as Route 53 and Interstate 94, which connect to major destinations like Downtown Chicago and O’Hare International Airport.
Brief history
Long Grove’s story begins in the 1840s when German farmers, attracted by the area’s fertile soil, began settling the region. The village quickly became a thriving agricultural community, with dairy farming playing a significant role in its early economy.
By the early 20th century, as Chicago’s suburbs began to expand, Long Grove took a unique approach to development. Rather than embracing rapid urbanization, the village implemented strict zoning laws to preserve its rural character and historic downtown. This foresight has allowed Long Grove to maintain its charm and distinct identity even as neighboring communities have undergone significant changes.
Today, this village of around 8,000 residents boasts a harmonious mix of residential areas, preserved natural spaces, and a semi-rural atmosphere that sets it apart from its more densely populated neighbors.
Claims to fame
One of Chicagoland’s most picturesque and historically significant villages, Long Grove takes great pride in its meticulously preserved 19th-century downtown area. Lining its streets are Victorian-era buildings that now house an eclectic mix of specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
The village is perhaps best known for its covered bridge, a local landmark inspired by its early settlers of German descent – a symbol of Long Grove’s commitment to preserving its heritage.
Not only that but throughout the year, Long Grove comes alive with a series of festivals that showcase the village’s community spirit, drawing visitors from across the region to celebrate its agricultural roots.
HOMES FOR SALE IN LONG GROVE, IL
For an old-world-inspired locale, you’ll be surprised to know that Long Grove has a housing market characterized by its emphasis on luxury properties and generous lot sizes. The range of housing options here caters to those who value privacy, space, and high-end amenities. The village’s zoning laws, which typically require minimum lot sizes of one to two acres, contribute to the spacious feel of the community and help maintain its rural charm.
General market trends
Long Grove, IL’s real estate market firmly sits in the upper ranks of suburban Chicago’s housing landscape. Prices of homes for sale in Long Grove, IL constantly skim the $1 million mark, reflecting not only the quality of the homes but also the premium placed on the village’s unique lifestyle offerings.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified demand, with more home buyers seeking larger properties with home office spaces and outdoor amenities – common amenities found in Long Grove, IL real estate.
Several other factors have also influenced home prices in Long Grove over recent years. The limited inventory of available homes, coupled with strong demand, has put upward pressure on prices. The village’s strict zoning regulations, while preserving its character, also restrict new development, further constraining supply. Additionally, the high cost of land in the area and the trend towards building larger, more luxurious homes have contributed to the upscale nature of the market.
Long Grove’s commitment to maintaining its unique character, through initiatives like the preservation of its covered bridge and the protection of natural areas, adds to its allure and supports property values.
Property types
Long Grove offers a diverse array of property types to suit various preferences.
Chief among these are single-family homes. The backbone of Long Grove’s housing market, these properties range from charming farmhouse-style residences to sprawling custom-designed estates that offer unique architectural features and personalized luxuries.
Those seeking to build their dream home from the ground up, meanwhile, will want to check out Long Grove’s selection of vacant lots, although these are becoming increasingly scarce.
Architectural styles
Long Grove’s residential architecture reflects a mix of styles that pay homage to the village’s history while embracing modern design trends.
Colonial Revival and Tudor-inspired homes currently make up the bulk of homes for sale in Long Grove, IL. Traditional and classic, these designs stay true to the overall theme of the village. Among more recent builds, Farmhouse Contemporary is a favorite, combining traditional farmhouse aesthetics with modern amenities and open floor plans. Meanwhile, homes done in Prairie Style emphasize integration with the natural landscape.
Notable communities and developments
Here are outstanding communities and developments worth looking at for houses for sale in Long Grove.
- ROYAL MELBOURNE COUNTRY CLUB. This gated community surrounds a championship golf course and offers some of the most prestigious addresses in Long Grove. Homes here sit on expansive lots and feature top-of-the-line finishes.
- BEAVER CREEK ESTATES. Known for its natural beauty and conservation areas, Beaver Creek offers a mix of custom-built homes and some of Long Grove’s more moderately priced options. The neighborhood’s winding streets and mature trees create a serene, park-like setting, making it perfect for families.
- STONEHAVEN. This newer development showcases large luxury homes with modern amenities. It attracts discerning buyers looking for contemporary designs and open floor plans, offering a blend of elegance and comfort in an exclusive setting.
- HISTORIC DOWNTOWN. Properties in and around Long Grove’s historic village center are highly coveted for their walkability to shops and restaurants. These homes often feature a mix of historic and new construction and are particularly appealing to those who want to be close to the heart of the village and its wide assortment of employment, shopping, dining, and recreation options.
LIVING IN LONG GROVE, IL
Before moving to a place like Long Grove, IL, reputable Realtors recommend that prospective residents first find out what the place is like. Here are some of the things you need to know about living in Long Grove, IL.
Getting around
One of this village’s most convenient features is the selection of public transportation options available to locals and visitors alike. The village is served by two bus routes operated by Pace Bus that run every day, providing access to nearby towns such as Schaumburg, Wauconda, Buffalo Grove, and Palatine. Additionally, the suburbs of Chicago are easily accessible thanks to Metra’s North Central Line which has a station located within village limits.
Other forms of public transportation include taxi services and ride-sharing apps that offer convenient, on-demand rides between Long Grove and neighboring cities. Residents may also get around by bike or on foot, with sidewalks lining most main streets and trails weaving throughout Long Grove’s picturesque landscape. Additionally, the village’s primary arteries, McHenry Road or Highway 53, make it easy for anyone to explore all that this charming village has to offer.
Schools
Prospective buyers with school-age children will be delighted to know that Long Grove, IL has some of the best schools in Lake County.
The village is served by three top-notch elementary school districts: Diamond Lake 76, Fremont 79, and Kildeer Countryside 96. Each district boasts a commitment to academic rigor and innovative teaching methods, with the schools under their management consistently outperforming state averages in standardized tests.
High schools in the area, meanwhile, fall under Mundelein High School District 120 and Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125, both known for their stellar academic performance. Stevenson High School, in particular, is renowned for its exceptional college preparatory program and has been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
For those seeking higher education, the nearby College of Lake County offers associate degrees and vocational training, while prestigious institutions like Northwestern University and Lake Forest College are within commuting distance.
Shopping
Long Grove, IL’s downtown area is home to a wide assortment of shopping establishments, from local independent stores to national retailers, ensuring an amazing shopping experience in The Prairie State.
Here are some of the village’s more popular local shops.
- EPILOGUE. Aptly named “a store of extraordinary things,” Epilogue is known for its carefully curated selection of North American artisan-made items. From jewelry and clothing to lighting and ceramics, this shop is a treasure trove of handcrafted beauty.
- HIDDEN GEM. The perfect shop for those fascinated by nature’s wonders, this family-run gift shop specializes in rock specimens, fossils, crystals, and gemstones. Its collection ranges from impressive cathedral amethysts to palm-sized polished stones and nature-inspired jewelry.
- THE IRISH BOUTIQUE/PADDY’S ON THE SQUARE. In business for nearly five decades, this family-owned establishment and local favorite brings a touch of the Emerald Isle to Illinois. It offers everything from authentic Irish jewelry and sweaters to crafts and imported food rarely found elsewhere.
- OLIVIA’S BOUTIQUE. This is the go-to spot for great fashion finds in the village, with its carefully selected array of trend-setting apparel, accessories, and gifts. The boutique emphasizes personalized service, helping customers create their best look.
- SCOUT AND FORGE. Offering a glimpse into America’s rich material history, this furniture shop specializes in antique and vintage Americana, with a focus on turn-of-the-century industrial and primitive furniture, art, and decor.
Dining
Long Grove’s Historic Downtown boasts a plethora of dining and entertainment options, from time-honored establishments to modern eateries.
- THE VILLAGE TAVERN. Illinois’ oldest continuously operating tavern, The Village Tavern has been a family-owned institution for 60 years. It’s renowned for juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches, and homemade specialties. A Village Tavern special, shaved prime rib sandwich, even clinched first place on The Food Network’s Eating America.
- ENZO & LUCIA RISTORANTE. This is the local go-to place for authentic Italian dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients and imported goods. The menu showcases regional specialties like risotto, whole fish, and veal Marsala, with fresh cappellacci pasta as a signature offering.
- CHATTER BOX OF LONG GROVE. This local staple elevates casual dining with its unique and historic barn setting. The innovative menu features visually stunning and flavorful dishes such as flatbread pizzas, street tacos, sliders, and BBQ ribs, all of which promise a memorable dining experience.
- HIGH TEA WITH GERRI. An English Tea Room in the heart of The Prairie State, High Tea With Gerri offers a taste of England by reservation. Here, guests don provided hats while savoring tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and an array of desserts in an elegantly decorated space.
- BROKEN EARTH WINERY. Wine lovers will appreciate Broken Earth Winery, representing Paso Robles with estate-grown, harvested, and bottled wines. Its customer-focused team is dedicated to upholding the region’s reputation for high-quality vintages.
Outdoor recreation
Given its location amid scenic woodlands, Long Grove, IL offers an extensive range of parks that beckon to outdoor and nature enthusiasts.
These include Reed-Turner Woodland Preserve, a 50-acre section of the original grove of oak and hickory trees from which Long Grove was named. A beautiful, calm place for silent reflection or keen observation of the surroundings, this preserve has trails that are open from dawn to dusk, weather permitting.These trails are well-defined and covered in wood chips for easy walking.
Meanwhile, Buffalo Creek Park comprises 5 acres of peaceful green space in Downtown Long Grove. Open from dawn to dusk, this park is known for its iconic gazebo and is a preferred venue for local wedding ceremonies.
Another must-visit outdoor attraction in Long Grove, IL is the Hay Rake Trail, located just off Port Clinton Road. Named after an old hay rake salvaged from the creek, this path is attractive because it contains woodland wildflowers, features benches on which to rest, and provides ample shade.
Local events
Long Grove, IL has no shortage of events in its calendar, ensuring celebrations and good times for residents and visitors throughout the year.
- CHOCOLATE FEST. Ushering in the spring shopping season, this highly-anticipated event is marked by three days of live music, family activities, and, of course, anything and everything chocolate.
- VINTAGE DAYS. Held in July and organized by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, this free, family-friendly event showcases vintage, reclaimed, handmade, and antique items in an open-air marketplace. It features old-time games, live music, contests, food, and drinks.
- APPLE FEST. Held in September, this is a celebration of all apple-related things, from fresh fruit to pies, chocolate-dipped treats, and wine. The event includes local restaurant specialties, live music, and artisan showcases, offering three days of family-friendly entertainment.
- IRISH DAYS. Typically held from August 31 to September 2, this celebrates the area’s strong Irish connection. Attractions include live music, food vendors, performances by Irish dance groups and bands, and quirky competitions like a “Men’s Best Legs in a Kilt” contest.
IT’S TIME YOU LIVED YOUR BEST LIFE IN LONG GROVE, IL
When it comes to finding homes for sale in Long Grove, IL, you’ll want an expert who knows the lay of the land. We, the Jane Lee Team, are just the expert Realtors you need to guide you throughout your home-buying journey here. Working under the banner of the world-class Re/Max brand, we offer nothing less than white-glove concierge services and exceptional results in real estate transactions throughout Northern Illinois.
Ready to get started? Call us at 847.295.0800 or message us here to learn more about buying homes for sale in Long Grove, IL and its surrounding areas.