Elk Grove Village

Living in Elk Grove Village, IL The “Exceptional Community” where the taxes are low, the elk are real, and the parks are world-class.

If you tell someone you live in Elk Grove Village, the first thing they’ll ask is, "Have you seen the elk?" (Yes, we have, and yes, they’re real). But for those of us who actually live here, the village is about much more than a herd of animals in a pen. It’s a town that was meticulously planned to be the ultimate "suburban sweet spot." It’s where you get the high-end services of a wealthy suburb without the staggering tax bill, thanks to one of the largest industrial parks in North America sitting right on our eastern border.

If you’re searching for “is Elk Grove Village a good place to live,” “Elk Grove Village property taxes,” or “best neighborhoods in EGV,” you’re looking at a community that values stability, safety, and having a "small town" feel in the middle of a massive metro area.

What it feels like to live in Elk Grove Village

EGV has a very specific "vibe"—it’s orderly, incredibly well-maintained, and feels very safe. Because the village generates so much revenue from the Business Park, they pour money back into the residential side.

• The "Hometown" Feel: Even with 33,000 people, it feels smaller. You’ll see the same faces at the Pavilion or the summer concerts at Rotary Green.

• Park District Power: The park district isn't just a department; it's the center of life. From the Pirates’ Cove theme park for the little ones to the Rainbow Falls Waterpark, the facilities here are better than most private clubs.

• Low-Tax Luxury: This is the big local secret. Our property taxes are consistently among the lowest in the Northwest suburbs because the 5,000+ businesses in town pick up most of the tab for the schools and village services.

A day in the life in Elk Grove Village

Weekdays are about the "Golden Corridor" access. If you work at O'Hare or in one of the surrounding corporate hubs, your commute is probably 15 minutes. For those heading to the city, it’s a quick jump onto I-90 or I-290.

Weekends are for the "EGV Circuit":

• Mornings: You’re likely taking the dog or the bike to Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve). It’s 3,700 acres of trails and water. Pro tip: The "Elk Pasture" is at the corner of Higgins and Arlington Heights Road—it’s where the locals stop to clear their heads.

• Afternoons: In the summer, it’s all about the Mid-Summer Classics Concert Series. The village brings in huge names (think Air Supply or Foreigner) for free, and the whole town brings lawn chairs to Rotary Green.

• Evenings: Dinner at a local favorite like RoccoVino’s for Italian or grabbing a sub at Rammy’s. If you want a "speakeasy" vibe, locals know to head toward the quiet spots that feel like hidden gems.

The Neighborhoods & Housing Options

Most of the village was built by the Centex Corporation in the 50s and 60s, which gives the older parts of town a very consistent, mid-century feel with large yards and sturdy construction.

• The "C" Section: Neighborhoods like Centex offer those classic, sought-after split-levels and ranches that are perfect for modern renovations.

• Windemere & Fox Run: If you want something a bit newer or closer to the golf course, these pockets on the west side offer larger footprints and more modern layouts.

• Wellington Park: Great for families who want to be within walking distance of the library and the Pavilion.

Schools and "The Pavilion"

The village is served by District 59 and District 54 for elementary, with most kids heading to Elk Grove High School (District 214). The high school is a major point of pride—go Grenadiers!

But the real "community center" is the Jack A. Claes Pavilion. It has everything: a carousel, an indoor playground, a massive fitness center, and pools. If you have kids in EGV, you will spend half your life at the Pavilion.

Commuting & Location

• The Airport: You are 15 minutes from O’Hare. For frequent flyers, this is the best location in the state.

• The Highways: You are boxed in by I-90, I-290, and IL-390. You can get anywhere in Chicagoland efficiently.

• The Metra: While EGV doesn't have its own train stop, locals use the Itasca or Wood Dale stations (Milwaukee District West) or the Arlington Heights station (UP-NW) just a few minutes away.

Elk Grove Village Quick Q&A

Is Elk Grove Village safe? Yes, it’s consistently ranked as one of the safest communities in the region. The village has its own highly-accredited police and fire departments that are very proactive.

Why are the taxes lower there? The Elk Grove Business Park is the second-largest concentration of employment in Illinois. The tax revenue from those 5,600+ companies subsidizes the residential lifestyle.

What's with the elk? They were brought here from Montana in the 1920s. They live in a protected 17-acre enclosure in Busse Woods. They are the village's namesake and a permanent part of the local landscape.