Lake Forest, Illinois

Population: 18,500
Located in Lake County

The lakefront community of Lake Forest has a rich history tied to Chicago's founding families. Established in 1857 as a college town serving Lake Forest and Barat Colleges, the city's historical heritage, tranquil surroundings, and gracious quality of life have been carefully preserved through thoughtful growth. Spacious homes on large wooded lots, winding tree-lined streets, gas street lamps, bricked beach paths, and historic Market Square all contribute to the area's country appeal. The Gorton Community Center, hub of the city's charity organizations, and numerous senior programs, all show strong community support for charity and the arts. Lake Forest is able to provide all of today's desirable amenities without losing sight of its small town values.

Housing: Lake Forest is not comprised solely of sprawling estates, but many diverse neighborhoods with a strong family orientation. Homesites average 1½ acres or more and most are generously wooded. Single family homes range from $275,000 to upwards of $11 million, condos and town homes from $150,000 to $800,000. The average home price is $662,755.

Transportation: Metra express rail services connects with the Chicago Loop in just under 45 minutes. Bus and limousine service O'Hare Airport is available. Drivers use I-94 immediately west of Lake Forest.

Average Drive Times: 40 minutes to Chicago Loop; 30 minutes to O'Hare Airport; 60 minutes to Midway

Schools: Lake Forest is home to outstanding public and private schools, two four outstanding public and private schools, two four-year colleges, and a graduate business school. Lake Forest High School averages a 24.5 composite ACT scores with an 98.6% graduation rate.

Recreation: The Lake Forest Park and Recreation Departments support a full range of activities for all ages. A dozen parks in the area totaling some 350 acres include first-rate boating, swimming and sailing facilities at Beach Park. The Recreation Center facilities accommodate a wide variety of activities, from basketball, tennis and racquetball to sailing lessons. A beautiful wildlife preserve is also located in town. Many fine public and private facilities and country clubs are also close by.

Shopping: Market Square and the Lake Forest central business district provide many convenient shopping options. Northbrook Court, Old Orchard, and Hawthorn Center are major regional malls located in nearby communities.

Hospitals: Lake Forest Hospital, a 267-bed facility, including an 88-bed facility at Westmoreland Nursing Home, employs over 350 medical professionals. The emergency room is a Level II trauma center. Specialties include cancer care, the Center for Breast Health, Pain Treatment Center, Sleep Disorders, the Dearhaven Child Care and Learning Center, and a state-of-the-art health and fitness center. Condell Memorial Hospital and Highland Park Hospital are among the alternatives to area residents.

Public Safety: The Lake Forest Police Department employs over 44 full time staff and officers. The Lake Forest Fire Department employs over 33 full time staff and firemen with two stations.

Places of Worship: Fourteen denominations are served in Lake Forest, represented through a number of congregations. Others are represented in nearby communities.

Find homes for sale in Lake Forest Illinois

Lake Forest's Premier Real Estate Agent

Lake Forest Real Estate Agent Shelley Goddard and Sue Beanblossom

Shelley Goddard and Sue Beanblossom

Shelley - e-PRO / Sue - ABR, GRI

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Have a Question? Contact Me!

Also visit: Lake Bluff