Lake Forest is a suburban city sitting just east of Irvine. It's named for the natural features that are integral to its residential developments. "There are a lot of big, fully grown trees that make the streets feel very mature," says Cayenne Kuang, a broker with Spectrum Realty, who's been selling in the Irvine area since the 1990s. Pines and cedars line the city's main drives and shade grassy lawns within communities. Plus, the Santa Ana Mountains north of the city are home to the Cleveland National Forest. Within the city's neighborhoods, residents enjoy the perks of suburban life. "People who move here really care about the communal amenities," says Kuang. "They like having all the activities around them." Many communities have pickleball courts, pools and green space, and if they don't, a city park is usually less than a mile away.
Lake Forest's real estate blends scenic lakes, lush forests, and rolling hills.
Nearby golf courses offer scenic fairways and a wonderful experience for all players.
Homes in Lake Forest have a stunning view of the Santa Ana Mountains.
The Lake Forest Sports Park has a playground for children of all ages to enjoy.
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Community parks and hiking the Santa Ana Mountains
With over 30 parks in Lake Forest, this town has a lot more to offer than its two neighborhood lakes. Most of these spaces are walkable from nearby neighborhoods or even have connecting trails, a result of intricate planning by the city. Maybe the most popular option is Lake Forest Sports Park, just south of state Route 241. This athletic hub hosts 1,200 attendees at its monthly open gym, and 57 of its 86 acres are devoted to multiuse fields and a recreation center; this makes it one of the biggest sports parks in Orange County. For even more fun, residents could roam around the eucalyptus grove at Serrano Creek Park, and kids can climb a rock-walled playground at Cherry Grove Park. Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, toward the Santa Ana foothills, has a bit more open space — 2,500 acres to be exact. Scenic formations along these 17 miles of trails are sure to impress, especially the colorful crags at Red Rock Canyon, and history buffs can find remnants of cattle ranches scattered throughout the park. Lake Forest's climate is friendly to year-round hiking. Temperatures hover around 60 degrees through most months and top out around 70 degrees in the summer.
The Lake Forest Sports Park features multiple fields for soccer, baseball, and more.
Serrano Creek Park offers serene trails, lush greenery, and peaceful picnic spots.
Cherry Park is the perfect family destination for fun in the sun.
Lake Forest's median single-family home price is just over $1 million. This is high compared to national averages, but less expensive than nearby Irvine, which has a median single-family price of over $2 million. Lake Forest is a suburban city comprised of residential developments like Lake Forest Shores, where New Traditional and Mediterranean-style homes sit around human-made lakes. Communities on the city's north end, like Foothill Ranch, provide more extensive views of the Santa Ana Mountains to the north. Prices fluctuate within communities. Most homes are around the median prices, but a modern new build on the next street can cost over $2 million. New developments have set the tone for rising prices, like Baker Ranch just off state Route 241, where many homes approach $3 million.
Larger, Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes can be found in the Lake Forest neighborhood.
The city is named after its two man-made lakes surrounded by lush forest areas.
Foothill Ranch boasts stunning mountain views and a charming suburban vibe.
This Baker Ranch two-story Craftsman emphasizes handcrafted and artisanal details.
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A-rated Saddleback Valley Unified School District
Lake Forest is part of the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, which gets an overall A rating from Niche. Schools like A-rated La Madera Elementary are walkable from many homes. Lake Forest's Oxford Preparatory Academy is a highly touted public charter option. It's given an A-plus from Niche and ranked the No. 3 best charter elementary school in California. The University of California, Irvine, only 10 miles from Lake Forest, is one of the top 10 public universities in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report.
La Madera Elementary School is located in Lake Forest and serves students K-6.
Oxford Preparatory Academy provides a rigorous curriculum to prepare students for college.
The University of California, Irvine is a prestigious campus near Lake Forest.
Aldrich Park is centrally located on the UCI campus, offering serene green space.
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Foothill Ranch Towne Center and other nearby malls
Lake Forest isn’t known for its nightlife, but its shopping districts provide all-day entertainment. Foothill Ranch Towne Center is within walking distance of some northern homes and houses more than 80 stores and fast-food chains. Foodies can eat around the globe at its Food Festival Food Court, which has Japanese, Brazilian, Italian and more. Restaurants in The Orchard shopping mall are similarly eclectic: anything from Mediterranean kebabs to down-home barbecue, next to more big-box shopping. Rancho Santa Margarita Town Center is another option, just east of state Route 241. Art lovers can find comfort here with Ovations Performing Arts Conservatory and Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas, but if they want more entertainment, they can head five miles west to Irvine Spectrum Center’s Ferris wheel and mall. Newport Beach’s galleries and studios are 18 miles south.
The Giant Wheel is an iconic structure of Irvine Spectrum that has beautiful city views.
Balboa Island Art Walk is a great place for artist to get out and show their masterpieces.
Enjoy some barbecue at Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ in Lake Forest.
Dining options are plentiful at the Foothill Ranch Towne Center.
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Commute to Irvine or San Diego
Interstate 5 runs along the city's south side. Commuters can take it 10 miles west to Irvine, home to many of Orange County's tech and finance companies. Irvine Industrial Center borders the city's west side. It's home to many logistics centers, tech companies and manufacturers. The headquarters of Oakley Sunglasses is located on the city's north side, just off state Route 241. There are Orange County Transit Buses running on the city's main thoroughfares, but most residents rely on a car to get around. Downtown LA is about 50 miles up the 5, and San Diego is about 80 miles south. John Wayne Airport — just over 10 miles away in Santa Ana — is the closest spot for regional flights.
Silverado Fire precautions and low crime
This region’s dry Santa Ana winds can escalate wildfires and sometimes lead to evacuations. In October 2020, the Silverado Fire burned nearly 14,000 acres of forest and encroached into the Irvine area, incited by 80-mile-an-hour gusts. Southern residents just saw the smoke, but those in mountainside communities faced the blaze closer to home: of the 70,000 homes evacuated in greater Irvine, 6,000 of them were in Lake Forest. Residents should follow ordinances by the Orange County Fire Authority and CalFire, in addition to signing up for text notifications via AlertOC and Nixle.
According to FBI data, Lake Forest's crime rates are consistently well below state and national averages. Through 2023, Lake Forest had an average monthly violent crime rate of 39 offenses per 100,000 people, compared to California's monthly average of 104 offenses per 100,000 people.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Darren Asay
Video By
Daniel Quattro
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kelly Marugg,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Lake Forest, CA sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Forest, CA over the last 12 months is $1,200,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PANORAMIC VIEWS*ROCK POOL & SPA*CASCADING WATERFALL*WATER SLIDE*OUTDOOR KITCHEN*DETACHED STUDIO*RV/BOAT PARKING*DOWNSTAIRS BED & BATH*UPDATED KITCHEN & BATHS*LAKE MISSION VIEJO! Love Life in this Home, where backyard dreams come true! This stunning home features spectacular views to Newport Beach and beyond, a rock pool and spa with cascading waterfalls, and a fun-filled water slide, creating
Open House Today 5:00-7:00 PM. Welcome to this beautifully upgraded tri-level townhome in “The Ridge” community of Mission Viejo, offering a thoughtfully designed floor plan, stylish finishes, and exceptional comfort throughout.This 2-bedroom home, plus a spacious den/office (optional 3rd bedroom), features custom built-ins and elegant French doors that open to a private gated front patio,
End Unit! No Steps! No One Above! Washer/Dryer Combo Unit ~ 2121 N Ronda Granada has a lovely garden entry approach that opens onto a large outdoor Terrace. The breath-taking view of the Saddleback Mountains is framed by the mature Cypress trees. A large storage closet is accessible from the Terrace. A new beautiful all wood, Mission Style front door welcomes you into the main Living space. It
PANORAMIC VIEWS*ROCK POOL & SPA*CASCADING WATERFALL*WATER SLIDE*OUTDOOR KITCHEN*DETACHED STUDIO*RV/BOAT PARKING*DOWNSTAIRS BED & BATH*UPDATED KITCHEN & BATHS*LAKE MISSION VIEJO! Love Life in this Home, where backyard dreams come true! This stunning home features spectacular views to Newport Beach and beyond, a rock pool and spa with cascading waterfalls, and a fun-filled water slide, creating
Open House Today 5:00-7:00 PM. Welcome to this beautifully upgraded tri-level townhome in “The Ridge” community of Mission Viejo, offering a thoughtfully designed floor plan, stylish finishes, and exceptional comfort throughout.This 2-bedroom home, plus a spacious den/office (optional 3rd bedroom), features custom built-ins and elegant French doors that open to a private gated front patio,
End Unit! No Steps! No One Above! Washer/Dryer Combo Unit ~ 2121 N Ronda Granada has a lovely garden entry approach that opens onto a large outdoor Terrace. The breath-taking view of the Saddleback Mountains is framed by the mature Cypress trees. A large storage closet is accessible from the Terrace. A new beautiful all wood, Mission Style front door welcomes you into the main Living space. It
*** Former Model Home / No Mello Roos *** featuring the highly sought-after Sedona floorplan in the Parkview encalve by premier, master builder Toll Brothers. This stunning, move-in ready single-family residence offers a *** Corner Lot *** 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and an attached 2-car garage, showcasing exceptional upgrades and designer finishes throughout, including ***19 Solar Panels - Go
Welcome to 16 Balustrade, nestled in the highly sought-after Hillside community of Foothill Ranch. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac street, this charming 4-bedroom (4th bedroom currently used as bonus), 3-bath VIEW home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and location. Step inside to soaring ceilings that create a light and airy ambiance and beautiful engineered wood flooring that flows
Location, location, location! This ground-floor corner unit offers exceptional privacy and a tranquil setting next to a peaceful greenbelt. Step outside to your private patio and enjoy the soothing views of open green space - perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, the kitchen features granite countertops, a large breakfast bar that connects seamlessly to the dining area, and a new
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This rare 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom upstairs condo offers 1,187 sq ft of completely remodeled, move-in-ready living in the desirable Rancho de los Alisos community of Lake Forest, California. Unlike the more common 2-bedroom units in the complex, this standout home delivers extra space and versatility that buyers crave—perfect for professionals needing a home office, those wanting room to grow, or
PRICE TO SELL!!! Presenting the "Casa Contenta" Pristine Condo model in Laguna Woods Village, a Senior 55+Community, with an Active Style living and a peaceful beautiful green ambiance. A bright spacious, welcoming two-bedroom, two-bath unit conveniently situated near laundry facilities, carport, and guest parking . Easy access to the freeway - 5 minutes! The covered balcony adjacent to the main
Newly Remodeled Single-Level Home in Foothill Ranch! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features an open and spacious floor plan—all on one level! Enjoy brand-new plank flooring, fresh paint throughout, modern bathrooms, and an updated kitchen with new appliances. The attached 2-car garage and expansive backyard, complete with multiple fruit trees, provide both convenience and charm.
Welcome to this beautifully upgraded 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom townhome in the highly desirable gated community of Iron Ridge. This home offers modern upgrades, a spacious two-car garage, and an ideal layout designed for comfort and style. Step inside to luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout and a bright, open living space. The cozy family room is filled with natural light from multiple windows,
A truly exceptional opportunity in one of the most desirable front-row locations in The Meadows, this exceptional Toll Brothers Beechwood residence offers direct park and resort-style pool views with rare privacy and no homes directly in front. Featuring over $400,000 in architectural and designer upgrades, the home combines luxury finishes, an enhanced layout, and abundant natural light
Hard to find! Gorgeous home on a 8,000 lot with a huge resort back yard. Enter through the double doors into stunning home with vaulted ceilings with a sweeping rod iron staircase. Raised foyer with granite and travertine entryway. Large living room and dining room combo with pass through to kitchen. Stone travertine flooring with custom chiseled Versaille pattern throughout the majority of the
Spacious 1x1 in Lake Forest with LOTS of Storage! - Open gourmet kitchen with a breakfast bar. Tons of cabinet and counter space! Dining room is spacious and has a ceiling fan. Large Walk-in closet with extra linen closet! Spacious master retreat with high 9ft. ceilings. Washer/Dryer connections conveniently located on the patio.Take a 3D Tour: (RLNE2151578)
Large, single-level end unit with a garage and an assigned parking space within steps of the unit. The owner pays for water, gas, and trash. This beautiful apartment has been freshly painted and is extremely clean. Two private patios with full washer and dryer hookups. Travertine flooring and carpet throughout. Walking distance to schools, shopping, and restaurants. No pets. Non-smoking unit.
Canyon Woods is ideally located within the upscale community of Lake Forest. It is distinguished by impeccably landscaped grounds with amenities that include lighted tennis courts, basketball court, resort style pool and spa, plenty of on site parking and a well-equipped fitness center. The interiors of the homes include eight-foot ceiling heights, vaulted ceilings (select units), abundant
Gorgeous home located in the highly desirable city of Lake Forest. The covered entry opens to a dramatic two-story foyer with an elegant staircase. The first-floor secondary bedroom includes a private ensuite bath — perfect for guests or multi-gen living. Upstairs, a spacious loft offers additional entertainment or flex space for family and visitors. The expansive primary suite features a
Avalon Baker Ranch is a refreshing, smoke-free community, with thoughtfully designed 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes as well as 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes. Apartments include a gourmet kitchen with a quartz stone countertop and stainless steel appliances. Community amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a sparkling swimming pool and beautifully landscaped courtyards with gas
Condo located in Luxury Gated community in prestigious Foothill Ranch neighborhood on top of the world. Upper level Light and Bright 1 bedroom 1 bathroom with 1 car detached garage. Unit 59P. Beautiful area of Foothill Ranch. Close to grocery stores, shopping, entertainment, and minutes to the OC beaches and John Wayne Airport. Granite countertops. Walk in closet. All appliances included
Are you searching for the best apartment homes in Mission Viejo, California? Nestled between the beauty of the lush Aliso Creek Corridor and English Canyon, Saddleback Ranch Apartments is truly an exceptional apartment living experience. Everything you desire is nearby with Gateway Shopping Center, fine dining, and unique entertainment hotspots all just a short drive away. With the San Diego
This move-in-ready condo in Vista Del Flores community in Lake Forest blends generous interior proportions with high-end functional improvements. From the new sliding doors that flood the home with natural light to the convenience of direct-access parking. The home has been refreshed to provide a clean, contemporary feel. New flooring runs throughout, complemented by fresh interior paint and new
"Inviting and warm. Stylish and practical. Designed to help you get the most out of each day. This can be your new home at Paloma Summit Condominium Rentals in Foothill Ranch, California. Our pet-friendly one, two and three bedroom apartments were built with you in mind. Here, youll discover exceptional services and amenities, and experience an organic sense of connection with your neighbors and
LUXURY RESORT-STYLE LIVING WITH ULTIMATE PRIVACY! Situated high on a premier cul-de-sac location with mountain and greenbelt view, this Toll Brothers executive home sits next to a lush park and has no neighbors behind. With over 4200SF of interior living space, downstairs features a grand foyer with two-story ceilings and wainscot paneling, a sunny great room with abundant natural light, a chef’s
Superior style, comfort and service in the heart of south Orange County, that is what you will find at Serrano Highlands. Here you will enjoy an uncommon quality of life nestled within gentle rolling hills, offering an intimate community in a relaxing and convenient setting. Our lifestyle enhancing amenities will make you feel right at home including space for full-size washer and dryers, private
Baker Ranch is a 1.5-square-mile master-planned community in the balmy and mountainous northwest of Lake Forest. Baker Ranch is just 10 miles east of Laguna Beach and its beaches on the Pacific Ocean and is just blocks west of trailheads leading up into the wilderness of the Saddleback Mountains. This small, incorporated city is a stable, family-oriented area with plenty of schools and amenities. Employment opportunities are plenty in this business-friendly city, and the major cities of Orange County are within 10 miles. "Baker Ranch is a super-modern, upscale community," says local Realtor Simone Paterno of Stark Team Real Estate. "It's a great community in a great location. It's super close to Irvine, so many people commute there for work."<br><br>Homes in Baker Ranch start in the high six figures for townhomes and go up to $3.5 million for palatial mansions. Paterno notes they were all built between 2017 and 2020. In the Brookland Subdivision, pretty Monterey-style townhomes have exterior stucco walls painted in subdued shades to match the arid Southern California landscape. Native shrubs and eucalyptus trees wind around the small outdoor spaces, and inside wooden cabinetry and large garages lend a luxurious feel to these smaller residences. Detached Monterey-style homes with two stories have roof decks looking out on the vast mountain range to the east. Clay roof tiles keep interiors cool, and adobe walls evoke a period of authenticity in these larger homes. Venetian balconies offer attractive ornaments, and gas fire pits on stone patios warm these outdoor-loving residents on chilly desert nights. The largest and most ornate homes in Baker Ranch are designed in a Mediterranean-Spanish hybrid with exterior walls made of smooth stone and interiors with 20-foot ceilings. Large arched picture windows and second-floor terraces supported by colonnades from which residents can enjoy expansive views of the hills and sky. Spiral staircases and outdoor porticos bring true luxury to these multi-bedroom residences.<br><br>Residents of the Baker Ranch HOA have access to various amenities, including three swimming pools, hiking and biking trails, eight parks with playgrounds designed with the same attention to detail as the home, different sporting courts and fields, dog parks and clubhouses where residents can gather. The Baker Ranch Community Park is city-run and the neighborhood's largest park. It includes several sporting fields and barbecue areas for picnicking. Just a few blocks north of the community, past State Route 241, the main eastern thoroughfare, a trailhead to Red Rock Canyon leads into the 25,000-acre parkland wilderness of the Irvine Ranch Open Space. "There are lots of hiking trails. The Barranca Trail is right there," says Paterno. The Foothill Ranch Towne Center borders the northern edge of Baker Ranch, offering department and specialty stores, upscale and fast-food restaurants and a movie theater. An In-N-Out, a branch of Los Angeles restaurant Islands, a Target and a Walmart round out the amenities.<br><br>The Saddleback Valley Unified School District offers dual language immersion and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program. It is considered one of the top 650 school districts in America by the school rankings website Niche. Foothill Ranch Elementary School is the closest to Baker Ranch. The school received an A grade from the site. Serrano Intermediate School and El Toro High School received A-minus grades from Niche. Being 60 miles from Los Angeles, 80 miles from San Diego, 10 miles from the beach, and just three blocks from the mountains makes Baker Ranch an excellent option for homebuyers looking for a beautiful, stable place just outside the major cities of Southern California.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Lake Forest Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
42
Median Rent
$4,055
Median Single Family Home Rent
$5,495
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$5,400
Median Townhouse Rent
$4,100
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$4,150
Median Condo Rent
$3,420
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$3,075
Demographics
Total Population
81,561
Median Age
41
Population under 18
23.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$128,267
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$152,804
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.8%
College Graduates
50.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.1%
% Population in Labor Force
71.3%
Above the national average
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
14''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Moderately friendly
Bike Score®®
60/ 100
Fairly friendly
Walk Score®®
40/ 100
Somewhat friendly
Transit Score®®
30/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
