Historic mansions along the shores of Lake Michigan
Originally planned as a secluded vacationers' community for the Chicago elite, Lake Forest today still feels like a city oasis for its 19,000 residents. Its historical houses, designed by world-class architects, feel like lavish vacation homes, and residents are always surrounded by recreational space, from Lake Michigan’s shores to country clubs. “We’re on the North Shore, so we’re close to the lake, but also surrounded by open land, giving us the best of both worlds,” says broker Alissa McNicholas with Compass Real Estate Lake Forest.
Lake Forest was originally planned as a vacationers' community for the Chicago elite.
Bicyclists and joggers can enjoy open space at the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve.
Lake Forest residents enjoy ample recreational space at Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve.
Forest Park is conveniently located along Lake Michigan in Lake Forest.
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Grand estates with French and Tudor influences
Lake Forest’s median housing price is $1.1 million. While this is well over the Chicago and national median price, single-family homes in Lake Forest often sit on one to two acres with well-tended gardens and high square footage. Most homes here are French-, Tudor- and Colonial-inspired mansions, though there are some bungalows and American Foursquares selling closer to $400,000 and $500,000 also available. Notable architects worked closely in this community, like Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed the Charles F. Glore House, a 1954 midcentury modern abode with cathedral windows and an open floorplan. Closer to Lake Forest’s historic downtown, condo communities like Kelmscott also sell within the same multi-million-dollar price point as the single-family homes.
Most Lake Forest homes are French, Tudor and Colonial-inspired mansions.
Some bungalows and American Foursquares in Lake Forest sell closer to $400,000 and $500,000.
Single-family homes in Lake Forest often sit on one to two acres with high square footage.
Lake Forest homes are commonly designed by well known architects on large plots of land.
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Swimming and boating on Lake Michigan and golfing at Deerpath
Lake Michigan stretches along the eastern side of Lake Forest. Residents can access the lakefront for free through Forest Park Beach, where lifeguards are stationed from Memorial Day to Labor Day. People can also launch boats onto the water, fish off the piers or stroll along the walking paths. On the far southern side of the village, Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve provides another kind of experience. While people can’t swim or boat off the preserve, the 321 acres offer over 4 miles of trails, including a loop for birders. Part of Lake Forest’s parks district, Deerpath Golf Course offers lessons and weekly family rates. “Deerpath has an incredible summer program for kids,” McNicholas says. “We’re spoiled to have such a great public course in town.”
On the southern side of Lake Forest, Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve is a gem of the village.
Deer Path Golf Course in Lake Forest has a driving range and is open to the public.
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest offers 321 acres and over 4 miles of trails.
Laek Forest residents can access the lakefront for free through Forest Park Beach.
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Historic Market Square's local restaurants and high-end shops
In the center of Lake Forest, Historic Market Square functions as the community’s downtown. It opened in 1915, designed to feel European with Tudor and French influences, like the clocktower that overlooks the square. Local restaurants and high-end brands like Williams-Sonoma and Lululemon surround the green, where the benches under trees offer a spot for residents to sit after shopping and dining. More restaurants and supermarkets line Western Avenue.
On the far western side of the village, Conway Park at Lake Forest is sububran office park housing some of Lake Forest’s major employers, including Pfizer, Trustmark and the headquarters of the Chicago Bears football team. Built in the early 1990s, the sector has shops, hotels and a golf course alongside its healthcare and technology offices. Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is also on the western side of town, another major employer for the area.
There are plenty of local restaurants in downtown Lake Forest to choose from.
Le Colonial Lake Forest is an upscale restaurant with a stylish bar, and al fresco dining.
Historic Market Square includes a wide variety of high-end businesses and restaurants.
Downtown Lake Forest includes local shops such as the cozy Lake Forest Book Store.
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Summer concerts and a historic artists' residence in Lake Forest
Alongside Lake Forest’s outdoorsy lifestyle, the village also supports a lively arts scene. In June and July, Historic Market Square hosts Concerts in the Square every Thursday evening. The Gorton Center, a community venue for over 50 years, features musical performances, theater productions, film screenings, standup comedy, summer camps and popular events like the Chicago Comic Book Show. Ragdale, a historic Arts and Crafts mansion, hosts an artist residency program in one of the community's historic 19th-century summer retreats. The community also comes together to celebrate the village with Lake Forest Day, held on the first Wednesday of August. It kicks off with a parade where groups compete for the best float and a carnival at West Park.
A-rated schools and a private college in Lake Forest
For kindergarten through eighth grade, students can attend Lake Forest Elementary School District 67, which earns an A from Niche. The schools feed into Lake Forest Community High School, which earned National Blue Ribbon status in 2021 and has an A-plus ranking. Stretching across 107 acres in the center of the village, Lake Forest College offers a private liberal arts education.
Lake Forest College is a private liberal arts college in Lake Forest, founded in 1857.
Lake Forest High School is a public four-year high school and the home of the Scouts.
Deer Path Middle School in Lake Forest serves grades 747 students in grades 6-8.
Sheridan Elementary School is part of Lake Forest School District 67.
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Two Metra lines serving the Lake Forest community
Lake Forest has two Metra rail stations, both connecting to downtown Chicago, about 33 miles south. Trains running from the Lake Forest station on the east use the Union Pacific North line. Also called Lake Forest, the station on the west side of the city is on the Milwaukee District North line, traveling from Union Station northwest to the village of Fox Lake. Interstate 94 runs along the western side of the community, also linking people with downtown Chicago. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is 25 miles away. In the winter, the village sends out plows to clear snow. Lake Forest’s violent and property crime rates are well below the state and national rates.
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