$454,210Average Value$226Average Price per Sq Ft80Homes For Sale
Active community on the shores of Forest Lake
Named after the expansive 2,300-acre body of water at the heart of this community, Forest Lake offers residents an established small-town feel with a water-oriented lifestyle in northwestern Washington County. Many move to Forest Lake for the lake, the area's B-rated school district and its ongoing new development. “It’s a fantastic community with a strong sense of small-town camaraderie. It also has many benefits of a larger community,” says Bob Muske, broker at Re/Max Synergy. “We have amazing lakes, parks and golf courses, making it a popular destination for active families.” Forest Lake's first residents were the Ojibwe and Dakota people, who lived off the land. Later, in the 1860s, with the expansion of the railroad, Forest Lake became a known stop between St. Paul and Duluth. And while initially a summer vacation spot, once U.S. Interstate 35 was completed, the city transitioned once again into a year-round residential township. Today, Forest Lake is home to more than 20,000 residents and its top employers include the Forest Lake Public School District, which provides the local economy with over 1,000 jobs. For those who commute, Minneapolis and Saint Paul are both less than a 30-mile drive away along Interstate-35. Community staples like the seasonal farmers market and the annual Fourth of July Celebration play a role in maintaining a know-your-neighbor vibe within the city.
Forest Lake's namesake body of water is more than 2,300 acres.
I-35 is what transitioned Forest Lake from a vacation spot to a thriving city.
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Growing market with waterfront estates
Homes in Forest Lake are popular for their proximity to the lake and for their area's wide price range. “It’s an evolving market with high growth expectations over the next five years,” says Muske, who has over 29 years of experience in Forest Lake and expertise in waterfront homes and development properties. The median sales price here is around $380,000, which is less than the median property in the U.S. However, price points vary greatly depending on the size and location of the property. For example, a two-bedroom twin style home may cost somewhere in the low $200,000s, while an expansive multi-acre estate with lakefront views and a private dock can reach upwards of $2 million. "We are currently seeing many builders and developers looking to invest in the community to take advantage of this growth,” adds Muske. While much of the housing stock downtown and around the lakes was constructed in the late 1990s, new builds are becoming more common on the southside beginning in the low $400,000s.
Homes on the shore of Forest Lake are highly sought after.
Newly built homes can be found on the south side of Forest Lake.
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Bike paths, beaches and lakefront views
Forest Lake is home to 23 parks and 12 miles of paved bike paths. Spanning 3 acres, Lakeside Park is the primary gathering space for residents, and offers beach access, a boat dock and views of Forest Lake. Tower Park is another nearby option, with two outdoor ice rinks and access to the paved Hardwood Creek Regional Trail — which runs the vertical length of the city along U.S. Route 61. Forest Lake experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and freezing winters averaging 54 inches of snowfall per year. The City of Forest Lake maintains outdoor ice rinks at two parks complete with warming houses during the coldest months. The public Tanners Brook Golf Course is located on Forest Lake's southside and is a PGA regulated 18-hole course with indoor golf simulators for year-round play.
Lake Side Park in Isanti Northern Suburbs.
Tower Park is the place for outdoor hockey in Forest Lake.
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The annual Fourth of July Celebration
In July, residents can attend the annual Fourth of July Celebration at Lakeside Park. This four-day festival is hosted by the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, a parade and a fireworks display on July fourth. Festivities like bingo, karaoke and carnival rides area a part of this event. “It’s rumored to be the largest Fourth of July parade celebration in Minnesota,” says Muske. “It’s an amazing time of year to visit downtown and take in all the festivities.” It’s highly anticipated and has been a staple within the city for over a century.
Name-brand grocers and local bites downtown
Most residents do their shopping on the west side along Broadway Avenue. There’s also a selection of name-brand grocery stores here, like Walmart, Cub Foods and Aldi. Big-box retailers, like Target, Home Depot and Menards are also available. For fresh produce, the Forest Lake Farmers Market is held at Lakeside Park and takes place seasonally on Tuesdays from June through August. Locally owned shops like Mainstream Boutique and Sweet Liberty offer a curated selection of home goods and clothing options; and dining options range from fast-food chains to family-owned eateries in downtown Forest Lake. The Forest Lake City Council began a redevelopment project in 2022 with plans to expand the downtown area to attract new businesses, investors and to make it more pedestrian friendly. The timeline is expected to extend into 2025 with redesigns of the Forest Lake shoreline.
Aldi is a popular grocery option in Forest Lake.
Mainstream Boutique is a fasionable clothing store along hwy 61.
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High-marks at Forest Lake Public Schools
Families in Forest Lake are zoned for Forest Lake Public Schools, which earns an overall B rating from the review site, Niche. It serves over 5,000 students and is ranked among the top 50 athletic programs out of 352 districts in Minnesota. There are seven elementary schools, one middle and one high school. Most students attend Forest Lake Area High School, which also earns a B from Niche and offers nine AP courses for higher education preparation. Private options like St. Peter Catholic School are also available.
Welcome to St. Peter Catholic School, a foundation of faith and academic excellence.
Forest Lake Area High School has a large stadium.
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Nearby healthcare and access to U.S. I-35
Route 61 runs north to south through the city, offering access to U.S. Interstate 35 for traveling into the Twin Cities. Public rides are provided by the Metro Transit bus or the Jefferson Lines charter bus, which both operate from the Headwaters Transit Center along Route 61. When traveling farther, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is 30 miles away. For healthcare, the M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center is 4 miles north of the community.
Crime
According to FBI data, Forest Lake experiences lower violent crime rates than most cities in the United States in general. In 2023, the Forest Lake Police Department reported significantly less incidents than the national average.
Written By
Christian Slater
Photography Contributed By
Tyler McNair
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dan Charpentier,
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.
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On average, homes in Forest Lake, MN sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Forest Lake, MN over the last 12 months is $425,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this well cared for townhome in Forest Lake, offering comfort, updates, and true move-in-ready convenience. Seller will pay off the assessment at closing, adding immediate value and peace of mind. This home features new Pella windows and entry door with a transferable warranty, along with durable LVP kitchen flooring. Additional updates include newer siding, furnace, A/C, dishwasher,
Step under the covered front porch and feel it instantly. This is the kind of home where mornings start slow with coffee in hand and evenings wind down on the back deck as the sun sets over your private backyard. With maintenance free siding and a fully fenced, level yard, this is outdoor living without the extra work. There is room here for games, pets, and the kind of everyday moments that turn
Welcome to 'Forest Hills Preserve', Forest Lake's newest premier 55+ Custom Home Association community. Craft-fully built by Guidance Homes, located just minutes from downtown Forest Lake & I-35, this beautiful "rustic elegance" home & absolutely gorgeous lot are sure to impress! Step into the open-concept living area where a cozy gas fireplace with stone surround adds warmth and charm. The
Welcome to this well cared for townhome in Forest Lake, offering comfort, updates, and true move-in-ready convenience. Seller will pay off the assessment at closing, adding immediate value and peace of mind. This home features new Pella windows and entry door with a transferable warranty, along with durable LVP kitchen flooring. Additional updates include newer siding, furnace, A/C, dishwasher,
Step into a home where effortless luxury meets elevated living. Sun-drenched interiors capture tranquil water views, while refined finishes, warm textures, and nearly $700K in thoughtful upgrades create a timeless sense of calm from the moment you arrive. An expansive open living space flows into the chef-inspired kitchen—perfect for everyday living and unforgettable entertaining. The elegant
Step under the covered front porch and feel it instantly. This is the kind of home where mornings start slow with coffee in hand and evenings wind down on the back deck as the sun sets over your private backyard. With maintenance free siding and a fully fenced, level yard, this is outdoor living without the extra work. There is room here for games, pets, and the kind of everyday moments that turn
Discover the perfect place to build your dream home on this beautiful lot located in the peaceful community of North Forest Lake. Tucked away on a quiet street, this property offers a rare combination of natural beauty, privacy, and convenient access to all the amenities Forest Lake has to offer. This spacious parcel provides an excellent opportunity for custom home construction, whether you
This elegant new two-story townhome grants plenty of space to grow and entertain. The first floor features an open design among a Great Room for get-togethers, a dining room for meals of every occasion and a kitchen for inspired cooking. Upstairs, two secondary bedrooms and the owner’s suite with a private full-sized bathroom provide personal retreats for family members. Completing the home is a
Modern Farmhouse Charm Meets Acreage Serenity.Escape to your own private sanctuary with this stunning, turn-key ranch style home. Nestled on over an acre beneath a majestic canopy of oak trees, this property perfectly balances a cozy farmhouse aesthetic with sleek, modern updates.Every inch of this home has been reimagined within the last five years. Designed for effortless one-story
Welcome to 'Forest Hills Preserve', Forest Lake's newest premier 55+ Custom Home Association community. Craft-fully built by Guidance Homes, located just minutes from downtown Forest Lake & I-35, this beautiful "rustic elegance" home & absolutely gorgeous lot are sure to impress! Step into the open-concept living area where a cozy gas fireplace with stone surround adds warmth and charm. The
ENJOY THE SECLUDED SOUTH FACING LAKESHORE ON FOREST LAKE! GORGEOUS 4557 SQ FT WITH 5 LARGE BR'S AND 3 FULL BATHS. MAIN FLOOR 3 BEDROOMS AND FULL PRIMARY SUITE! THis HOME HAS A SUNROOM AND DECK RIGHT ON TOP OF THE WATER FOR LIFE ON THE LAKE! 75' OF PRIME SANDY SHORELINE WITH HARD SANDY BASE! OVERSIZED 4 CAR HEATED ATTACHED GARAGE (25' X 43'). WET BAR IN UPSTAIRS ENTERTAINMENT ROOM IS SPACIOUS FOR
This new two-story townhome design combines comfort and convenience with a double-height foyer to welcome residents and guests into the home. Down the hall is a Great Room for shared moments, a dining room for memorable meals and a modern kitchen for adventurous cooks. Through sliding glass doors is a patio to provide serene outdoor moments. The upper level is occupied by three restful bedrooms,
Exciting opportunity with Guidance Homes, Inc to live in the Forest Hills Preserve Development in Forest Lake! Enjoy low-maintenance living in a beautifully maintained 55+ association, surrounded by nature yet just minutes from Highway 35 and the charming downtown Forest Lake area. This thoughtfully crafted, custom-designed walk-out rambler home offers over 3,000 square feet of comfortable living
Incredibly Rare Lakefront Opportunity on Forest Lake! Enjoy 75 feet of prime lakeshore on this one-of-a-kind property that offers endless possibilities and sweeping panoramic views. Whether you're seeking a year-round residence or the perfect weekend escape, this home delivers the very best of lake life — with comfort, convenience, and unforgettable views.. You'll love the lakeshore, ideal for
Guidance Homes, Inc. is proud to welcome you to 'Forest Hills Preserve', a gorgeous 55+ association-maintained neighborhood. This stunning slab-on-grade, craftfully built custom home is nestled between woods and water, conveniently located just minutes from downtown Forest Lake and I-35. Our slab-on-grade model home with over 2,200 finished sq. ft. features a huge owner's suite, 2nd & 3rd
Spacious three bedroom nicely finished up and down. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Eat-in kitchen with stainless appliances. Main floor primary bedroom with walk-in closet. Lower level offers a large family room along with two generously sized bedroom. Lower level laundry room walks out the the attached over-sized garage. This home offers a convenient in town location and is walking
Timber Ridge Luxury Apartments is the newest apartment community in Forest Lake. Construction on our first building completed in April 2019 and features 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments. Since then, we added an two additional buildings across the pond, one completed in November 2022 & the last one in February 2023. Both buildings features studio to 3 bedroom apartments. The homes feature
Enjoy your maintenance-free lifestyle while taking in the scenery of the lush wooded courtyards from your private patio or balcony. Spend your summers relaxing around the only outdoor swimming pool in Forest Lake or take a short drive to the lake for boating, fishing or swimming at the public beach. Your possibilities are endless here!Forest Lake, Minnesota, is a beautiful, developing
Encore is comprised of luxury apartments. It offers studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, each with its own full size washers and dryers. Enjoy the internet cafe, outdoor pool, fitness center, dog run, movie room and more when you call Encore Apartments in Forest Lake home! Residents pay water/sewer, gas, electricity, internet, cable, and $5 per month for trash service.
Welcome to Forest Creek Estates in Forest Lake, MN, where modern 1–3 bedroom apartments feature open-concept layouts and private patios or decks. Each home includes the added convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer, making daily life easier.Residents enjoy a variety of community amenities, from the outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and theater room to the community gathering
Welcome to Westview Apartments where you will find new home!Our units are very spacious and equipped with full kitchens, large closets, and homey living areas, among many other amenities, like our community room and a new playground for the children! We have maintenance services available. Our staff members care about our residents and strive to create a professional and caring
Seven Pines has recently undergone a massive interior and exterior renovation, which brings new construction to nearly every aspect of the property. Inside the property you will find a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments containing new stainless-steel front appliances, new granite kitchen countertops, beautiful new galley kitchen cabinetry, new windows, decking, paint, light fixtures, and more.
Welcome to Mill Pond Apartments in Forest Lake, Minnesota, which features large two and three bedroom apartments. Mill Pond is conveniently located, with easy access to Interstate 35, Lakeside Memorial Park, the regional Hardwood Creek Trail, and amazing shopping and dining options in every direction you go. Stay at home at you'll be able to enjoy our playground, fitness center, and heated
Legacy Pointe is a beautiful building that provides all the modern conveniences you may expect. There are two and three-bedroom apartment homes. Residents here have access to a pool, fitness center, game room, playground, underground garage, and more! Legacy Pointe Apartments in Forest Lake is near many local businesses, restaurants and shops. There are two elementary schools within walking
Welcome to Pine Forest Apartments in Forest Lake! This wonderful 2BR apartment is a 2nd floor unit featuring newly updated kitchen cabinets, countertops, dishwasher, AC, flooring and bathroom vanity. Rent includes heat, water & trash. Coin-op laundry room in building. Garage available for $75 per month. We allow up to 2 spayed/neutered cats $35 per month pet fee per pet. We also have outside mini
Our Gateway Green Apartments in Forest Lake are comprised of two buildings in the center of the beautiful community of Gateway Green. Our smart apartments feature newly designed one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with open-concept kitchens, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and shaker style cabinets. Here, you'll be able to control your entire unit remotely. An elevator
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