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
Ron Pickett,
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 Lake Forest, CA sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Forest, CA over the last 12 months is $1,199,900, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Reduced to $250,000.00 New Space Rent $1315.00. 1971 Goldenwest Key West 2 Bedrooms/2 Bath 1440 Sq ft + CA Room Large Backyard Can be Upgraded Side Porch~~~~~CA Room HUGE Corner EZ 3 or 4 BEDROOMS Near Clubhouse/Guest Parking Serial #S0664x/u
Welcome to The Keys in Lake Forest — a tranquil, lake-centered community offering peaceful walking paths, beautiful scenery, and access to the highly desirable Sun & Sail Club. This single-level (NO STAIRS!) home sits in a prime interior location with rare privacy, thanks to expansive greenbelt views on two sides. Many homes in this tract sit close to neighbors, but this one feels notably more
Guided by light, balance, and a quiet connection to nature, this reimagined lakefront residence embodies a refined simplicity that feels both modern and enduring. Every element has been thoughtfully composed. Each line, texture, and material contributes to a sense of calm and cohesion. The result is a home that reflects the beauty of restraint while embracing the warmth of everyday living.
DISCOVER UNPARALLELED LUXURY at ROXFORD CREST in FOOTHILL RANCH — showcasing the community’s most coveted model, this residence stands as the ultimate statement of sophisticated, upscale living. Situated on a prime inside corner lot, this exquisitely designed residence offers 3,607 square feet, enhanced by over $250,000 in premium upgrades. The home includes four en-suite bedrooms, a generous
Community Information Forest Gardens is a 5 Star Gated Community Close to Everything and Beautiful with Lakes and Geese. Winding Roads and Cul De Sac Homes, Lots of Trees & Grass, Large Clubhouse, Workout Area, Spa, Pool Home Information 1975 Madison 2 bedroom/2 bath All Vinyl Plank Waterproof Flooring Nice front porch facing South west for lovely afternoon breeze 2-3 Car parking Concrete
Reduced to $250,000.00 New Space Rent $1315.00. 1971 Goldenwest Key West 2 Bedrooms/2 Bath 1440 Sq ft + CA Room Large Backyard Can be Upgraded Side Porch~~~~~CA Room HUGE Corner EZ 3 or 4 BEDROOMS Near Clubhouse/Guest Parking Serial #S0664x/u
Beautifully updated home nestled in the serene and highly sought-after Trabuco Canyon. Available furnished or unfurnished. This 5-bedroom, 3-bath residence offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and tranquil living, with an expansive 2800 sf floor plan. Step inside to discover a light-filled living space, featuring soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, and large windows for abundant natural light.
Discover this inviting upper level Castilla model in Laguna Woods Village, an active 55+ community. The home features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms along with a classic wood burning fireplace and an A/C unit in the primary bedroom for added comfort. The spacious primary suite has been thoughtfully remodeled with a convenient walk-in shower, while the guest bathroom includes a shower and tub
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)
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
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
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
23/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®®
51/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
