$1,337,624Average Value$397Average Price per Sq Ft53Homes For Sale
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 began as a retreat for Chicago’s elite, with planned streets and scenic views.
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Lake Forest offers trails for joggers and cyclists.
Lake Forest residents enjoy ample recreational space at Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve.
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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.
Single-family homes in Lake Forest often sit on one to two acres with high square footage.
Some bungalows and American Foursquares in Lake Forest sell closer to $400,000 and $500,000.
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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.
Forest Park in Lake Forest sits along Lake Michigan and offers scenic lakefront access.
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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.
Downtown Lake Forest features a variety of local restaurants and cozy dining spots.
Le Colonial Lake Forest is an upscale restaurant with a stylish bar and al fresco dining.
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.
Sheridan Elementary School is part of Lake Forest School District 67.
Deer Path Middle School in Lake Forest serves grades 747 students in grades 6-8.
Lake Forest High School is a public four-year high school and the home of the Scouts.
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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.
Lake Forest’s Metra Station provides easy access to downtown Chicago for commuters.
From Lake Forest, the Metra offers a direct route to the heart of downtown Chicago.
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Written By
Caroline Ernst
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Lake Forest, IL sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Forest, IL over the last 12 months is $1,206,000, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
First Time on the Market in Over 40 Years! Discover timeless charm and exceptional care in this well-maintained 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home nestled on over half an acre of serene, landscaped grounds. Located in an award-winning school district and just moments from parks, shopping, transportation, restaurants, and all that Lake Forest has to offer, this property combines comfort, convenience,
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Kelly Dunn RynesBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
All brick, updated 6600+ square foot estate offers 7-bedrooms/ 7 1/2 bathrooms with 1 acre lot, situated at the end of a cul-de-sac in sought out Lake Forest! Brand New Roof will be on by the end of this year, Brava Composite shake roof! The main level offers a grand two-story foyer with beautiful staircase. Large, updated chef's kitchen with solid white wood cabinetry with quartz countertops;
This extraordinary custom home offers timeless luxury in one of Lake Forest's most prestigious neighborhoods. Situated on over an acre of beautifully manicured grounds, this three-story residence spans more than 5,000 square feet and combines elegance with exceptional craftsmanship at every turn. A gated entry opens to a sweeping driveway, highlighted by a striking water fountain that sets an
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Situated across a lovely park, this designer-owned home is an exquisite and rare find, perfectly serving as a pied-a-terre or a full time home! Meticulously renovated and designed for simplicity and ease of maintenance, this home offers 4000 square feet of finished space without the need for expensive upkeep. A recipient of 2025 Lake Forest Historic Preservation Award, this exquisite home is
Welcome to The Residences at Amberley Woods, a prestigious address for those seeking a spacious and luxurious lifestyle in Lake Forest, Illinois. Nestled amidst the natural beauty of this enchanting neighborhood, our 45-unit apartment community offers an unparalleled living experience with meticulously designed and generously proportioned floorplans. Discover a collection of exquisite residences
Available immediately! Charming 2BR/1BA ranch in desirable East Lake Forest. Features hardwood floors throughout and a cozy living room with a gas-start, wood-burning fireplace. The eat-in kitchen is in great condition and opens to an outdoor deck through sliding doors. A detached 1-car garage includes an additional 400 SF heated and air-conditioned studio, ideal for use as an office, gym,
Lisa Trace@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Property Id: 2065986Prime downtown Lake Forest location featuring a large, ground-level office space with two private rooms, a break room, bathroom, and ample storage — all with impressive 10-foot ceilings.Enjoy the convenience of being within walking distance of the train station, downtown area, and take advantage of permit parking available in the city lot directly across the
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