$1,389,623Average Value$402Average Price per Sq Ft55Homes 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 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Forest, IL over the last 12 months is $1,220,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Luxury Lake Forest Home First Time on the Market! Welcome to this sun-filled architectural masterpiece, custom-built in 2006 and meticulously maintained by its original owners. Spanning 3,400 square feet of seamless, open-concept living across three fully functional levels, this 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home redefines spaciousness. Elegant 9-foot ceilings grace every single floor, creating an
Timeless charm meets everyday convenience in this classic 1910 Colonial, ideally situated in the heart of East Lake Forest - just steps to Market Square, the Metra station, and Gorton Community Center. This 4-bedroom, 3.1-bath home offers 2,565 square feet across three levels, blending original architectural character with thoughtful, recent updates throughout. First floor offers a sun- filled
Welcome home! This stately 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence is nestled on an expansive, tree-lined 0.53-acre lot. Located in the Lincolnshire Village pocket of Lake Forest, this picturesque home is also near the highly coveted, quiet Whytegate subdivision with close access to award-winning local schools. Boasting over 3,700 sq feet of thoughtfully designed living space, 313 Whitmore blends
Set on nearly two private acres in one of Lake Forest's most sought-after enclaves, this exceptional estate offers a rare blend of privacy, scale, and timeless design. The home features a chef's kitchen with a large island and custom cabinetry, seamlessly connecting to formal and informal living spaces ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The main-level primary suite provides comfort
Luxury Lake Forest Home First Time on the Market! Welcome to this sun-filled architectural masterpiece, custom-built in 2006 and meticulously maintained by its original owners. Spanning 3,400 square feet of seamless, open-concept living across three fully functional levels, this 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home redefines spaciousness. Elegant 9-foot ceilings grace every single floor, creating an
Impressive 5-bedroom, 4.1-bath home situated on 1.5 beautifully landscaped acres in the highly desirable Old Elm Estates subdivision. Whole house interior paint 2026!!! Hardwood floors main level and second level!!! Exceptional curb appeal, a charming front porch, and a resort-style backyard make this home truly one of a kind. The inviting living and dining rooms are ideal for entertaining and
Rare opportunity to build in a private gated community in Lake Forest. Nearly 1.5-acre wooded homesite surrounded by luxury estates, offering both privacy and access to highly desirable community amenities. This offering includes approved site readiness with a sanitary sewer permit, completed soil boring, and utilities already in place, including public sewer and Lake Michigan water, providing a
Designed by David Adler as the coach house for the historic Centaurs estate in 1928, the Tower House remains one of Lake Forest's most celebrated architectural icons set near the shores of Lake Michigan. The five-story Italianate-style residence overlooks nearly an acre of private, wooded grounds, culminating in the famous tower, which features expansive views of the lake and the surrounding
RARE LAKE FOREST OFFERING - Set on more than two private acres bordering the Derwen Mawr Nature Preserve, this exceptional estate represents one of Lake Forest's rarest offerings-a place where protected open lands, resort-style amenities, and walkability come together in a setting that is increasingly difficult to find. Imagine mornings with coffee overlooking the preserve as deer quietly wander
Juli HallasBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
Incredible opportunity! Beyond a private gated entrance on nearly two beautifully landscaped acres, this exceptional all-brick estate offers an impressive combination of timeless elegance, modern updates, and extraordinary living space. With 7,700 square feet above grade, this luxurious residence features 6 or 7 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, one half bath, and an ideal floor plan designed for
Ann Lyon@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Welcome to 1441 Kathryn Lane-an extraordinary estate where timeless elegance meets breathtaking natural beauty. From the moment you step into the grand two-story foyer, you'll be captivated by the sweeping staircase, exquisite custom millwork, and gleaming marble floors that set the tone for this truly exceptional residence. The elegant formal dining room features rich hardwood flooring, dual
Maureen O'Grady-TuohyBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
Brand new construction - Early Fall 2026 Completion! Interior listing photos are of the neighboring model home. If offer comes this month, buyer can choose to customize many finishes, cabinet color, etc. Call for details! 270 Majestic Oak is a true luxury estate. This thoughtfully designed home blends timeless architecture with a modern day spacious floor plan that includes a desirable
Elizabeth JakaitisJameson Sotheby's International Realty
This sprawling Tudor style estate is nestled on nearly 10 enchanting acres. Fully fenced, this amazing property borders a public prairie reserve that has been restored to and beyond the historic Jens Jensen design. The grounds are the design pallet that has created award winning gardens across the entire North-Shore and Wisconsin. Featuring a butterfly garden, an organic potager garden, orchard,
Donna MancusoJameson Sotheby's International Realty
Timeless charm meets everyday convenience in this classic 1910 Colonial, ideally situated in the heart of East Lake Forest - just steps to Market Square, the Metra station, and Gorton Community Center. This 4-bedroom, 3.1-bath home offers 2,565 square feet across three levels, blending original architectural character with thoughtful, recent updates throughout. First floor offers a sun- filled
Meticulously Reimagined Luxury Estate - A 2022 Transformation Experience the perfect fusion of classic Lake Forest elegance and modern technical excellence in this comprehensively renovated estate. Boasting over 4,100 sq. ft. of finished living space (3,600 above-grade + 575 finished lower level), no detail was overlooked in the exhaustive 2022 transformation. Superior Infrastructure & Systems:
Experience luxury living in this exceptional estate located on nearly two private acres in one of Lake Forest's most desirable enclaves. This expansive residence offers over 10,000 square feet of beautifully designed living space, combining privacy, elegance, and functionality. The home features a spacious chef's kitchen with a large island, custom cabinetry, and high-end finishes, seamlessly
Luxury Estate Rental in Lake Forest, Illinois | Chicago North Shore Executive Home for Lease Discover one of the finest luxury rental homes available in Lake Forest. Situated on a private 1.73-acre gated estate, this executive rental offers over 5,400 square feet of living space with 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths, 2 half baths. The residence features a designer kitchen, multiple entertaining spaces,
Rarely available, this East Lake Forest spacious rental is move-in ready with many updates! Tucked behind beautifully restored historic estate gates and gatehouse, this home is perfectly located in close proximity to Lake Forest beach, shopping and dining in downtown Lake Forest, and Metra train. The wooded ravine setting provides wonderful privacy and dramatic ever-changing seasonal views on an
With approximately 1.38 fully fenced acres, over 5,500 square feet of living space, and an indoor swimming pool, this west Lake Forest property offers a combination of features seldom found in a single residence. The expansive grounds provide open space for recreation, gardening, pets, and outdoor activities, while the home's one-story floor plan offers flexibility for a variety of lifestyles.
Charming red brick Georgian in the sought-after Northmoor neighborhood. This two-story home offers 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and 1,534 square feet of comfortable living space. The living room features a cozy fireplace, and the kitchen offers ample cabinetry for everyday use. A large unfinished basement provides flexible space and includes an LG washer and dryer. Enjoy a spacious yard with mature
Fully furnished, long and short term rentals allowed! All utilities and yard/snow removal included except internet/phone. Rare and unique East Lake Forest home on a quiet cul-de-sac street. This home features an updated kitchen with 3 bedrooms and 2.1 baths, beautiful original hardwood floors, recessed lighting, coffered ceiling, French doors. Detailed molding throughout first floor. Spacious
Kim ShortsleJameson Sotheby's International Realty
A wonderful opportunity in the H.O. Stone neighborhood of Lake Forest. This mid-century modern split-level home has three bedrooms upstairs, a fourth bedroom/office downstairs, 2.5 bathrooms, and a two-car garage with an attached workroom. The living room and dining room boast hardwood flooring and large windows projecting natural light and tranquil views of the front yard, while the family room
Jennifer NooneBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
This captivating home effortlessly combines elegance and comfort, offering spacious rooms designed for both relaxation and entertaining. Soaring ceilings create an open, airy feel, while the gourmet kitchen-complete with granite countertops, a breakfast bar, and a cozy dining nook-provides the perfect setting for meals with loved ones. The inviting family room features a stunning fireplace and
EXECUTIVE LUXURY FURNISHED RENTAL IN LAKE FOREST - Set on more than two private acres bordering the Derwen Mawr Nature Preserve, this exceptional estate offers a rare opportunity to enjoy one of Lake Forest's most extraordinary settings. Protected open lands, resort-style amenities, and walkability come together in a location that is increasingly difficult to find. Wake to peaceful preserve views
Juli HallasBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
Welcome home to this welcoming, fully remodeled 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath residence where modern elegance meets everyday comfort. The bright, open-concept layout is bathed in natural light, showcasing beautiful new wood floors and a designer white kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, pull-out pantry drawers, sleek quartz countertops, and a charming farmhouse sink. Every detail has been
Shannon JohnsonBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
Exclusive Adler estate on 5.4 acres! Walk to town from Suffield House, one of renowned architect David Adler's most beautiful and important country homes, and certainly one of the most desirable homes along Chicago's North Shore. Built in 1934 for Mrs. Lolita Armour, nothing was spared in creating this 15,000 sq ft neo-classical French chateau. This 5.4-acre private property is in the heart of
Mona Hellinga@properties Christie's International Real Estate
A rare opportunity to own a unique and one-of-a-kind home, the majestic centerpiece of historic Meadowood Farm, the Dairy Barn. This spectacular home, full of charm and character was converted to residential use in the late 1950's and the gorgeous exterior has been maintained to perfection with an enchanting old world look of stone, brick, copper and a cedar shake roof to highlight its
Susie Banas@properties Christie's International Real Estate
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