$1,357,258Average Value$397Average Price per Sq Ft47Homes 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
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On average, homes in Lake Forest, IL sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Forest, IL over the last 12 months is $1,215,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 520 Andover Court, a beautifully appointed residence tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Conway Farms. This exceptional home blends timeless elegance with modern comfort, offering a thoughtfully designed floor plan filled with natural light, spacious living areas, and refined finishes throughout. The inviting living room is perfect for entertaining adorned by a river
Nestled on a premium lot in the desirable Academy Woods community, this exceptional home with FIRST FLOOR Primary suite offers the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and maintenance-free living. Thoughtfully designed to embrace its serene wooded surroundings, the residence is filled with natural light, featuring soaring ceilings and expansive windows that frame picturesque views of the private
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
Sunfilled, beautifully updated ('26) condo located in an intimate boutique building in the heart of Lake Forest. A gracious foyer welcomes you into a home filled with timeless style, modern updates, and luxurious finishes. The stunning living room features a gorgeous gas fireplace, elegant Philip Jeffries silk wall coverings, designer lighting, and oversized windows that fill the space with
Unique opportunity to build your custom home using your own architect and builder in this newly formed cul-de-sac Lake Forest subdivision, The Preserve at Westleigh. One of 9 incredible home sites with unobstructed views of Lake Forest Open Lands.
Donna MancusoJameson Sotheby's International Realty
575 Stable Lane is an elegant brick manor home set on a beautifully private, estate-sized lot in coveted Lake Forest, offering refined interiors and a serene, wooded backdrop just moments from Lake Michigan and the town's charming historic center. Step through the columned front entry into a sophisticated residence where sun-drenched rooms frame tranquil views in every direction. The chef's
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
Experience the ease of single-level living in this truly exceptional, fully updated ranch home in coveted east Lake Forest. Set behind a gated entry and fully enclosed with a brand-new privacy fence, this beautifully transformed home offers incredible curb appeal with a new wide circular asphalt driveway, bluestone paver walkway, welcoming front porch, new roof, new Hardie Board siding, new
Now is the time to move into this beautifully updated Stanley Anderson home in the heart of East Lake Forest. 3700 sq.ft. on .39 acres, Renovated & Expanded by Goebler in 2011 to include Master Bath addition, 2nd floor laundry family room/ kitchen expansion and attaching garage and mudroom. 9 ft ceilings on 1st floor, 4 fireplaces. 4 bed 3 baths on 2nd floor- basement bedroom/exercise room with
This exceptional coastal-inspired estate, built in 2008 to the highest standards, offers a rare blend of luxury, comfort, and privacy on two beautifully landscaped acres with a serene natural pond. Designed for both everyday living and gracious entertaining, the home showcases expansive indoor and outdoor spaces, including a wraparound porch, screened porch, and 40'x16' saltwater swimming
Mona Hellinga@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Tucked down a long private drive and surrounded by mature landscaping, this 2.37 acre property offers a rare sense of privacy and seclusion while remaining within walking distance of the West Lake Forest business district and Metra train station. Completely reimagined with a relaxed, resort-style feel, this exceptional 5 bedroom, 5.2 bath brick Georgian blends timeless architecture with extensive
Rare opportunity for single-level living on coveted Morningside Drive! This exceptional 3,221 sq ft all-brick ranch is set on a picturesque .5-acre lot framed by stately oaks in one of the area's most desirable neighborhoods, commonly known as Whispering Oaks. This gem offers spacious living with an updated, open layout and a private backyard oasis. Inside, enjoy solid oak hardwood floors
Mona Hellinga@properties Christie's International Real Estate
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
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
Stylish and Spacious Townhome in the Heart of Lake Forest! Welcome to 36 E Washington Avenue, a beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.1-bath townhome offering the perfect blend of modern comfort and classic charm in an unbeatable location. Featuring hardwood floors throughout, this home boasts a bright and open first floor with a combined living and dining area, a cozy den, and a spacious kitchen
Kim ShortsleJameson Sotheby's International Realty
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
Absolutely stunning East Lake Forest home located in stellar location offering 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with over 5000 square feet of living space. Stunning kitchen with white, solid wood custom cabinetry, blended with granite countertops, island with breakfast car, custom backsplash and stainless steel appliances (with double oven). Huge living room with wood coffered ceilings, fireplace and
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
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
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