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Lake Forest

Lake Forest

$910,697 Average Value
$269 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Lakeside-living in western Minneapolis

Quiet and high-end, Lake Forest is known for its tranquil suburban lifestyle and short 5-mile commute into downtown Minneapolis. “This area is special because it’s one of the very few first-ring suburban neighborhoods in the region, and it feels like you're living in the woods,” explains Realtor Marcy Libby with Coldwell Banker. “The larger lots and winding streets make it so peaceful that you would never know you’re only minutes from downtown.” It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise. Built around its own lake, and just minutes away from the popular Chain of Lakes, getting out on the water is a part of daily life here. Homes in Lake Forest were largely built after World War II, with most dating back to the early 1950s. Lake Forest is also home to the Olfelt Residence, a quintessential Frank Lloyd Wright design. Known as a midcentury modern masterpiece its clean lines and organic architecture greatly influenced this area. Prospective buyers are attracted to this community's beautiful lakeside properties, the highly-rated school district and the abundance of nearby amenities. “The short walk to Cedar Lake and the West End shopping district make this location ideal for people looking to get the best of both nature and shopping,” says long-time resident Ryan Fischer, Realtor with The PRO Team - RE/MAX Results. And with immediate access to U.S. Interstate-394 to the north and Highway 100 to the west, getting around town is a breeze.
Larger waterfront estates line the shores of Twin Lakes.
Larger waterfront estates line the shores of Twin Lakes.
The Lake Forest neighborhood is just a short commute to Minneapolis.
The Lake Forest neighborhood is just a short commute to Minneapolis.
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Colonial Revivals and multi-family townhouses

The real estate market in St. Louis Park is highly competitive, and the Lake Forest community is no exception. A first-ring suburb, this sought-after neighborhood has limited inventory – there are around 200 total housing units, most of which consist of large single-family homes, as well as a handful of townhouses. “I’ve seen a natural tendency for condo dwellers in the North Loop to buy homes in this area,” says Realtor Kim Pease with Coldwell Banker. “It makes sense because it’s so close to the city center but also provides yards and trees which you don’t get living downtown.” The architecture is eclectic with a mix of styles lining tree-shaded streets, ranging from mid-century ranch-styles and minimal traditionals to Colonial Revivals. The community intentionally lacks sidewalks for aesthetic reasons. With an average sales price of $980,000, multi-family townhouses can range from the mid $400,000s to upwards of $600,000, while stately Colonial Revivals can start at $600,000 and reach upwards of $2.3 million for homes with more acreage. Homes along the Twin Lakes are often subject to price points ranging from $700,000 to upwards of $1 million. “There is a nice blend of starter and high-end luxury homes in Lake Forest. It’s also one of my personal favorites—the area is perfect for a summer drive to observe the beauty,” says Fischer.
Classic colonial revival-style homes are a common sight in Lake Forest.
Classic colonial revival-style homes are a common sight in Lake Forest.
Townhomes are nestled in a quiet corner of the Lake Forest neighborhood.
Townhomes are nestled in a quiet corner of the Lake Forest neighborhood.
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High-marks at St. Louis Park Public Schools

Students in Lake Forest can attend schools like Peter Hobart Elementary, St. Louis Park Middle and St. Louis Park Senior High School, which have earned ratings of B-minus, B and A-minus respectively from the educational review site, Niche. Peter Hobart Elementary School offers a Multilingual Learners (ML) program for students to receive additional English instruction in addition to the traditional instruction. St. Louis Park Middle School offers a variety of after-school activities from the math team and jazz band to synchronized swimming. In Grade 7, students have the option to attend a four-day field trip to Washington, D.C. through the WorldStrides Program. St. Louis Park Senior High School offers an advanced curriculum with 9 AP courses to choose from. Private options like Breck School and Benilde-St Margaret's School are also common.
Peter Hobart Elementary is a public school located in St Louis Park, MN.
Peter Hobart Elementary is a public school located in St Louis Park, MN.
St. Louis Park Middle School serves grades 6-8.
St. Louis Park Middle School serves grades 6-8.
St. Louis Park High School has 1,497 students in grades 9-12.
St. Louis Park High School has 1,497 students in grades 9-12.
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Year-round recreation at Cedar Lake

Like many communities in St Louis Park, being close to Minnesota’s Chain of Lakes is another factor that makes Lake Forest a highly desirable neighborhood. Comprised of five interconnected lakes—Cedar Lake, Lake of the Isles, Lake Harriet, Brownie Lake and Bde Maka Ska—residents here are within 5 miles, or a quick 10-minutes drive, from any of these popular recreation spots. While each offers its own flavor of outdoor fun—ranging from gardens to bandshells to watersports and more. The closest is Lake Cedar, which features three beaches and is a frequent spot for kayak or canoe through the tranquil waters. Enjoy views of the beautiful Minneapolis skyline. In the warmer months, residents can sunbathe or swim at one of Cedar Lake’s three beaches. come wintertime, ice fishers utilize the Cedar Lake Ice Hole to…. Cyclists can bike along the Cedar Lake Trail, which connects the western suburbs to downtown Minneapolis by paved paths. Lake Forest residents are within walking distance of the Twin Lakes Park. Offering a colorful playground for the kids, sports fields and paved trails for hiking or biking. Golfers can head to the private Minikahda Club, offering an 18-hole layout and scenic views of Bde Maka Ska Lake.
Get your feet in the sand at Cedar Lake Pointe Beach.
Get your feet in the sand at Cedar Lake Pointe Beach.
Cast a line from the shores of Cedar Lake Pointe Beach.
Cast a line from the shores of Cedar Lake Pointe Beach.
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The Shops at West End

While the area is primarily residential, locals here are less than 2 miles from The Shops at West End, which features a variety of department stores and retailers, like Cub Foods, The Home Depot and Costco Wholesale. When dining in the area, residents can start their day at the family-owned Good Day Cafe for a homestyle meal on their garden-themed patio that has served the community since 2007. For a classic American meal and more than 100 beer options, check out Yard House. Or visit The Local, an Irish-inspired pub known for its family atmosphere, whiskey drinks and selection of bar bites.
The West End is a popular dining and entertainment area near the Lake Forest neighborhood.
The West End is a popular dining and entertainment area near the Lake Forest neighborhood.
A storefront shopping experience with unique and upscale retailers await visitors at the Shops at West End.
A storefront shopping experience with unique and upscale retailers await visitors at the Shops at West End.
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Commute into Minneapolis on the Metro Transit bus

Residents in Lake Forest rely on State Highway 100 for easy access to I-394 and neighboring areas like Fern Hill and Cedarhurst. When seeking public transportation, residents can hop on the Metro Transit bus, which operates along State Highway 100. Those interested in traveling further outside the community are only 16 miles from Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport. For healthcare, the Methodist Hospital is 4 miles from the Lake Forest community.
With bus lines limited in Lake Forest, most commuters opt for the nearby park & ride.
With bus lines limited in Lake Forest, most commuters opt for the nearby park & ride.
Like most neighborhoods in St. Louis Park, Lake Forest is full of tree lined streets.
Like most neighborhoods in St. Louis Park, Lake Forest is full of tree lined streets.
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Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Venkata Goli, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain

25 min drive

Bus

26th St W & Princeton Court

Bus

26th St W & Natchez Ave

Bus

Barry St W & 26th St W

Bus

Barry St & HWY 100 Svc Rd E

Lake Forest Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$479,022
Median Sale Price
$461,555
Median Single Family Sale Price
$461,555
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$545,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$269

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
200
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1952
Months of Supply
3.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,419
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,098
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
15,681

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Venkata Goli, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
623
Median Age
42
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29.2%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$125,694
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$147,416

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
100%
College Graduates
83.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
48.4%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
31''
Average Winter Low Temperature
7°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
50''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

64 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

21 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

27 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Lake Forest