Lake Forest

Lake Forest is a serene North Shore community nestled along Lake Michigan and celebrated for its lush nature reserves, exquisite beaches, and opulent historic estates. Encompassing 17.24 square miles, Lake Forest has over 800 acres of open lands. It’s just 30 miles from downtown Chicago with a population of approximately 19,500 residents.

Real Estate: Lake Forest has a deep commitment to preserving its natural and architectural treasures. Rich in history, this community exudes luxury in a resort-like ambiance. Architectural marvels by Howard Van Doren Shaw, David Adler, and Henry Ives Cobb grace the landscape, mingling with elegant homes with exquisite landscapes. The real estate canvas ranges from opulent estates to modern condos and townhomes, offering a convenient in-town lifestyle. Some sprawling estates can span acres, alongside mansions ranging from 5,000 to over 20,000 square feet. Plus there are exclusive subdivisions include Conway Farms, Evergreen, Havenwood, Middlefork Farms, North Carroll Meadows and Villa Turicum.

Education: Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 is recognized both statewide and nationally for its innovative instructional practices and educational programs. A progressive K-8 district of three elementary schools include Cherokee Elementary (K-4), Everett Elementary (K-4), Sheridan Elementary (PK-4), as well as Deer Path Middle School (5-8). Lake Forest High School is ranked in the top 20 High Schools within Illinois with 1,600 Students. There are many private schools in Lake Forest and one of the most notable is Lake Forest Academy, which is a boarding and private preparatory school. In addition, the city is home to Lake Forest College which includes 3,000 Students and Faculty.

Shopping and Dining: Lake Forest proudly hosts Market Square, one of the earliest planned shopping centers in the United States. The city has five business centers with hundreds of businesses of all sizes, and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital. In downtown Lake Forest, shops like as Lululemon, Valentina and the Lake Forest Shop women’s boutique accommodate plenty of shopping opportunities. Popular dining spots in Lake Forest include Deer Path Inn, White Hart Pub, The Bar, The Lantern, Sofia’s Steak House and Le Colonial.

Fun Facts: The Gorton Community Center, home to the John & Nancy Hughes Theater, honors the filmmaking legend and his contributions to the community. The beautiful theater hosts professional sound, light, video, and digital cinema technology. The esteemed filmmaker John Hughes and his wife were longtime pillars of Lake Forest and this theater commemorates their significant contributions to the community. Parts of the film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” were filmed in Lake Forest.

Recreation and Lifestyle: Lake Forest’s recreational offerings include parks, bike trails, and nature preserves like Fort Sheridan, featuring nearly 10 miles of scenic trails and public beach access. Lake Forest is known for its country clubs, including the Onwentsia Club, Knollwood Club, Conway Farms Golf Club, the Lake Forest Winter Club and the Lake Forest Club. The Deerpath Golf Course is a public course offering an enjoyable round of golf for players of various skill levels. In addition, although not technically in Lake Forest, the Lake Bluff Golf Club is another public course close by. The City of Lake Forest maintains Forest Park Beach along Lake Michigan. The beach features a blufftop park, a boat launch, concession stands, picnic pavilions, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and many other features. In addition, Lake Forest has an ice rink, tennis program and various health clubs.

Transportation: I-94 and US Highway 41 bisect Lake Forest, providing easy access to the rest of the region by car. The city is also served two trains stations along the Union Pacific/North Line and the Milwaukee District/North Line. Its proximity is close to Chicago and Milwaukee, as well as to O’Hare International Airport.