Why do people want to live in Lake Forest, California? Easy, it is one of the more desirable cities in Orange County. The Lake Forest real estate agents at Inspired Realty share what makes this city the place to live.
Strong Sense of Community and Safety
Lake Forest is known for its family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community. It consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Orange County.
Here’s how Lake Forest stacks up against other cities in the area:
| City | Total Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
| Lake Forest | 11.0 | 1.33 | 9.84 |
| Irvine | 9.0 | 0.80 | 8.2 |
| Mission Viejo | 10.5 | 1.2 | 9.3 |
| Anaheim | 31.0 | 3.4 | 27.6 |
| Santa Ana | 31.9 | 5.7 | 26.2 |
| Los Angeles | 43.3 | 8.5 | 34.8 |
While property crime is the most common crime in Lake Forest (this is true for most suburban areas), the violent crime rate is exceptionally low.
Top-Rated Schools
Lake Forest students attend Saddleback Valley Unified School District schools. These rank as some of the best-rated schools in the county. A total of 34 elementary, intermediate, high, and alternative schools provides equitable, intentional, and engaging education focused on student success. Lake Forest real estate agents know, school quality plays a large role in home-buying decisions.
In addition, nearby private and charter schools up appeal to families looking for quality education options.
Beautiful Natural Scenery and Outdoor Lifestyle
Don’t look for a natural lake in Lake Forest, you won’t find one. You will find two beautiful man-made lakes that offer boating, fishing, and waterfront living. The Lake Forest Beach and Tennis Club and the Lake Forest II Sun & Sail Club offer water-centric outdoor activities for all ages.
In addition, the city is home to the vast Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. Visitors to the park enjoy miles of hiking and mountain biking trails with breathtaking scenery. If organized sports appeal to you, check out Lake Forest Sports Park. This 86-acre park devotes 57 acres to sports fields and is one of the largest sports parks in Orange County.
Excellent Location and Commuting Accessibility
Lake Forest’s central location in Orange County offers easy access to I-5, I-405, and SR-241 toll roads. This makes commutes to Irvine, Los Angeles, and San Diego convenient. It is also close to the job centers in Irvine, Laguna Hills, and Mission Viejo.
And when the workday is done, it’s a quick 20 to 30-minute trip to Laguna Beach or Newport Beach if you want a little coastal time.
Real Estate Variety and Affordability
Ask Lake Forest real estate agents about affordability and they will sing the praises of Lake Forest. While most Southern California home prices exceed national standards, Forest offers more affordable options than Newport Beach, Irvine, or Laguna Beach. You’ll find homes priced less than coastal Orange County.
The city offers a mix of the original homes (built in the 1960s and 1970s) and new master-planned communities like Baker Ranch. The city incorporated in 1991 as a result of the numerous homes and communities.
The mix of old and new creates tree-lined streets and a wide range of home sizes and options.
Mild Climate and High Quality of Life
Lake Forest enjoys the typical Mediterranean climate found throughout Southern California. Residents appreciate the mild winters and warm, dry summers. Ample water supplies allow the city to focus on creating and nurturing urban greenery, keeping the city attractive year-round.
The clean and well-maintained streets contribute to that great feeling you get when you live in the city you love. Overall, Lake Forest offers a balance of suburban comfort, outdoor recreation, and city conveniences without the ultra-high price tags of coastal Orange County cities. It’s an ideal location for families, professionals, and retirees looking for a safe, vibrant, and scenic place to live.
Lake Forest Real Estate Agents You Can Trust
Buying or selling a home in Lake Forest requires a trusted advocate. The Lake Forest real estate agents at Inspired Realty help you navigate the waters and close smoothly.
Buying or selling, these are the Lake Forest real estate agents who know the lay of the land. They identify the trusted lenders, insurers, closing agents, appraisers, inspectors, and even home remodelers you need for your transaction.