Lake Forest is a North Shore town we’ve always loved so much that we looked here for a home ourselves before moving to Winnetka. Tree-lined streets, historic estates, lakefront access, and a charming downtown make it welcoming, beautiful, and full of character.
Lake Forest is one of those North Shore towns that immediately makes you fall in love. We’ve always loved it so much that we actually looked here for a home ourselves before finding one in Winnetka - and it’s easy to see why. The tree-lined streets, stunning historic estates, huge lots and beautiful lakefront create a setting that feels timeless, elegant, and welcoming all at once.
What draws us to Lake Forest is the combination of natural beauty and small-town charm with a big personality. Downtown is full of inviting shops, cafés, and local restaurants, while parks, trails, and the lakefront make it easy to get outside and enjoy the day. Whether we’re wandering the streets, stopping in at a favorite local spot, or just enjoying the architecture, every visit reminds us why people fall in love with this town. We are absolutely obsessed with Deer Path Inn and Le Colonial. The dining here is top notch.
Homes in Lake Forest are truly remarkable - from classic estates with incredible history to thoughtfully updated modern homes. The neighborhoods feel polished but approachable, with a strong sense of community woven into every block. And don't get me started on the beach access here.
For us, Lake Forest represents a North Shore lifestyle we admire - beautiful, welcoming, and full of character. It’s a town we love to visit, explore, and dream about, and one that always reminds us why this part of the North Shore is so special.
19,190 people live in Lake Forest, where the median age is 46.1 and the average individual income is $110,436. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Lake Forest, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Guys & Co, Avant For Men, and The Dailey Method.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopping | 4.94 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 4.58 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.36 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.58 miles | 13 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.78 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Lake Forest has 6,874 households, with an average household size of 2.62. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Lake Forest do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 19,190 people call Lake Forest home. The population density is 1,115.67 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
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10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
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Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
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At the intersection of luxury, architecture, and investment, Grace Kaage offers a personalized and design-forward approach to buying, selling, and building homes in Chicago’s North Shore and beyond.
