Lake Forest

Lake Forest is located along the shore of Lake Michigan, and is a part of the North Shore. Eastern Lake Forest, near the coast of Lake Michigan, is comprised of relatively secluded neighborhoods and is one of the most scenic, historical, and architecturally significant suburbs of Chicago. These neighborhoods include estates and homes designed by distinguished architects. The central business district of Lake Forest includes a Metra station on the Union Pacific/North Line and extends beyond Market Square, providing a mixture of retail, banking, and professional services, as well as restaurants. Market Square is composed of a wide variety of shops and restaurants. The business district to the west includes a Metra station on the Milwaukee District/North Line and extends beyond Settlers’ Square to provide a mixture of retail, banking and professional services, as well as restaurants. A third area of business development, consisting mostly of corporate and office space, extends along the city’s northwestern border with the Tri-State Tollway. The Chicago Bears training facility and headquarters, Halas Hall, is located in west Lake Forest, and the Chicago Fire now train at the Bears’ previous facility located on the campus of Lake Forest College.

Schools

Lake Forest School District 67

Deer Path Middle School
Cherokee Elementary School
Everett Elementary School
Sheridan Elementary School

Lake Forest Community High School District 115

Lake Forest High School

Top Employers

According to the Village’s 2014 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:

1. Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, 1,600
2. Hospira, 1,350
3. Trustmark Companies, 800
4. Solo Cup Company, 600
5. Lake Forest College, 500
6. Lake Forest Community High School District 115, 350
7. Pactiv, 300
8. City of Lake Forest, 275
9. Brunswick, 200
10. Packaging Corporation of America, 200

Demographics

As of the 2010 census it had a population of 19,375. According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $150,670, and the median income for a family was more than $200,000. Males had a median income of $100,000+ versus $44,083 for females. The per capita income for the city was $77,092.

Newest Lake Forest Listings

$1,199,900

4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 12793112 MLS ⋅ Willow Lake BLDG.

Welcome to Willow Lake! This expanded Everett model offers beautiful water and conservancy views, a desirable first-floor primary suite, and maintenance-free living. The thoughtfully designed main level features a private study, spacious great room, and gourmet kitchen open to the dining area, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen boasts 42" upper cabinetry with soft-close doors and drawers, quartz countertops, and KitchenAid stainless steel appliances. The first-floor primary suite offers an oversized walk-in closet, luxurious shower, and dual vanities. Upstairs, you'll find three generously sized bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The finished lower level provides additional living and entertaining space, complete with a full bathroom. Enjoy the professionally landscaped homesite and peaceful natural surroundings. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, entertainment, and major tollways.

1681 Elderberry Court, Lake Forest

$1,825,000

4 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 12774798 MLS

A Whispering Oaks Colonial, Completely Renovated and Ready to Enjoy Set back from the street on a beautiful corner lot in Whispering Oaks, this stately 1966 Georgian Colonial has been transformed by a gut rehab completed in 2022 by local luxury builder Platinum Touch Industries. The result is a home of rare quality and polish. Every room, system and surface has been addressed, and nothing is left for the next owner to do. The kitchen is the heart of the home. Vaulted ceilings and skylights bring natural light over a generous center island and five slabs of Danby marble. Solid wood Omega cabinetry surrounds a Thermador suite of commercial-grade refrigerator and freezer columns, a gas cooktop and double ovens. Three sinks and two dishwashers make entertaining effortless, and the adjoining wet bar, finished with handmade Zellige tile from Morocco and two beverage refrigerators, was made for hosting. Widened openings connect the kitchen to the dining room and family room, so the whole first floor flows. The living room offers another elegant place to gather, with custom built-ins, detailed millwork, backlit glass shelving and a wood-burning fireplace. In the dining room, the Waterford lighting is original to the home, a graceful reminder of its 1966 heritage and the setting for memorable dinners. Throughout, the details reflect the same standard: Visual Comfort lighting, Kohler and ROHL fixtures, custom Schumacher window treatments and wallcoverings, plantation shutters on all three floors, refinished hardwood floors, and slate in the foyer, mudroom and kitchen. Closets on every level have been rebuilt with custom shelving, drawers and automatic lighting. The primary bath features a curbless shower with dual heads and a body sprayer, and a water closet with a pocket door. The lower level adds a kitchenette with a wine and beverage refrigerator, new carpet and fresh finishes. What you cannot see matters just as much. The roof, gutters, gutter guards and skylights were replaced in 2024, and a new Trane air conditioner and water heater went in during 2023. The home also has an added 200-amp electrical panel, a hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide system, and many new plumbing updates including a reworked drainage system. The work goes well beyond the finishes. Outside, mature landscaping, 100 new hydrangeas and a regraded backyard surround a patio and generous lawn for dining and play. A cedar fence, a new shed and an in-ground basketball hoop complete the setting in one of the North Shore's most established communities. ***Showings on weekends only. March 1st closing preferred.***

788 Linden Avenue, Lake Forest

$450,000

12791698 MLS

Bring your architectural vision to life with this exceptional vacant lot set in one of Lake Forest's most desirable and established neighborhoods! Flanked by pristine French Country manors and finely updated luxury estates on generous, tree-lined parcels, this property offers a rare blank canvas to design and build a custom dream home that seamlessly blends with the area's refined character. Picture crafting a sophisticated residence featuring expansive bluestone patios, a professional-grade outdoor kitchen, woodland gardens, and high-end modern amenities, all tailored precisely to your lifestyle. Situated in a serene, nature-rich setting surrounded by mature trees, this lot allows you to take full advantage of top-rated school districts, vibrant boutique shopping, fine dining, golf courses, and the stunning shores of Lake Michigan. With easy access to forest preserves, major highways, and Metra train stations, you can build your ultimate sanctuary without compromising on everyday convenience or an effortless commute to downtown Chicago and the North Shore.

Mt Vernon Avenue, Lake Forest

$699,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 12791286 MLS

Stunning, fully remodeled home in Libertyville High School district on a private one acre lot!! No stone left unturned in this completely turnkey and move-in ready quad level home with tons of upgraded features throughout! Ideal sun drenched open floor plan - ideal for entertaining! Overhauled gourmet kitchen with Bespoke European cabinetry, quartz countertops and new GE Profile appliances! Two spa-like custom bathrooms! Finished lower level with access to expansive, private backyard oasis! Versatile sub basement for storage or added recreation space! New furnace, A/C, energy-efficient windows and water heater! The full acre lot offers mature trees, a deck and brick patio for outdoor entertaining and tons of space for a out building or workshop. Minutes from I-94, and amenities of Lake Forest, with nearby trails. Served by Libertyville High School, a two-time National Blue Ribbon recipient school! Ideal combination of a desirable floor plan, private/convenient location and upgraded throughout! All you need to do is move in ~ the work (and expenses!) have already been completed! No HOA fees and lower taxes (than neighboring towns)!

26890 N Longwood Road, Lake Forest

$1,399,000

4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 12786703 MLS

Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in highly sought-after East Lake Forest, this beautifully appointed home offers an exceptional location just moments from Market Square, the Library, Metra station, and Lake Forest's Park and Beach. Situated on a generous 0.31-acre lot, the property combines timeless elegance with spacious, thoughtfully designed living areas and outstanding indoor-outdoor entertaining. The sun-filled interior is enhanced by expansive windows and custom skylights in the foyer, kitchen, and three-season room, filling the home with abundant natural light. Rich finishes include imported Italian porcelain tile, marble, hardwood, and carpeted flooring, along with elegant onyx and granite countertops throughout. The welcoming living room is anchored by a dramatic floor-to-ceiling granite fireplace, while the spacious family room features a stunning floor-to-ceiling stone wood-burning fireplace, oversized window, custom entertainment cabinetry, and convenient powder room. A beautifully finished English lookout lower level offers exceptional versatility with a brick fireplace, extensive built-in storage, an additional bedroom, and a full marble-floored bath-ideal for guests, recreation, or extended living. The eat-in kitchen is designed for both everyday living and entertaining, featuring premium Thermador cooktop, KitchenAid double ovens, durable granite countertops, and direct access to the expansive two-tier wood deck. The adjacent formal dining room provides an additional entrance to the upper deck, creating a seamless flow for gatherings. French doors from the family room open to a delightful three-season room with walk-out access to the lower deck, offering effortless indoor-outdoor living. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite provides abundant closet space and a luxurious en suite bath with dual granite vanities, towel warmer, soaking tub, separate walk-in shower, and upgraded fixtures. Three additional bedrooms and a full bath with marble flooring, dual sinks, and a whirlpool tub complete the second level, with one bedroom ideally suited as a home office. Additional highlights include three fireplaces throughout the home, a gracious bluestone walkway and entrance, a deep attached two-car garage with built-in cabinetry and abundant storage, and access to Lake Forest's award-winning schools. This exceptional home offers an outstanding combination of location, quality craftsmanship, generous living space, and refined comfort.

451 Heather Lane, Lake Forest

$1,729,000

3 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 12789685 MLS

Welcome to a New Standard of Luxury! This exceptional ranch-style home offers 10-foot+ tall ceilings, gorgeous white oak hardwood floors, custom millwork and abundant natural light throughout. The expansive gallery foyer opens to the chef's kitchen, ample dining room and relaxing family room...an open floor plan designed for easy living and effortless entertaining. The all-white kitchen pairs custom tall cabinetry and stainless steel appliances with lovely granite countertops and an oversized island with generous seating. Entertain with ease in the elegant dining room thoughtfully designed to accommodate large gatherings. The inviting family room offers a warm and welcoming space, anchored by a wood-burning fireplace with gas starter, framed in beautiful marble and refined millwork. Retreat to the serene primary suite where voluminous tray ceilings create an airy sense of space. Two walk-in closets provide exceptional storage while the luxurious en-suite bath offers a private sanctuary with soaking tub, glass enclosed shower, and double vanities. The second main-level bedroom features a tray ceiling with a thoughtfully designed Jack-and-Jill bath adjoining the third bedroom with coffered ceilings, glass French doors and sunset views from the bay window...Flexible space offering versatility for guests or work-from-home needs. The beautifully appointed powder room complements the practical yet polished laundry/mudroom with wet sink, built-in cabinetry, folding counter and coat closet, completing the main level. The deep-pour lower level is accessed through the open staircase. Enjoy the oversized recreation room, with wet bar and full-size refrigerator. The fourth bedroom, spotless full bath and versatile exercise room with large windows allow the natural light to stream in. An expansive utility room accommodates all your storage needs. Private patio overlooks the lush wooded landscape. Minutes to award-winning schools, parks, multiple golf courses, nature trails, dining, and shopping. Sophisticated, spacious, and beautifully appointed...this is modern luxury at its best.

1945 Amberley Court, Lake Forest

$2,750,000

5 Beds ⋅ 7 Baths ⋅ 12788027 MLS

Luxury New Construction meets exceptional design in this stunning Lake Forest residence. Offering approximately 6,000 square feet of Custom Finished Living Space across three levels. Thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and entertaining, this home showcases high-end finishes, soaring ceilings, and impeccable craftsmanship throughout. At the center of the home, a chef's kitchen features premium Wolf appliances, custom cabinetry, and a sophisticated quartzite countertops. A butler's pantry and separate walk-in pantry provide exceptional storage and functionality, while the four-season room offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy views of the backyard year-round. A flexible floor plan includes a sought-after first-floor bedroom with a private bath, ideal for a primary suite, in-law arrangement, or live-in childcare. A dedicated first-floor office, custom mudroom, wide-plank white oak flooring, and 10-foot ceilings add both style and functionality to the main level. Upstairs, you're greeted with another luxurious primary retreat! Additional 3 spacious ensuite bedrooms provide comfort and privacy. Expanding the home's impressive living space, the fully finished English basement features a sixth bedroom, full bath, theater room, exercise room, bar, and additional recreation area. This home was built for convenience boasting many builder upgrades; an underground sprinkler system, fully sodded yard, a heated 3-car garage with EV readiness, zoned heating and cooling, high-end plumbing fixtures, second-floor laundry, outdoor deck and patio, and private bathrooms for every bedroom. An exceptional opportunity to own brand-new luxury construction in one of Lake Forest's most desirable locations! Contact listing agent for additional questions. ~4,000 Sq Ft - first and second floor ~2,000 Sq Ft - fully finished English style basement with full bath, bedroom, theater room, exercise room and bar. ~10' ceilings on first floor; 9' on second floor and basement

1138 S Ridge Road, Lake Forest

$3,250,000

4 Beds ⋅ 5 Baths ⋅ 12787122 MLS

Brand new construction - Late 2026 Completion! Interior listing photos are of the neighboring model home. Call for details! 270 Majestic Oak is a true luxury estate. This thoughtfully designed home blends timeless architecture with a modern day spacious floor plan that includes a desirable first-floor primary suite, soaring ceilings, wide-plank hardwood floors and refined details throughout. The expansive great room flows seamlessly into a sunroom, and chef's kitchen with custom cabinetry, luxury appliances, oversized island, beverage bar with 2nd dishwasher and walk-in pantry. Adjacent breakfast and dining areas offer flexible gathering spaces. A private study features a fireplace, built-in bookcases, and exterior doors to the patio. The first-floor primary suite is a private retreat with spa-inspired bath, dual vanities, soaking tub. large shower, and dual walk-in closets. A full bath, separate mudroom and laundry room flow inside from your attached three-car garage. The spacious second level includes three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, convenient 2nd laundry room, loft area and a game/family room. Full basement includes an additional 2,800 sq ft and has roughed-in drywall which can be finished (inquire for more details). The Woods Estate enclave of Westleigh Farm is ideally situated on a quiet cul-de-sac with beautiful western exposure and sunset views out your back patio, set on nearly an acre overlooking the nature preserve. Residents enjoy 47 acres of preserved natural beauty, clubhouse, indoor pickleball court, and scenic walking paths - all minutes from Market Square, Metra, dining, shopping, and award-winning Lake Forest schools.

270 Majestic Oak Court, Lake Forest

$1,725,000

3 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 12786583 MLS

Stunning stone-and-stucco ranch, custom-built just few years ago as a former model home, offering the quality, style, and convenience of newer construction. Thoughtfully designed with exceptional finishes, designer lighting, soaring 10+ ft ceilings, and beautiful architectural details throughout, this home offers a flexible floor plan designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles. The open floor plan features wide-plank flooring and an abundance of natural light. The beautifully appointed white kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring quartz countertops, an oversized waterfall island, and stainless-steel appliances. The kitchen opens to the dining area and spacious family room, highlighted by a cozy fireplace and sliding doors leading to a covered patio overlooking the fenced yard and peaceful nature preserve. The private primary suite features an elegant tray ceiling, two walk-in closets, and a spa-inspired bath with dual vanities, private WC w/bidet, soaking tub, and freestanding shower. The flexible main-level floor plan includes a beautifully appointed office with wainscoting and coffered ceiling that can easily serve as a living room or a third bedroom, providing the option for a 3rd bedroom on the main level. A spacious en-suite guest bedroom is also located on the main floor and offers a walk-in closet and a spacious bath. The generous foyer and hallway feature tray ceilings that add architectural interest and a sense of scale. A large mudroom/laundry room and stylish powder room complete the main level. The finished lower level provides exceptional additional living space, with a spacious recreation room, handsome beverage bar, an additional en-suite bedroom, and a dedicated workout room that can also function as a fifth bedroom. The combination of a potential third bedroom on the main level and a private bedroom suite in the lower level offers outstanding flexibility for guests, multigenerational living, an au pair, or a private home office arrangement. Additional features include a new infrared sauna, Tesla charger, garage freezer, and whole-house Culligan water treatment system (leased). With nearly 3,600 square feet of finished living space, this exceptional ranch offers an ideal combination of newer construction, quality finishes, and everyday functionality. Meticulously maintained and truly move-in ready, this home offers the flexibility to adapt to your needs while providing comfortable living and effortless entertaining.

1885 Amberley Court, Lake Forest

$998,000

4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 12775607 MLS

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 composite rear deck, and all-new high-end exterior landscaping. The attached 2-car garage features a new epoxy floor and custom wainscoting, while the spacious mudroom just off the garage includes a custom built-in bench and storage lockers and flows seamlessly into the kitchen, creating the perfect everyday entry and drop zone. Inside, oversized windows fill the home with natural light, highlighting hardwood floors throughout and a bright, open-concept layout designed for today's lifestyle. The brand-new kitchen features stylish finishes, a generous peninsula with seating for four, and a charming breakfast area with custom built-in banquette seating. The kitchen opens to the inviting family room, creating a warm and connected central living space. The dining area is also open to the family room, offering a seamless layout for entertaining, gathering, and everyday living. This beautiful dining space features another custom banquette, flanked by built-in cabinetry for added function, storage, and character. Just off the family room, an incredible four-season sunroom offers another beautiful place to relax, entertain, or enjoy views of the backyard. The sunroom opens to the new composite rear deck and the fully fenced yard, creating effortless indoor-outdoor living. The home also includes a large laundry room and an incredibly thoughtful floor plan where no detail has been overlooked. The bedroom layout is both flexible and highly desirable. One bedroom with an en-suite bath is located just off the family room, making it ideal for guests, a private office, or an additional living suite. Down the hall, two additional bedrooms share a beautifully updated full bath. The impressive primary suite offers oversized closets and a stunning new custom bathroom with a large shower, soaking tub, and towel warmer. A rare, move-in ready ranch, this home combines thoughtful design, high-quality updates, and effortless indoor-outdoor living. Conveniently located close to shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, transportation, and all that east Lake Forest has to offer, this is a truly special home not to be missed.

535 N Waukegan Road, Lake Forest

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Newest Lake Forest Listings

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