California / County

Moving to Lake Forest, CA

Thinking of making a move to Lake Forest, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Forest, CA

Considering a move to Lake Forest, CA? This welcoming community of 85,731 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $946,000 and average rents near $2,850. Commute times average 28 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (79% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Lake Forest's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Lake Forest, CA

Lake Forest has a population of 85,731 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 52% White, 2% Black, and 21% Asian residents, and over 32% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
85,731
Density
4,960 per sq mi
Median Age
39.6
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
31.7%

Ethnic Composition

White
52.3%
Black
2.1%
Asian
21.4%
Others
8.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Lake Forest, CA?

The cost of living in Lake Forest is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 164.3. Median home values are around $946,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$946,000
Gross Rent
$2,850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$140
Auto Insurance
$1,830
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,670
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$850
State Taxes
Low: 1%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
164.3
Grocery
115.0
Housing
247.5
Utilities
110.8
Transportation
140.2
Health Care
108.4
Miscellaneous
112.1

Crime

Is Lake Forest, CA a safe place to live?

Lake Forest is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 65 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 90. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
65
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,110
Crime Index
1,175
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,540
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 90

Weather

What is the weather like in Lake Forest, CA year-round?

Lake Forest experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 43°F. The area receives about 14 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 79% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
43°F
Max
67°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
74°F

Fall

Min
56°F
Max
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches
14.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
79%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $121,842 and a low poverty rate of 5.7%. Over 93% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 48% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 28 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$52,000
Household Income
$121,842
Family Income
$139,600
Per Capita Income
$48,900
Income Male
$70,500
Income Female
$51,200
Poverty Rate
5.7%
Non English Speakers
31.7%
Rent
$2,850
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Public Transport Usage
1.4%
Commute Time
27.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
93.2%
Bachelors or More
48.1%

Education

How are the schools in Lake Forest, CA?

Lake Forest offers quality education options, with public schools like El Toro High School and Serrano Intermediate School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
El Toro High School
Street
25255 Toledo Way
Phone
949-586-6333
Students
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio
25:1
Name
Serrano Intermediate School
Street
24642 Jeronimo Rd
Phone
949-586-3221
Students
1,080
Student Teacher Ratio
24:1

Private Schools

Name
St. Michael's Preparatory School
Street
19292 El Toro Rd
Phone
949-546-0629
Students
150

Colleges

Name
Saddleback College
City
Mission Viejo
State
CA
Distance
6 miles
Students
18,000
Name
Irvine Valley College
City
Irvine
State
CA
Distance
8 miles
Students
13,000

Healthcare

Lake Forest residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Saddleback Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Orange County-Irvine Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 93.9% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Saddleback Medical Center
Address
24451 Health Center Dr, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Phone
(949) 837-4500
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Kaiser Permanente Orange County-Irvine Medical Center
Address
6640 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92618
Phone
(949) 932-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage
93.9%
Health Care Index
76.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Lake Forest, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $946,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 72%. The market has seen a 3.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 3.4%. Lake Forest offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$946,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,850
Owner Occupied Rate
71.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
3.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.7%
New Construction Rate
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Lake Forest handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Mission Viejo. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
23535 Madero, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone
1-800-777-0133

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Lake Forest, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Lake Forest, review the core fields on this page: population 85,731, median home value $946,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,850, commute time 27.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 79%.

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