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 85,858 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $980,000 and average rents near $2,850. Commute times average 29 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (74% 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 85,858 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 49% White, 2% Black, and 20% Asian residents, and over 34% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
85,858
Density
3,900 per sq mi
Median Age
38.2
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
34.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
49.0%
Black
2.0%
Asian
19.5%
Others
29.5%

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 164.8. Median home values are around $980,000 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
$980,000
Gross Rent
$2,850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$4,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,050
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
164.8
Grocery
112.8
Housing
218.5
Utilities
109.6
Transportation
132.4
Health Care
108.9
Miscellaneous
118.7

Crime

Is Lake Forest, CA a safe place to live?

Lake Forest is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 112 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 56. 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
112
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,780
Crime Index
1,892
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 893
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 56

Weather

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

Lake Forest experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and cold winters dipping to 44°F. The area receives about 14 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 74% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
44°F
Max
69°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
87°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
75°F

Fall

Min
52°F
Max
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
74%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $128,500 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 46% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 29 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$52,000
Household Income
$128,500
Family Income
$142,000
Per Capita Income
$49,800
Income Male
$66,000
Income Female
$50,500
Poverty Rate
7.1%
Non English Speakers
38.0%
Rent
$2,850
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
Public Transport Usage
2.5%
Commute Time
28.6 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.4%
Bachelors or More
45.8%

Education

How are the schools in Lake Forest, CA?

Lake Forest offers quality education options, with public schools like Lake Forest Elementary School and Rancho Canada Elementary 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
Lake Forest Elementary School
Street
21801 Pittsford Dr
Phone
949-581-3855
Students
620
Student Teacher Ratio
24.1
Name
Rancho Canada Elementary School
Street
21801 Winding Way
Phone
949-581-4555
Students
540
Student Teacher Ratio
23.5

Private Schools

Name
St. Kilian Catholic School
Street
31 Pulido Way
Phone
949-586-8246
Students
410

Colleges

Name
Saddleback College
City
Mission Viejo
State
CA
Distance
4 miles
Students
21,000
Name
Irvine Valley College
City
Irvine
State
CA
Distance
6 miles
Students
13,500

Healthcare

Lake Forest residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Saddleback Medical Center and Hoag Hospital Irvine nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 94.0% 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
Hoag Hospital Irvine
Address
16200 Sand Canyon Ave, Irvine, CA 92618
Phone
(949) 764-4624
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
94.0%
Health Care Index
79.8

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $980,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 59%. The market has seen a 4.5% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.1%. Lake Forest offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$980,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,850
Owner Occupied Rate
58.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.5%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Lake Forest handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. 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
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
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 85,858, median home value $980,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,850, commute time 28.6 minutes, and sunny days percentage 74%.

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