Illinois / County

Moving to Lake Forest, IL

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

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Lake Forest before you move.

Moving Help for Your Lake Forest, IL Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Lake Forest move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Forest, IL

Considering a move to Lake Forest, IL? This welcoming community of 19,367 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $915,000 and average rents near $2,200. 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 (54% 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, IL

Lake Forest has a population of 19,367 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 48 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 86% White, 2% Black, and 7% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
19,367
Density
1,062 per sq mi
Median Age
47.5
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
11.2%

Ethnic Composition

White
86.3%
Black
1.5%
Asian
6.5%
Others
5.7%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Lake Forest is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 163.4. Median home values are around $915,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,200. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$915,000
Gross Rent
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$1,330
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,200
State Taxes
Low: 4.95%| High: 7.99%
Cost Of Living Index
163.4
Grocery
115.6
Housing
221.0
Utilities
97.2
Transportation
118.0
Health Care
104.4
Miscellaneous
112.0

Crime

Is Lake Forest, IL a safe place to live?

Lake Forest is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 22 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 235. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Illinois.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
22
Property Crimes Per 100k
425
Crime Index
447
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 4,545
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 235

Weather

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

Lake Forest experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
18°F
Max
33°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
61°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $193,000 and a low poverty rate of 3.2%. Over 98% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 77% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 29 minutes, and almost 8% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$70,200
Household Income
$193,000
Family Income
$230,000
Per Capita Income
$97,000
Income Male
$130,000
Income Female
$65,000
Poverty Rate
3.2%
Non English Speakers
11.2%
Rent
$2,200
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Public Transport Usage
7.8%
Commute Time
29.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
98.0%
Bachelors or More
77.1%

Education

How are the schools in Lake Forest, IL?

Lake Forest offers quality education options, with public schools like Lake Forest High School and Deer Path Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Lake Forest College and College of Lake County. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Lake Forest High School
Street
1285 N McKinley Rd
Phone
847-234-3600
Students
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio
12.5
Name
Deer Path Middle School
Street
95 W Deerpath Rd
Phone
847-604-7400
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
13.0

Private Schools

Name
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Street
760 E Westleigh Rd
Phone
847-234-4300
Students
200
Name
Lake Forest Academy
Street
1500 W Kennedy Rd
Phone
847-234-3210
Students
440

Colleges

Name
Lake Forest College
City
Lake Forest
State
IL
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,600
Name
College of Lake County
City
Grayslake
State
IL
Distance
13 miles
Students
12,000

Healthcare

Lake Forest residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital and Advocate Condell Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.5 per 1,000 people and 97.2% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital
Address
1000 N Westmoreland Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone
(847) 234-5600
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Advocate Condell Medical Center
Address
801 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048
Phone
(847) 362-2900
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.5
Health Insurance Coverage
97.2%
Health Care Index
76.2

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $915,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 83%. The market has seen a 6.3% 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
$915,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate
83.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
6.3%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Lake Forest handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility, conveniently located in Vernon Hills. 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
Illinois
Department
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address
1227 N. Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Phone
1-800-252-8980

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, IL

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 19,367, median home value $915,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,200, commute time 29.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

Ready to Move to Lake Forest, IL?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes