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.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Forest, IL

Considering a move to Lake Forest, IL? This welcoming community of 19,600 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $1,020,000 and average rents near $2,150. Commute times average 32 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 19,600 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 45 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 87% White, 2% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
19,600
Density
2,400 per sq mi
Median Age
44.8
Gender Ratio
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
87.0%
Black
2.4%
Asian
6.2%
Others
4.4%

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 171.0. Median home values are around $1,020,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,150. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$1,020,000
Gross Rent
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$5,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,450
State Taxes
Low: 4.95%| High: 4.95%
Cost Of Living Index
171.0
Grocery
110.5
Housing
255.0
Utilities
104.8
Transportation
112.3
Health Care
108.6
Miscellaneous
118.4

Crime

Is Lake Forest, IL a safe place to live?

Lake Forest is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 52 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 132. 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
52
Property Crimes Per 100k
760
Crime Index
812
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,923
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 132

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 38 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
34°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
40°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $167,000 and a low poverty rate of 3.6%. Over 98% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 74% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 32 minutes, and almost 8% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$96,000
Household Income
$167,000
Family Income
$209,000
Per Capita Income
$73,500
Income Male
$92,000
Income Female
$61,500
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Non English Speakers
10.9%
Rent
$2,150
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
8.4%
Commute Time
31.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
98.2%
Bachelors or More
73.5%

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 DePaul University Lake Forest Center. 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
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
12.0
Name
Deer Path Middle School
Street
155 W Deerpath Rd
Phone
847-234-9401
Students
750
Student Teacher Ratio
13.5

Private Schools

Name
The Lake Forest School
Street
145 S Green Bay Rd
Phone
847-234-5755
Students
210
Name
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Street
760 E Westleigh Rd
Phone
847-234-4300
Students
170

Colleges

Name
Lake Forest College
City
Lake Forest
State
IL
Distance
1 mile
Students
1,700
Name
DePaul University Lake Forest Center
City
Lake Forest
State
IL
Distance
2 miles
Students
500

Healthcare

Lake Forest residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like NorthShore Highland Park Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.4 per 1,000 people and 96.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
NorthShore Highland Park Hospital
Address
777 Park Ave W, Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone
(847) 432-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital
Address
660 N Westmoreland Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone
(847) 234-5600
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage
96.5%
Health Care Index
82.1

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $1,020,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 86%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Lake Forest offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$1,020,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate
86.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.2%

DMV Information

Residents of Lake Forest handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services, conveniently located in Springfield. 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
Address
2701 S. Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62723
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 19,600, median home value $1,020,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,150, commute time 31.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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