Welcome to Lake Forest
An elevated, peaceful Chicago suburb.
Lake Forest is a reposeful, lakeside suburb with a powerful presence in the architectural world. World-renowned architect David Adler designed many of the homes in Lake Forest, while industry leaders like the Pullman family built extravagant properties along the bucolic north shore. Architectural styles and designs in and around Lake Forest are awe-inspiring and stunning. Discernible and distinct, homes here feature timeless mid-century and old-money styles so gorgeous they influenced the Lake Forest home of Daisy Buchanan in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s American classic The Great Gatsby.
What to Love
- High-end shopping center Market Square with its European style
- Access to Lake Michigan
- The preservation of David Adler’s iconic architecture
Local Lifestyle
The city’s legacy of quiet and understated elegance and affluence lives on in present-day Lake Forest. An hour outside of bustling downtown Chicago, working professionals in Lake Forest can easily commute into the city for work or play while still maintaining quaint residential seclusion in this sophisticated hamlet. Lake Forest’s ambiance carries an old-money feel coupled with simplicity and refinement, making it one of the most desirable places to live near Chicago.
Residents enjoy a slow-paced, easygoing lifestyle with immediate access to all of the culture and comforts of city life. On any given day, locals are seen walking into lively farmers’ markets, patronizing upscale eateries, or shopping inside local boutiques. Those who call Lake Forest home also have access to Lake Michigan year-round. A wide range of recreation is available in Lake Forest, from swimming and boating to fishing and hiking.
Lake Forest Real Estate Market
Lake Forest locals often stroll through their neighborhoods, admiring the stunning homes tucked behind trees and immaculate greenery as they make their way to serene public parks or Lake Michigan’s picturesque shoreline. Lake Forest real estate is going fast. Contact Chicago real estate agent, Amy Crane to find property, townhomes, houses, mansions & luxury homes for sale in Lake Forest, IL.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Le Colonial integrates innovation and tradition to create stunning French-Vietnamese cuisine. This restaurant captures authentic Vietnamese dishes through upscale dining and is designed to replicate the tropical seduction of a Saigon lounge bar in the 1920s.
Sophia Steak is much more than the average steakhouse. This upscale eatery has risen to fame through its prime cuts of meat, fresh seafood, seasonal specials, and mouth-watering burgers. Patrons often pair their meal with a glass of wine or cocktail from the on-site bar.
After dinner, enjoy a sweet treat from Gerhard’s Elegant European Desserts on North Western Avenue. This bakery follows European techniques and models to create seasonal desserts so delicious customers can’t help but come back time and time again. Pastries, cookies, bars, and chocolates are all made fresh daily at this charming locale. This bakery is beloved by all residents, whether they want something delicious to celebrate an anniversary or simply wish to have a satisfying end to an unforgettable dinner.
Enjoy a weekend getaway or staycation at Deer Path Inn. This Tudor timber-and-stucco-inspired manor created by architect William C. Jones feels like a manor hidden deep in the English countryside. From the climbing ivy to the manicured rose garden, the Deer Path Inn has created the illusion of a magnificent estate. Its beauty has made it a popular spot for weddings and other events.
Things to Do
Lake Forest has one of the oldest and most established music festivals in its backyard. Ravinia’s flat open spaces and open-air pavilion are home to a dazzling array of anticipated concerts, drawing in artists like John Legend, Willie Nelson, Yo-Yo Ma, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Lake Forest’s lakeside location puts residents within immediate access to some of Chicago’s best beaches. Forest Park is a stunning park with a beach overlooking Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Rock walls curve into the water here, creating a natural border for swimmers to enjoy.
Just minutes away from downtown Lake Forest is the Chicago Botanic Garden. This spectacular oasis’ 385 acres are made up of 28 gardens and four natural areas. Residents can spend hours roaming the immaculate gardens, each bursting with personality and unique beauty. For 50 years, the Chicago Botanic Garden has dedicated itself to endless conservation and providing unforgettable moments in nature for all who enter.
Elewa Farm Foundation is the perfect place for residents to enjoy the produce from this luxury farm. From May to October, locals can visit Elewa Farm Foundation to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and treats from the on-site farm and kitchens. The foundation also serves the community through horticulture classes, urban gardening, and flower arranging.
Schools
Lake Forest residents receive excellent educational opportunities from a variety of local public and private schools, as well as colleges. Top-rated options include:
