Lake Forest


Lake Forest

Distance to Downtown Chicago: 31 miles

Transportation:
Express Commuter Train to Loop: 45 minutes
Drive Time to Loop (outside rush hour): 60 minutes
Drive Time to O'Hare International Airport: 45 minutes

 Population: 20,059 (2000)

Households: 6,687 (2000)

Size: 17.1 square miles

Lake Forest was named for its obvious characteristics: Lake Michigan and the forest that covered its eastern part. It was established in 1857 by a group of Presbyterian ministers who were searching for a location for a new university. The sponsors of this plan founded the Lake Forest Association and purchased land. Part of the land was sold for residential use. This was done in accordance with a city plan developed by landscape architect Hotchkiss. He created gracious residential lots and planned the streets following the curving ravines. Lake Forest's beauty soon attracted wealthy Chicagoans. Already in 1869, Lake Forest was described as "the most exclusive and aristocratic of all the Chicago suburbs." Many beautiful estates were built, and the exclusive Onwentsia country club was founded. In 1869 the first telephone system was installed and electricity was brought into the community. The downtown area was newly constructed in 1915. The Market Square was listed on the national Register of Historic Places in 1979 as America's first planned stopping center. It is a beautiful Square with a mixture of traditional styles.

There are many sprawling estates with extensive parks. But Lake Forest also has many typical Colonial Victorian, Georgian, and Tudor houses on half-acre lots with small bungalow-style homes mixed in. There are also several newly developed subdivisions with homes on smaller lots, especially on the west side of the village. Condominiums are mostly near downtown Lake Forest.

Lake Forest has two colleges (Barat College, Lake Forest College), a graduate school (Lake Forest Graduate School of Management), its own symphonic orchestra, a community center with a wide variety of programs for all ages, and an extensive and beautiful library. A wild-life preserve and seven community parks totaling 350 acre include beaches with swimming, sailing and power boat launching areas and a public 18-hole golf course. The recreation centers have basketball, tennis, and racquetball courts.

Lake Forest has six elementary schools (District #67) and one high school (District #115).

Please contact us for more information.

*Based on closed sales in the MLS Data, NSBR.

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