Lake Forest, IL Homes For Sale
Buying a home in Lake Forest, IL? Glide down Sheridan Road, catch the scent of lake air drifting through the oaks, and you’ll understand why Lake Forest (Zip 60045) has been Chicago’s north-suburb retreat since the railroad first rolled in.
This page taps live Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) feeds around the clock, so the minute a cedar-shingle cottage in East Lake Forest or a sleek Kelmscott Park condo hits “active,” you’ll see it here.
Each listing carries full photo sets, price history, tax numbers, HOA details (if any), and construction notes.
Fair Housing and MRED rules apply.
Lake Forest Real Estate Market Insights
Stay informed with the latest data on the Lake Forest real estate market. Understanding these trends is key before buying a home here:
- Median Sale Price: $1,400,000 (Source: Realtor.com, Median Sold Price, April 2025)
- Median Days on Market: 30 days (Source: Realtor.com, Median Days on Market, April 2025)
- Months of Inventory: 3.5 months (Source: Sonia Madden North Shore Real Estate, Single Family Homes, April 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Appreciation: 41.5% (Source: Redfin, Median Sale Price, April 2025)
The Lake Forest market in Spring 2025 indicates a balanced environment where supply and demand are relatively stable.
However, the low median days on market and significant year-over-year appreciation suggest that well-priced and desirable homes, especially in sought-after areas, are moving quickly.
A 3.5-month inventory level points towards a market that can be competitive for buyers looking for specific types of properties.
Potential buyers should be prepared to act decisively when they find the right home.
Living in Lake Forest: Community & Lifestyle
Life here is equal parts serenity and access.
You’re wrapped in 800 acres of preserved open land, yet Metra’s UP-North and MD-North trains can whisk you downtown in under an hour. I-94 keeps O’Hare a reasonable drive away, and household-name employers—Abbott, Grainger, Brunswick, Pfizer, Tenneco, Packaging Corp of America—anchor a steady job base.
Sunrise beach walks, bikeable tree-lined streets, and a calendar full of block parties give the town its small-community rhythm, while the historic districts guard the architectural soul.
Lake Forest Local Highlights & Attractions
Discover some of the features that make living in this North Shore community so special:
- Market Square: One of the nation’s first planned shopping centers—grab a latte at dawn and watch the village wake up.
- Lake Michigan Shoreline: Sandy beaches, bluff-top paths, and sailboats catching the afternoon breeze.
- Forest Park Beach: Picnic tables under cottonwoods and a playground close enough to let you keep one eye on the lake.
- Deerpath Golf Course: A renowned public golf course with a historic 18-hole layout, offering challenges for golfers of all skill levels amidst beautiful scenery.
- Historic Architecture Tours: Drive through the community’s stunning historic districts, like the Lake Forest Historic District and Green Bay Road Historic District, showcasing homes designed by famed architects.
- Conway Farms Golf Club: Private, championship pedigree—hosted the BMW Championship more than once.
Gorton Center: Films, yoga, kids’ theater camp, and a Sunday farmers market that sells out of heirloom tomatoes fast.
Lake Forest Area School Information
Families moving to Lake Forest will find excellent schools. The community is served by the highly-regarded Lake Forest School District 67 (Kindergarten through 8th grade) and Lake Forest Community High School District 115 (grades 9-12).
Some of the top-rated schools include:
Elementary
- Everett Elementary School
- Sheridan Elementary School
- Rondout Elementary School
- Cherokee Elementary School.
Middle Schools
- Deer Path Middle School West
- Deer Path Middle School East
High Schools
Lake Forest High School
Understanding Lake Forest Crime & Safety
Lake Forest is recognized as a very safe community, with crime rates significantly below national averages.
Violent Crime Rate: 1.6 per 10,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 67.2 per 10,000 residents
Both violent and property crime rates in Lake Forest are considerably lower than in many other areas, making it one of the safest places to live in Illinois and the nation.
The Lake Forest Police Department’s community-policing model includes vacation house checks (handy if you winter in Arizona) and neighborhood safety briefings. Western pockets of the city trend even lower on property incidents, according to recent local data.
Lake Forest Real Estate: Buyer FAQs
What are the property taxes in Lake Forest?
Lake County levies can run north of 2 percent of assessed value; always pull the specific bill.
Are there historic districts to consider in Lake Forest?
Yes—Lake Forest Historic District, Vine-Oakwood-Green Bay Road, and the broader Green Bay Road Historic District. Renovations may need Historic Preservation Commission sign-off.
What home styles dominate East Lake Forest and Kelmscott Park?
East Lake Forest flaunts grand estates—limestone, brick, or timber—with acreage and original carriage houses. Kelmscott Park delivers newer luxury builds and condos aimed at low-maintenance living steps from downtown.
How competitive is the market near top-rated schools in Lake Forest?
Homes inside District 67 grade-school zones and close to Lake Forest High stay in high demand; expect quick sales and competitive offers.