Lake Forest

Lake Forest is a crown jewel of Chicago’s North Shore, offering a blend of historic charm, breathtaking landscapes, and upscale living. Established in 1857 as a serene stopover for travelers, the city has evolved into one of the most affluent suburbs in Illinois. In 2024, GoBankingRates.com ranked LAKE FOREST AS THE 30TH WEALTHIEST SUBURB in the country, a testament to its exclusivity and desirability.

What To Expect

Lake Forest offers more than just elegant homes. Expect quiet streets, prestigious schools, private clubs, and jaw-dropping views of Lake Michigan. It is peaceful but never sleepy.

The Lifestyle

Life in Lake Forest moves at a refined pace. Residents enjoy beach walks, curated events, and manicured trails. It is a lifestyle designed for those who expect better.

Local To-Do's

Enjoy concerts and film nights at the Gorton Center, shop at charming Market Square, or hit the trails at Open Lands. Lake Forest knows how to keep it elevated.

Designed with intention, early city planners restricted roads into Lake Forest to maintain its tranquil character. While much more accessible today, the eastern part of Lake Forest still retains its secluded charm, making it a retreat-like enclave for residents.

Lake Forest is also an architectural masterpiece. Renowned architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Howard Van Doren Shaw, and David Adler left their mark here, designing some of the USA’s most prestigious homes.

One of Shaw’s crowning achievements, MARKET SQUARE, was completed in 1916 and became the nation’s first planned shopping center designed with automobile parking. Even today, it remains a centerpiece of the community and was named one of Illinois’s 200 Great Places in 2018.

Beyond its historical charm, Lake Forest has remained committed to land conservation and sustainability.

Listings in Lake Forest Chicago We Think You'll Love

Things To Do & Explore In Lake Forest Chicago

Lake Forest has more than scenery and old money. Start at the Gorton Center, which punches way above its weight for a town this size. You’ll find indie films, live jazz, acting classes, and cultural programming that brings everyone from toddlers to retirees under one roof. It’s proof that Lake Forest nurtures more than just manicured lawns.

Shopping feels different at Market Square. Designed in 1916 and still relevant today, it blends boutique retail with upscale dining in a setting that makes Target look like a storage unit. Grab brunch at Egg Harbor Café or go full experience with a high-end meal at The Deer Path Inn. If you’re just here for the photos, the tree-lined streets are Instagram-level perfection.

Community Highlights - Preserving Nature and Sustainability

Lake Forest is not just playing dress-up when it comes to green living. Named a Tree City USA by the NATIONAL ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION, this place takes nature seriously.

Thanks to the LAKE FOREST OPEN LANDS ASSOCIATION, 700 acres of untouched prairies, wetlands, and forest are actively protected. And if you think 12 miles of walking trails are just for weekend joggers, think again. These paths reflect a conscious effort to preserve the soul of the land, not just its look.

Outdoor Spaces & Recreation

Arts and Culture at the Gorton Center If your idea of culture involves more than binge-watching, the GORTON CENTER will feel like a revelation. Set in Lake Forest’s original schoolhouse, this space hosts theater productions, concerts, and indie films without the pretense. It also offers acting and art classes for all ages, proving that this town believes talent should be nurtured, not just admired from afar.

Exclusive Recreation and Country Clubs

If you think recreation is about weekend softball, prepare to raise your standards. Lake Forest boasts access to some of Illinois’ most prestigious clubs, including the legendary ONWENTSIA CLUB. Golf, tennis, and high-society mingling are the norm here. Not to be outdone, the town’s three public beaches along Lake Michigan offer serene views and clean sand that put most city beaches to shame.

Dining and Shopping at Market Square

MARKET SQUARE is the original blueprint for upscale shopping districts. Built in 1916, it was America’s first planned shopping center and still outshines most modern attempts. You’ll find chic boutiques, fine dining, and that rare combo of elegance and functionality. Grab a polished meal at THE DEER PATH INN or kick back at EGG HARBOR CAFÉ for brunch that feels like a local tradition, not a corporate rollout.

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Why People Choose Lake Forest

Lake Forest delivers a rare balance of luxury and natural beauty. Residents love the city’s top-rated schools and natural surroundings. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the miles of scenic trails, while professionals find its proximity to Chicago a perfect blend of accessibility and tranquility.

Your Lake Forest Real Estate Team

If you’re ready to call Lake Forest your home, the MG GROUP is here to help. Whether you’re looking for a historic estate, a lakefront retreat, or a modern residence, we’ll guide you to the perfect property. CONTACT US today to begin your search!