Moving to Lake Forest, Illinois
Living in Lake Forest, IL: Costs, Commute and Schools
Living in Lake Forest, IL, in facts: what homes cost, taxes, the two train lines, school districts, open lands and where to look for your budget.
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01 / Good place to live
Living in Lake Forest, IL: is it a good place to live?
Living in Lake Forest, IL suits people who want a small city on Lake Michigan with two train lines to Chicago, a historic downtown and a lot of protected open land. About 19,367 people lived here at the 2020 census, in Lake County.
Is Lake Forest, IL a good place to live for you? It depends on budget, commute and the kind of home you want. The facts below help you decide.
02 / Cost
Lake Forest, IL cost of living: homes and taxes
- Median sale price
- $1.35M
- Up 15.7% year over year. Redfin, 3 months ending September 2026
- Where condos start
- $200Ks
- Older buildings near the train. Homes by Marco, October 2026
- Average yearly property tax by area
- $3,500 to $31,000+
- From Lake Forest North condos to Villa Turicum. Homes by Marco
- City transfer tax
- $4 per $1,000
- Paid by the buyer. City of Lake Forest
Housing is the biggest part of the Lake Forest, IL cost of living. See the Lake Forest housing market report for prices by band.
03 / Property tax
Lake Forest, IL property tax
Lake Forest, IL property tax depends on the home's assessed value and the taxing districts it sits in, mainly the schools. Illinois taxes are paid a year behind, so at closing the seller credits the buyer for the months owed.
Lake Forest North condos
Average yearly tax: $3,513
Crystal Point condos
Average yearly tax: $6,139
Colony Square townhomes
Average yearly tax: $8,960
Average yearly tax: $19,764
Average yearly tax: $20,147
Average yearly tax: $31,319
| Area | Average yearly tax |
|---|---|
| Lake Forest North condos | $3,513 |
| Crystal Point condos | $6,139 |
| Colony Square townhomes | $8,960 |
| Conway Farms | $19,764 |
| East Lake Forest | $20,147 |
| Villa Turicum | $31,319 |
Source: Homes by Marco subdivision data, October 2026. Check the bill for any address before you offer.
04 / Commute
Two Metra lines to Chicago
Union Pacific North
From 691 N Western Ave, downtown, to Ogilvie Transportation Center, about 28 miles by rail.
Milwaukee District North
From 911 Telegraph Rd, West Lake Forest, to Chicago Union Station, with about 517 parking spaces.
Route 41 and the Tri-State Tollway (I-94) run north and south through and beside town for drivers.
05 / Schools
Lake Forest, IL school district guide
Lake Forest School District 67
Schools: Cherokee, Everett and Sheridan elementary schools; Deer Path Middle School
Grades: K to 8
Lake Forest High School District 115
Schools: Lake Forest High School, 1285 N McKinley Rd
Grades: 9 to 12
Rondout School District 72
Schools: Rondout School, for parts of the far west side; students then attend a high school outside Lake Forest
Grades: K to 8
| District | Schools | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Forest School District 67 | Cherokee, Everett and Sheridan elementary schools; Deer Path Middle School | K to 8 |
| Lake Forest High School District 115 | Lake Forest High School, 1285 N McKinley Rd | 9 to 12 |
| Rondout School District 72 | Rondout School, for parts of the far west side; students then attend a high school outside Lake Forest | K to 8 |
Lake Forest College, founded with the town, is a private liberal arts college near downtown. Always confirm the district for an address before you buy.
06 / Outdoors
Open lands, the beach and downtown
Open lands
The Lake Forest Open Lands Association protects more than 700 acres in six nature preserves, with about 12 miles of public trails.
Forest Park Beach
The city beach on Lake Michigan. Residents show proof of residency at the entrance, and parking needs a City vehicle sticker.
Market Square and Gorton Center
Market Square, finished in 1916, is the center of downtown. Gorton Center, in the town's first K to 8 school building, hosts music, film, classes and community events.
07 / Neighborhoods
Lake Forest neighborhoods by budget
$700K to $1.5M
Where to look: Townhomes west of Route 41, Conway Farms, some older houses east
Guide: West Lake Forest and Conway Farms
$1.5M to $3M
Where to look: Historic houses east of Route 41 and newer houses west
Guide: East Lake Forest
| Budget | Where to look | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Under $700K | Older condo buildings near the train | Downtown Lake Forest condos |
| $700K to $1.5M | Townhomes west of Route 41, Conway Farms, some older houses east | West Lake Forest and Conway Farms |
| $1.5M to $3M | Historic houses east of Route 41 and newer houses west | East Lake Forest |
| $3M and up | Lakefront, ravine and new estates | Villa Turicum |
Ready to look? Our buyers agent in Lake Forest sets up a search plan by area, district and commute.
08 / Questions
Questions about living in Lake Forest
About 28 miles by rail on the Union Pacific North line from downtown Lake Forest to Ogilvie Transportation Center.
They vary by home. Average yearly taxes run from about $3,500 in some condo buildings to more than $31,000 in Villa Turicum (Homes by Marco, October 2026).
Most homes are in Lake Forest School District 67 and Lake Forest High School District 115. Parts of the far west side are in Rondout District 72.
Yes, Forest Park Beach on Lake Michigan. Residents show proof of residency, and parking needs a City vehicle sticker.
The buyer pays the City of Lake Forest tax of $4 per $1,000 of the price. The seller customarily pays the state and county taxes.
Plan your move to Lake Forest
Tell us your budget, timing and commute, and we will suggest the parts of town to see first.
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