Firstly why Lake-Forest, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Lake-Forest
• State: California
• Population: 85,110 people
• Lake-Forest’s quick summary would be celebrated for its beautiful parks and community events this city offers a vibrant suburban lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 1,500 annually
• While this many move-out: 1,232 annually
• Net Migration: 268 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,500
• Number of Homeless people: 50

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a suburban lifestyle with parks and good schools appealing to families

Perk #1: Lake-Forest Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 38%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 69%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Asian
• The median income is (and growing)  $99,230
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Lake-Forest is $120,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $20770 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Lake-Forest’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 143 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,500
• Property Tax %: 1%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,800
• Rent for an average house: $3,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Lake Forest
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Lake-Forest, El Toro, Portola Hills, Rancho de los Alisos, and probably could include Foothill Ranch
• Avg. Age of Homes in Lake-Forest: 30 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Lake-Forest’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Lake-Forest are  Manufacturing, Technology, and Retail
• Lake-Forest Job Scene: growing job market centered on retail and education
• The General Tech Scene: emerging tech scene focused on education and local business services , ,
• Lake-Forest Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Lake-Forest: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 250 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 16

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Lake-Forest

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $138 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-5 and I-405 provide regional access running through Lake Forest
• Commute Time: 29 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on Trabuco Road
• Transportation Score: 26 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Lake-Forest: 70,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.8
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Lake-Forest: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 72 of 100
• Local Airport: John Wayne

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Lake-Forest’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfire
• General Weather in Lake-Forest is best described as experiences mild winters with cool temperatures and warm dry summers with occasional heat waves
• Winter Weather in Lake-Forest i’d describe as mild and sunny
• Spring Weather in Lake-Forest can be described as mild with low humidity
• Summer’s in Lake-Forest are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Lake-Forest is usually mild with clear skies
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 31 days in summer
• Days in a row in Lake-Forest below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 21 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality with a focus on local regulations
• Lake-Forest Winter Air average air quality affected by urbanization

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Lake-Forest Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Lake-Forest 6
• While the number of trade schools inside Lake-Forests’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Lake Forest Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Lake-Forest Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Lake-Forest only Doctors is about 150
• Local Hospitals here is  1
• Full-time Lake-Forest only Police Officers is about 45
• Crime Rate Index: 29/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Lake-Forest’s Monthly utility bill average is $240
• Lake-Forest’s Monthly Gym Membership: $55
• Lake-Forest’s Water Quality Score: 82

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Lake-Forest

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 7 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: suburban city with parks and family-oriented activities
• You might enjoy local performances at community theaters
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Lake-Forest  features quiet bars and restaurants creating a relaxed atmosphere for families and friends

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Lake-Forest

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a mix of casual dining and fast food options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 200 scattered around Lake-Forest
• The Popular Sports Team is Lake Forest High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Lake-Forest can be described as politically moderate suburban area focused on family values
• Lake-Forest’s Longer standing religious establishment is Lake Forest Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Lake-Forest Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Lake-Forest has 8 Parks?
• Lake Forest Sports Park is Lake-Forest’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Lake Forest Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and outdoor sports

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Lake-Forest Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Lake-Forest can be described as suburban community with a family-friendly atmosphere
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Lake-Forest hiking local trails sports activities arts and crafts
• The Cities people commute to from Lake-Forest are El-Toro 7 miles away Mission-Viejo 6 miles away Irvine 10 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Lake-Forest or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on Trabuco Road. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Lake-Forest’s Wildfire risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Lake Forest is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Lake-Forest are El-Toro 7 miles away Mission-Viejo 6 miles away Irvine 10 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 29 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Lake-Forest has 0 days in a row below freezing and 31 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Lake-Forest people have an average (positive or negative) $20770 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   50 homeless people living in Lake-Forest. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically moderate suburban area focused on family values could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Lake-Forest.

Retiree & Senior Life in Lake-Forest

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for property tax exemptions providing significant savings
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Oakmont of Lake Forest
• Lake Forest Senior Center hosts fitness classes social events and various activities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Lake-Forest, California?

If Lake-Forest, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Lake-Forest, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!