Worst things about Lake Forest nobody talks about

Ezekiel Gonzalez Apr 20, 2025

Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Cedar Grove for 9 years. Moved from Boston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Chain restaurants dominate. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.

19 upvotes