Hey folks, We have two kids and Crime rate is something to consider -Lake Forest sits at 40.9 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $2,120 for rent here. With a population of 19,190, Lake Forest is a small town. Poverty rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $228,120 in Lake Forest. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
Pros:
- Nice parks and trails
- Low crime in most areas
- Diverse community
- Walkable downtown
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Limited dining options
- Lack of diversity
- Limited cultural events
- Not enough green space
Would love some local perspective. Any help is appreciated. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
5 upvotes
15 Replies
Charlotte Hughes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 13 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Betty L.
it depends on the neighborhood
28 upvotes
Owen
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Southern places. the quality of life is solid.
27 upvotes
Leah L.
this is the way
20 upvotes
Mia Taylor
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Piper W.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
fresnopapa2026
interesting, hadn't considered that
19 upvotes
Audrey Price
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely improving and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (North) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
19 upvotes
Isla Phillips
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
15 upvotes
Elijah
haha yep pretty much
15 upvotes
Jeremiah Nguyen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 10 years. Moved from New York for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are decent. 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. Limited public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Audrey Stewart
noted, appreciate it
14 upvotes
Arianna
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 58, moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in East and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Atlanta, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
8 upvotes
Quinn Harris
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Adam Green
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much established but now it's solid.
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