Nice place to raise a family
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6/24/2018
We relocated cross county to Lake Forest about a year ago due to a job change. We looked at nearby communities, within proximity of the work commute (the office is in Lake Forest as well as sometimes needing to take the train into Chicago.) We were impressed with the North Shore area overall, with so many great restaurants, lots of things to do, good shopping, etc. We have been very happy with the move.
For such a beautiful town, with the amazing beach/boating, quaint downtown, great schools, parks and trails, and good infrastructure (fire, police, library, rec center, roads/sidewalks, etc.) we were surprised that the Lake Forest tax mill rate was lower than the other nearby communities. For a similarly priced home, the taxes were $7-10K less per year on the home we bought in Lake Forest, compared to homes we considered in Lincolnshire, Long Grove and Kildeer. Plus Lake Forest had a shorter train ride into the Chicago, including express routes at peak times.
Like any city, the people are a mix. Yes, the town does have its share of fancy mansions and the club member set, but there are also a lot of friendly, down to earth people here too. It is a nice safe town, and a good place to raise a family. Our neighbors were so welcoming. When we moved in, three came over and introduced themselves and brought welcome goodies, and one even had a pizza party for the neighbors on the street to introduce us as well as another new family that moved in. There is also a Newcomers Club, which is a good way to make friends and get involved in the community.
For the most part, the weather is OK. We moved from the South, so the summers here are milder and good to be outside. Spring and fall are also nice here. Of course, the winters are longer and have more snow. I like the snow—it is so pretty and they do a good job keeping the roads plowed, so everything keeps moving. But by the end of winter, I have to admit I was ready for spring. Winter lasts about a month more than I’d prefer. I also do not like the really frigid days, which luckily there are not that many.
We enjoy the festivals and town events, as well as take advantage of those offered in neighboring communities. There are a lot of free weekly summer concerts in the area. The community has good sidewalks and bike trails, and all seasons but winter you see many bikers and walkers. We like being able to bike to the beach. There are many nice homes within convenient walking distance to the stores and restaurants downtown. Also I have to mention the trees. They are just gorgeous! I love all the big, old hardwoods. It is such a pretty community and a nice place to live.
SD | Lake Forest, IL