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Lake Forest
 Lake
Forest, an upscale, pristine suburb on Lake Michigan, is located 31
miles North of the Loop. Known for its winding, tree-lined streets
and distinctive and stately homes, it has some of the best schools
in Illinois.
The lake, bordering the entire eastern side of
Lake Forest
is, of course, the treasure of the community. Thousands of beach-goers,
swimmers, and boaters enjoy the restored beachfront. The Lake Forest
Open Lands Association manages more than 200 acres of open space and
the community has been recognized with several Tree City U.S.A.
awards. Retail shopping includes a mix of small shops, family-owned
businesses and larger stores. The famed
Market Square,
built in 1916 by Howard Van Doren Shaw, was the first planned
shopping mall in the country. The Square, which still retains a
nostalgic turn-of-the-century ambiance, serves as the site for
events such as the Deer Path Art League's annual Fall Festival of
Art, Lake Forest Day Parade, and the annual holiday tree-lighting
ceremony. Additional shopping is available at Founders' Square,
which serves as the site for "Harvest Days" Celebration. In a recent
community survey (2000), residents stated that "beauty and
appearance" were the aspects they liked best about living in Lake
Forest.
Housing.
Homes in Lake
Forest are generally custom built and feature large lot sizes.
Traditional styles include Colonials, Tudors, Victorians and
ranches.
Parks and Recreation.
With seven
community parks, a beach and boat launch area, and an 18-hole golf
course, there is plenty to do in Lake Forest. Plus, a year-round
Recreation Department and the Lake Forest Hospital Health Club are
available for residents.
Schools.
Lake Forest's
public elementary students attend District 67,which has three
kindergarten-through-4th grade schools, a middle school and one
junior high. Lake Forest High School, District 115, has undergone
substantial improvements, including a new academic wing with 21
teaching classrooms, six science laboratory classrooms and four
science prep rooms, choral and band rooms and a 140-seat
multi-purpose studio theater. Additional private schools, including
Lake Forest
College, are available.
Transportation.
The Tri-State Tollway (I-94)borders
Lake Forest on the west; Skokie
Highway (U.S.41) and Waukegan Road (I-43) both run within city
limits. Drive time to the Loop is an hour. O'Hare Airport is 30-45
minutes away, while Midway
Airport is an hour drive. There are two commuter train lines into
Chicago that service the
community. Milwaukee Road rail commuters can reach the Loop in 44 minutes by express train,
and 63 minutes on
the local. The Metra reaches the Loop in 50 minutes by express, and
one hour on the local.
Population (2000 census): 20,059
Square Mileage: 16.9
http://www.cityoflakeforest.com/
[Photo: Market Square, Lake
Forest]
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