Living in & selling in Lake Forest.
The old El Toro, with two private lakes, a eucalyptus forest, and wilderness on its doorstep.
Get a free home valuationCall or text (949) 229-2704What it’s like to live in Lake Forest.
Before it became a city in 1991, this area was known as El Toro. Residents voted on the name Lake Forest, after the two man-made lakes and the eucalyptus groves planted in the early 1900s. Plenty of long-time locals still say El Toro, and you’ll see that history around town.
Lake Forest sits in the heart of the Saddleback Valley, stretching from I-5 up into the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. In 2000 the city grew to include the master-planned communities of Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills, so you get a real mix: established neighborhoods near the freeway and newer planned communities up the hill.
The lakes
Lake Forest’s two lakes are managed by neighborhood associations: the Beach and Tennis Club (Hidden Lakes, formerly Lake I) and the Sun and Sail Club (Lake II). Each has pools, tennis, and a clubhouse, and homes and condos line the shores.
Parks and history
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park covers the eastern side of the city. Heritage Hill Historical Park preserves some of the county’s oldest buildings, including the 1863 José Serrano Adobe. The Lake Forest Sports Park and Recreation Center is one of the largest sports parks in Orange County.
Getting around
I-5 runs along the western edge of the city, with interchanges at Lake Forest Drive and El Toro Road. The 241 toll road runs through Foothill Ranch with interchanges at Alton Parkway, Lake Forest Drive, and Portola Parkway.
Schools
Lake Forest is served entirely by Saddleback Valley Unified. El Toro High School is in the city, and Trabuco Hills High sits on the Lake Forest/Mission Viejo border.
Housing in Lake Forest.
You’ll find 1970s single-family homes in the older parts of town, lakefront homes and condos around the two lakes, townhome and condo communities, and newer planned neighborhoods in Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills.
Lake access depends on which lake association covers the property. Some older neighborhoods have no HOA, while the newer communities typically do, and some may have Mello-Roos. We’ll check before you fall in love with a house.
A few tips from me.
- Ask which lake association, if any, comes with the home.
- Compare the older areas near I-5 with Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills. The feel is different, and so are the HOA setups.
- If you want trail access, look near Whiting Ranch.
Want me to set up a search or walk a few neighborhoods with you? Here’s how I work with buyers.
Lake Forest, quick answers.
Why do people call it El Toro?
That was the community’s name before it incorporated as Lake Forest in 1991.
Is Foothill Ranch part of Lake Forest?
Yes. It was annexed into the city in 2000.
Which school district serves Lake Forest?
Saddleback Valley Unified, for the whole city.
Other cities I work in.
Thinking of selling in Lake Forest?
Buyers often don’t know the lake associations exist. If your home includes lake club access, we make sure it’s front and center. Homes close to I-5 or the 241 appeal to commuters. Location near a freeway on-ramp is worth mentioning. Tell me about your home and I’ll send you an honest value range.
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Free Lake Forest home valuation
Tell me about your property and I’ll send you an honest value range.