Lake Forest is a city in Orange County, California with a population of 84,435 as of 2019 according to the Wikipedia page. It is part of the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area and is known for its master-planned developments and affluent neighborhoods.
Population and Demographics
Lake Forest has grown rapidly since its incorporation in 1991 when the population was just 59,348. It is now the 37th largest city in California by population. The racial makeup of Lake Forest is 67.4% White, 3.5% Black or African American, 10.9% Asian, 1.3% Native American, 0.4% Pacific Islander, and 12% from other races. 30.8% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
The median household income in Lake Forest is $99,355 which is significantly higher than the national median. The homeownership rate is 70.5%. Lake Forest has highly-ranked public schools that include Serrano Intermediate School and El Toro High School.
Economy and Major Employers
Lake Forest has a strong and diversified economy. According to the city’s website, major employers include Kaiser Permanente,bag maker Tucker-Rocky, RAND Corporation, Emulex, and Oakley. The city also has several large shopping centers and auto dealerships along Interstate 5.
Other major industries in Lake Forest include technology, aerospace, healthcare, finance, and real estate. Its central location in Orange County and proximity to several freeways makes it an attractive location for corporate headquarters and regional offices.
Attractions and Places of Interest
Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Lake Forest include:
- Borchard Community Park – A 32 acre park with sports fields, picnic areas, and a walking path.
- Heritage Hill Historical Park – A small park showcasing Lake Forest’s agricultural history.
- Lake Forest Sports Park – One of the largest sports parks in Orange County with 25 softball fields.
- Lake Forest Civic Center – The city hall complex which includes the city council chambers.
- Saddleback Church – A famous evangelical megachurch founded by Pastor Rick Warren.
Outdoor recreational opportunities can be found at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park and O’Neill Regional Park. The city also has a quaint walkable downtown village area known as Portola Center.
Sports Teams
Lake Forest is home to a minor league baseball team called the Lake Forest Foresters which plays at the city-owned Forester Stadium. The Foresters are part of the California Collegiate League and have multiple former players who have gone on to join Major League Baseball.
Facebook and Tourism
You can follow the latest news and events happening in Lake Forest by liking the city’s official Facebook page. For visitors and tourists, the Orange County Visitors Association provides information on attractions, things to do, places to stay and transportation in Lake Forest and throughout Orange County.