Lake Forest Real Estate

During the early and mid-1900s, most of rural south Orange County revolved around El Toro -- which had become a small commercial hub.

But El Toro remained mainly a rural community until the end of World War II. El Toro Marine Corps Air Station was established near El Toro in 1943. And by the 1950s, the area became a commercial center for families who lived near the base.

Most of the city's existing residential communities -- including the Lake I and Lake II neighborhoods -- were built in the early 1970s.

Voters chose the name Lake Forest, when they decided to incorporate on Dec. 20, 1991
Lake Forest is in the heart of south Orange County and the Saddleback Valley. The city is set among parks, lakes and forests against the backdrop of the Cleveland National Forest and the Saddleback Mountains.
The city has a definite small-town, residential feel. On weekends, families picnic at the city’s parks or private man-made lakes.

Locals can also be found horseback riding on the Serrano and Aliso creek trails.
Residents for the most part are friendly and helpful, generally taking pride in their community. They come out strong during city events such as the Fourth of July parade and Christmas festivals at Heritage Hill Historical Park.