Forest Lake

Lake Life Living

Forest Lake

Where small-town charm meets year-round resort living.

2,200+
Acres of Water
35 Min
To Minneapolis
Top 10%
School District
20k+
Population
The Community

Welcome to Forest Lake

The town of Forest Lake is a dynamic city that defies the typical "small town" label. What began as a historic railroad fuel stop in the late 1800s has evolved into a thriving suburban hub that offers the perfect balance of metropolitan vibes and lakeside tranquility.

What to Love

  • A peaceful, small-town feeling
  • 2,200 acres of lake recreation
  • Walkable historic downtown
  • Direct I-35 access for commuters

Living in Forest Lake

The Lake Lifestyle

Life in Forest Lake is fundamentally defined by the water. Unlike many suburbs where "lake life" is a weekend activity, residents here live it daily. The city is anchored by its namesake, Forest Lake, which connects three distinct basins (Lake 1, 2, and 3) offering over 2,200 acres of water recreation. This makes it one of the premier recreational lakes in the Twin Cities metro.

Whether you are searching for a sprawling luxury lakefront estate on the "Gold Coast" or a low-maintenance townhome with deeded beach access, the water is the community's heartbeat. Summers are vibrant, filled with boating, wakeboarding, and fishing tournaments targeting trophy Muskies, Walleye, and Northern Pike. The lake culture extends to land, where residents enjoy boat-in dining and lakeside parks. When the temperature drops, the community transforms into a bustling village of ice houses and skating rinks, offering a true year-round resort experience.

Commute & Location

Perhaps the most strategic advantage of Forest Lake real estate is the location. Situated directly along the I-35 corridor and Highway 61, the town serves as the "Gateway to the North," bridging the gap between the Twin Cities and cabin country. Commuters appreciate the straightforward drive, reaching downtown St. Paul or Minneapolis in approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

This unique positioning attracts professionals who want to leave the bustle of the city behind at the end of the workday without sacrificing access to major employment hubs, MSP Airport, or the cultural amenities of the metro area. It offers the breathing room of the country with the convenience of the suburbs.

Education & Schools

Families are often drawn to the area specifically for Independent School District 831. Forest Lake Area High School is the centerpiece, renowned not just for its fierce "Ranger" athletic pride, but for its robust academic programs. The district has invested heavily in modern facilities, offering impressive STEM pathways, diverse music and arts programs, and extensive college-in-the-schools opportunities.

For families seeking alternative educational models, the area is home to highly rated charter options like the Lakes International Language Academy (LILA), which offers Spanish and Mandarin immersion.

How Forest Lake Compares

Not sure if Forest Lake is the perfect fit? Here is how it stacks up against nearby communities.

 

White Bear Lake

Historic & Bustling

The Vibe:

Closest in "lake culture" to Forest Lake, but with a denser, more historic downtown that features events like Manitou Days and the weekly Marketfest.

Vs. Forest Lake:

White Bear is closer to St. Paul (15-20 mins) but homes are often older and on smaller lots compared to the acreage available in Forest Lake.

 

Stillwater

River Town Tourism

The Vibe:

Known as the "Birthplace of Minnesota." Life here revolves around the St. Croix River and a tourism-heavy Main Street filled with antique shops and hotels.

Vs. Forest Lake:

Stillwater is hilly and historic with higher traffic due to tourism. Forest Lake is flatter, more residential, and focuses on resident-first recreation.

 

Mahtomedi

Upscale & Private

The Vibe:

A small, exclusive enclave on the east shore of White Bear Lake. Families flock here specifically for the top-ranking Mahtomedi School District.

Vs. Forest Lake:

Mahtomedi has a higher median price point and smaller geographic footprint. It feels more like a private village than a growing city.

 

Lindstrom

America's Little Sweden

The Vibe:

Located 10-15 minutes north of Forest Lake in the Chisago Lakes area. Famous for its Swedish heritage, statues, and slower rural pace.

Vs. Forest Lake:

Great for buyers who find Forest Lake too developed. It offers more land for your money but adds commute time to the Twin Cities.

 

Shoreview

Suburban Convenience

The Vibe:

Ranked often as a top place to live, it is defined by the Mounds View School District and the massive Shoreview Community Center.

Vs. Forest Lake:

Shoreview is a classic "inner ring" suburb—closer to work, but lacks the distinct downtown charm and massive recreational lake of Forest Lake.

Dining & Local Flavors

A walkable downtown filled with family-run gems and lakeside eats.

View All Restaurants
$$ Steak & Seafood

Stella's On 97

A local favorite for date nights, featuring premium cuts and views of the nearby golf course.

Get Directions →
$$ Midwestern

Mallard's Restaurant

Fresh seafood options and traditional Midwestern comfort fare in a cozy, rustic setting.

Get Directions →
$ Cafe & Bakery

Key's Cafe

A legendary Minnesota staple. Long-standing spot for massive breakfasts and homemade pie.

Get Directions →

Ready to call Forest Lake home?

Browse our curated list of available properties.

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Overview for Forest Lake, MN

20,678 people live in Forest Lake, where the median age is 38.8 and the average individual income is $45,527. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

20,678

Total Population

38.8 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$45,527

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Forest Lake, MN

Forest Lake has 8,151 households, with an average household size of 2.52. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Forest Lake do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 20,678 people call Forest Lake home. The population density is 677.11 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

20,678

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

38.8

Median Age

48.91 / 51.09%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
8,151

Total Households

2.52

Average Household Size

$45,527

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Forest Lake, MN

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Forest Lake. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

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