The City of Lake Forest Information

The city of Lake Forest is located just south east of the city of Irvine at where the 5 and 405 freeways come together.  It runs north east from the 5 freeway up toward the foothills of the Santa Ana mountains and includes the communities of Portola Hills and Foothill Ranch.  This area used to be called El Toro but when the city was formed they chose the name Lake Forest as we have two lakes and a large forest of eucalyptus trees in the city.  The homes in Lake Forest run the gamut of small 1 bedroom condos to 3,600 sq. ft. 6 bedroom homes.  The building in the city started back around 1960 and has continued to the present.  The city boasts an excellent school system with numerous elementary schools, Serano Junior High and El Toro High School.  The city is also close to the Great Park which used to be the Marine Air Station at El Toro.  It is also adjacent to the Whiting Ranch Regional Park and the Cleveland National Forest.