Forest Lake doesn't get the respect it deserves. That's changing.
At over 2,200 acres, Forest Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Twin Cities north metro — big enough for serious boating, wide enough for water skiing, and deep enough to fish year-round. It sits about 30 miles north of the city, just off I-35, which means you get genuine lake living without a painful commute.
This is a four-season recreational lake. Motorized boats, fishing, paddling, swimming — Forest Lake does all of it well. The "Gold Coast" shoreline on the lake is one of the most coveted stretches of waterfront in Washington County, with custom estates that compete with anything in the metro.
The market. Forest Lake runs deeper inventory than most north metro lakes — typically around 15/20 homes on the market at any given time across the lake and surrounding area. That sounds like options until you get specific. Waterfront on the main lake with quality frontage, sandy bottom, and western exposure is still scarce. The best properties don't sit.
The price range. Forest Lake is one of the few north metro lakes where serious buyers can still find entry points under $700K on the water — while the top end pushes well past $3M+ on premier shoreline. That range is rare and it won't last.
Who buys Forest Lake. Families who want space and recreation. Buyers moving out of the metro who want a real lake town — Forest Lake has its own restaurants, schools, and community feel. People who've been priced off White Bear, Turtle or Bald Eagle and want comparable lifestyle at a better value per foot of shoreline. That cabin feel, Forest Lake has the possibility to be the White Bear Lake in 20 years with respect to real estate values as the people keep moving farther and farther out from the Twin Cities. Its the largest lake in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities as well.
The bottom line. Forest Lake is big, recreational, accessible, and still underpriced relative to what it delivers. If you're searching the north metro and haven't looked seriously at Forest Lake, you're leaving value on the table.
I work the full north metro lake corridor. If Forest Lake is on your list, let's talk before summer inventory tightens up.
Tim Ornell | Ornell Group | Real Broker Luxury Division ornellgroup.com
