Forest Lake

Ornell Group Real Estate — Northern Suburbs Luxury & Waterfront Specialists

Forest Lake is one of the most dynamic lake communities in the northern suburbs. With three connected basins, over 2,200 acres of water, and a mix of historic homes, new construction, and modern lakefront builds, Forest Lake offers one of the widest ranges of lifestyle and housing options in the Twin Cities.

The city attracts buyers who want a true recreational lake lifestyle paired with strong schools, local amenities, a growing downtown district, and quick access to I-35 for commutes into the Twin Cities. As a Realtor who studies northern lakes daily, I help clients understand the shoreline differences, the neighborhoods, and the long-term value patterns that make Forest Lake a strong and steadily appreciating market.

Forest Lake Overview
Forest Lake sits at the northern edge of the metro and offers three distinct lake basins. Each basin has its own shoreline character, water depth, clarity patterns, and activity level. This diversity allows buyers to choose between quiet shoreline, big-water boating, or something in between.

The community blends lake living with convenience. Families appreciate the schools, parks, and local businesses, while lake buyers value the size of the water and the ability to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and year-round recreation.

The Three Lake Basins
Forest Lake is divided into First, Second, and Third Lake — each offering a unique feel.

First Lake
Closest to downtown, First Lake offers walkability, restaurants, marinas, and convenient access to shops and services. Shorelines vary from historic cottages to modern rebuilds and newer construction. Buyers who want close access to town often choose this basin.

Second Lake
Second Lake provides a quieter, more residential feel with a mix of mid-century homes, remodels, and larger lots. It’s a strong choice for families wanting calmer water and more privacy with quick access between basins.

Third Lake
Third Lake is known for its depth, wide-open water, and larger estate-style properties. Many of the highest-value homes in Forest Lake sit on this basin. Buyers seeking space, privacy, and big-water views often target this part of the lake.

Neighborhoods and Housing Styles
Forest Lake offers a wide range of housing options, including:

lakefront homes on all three basins
modern two-story homes
updated mid-century properties
luxury new construction
historic lake cottages modernized over time
acreage homes on the edges of town

The diversity of neighborhoods gives buyers more flexibility compared to many northern suburb lake markets.

Lifestyle and Amenities
Forest Lake offers a full lake town experience. Residents enjoy:

downtown restaurants and coffee shops
marinas and boat rentals
parks and beaches
fishing and boating across all three lakes
paved trails and bike routes
local events and festivals
quick access to golf and regional parks

The combination of lakes, amenities, and a growing downtown gives Forest Lake a balanced lifestyle that appeals to families, professionals, and lake-focused buyers.

Schools
Forest Lake Area Schools serve the community and remain a steady driver of demand. Families appreciate the district’s academics, extracurricular programs, and community involvement. Several nearby private schools in the White Bear and Hugo areas add additional options.

Real Estate Market Overview
Forest Lake remains one of the most stable and active lake markets in the north metro. The broad range of home types — from entry-level lake cottages to $2M+ modern rebuilds — attracts a diverse buyer pool. Updated homes with good shoreline and strong indoor-outdoor living tend to sell quickly.

Long-term value remains strong due to the lake size, neighborhood variety, and continued demand from relocation buyers seeking more space and access to water.

Relocation Appeal
Forest Lake is popular with relocation clients who want lake living without moving far from the metro. Its direct access to I-35 makes commutes simple, and buyers appreciate having a large, fully recreational lake that feels like a true destination without sacrificing convenience.

Why Choose Ornell Group Real Estate in Forest Lake
Clients choose us because we understand the lake basins, the shoreline differences, the home styles, and the long-term value patterns that define Forest Lake. We study these markets daily and guide clients with clear communication, strong preparation, and a service-first approach.

This is a team effort built around clarity and care. We help families move with confidence while making decisions that support their long-term goals.

Ready to Explore Forest Lake
If you’re considering a move to or within Forest Lake, I’d be grateful for the opportunity to guide your next step with clarity and confidence.

ORNELL GROUP REAL ESTATE | TIM ORNELL
Northern Suburbs Luxury & Waterfront Specialist
Real Brokerage | Luxury Division
Institute for Luxury Home Marketing – GUILD Certified
$200M+ Sold | 200+ Transactions
[email protected]
ornellgroup.com