Lake Forest Apartments and Rentals

Located in South Orange County's Saddleback Valley, Lake Forest, Calif., is a contemporary city that is well positioned at the intersection of the Interstate 5 and 405 freeways and the Foothill and Eastern Transportation Corridors. Lake Forest residents enjoy quick, easy access to major cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego, thanks to the city's convenient location.

There are many reasons why people might consider Lake Forest apartments for rent, as the city has plenty to offer its residents. It is home to 27 public parks and the Whiting Ranch Regional Wilderness Park, providing basketball, handball, tennis and volleyball courts. Additionally, Lake Forest features community playhouse productions, free summer concerts in the park and special events at Heritage Hill Historical Park to keep residents entertained year-round.

Lake Forest was initially called Rancho Canada De Los Alisos (the Valley of the Sycamores) when it was settled by Don Jose Serrano in 1846. It later became known as El Toro, a reference to the bulls that roamed Serrano's ranch.

In the 1900s, local resident Dwight Whiting helped set the tone for the agricultural community by planting 400 acres of eucalyptus trees, assisting with the state's lumber shortage. Forest Hill was incorporated in 1991, and continues to reflect the motto "Remember the past, challenge the future" in its way of life.

When newcomers check out the apartments for rent in Lake Forest, Calif., they might be attracted to the area's mix of small community charm and large metropolitan city life. The city offers residents mild weather throughout the year, well-planned neighborhoods and lush green hills, delivering a beautiful place to call home in the Golden State.

Business, commercial and industrial parks meet the needs of various professionals in Lake Forest. This city is home to the corporate offices of several companies, including Black & Decker, Del Taco, Oakley and Wet Seal.

The Saddleback Unified School District serves Lake Forest students. It is the fourth largest school system in South Orange County, and features 24 elementary schools, four intermediate schools, four high schools, one continuation school, one independent study high school and one special education school. The entire district encompasses more than 95 square miles, providing educational opportunities to more than 35,000 students.

Those who pursue rentals in Lake Forest will find an abundance of colleges and universities in the area. Schools such as the California State University at Fullerton, Chapman University, Concordia University, University of California at Irvine and Saddleback and Irvine Valley Community Colleges are just a few of the higher education institutions that are only minutes from Lake Forest.

Many residents find it's typically more expensive to live in Lake Forest than other cities in the United States. However, this is usually the case with cities and towns in South Orange County. Be sure to account for monthly rental expenses between roughly $1,200 and $2,100 per month when checking out the apartments for rent in Lake Forest.

Those looking to enjoy the excitement of the big city will likely appreciate the fact that Lake Forest is about a one-hour drive from Los Angeles and a one-and-a-half-hour commute from San Diego. Lake Forest's proximity to these major cities makes it easy for locals to enjoy concerts, recreational activities, sports events and more in these areas.

Lake Forest also boasts plenty of options within its friendly confines, including Heritage Hill Historic Park. This attraction features historic buildings that date back to the early history of the Saddleback Valley and El Toro area.

Rent.com® can help you get settled in a Lake Forest apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.