Lake Forest gets its name from two man-made lakes and a historic eucalyptus forest planted in the early 1900s. This Orange County city features the 86-acre Sports Park and Recreation Center, one of Orange County's largest recreational facilities, while Heritage Hill Historical Park preserves four of the county's oldest buildings dating back to the 1860s.

Rental options in Lake Forest include apartment communities near the lakes, offering amenities like tennis courts, swimming pools, and clubhouses. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $2,493. The neighborhoods of Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills, incorporated into Lake Forest in 2000, feature townhomes and single-family rentals amid rolling hills and walking trails.

Located in the Saddleback Valley, Lake Forest provides convenient access to major employers including Panasonic Avionics, Oakley, and LoanDepot. Commuters benefit from direct access to Interstate 5 and Highway 241. The city's median household income of $103,662 reflects the strong local economy. Spanning 17 square miles, Lake Forest features numerous shopping centers like The Orchard at Saddleback and outdoor recreation spots including Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, offering 23 miles of trails for hiking and biking.