Self Storage – Lake Forest

Businesses and Families Love Scenic Lake Forest 

Incorporated in 1991 and formerly known as El Toro, Lake Forest has quickly become one of the most desirable places in Orange County to live and work. At the foothills of the Saddleback Mountain Range, Lake Forest is revered for its natural, scenic beauty, master-planned communities and booming business economy. The city’s name was inspired by two man-made lakes in the area, as well as a eucalyptus forest planted in the early 1900s.

Lake Forest locals appreciate the community’s proximity to Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Irvine and Mission Viejo. It is 45 miles from Los Angeles and 77 miles to San Diego. Top employers in Lake Forest include clothing brand Oakley and the Panasonics Avionics Corporation. The Saddleback Valley Unified School District is also a prominent employer, and consists of 26 elementary schools, four middle schools and four high schools. El Toro High School is among the top-performing public schools in the region.

Residents enjoy Lake Forest’s peaceful neighborhoods, abundant parks (including the state’s largest skatepark) and varied dining and entertainment opportunities. Additionally, Lake Forest is home to a junior college, Saddleback College, and is only 20 minutes away from UC Irvine. Downtown Lake Forest includes the Civic Center campus, completed in 2019, with a senior center, community center and 200-seat performing arts center, as well as City Hall. The civic center opens to panoramic views of the mountains and the riparian areas along nearby Serrano Creek.

Lake Forest provides a comfortable, small-town feel, while also within an hour’s drive to cosmopolitan cities. Consider it your next home base.

Quick Facts About Lake Forest, CA

Population: 84,931
Median age: 38.3
Area: 16 square miles
Median household income: $102,213
Number of households: 28,604
Miles to nearest airport: 11

Source: City of Lake Forest, 2017 Profile

Things to Do Near Lake Forest, CA

Like many places in Southern California, Lake Forest experiences pleasant summers and mild winters, is a short drive to the coast and is infused with a laid-back charm. But Lake Forest is truly set apart by its preserved history — showcased at the Heritage Hill Historical Park.

In the mid-1800s, Jose Serrano established a successful ranch on the land and constructed an adobe home for his family. One of the oldest structures in Orange County, the adobe house became a centerpiece for the Historical Park. Pepper trees on the property are more than a century old. You can also tour other historic buildings, including a 19^th-century schoolhouse.  

While Lake Forest certainly celebrates its history, it’s not stuck in the past. It’s a modern city with incredible amenities, including the Lake Forest Sports Park. Five minutes from our facility, the sports park is a sprawling complex with everything from covered playgrounds and a recreation center to a paved trail and numerous sports fields. Offering much more than athletic activities, the Sports Park hosts a weekly famer’s market and a summer concert series.

The Rancho Wildlife Foundation is another memorable outing for those in Lake Forest. Nestled in the foothills of the Saddleback Mountains, the Rancho Wildlife Foundation is an exotic animal rescue mission. Over the years, they’ve brought in a wide variety of animals, including a green iguana, a snow-white tiger, zebras, raccoons and servals (elusive African cats with large ears). Visitors can get safely close to the animals and learn about conservation efforts.  

Several restaurants, including well-known chains and unique options, cluster around the Interstate 5 in Lake Forest. Luckily, there are no shortage of highly ranked spots to chow down — including Peppinos Italian Family Restaurant and Avila’s El Ranchito — both family-owned eateries with a devoted following. Make sure to order Avila’s fresh ceviche.

Lake Forest has plenty to enjoy — but storage can be an issue for relocating families, on-the-go entrepreneurs or anyone else experiencing change. Stop by Storage West Lake Forest to see how we can assist.

Find Reliable Lake Forest Storage

Our storage units in Lake Forest are centrally located and expertly maintained. We’re happy to help people in all phases of life find the storage they need to make their experience in SoCal even better. Storage West’s competitive rates, military discount and flexible month-to-month leases make partnering with us a no-brainer.

• Moving to Lake Forest? Here’s a Relocation Guide to make your move seamless.
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