Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Located in the state of Minnesota, Forest Lake is a moderately-sized city with a population of 20,393 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (87% White). Given that fact, Forest Lake could be considered less diverse than other cities. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Forest Lake, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 28 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Forest Lake, Minnesota. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Forest Lake and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Minnesota and national averages.
Forest Lake, MN receives 73/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #185 in Minnesota and #4,459 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Forest Lake ranks very well for crime (B+), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). The bad news for Forest Lake, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F) and cost of living (D).
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Forest Lake gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 102 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Forest Lake excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Forest Lake is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Forest Lake come in at $286,500, which is 49.6% higher than the Minnesota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Forest Lake, the home price to income ratio is 3.4, which is 13.3% higher than the Minnesota average.
| Statistic | Forest Lake | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 28min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.7% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.0% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.9% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.7% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
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