Lake Forest

Previously a census designated region, Portola Hills became a part of Lake Forest in Southern California in the year 2000. The people of Portola Hills have a much higher salaries than the average Californian. When compared to a state median household income of just over $60,000, the people in this region earn a median household income of over $115,000. The people residing at Portola Hills are also well educated where more than 97% of them have completed a high school education or more.

This is also a well off community with an unemployment rate and renting rate that is way below the state average. It also is regarded as a location with a high cost of living. The cost of living index here is 127.2, which is higher than the national average of 100.

Portola Hills has many kinds of housings that come in the forms of Condominiums, Townhouses, Semi Detached Houses, and Detached Houses. This region is also the home to 2 club houses that come with their own swimming pools, gymnasiums, ball courts and playgrounds.

The children of Portola Hills go to school at Portola Hills Elementary. This was deemed a California Distinguished School in the year 2002. They also attend other schools operated by the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.

Points of Interests situated around Portola Hills include Arden - The Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens, Heritage Hill Historical Park and the Hamilton Oaks Vineyard.

A neighborhood that is now a part of Lake Forest city in the Orange County, Foothill Ranch used to be a census designated region. This neighborhood is well known for being the headquarters of many established firms like Kaiser Aluminum, Wet Seal, ProBoards and more. The Saddleback Church is also located within the neighborhood of Foothill Ranch.

The median household income for the residents of this neighborhood is about $89,000. The medical needs for the people of Foothill Ranch are served by the Children’s Hospital at Mission and the Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center. Children from this neighborhood attend schools run by the Saddleback Unified School District. Foothill Ranch is also home to the Fulbright Montessori Academy, a private school that serves children from preschool all the way through the first grade. Foothill Ranch has their branch of the Orange County Public Library. The Foothill Ranch Library is reputed for having a large selection of books, a section dedicated to the young adults, children’s story tower and a study area.

Places of interest along the Foothill Ranch include the Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park and the Heritage Hill Historic Park. Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park consist of acres of canyons, rock structures and hills that create an amazing view for all the hikers, cyclists to be mesmerized in and enjoy. This park is also great for equestrian activities and also has their own interpretative center. Here one could learn more about the natural and cultural history of the park. Heritage Hill Historic Park is made up of four ancient buildings through which guided tours are provided to talk about the history of the Saddleback region.

Located in South Orange County, Lake Forest is a wonderful city to live in. This city offers their residents a good safe home while preserving the region’s rich history. Lake Forest has been built to ensure that it is a great city for people to live, work, conduct successful business and enjoy life.

Lake Forest provides their residents with the comfortable feeling of a small town while having the amenities and convenience of an urban city. Well situated near major freeways, Lake Forest is easily accessible to and from Los Angeles, San Diego and the Inland Empire. Lake Forest is also accessible via the John Wayne Airport and an Amtrak Station. It is a green environment that offers luxurious housing that ranges from lake front homes to posh retirement communities. Lake Forest is also home to many businesses and corporate offices like Del Taco, Panasonics Avionics, Black and Decker and many more. Lake Forest is a great hub that encourages entrepreneurship in the region.

Lake Forest also comes with great parks and the Whiting Ranch Regional Wilderness Park. These parks offer great opportunities for outdoor and family fun for both residents and visitors. One could enjoy many ball games like tennis, basketball, golf, lovely family picnics, boating, swimming and many more. They also host free concert at the parks and theater all through summer. Lake Forest also hosts special events at the Heritage Hill Historical Park. This historical park houses many of the oldest building such as the Serrano Adobe, and the El School House.

The people of Lake Forest are affluent with a median annual household income of over $85,000. They have great public schools that serve the basic educational needs of their children. Higher educational institutions such as the UC, Irvine, California State University, Fullerton and the Irvine Valley Community Colleges are situated in close proximity.

In all, Lake Forest is a great place to work and live while being surrounded by a clean and green environment with a rich heritage.

Through a short stretch of southbound 241 Toll Road, a number of landmarks pop up beginning with a large shopping center anchored by WalMart. Then the huge Saddleback Church complex rises up and, if you don’t blink, you can catch a quick glimpse of the Etnies Skate Park. Off to the left on a hill, the gothic inspired structure that is home to Oakley Sunglasses ominously appears above a whole complex of industrial buildings. And then you’re on the final stretch of 241 where it will eventually end near Coto de Caza. What many people don’t realize is they just passed through the community of Foothill Ranch.

A relatively new community, its name still doesn’t come up on some maps today. Rising up the sloping foothills just beyond the 241 Toll Road, Foothill Ranch is one of the fastest growing communities in Orange County. The many tract neighborhoods feature newer homes that cover the spectrum of condominium, apartment, and family style living.

It’s a very family oriented community with several large parks to accommodate family activities and community events. The largest park, Foothill Ranch Community, houses a sports complex along with ample picnic facilities and playgrounds.

The big attraction for me is that Foothill Ranch is the gateway to the Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. To me, this is the place to hike or bike among the many scenic trails and streams. The canyons and rock formations seem to change with every trek. Some of the trails are easy and kid friendly, but most are a little more difficult.