Lake Forest Park, WA Properties | Real Property Associates, Inc.

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Lake Forest Park occupies a wooded, residential stretch along the northwest shore of Lake Washington in King County, Washington, just north of Seattle and west of Bothell. It is a low-density suburban city of about 13,000 residents whose character is defined by mature trees, lakeside setting, and an unusually well-educated population: more than half of residents over 25 hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and a substantial share hold graduate degrees. The city sits along State Route 522, which provides its primary connection to Seattle to the south and the Bothell and Woodinville corridor to the east. Its position on the lake has shaped its development as a quiet residential community rather than a commercial center, with modest neighborhood shopping serving daily needs and larger retail accessible nearby. Lake Forest Park is best known in the region for the Burke-Gilman Trail, a major regional rail-trail that follows the Lake Washington shoreline through the city on its way from Seattle to Bothell. The trail brings a steady stream of cyclists, runners, and walkers through the community and is a defining feature of local life. The city also maintains seven parks and nature reserves, and organized summer events contribute to a strong sense of community. For homebuyers, Lake Forest Park offers a combination of suburban quiet, mature landscaping, proximity to the lake, a well-regarded school district, and convenient access to the employment centers of Seattle and the Eastside. Its appeal rests on the blend of natural setting and metropolitan access that characterizes Seattle's northern lakefront suburbs.

Population 13,000

County King County

Active Listings 52

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lake Forest Park located?

Lake Forest Park is in King County, Washington, at the northwest end of Lake Washington. It sits immediately north of Seattle along State Route 522 and near the city of Bothell to the east.

What school district serves Lake Forest Park?

Lake Forest Park is served by the Shoreline School District, with Brookside Elementary School and Lake Forest Park Elementary School located within the city. The district also serves the neighboring city of Shoreline.

What is the Burke-Gilman Trail?

The Burke-Gilman Trail is a regional rail-trail that runs through Lake Forest Park along the Lake Washington shoreline, connecting Seattle to Bothell and providing a popular car-free route for walking, running, and cycling.

What is Lake Forest Park known for?

Lake Forest Park is known for its wooded residential setting, its lakeside location, a highly educated population, and the Burke-Gilman Trail, which follows the shoreline through the city on its way between Seattle and Bothell.

City Guide

About Lake Forest Park

Real Estate & Housing

Lake Forest Park's housing stock consists predominantly of single-family homes set on wooded, landscaped lots, reflecting the city's development as a mid-century lakeside suburb. The tree canopy and irregular terrain give many neighborhoods a secluded, forested feel despite their proximity to Seattle. Architectural styles skew toward mid-century ranches, split-levels, and newer infill homes, with relatively little high-density development. The emphasis on single-family living and the lakeside setting underpin the city's stable, family-oriented residential character.

Neighborhoods

Lifestyle in Lake Forest Park

Lake Forest Park offers a quiet, outdoors-oriented lifestyle shaped by the lake and the Burke-Gilman Trail. Residents use the trail daily for walking, running, and cycling, and the city's parks and nature reserves provide additional green space. Community life is family-centered, anchored by the schools and organized summer events, with the pace distinctly calmer than in nearby Seattle. The combination of wooded streets, lake access, and a highly educated population gives the city a distinctive, civic-minded suburban character.

Schools & Education

Lake Forest Park is served by the Shoreline School District, with Brookside Elementary School and Lake Forest Park Elementary School located within the city. The district serves the broader Shoreline and Lake Forest Park area and is a central consideration for families relocating to the northern Lake Washington corridor. The city's high levels of educational attainment among adults reflect a community that places strong emphasis on schooling, and the local schools anchor much of neighborhood identity.

Getting Around

State Route 522 runs through Lake Forest Park, providing direct access south to Seattle and east toward Bothell and the Woodinville area, with Interstate 5 reachable nearby for regional travel. The Burke-Gilman Trail offers a dedicated, car-free route through the city for cyclists and pedestrians commuting toward Seattle or the Eastside. Transit service along the SR 522 corridor links the city to the broader King County network, making Lake Forest Park a practical base for commuters across the metro area.

Parks & Recreation

The Burke-Gilman Trail is Lake Forest Park's signature recreational asset, following the Lake Washington shoreline through the city and connecting to the wider regional trail system for walking, running, and cycling. The city maintains seven parks and nature reserves, and its lakefront setting supports shoreline access and water views. Nearby Lake Washington and the larger King County park network extend outdoor options, while organized summer events add a community-oriented recreational dimension.

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