Lisa B. reports in this review:
Weather | | How much crime? | | What are the neighborhoods like? | | What are the people like? |
The summers in Forest Lake are hot and humid with the occasional tornado siren. There are incredible lightening storms that light up the water on the lake. November-April is cold. Not just a little chilly, but the kind of cold that freezes your nose-hairs!
This is a town where you can ride your snowmobile to the store or take your boat to a friends house.
| | There isn't much crime beyond a few petty thefts and some DWI's. If you live on the lake, you are pretty much guaranteed a safe area. | | Anywhere that is lakefront is nice. There is one apartment complex on the north side of 2nd lake that has a few interesting characters, but nothing too crazy. Most of the neighborhoods are filled with families and boats parked on the side of the house, waiting for the lake to thaw.
The town is divided into a few parts:
1. 1st Lake - Most houses on the lake are very nice, but not overtly ostentatious.
2. 2nd Lake - Smaller area and a little more private than 1st Lake.
3. 3rd Lake - The most private of all the lakes and the one where you can likely find a little land with your house
Airport - New houses, near the library, highway, and transit station.
High School - Newer townhomes and houses; lots of kids
Downtown - A few clean apartment complexes and older homes
West of 35 - Farming area, and homes that are about 10-20 years old | | People are Minnesota-nice. You will find the help you need and a response to your 'hello', but beyond that, you don't get much - unless you are involved in the community.
Willowbrook Church is in the middle of town and is often a great gathering point for the locals on Sundays. People go to the Mexican eatery next door or Big Apple Bagel's after church and continue on with their friendships from there. |
Downtown Area | | Restaurants | | Schools | | Single life |
It's just ok. It definitely does the trick when you need to get by, but does not offer much in the way of boutiques and small-town antiquing. There's the usual larger chain stores which makes getting the basics easy.
La Grande Salon has an incredible stylist - Meg-Ann - if you are in need of a little pampering. | | Stella's on the golf course is great! Vanelli's is a popular spot; Mr. Large Pizza is only $5 and really good - especially if you get the garlic crust; Norman Quack's has great steaks; and The Old Log Cabin is usually bustling with patrons for dinner. | | The elementary schools on the outside of town are the BEST. Scandia and Wyoming Elementary's have really good reviews and are small enough to know most students there. Forest Lake also offers a public Montessori school - which is rare. Central Montessori has great teachers and staff, but is in a building that is shared with an alternative high school and community education. | | There are a couple bars and restaurants in the area, so there is a bit of a chance to meet someone. But, the best time would be in the summer when you are coasting around on a friends pontoon... |
Noise | | town comparison vs. | | Best hospital | | Tourist attractions |
In the summer, you can hear jet-ski's on the water and small airplanes landing in the distance at the airport; there are cicada's and frogs making music every night, as well. The sounds of winter are your neighbor's snow-blower and a jet-ski passing by. | | Forest Lake has a population of around 18,000. That's a 'large' town in comparison to the others surrounding it. There's a chain grocery store, a Target and a Walmart. | | Fairview Lakes Wyoming is the only and best hospital in the area. | | Lakeview Park has a GREAT beach area in the summer, although you'll want to watch out for the local teenagers trying to impress one another. Go to The Old Log Cabin for prime-rib; Stella's for drinks on the patio; and Key's Cafe for breakfast.
|
General comments | | | | | | |
Forest Lake seems a bit disjunct. You have the downtown area that is small and holds a couple odd shops, a great pet store, dentist offices, and a few restaurants with lake views.
Timm's Marina (on 3rd Lake) is a great place to rent a boat or pontoon. | | | | | | |