Best Web Design in Lake Forest, CA (2026)

Web Design for Lake Forest, California

Lake Forest sits in the Saddleback Valley of central Orange County, named for two man-made lakes ringed by eucalyptus groves that early developer Dwight Whiting planted across roughly 400 acres in the early 1900s. Long known as El Toro, the community incorporated in 1991 and now anchors an eyewear and action-sports cluster, headquartering Oakley in a Blade Runner-inspired 'Technical Center.' It is also home to Rick Warren's Saddleback Church, one of the largest evangelical congregations in the United States.

AppWT works with Lake Forest, CA businesses from Livonia, Michigan, mostly online and travelling as needed.

About Lake Forest

Also known as. El Toro (the historic name used from the 1860s until 1991 incorporation).

History. The land was part of Rancho Canada de los Alisos, granted to Jose Antonio Serrano in 1842; the 1863 Jose Serrano Adobe survives at Heritage Hill Historical Park. The settlement was called El Toro from the 1860s; developer Dwight Whiting brought a Santa Fe rail line through the area and planted about 400 acres of eucalyptus in the early 1900s for a lumber venture. Incorporated December 20, 1991; the name change from historic 'El Toro' to 'Lake Forest' was contested by longtime residents who felt it erased local history. In 2000 the city annexed the master-planned communities of Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills.

Local economy. Panasonic Avionics Corporation, a maker of in-flight entertainment systems, is the largest employer (about 2,290 workers in 2020). Mortgage lender loanDepot is headquartered in the city (about 2,049 workers in 2020). Eyewear maker Oakley, Inc. is headquartered in the Foothill Ranch area (about 1,400 workers). Action-sports footwear brands etnies and Sole Technology are based in Lake Forest. Other major operations include Schneider Electric, Spectrum Brands, and Cox Communications.

Culture and community. The etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest is one of the largest public skateparks in the U.S. at over 40,000 square feet, reflecting the city's action-sports identity. Saddleback Church, founded by pastor Rick Warren, is among the largest evangelical churches in the country. Annual traditions include a summer concert series at Pittsford Park and a Fourth of July 5K run with fireworks.

What makes Lake Forest distinct. The 'forest' is essentially an imported eucalyptus plantation planted for a lumber business, and the two namesake lakes are man-made. Olympic sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner ('Flo-Jo') is interred at El Toro Memorial Park in the city. Oakley's campus displays a real armored vehicle (a BMP) and an Oakley-branded tank aimed over the valley, with fighter-jet ejection seats in the lobby. MLB All-Star Nolan Arenado and Olympic figure skaters Ekaterina Gordeeva and Ilia Kulik have lived in Lake Forest.

Affluent suburban city in Orange County's Saddleback Valley, made up largely of planned residential developments.

Lake Forest Landmarks and Local Life

• Heritage Hill Historical Park - Historic park featuring the 1863 Jose Serrano Adobe
• Etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest - One of the largest public skateparks in the United States
• Saddleback Church - One of the largest evangelical churches in the United States
• Lake Forest Sports Park and Recreation Center - 86-acre sports and recreation complex that opened in 2014
• Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park - Foothill wilderness park with hiking and mountain biking trails

Lake Forest at a Glance

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023.

• Median household income: About $131,378
• Adults with a bachelor degree or higher: About 50.1%
• Housing: About 71% of homes are owner-occupied, reflecting an established suburban community
• Housing: Roughly 53% of housing units are single-family detached homes, with the balance in townhomes and condominiums