Forest Lake MN Community Profile
Garage Doors Plus is proud to be serving the good people of Forest Lake Minnesota. We thought you might like to know a bit more about this interesting and vibrant community.
History of Forest Lake
Due to the construction of the St. Paul and Duluth railroad, people became attracted to settle in the area of what is now Forest Lake. As the name suggests, the city got its name from the rich timber deposits that grew near the river. While the railroad was completed in 1869 it was not until March 11, 1874 that Forest Lake got its township. In its early days there was a huge demand for summer homes, which contributed, largely to the economy of the fledgling settlement and its surrounding areas. Over time, commercial endeavors were established and with it the development of schools, parks and other facilities. When cabin owners began converting summer residences into year-round homes, the city evolved and the population went up. This surge was felt through the 1970s up to the 1990s when finally the township was incorporated to city status.
Demographics
| Statistic | Forest Lake | Minnesota | National |
| Population | 18,933 | 5,383,661 | 314,107,084 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 620 | 67 | 91 |
| Median age | 36.8 | 37.6 | 37.4 |
| Male/Female ratio | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 60% | 58% | 55% |
| Speak English | 92% | 89% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 5% | 4% | 13% |
- The average age in Forest Lake is 1% lower than Minnesota
- 86.28% of the population is Caucasian
- 5.12% of the population is African-American
- 3.11% of the population is Asian
Cost of Living
| Index | Forest Lake | Minnesota | National |
| Cost of living index | 110 | 102 | 100 |
| Index | Forest Lake | Minnesota | National |
| Goods & Services index | 109 | 107 | 100 |
| Groceries index | 105 | 107 | 100 |
| Health care index | 103 | 108 | 100 |
| Housing index | 122 | 101 | 100 |
| Transportation index | 102 | 98 | 100 |
| Utilities index | 91 | 87 | 100 |
In the event that the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used. Each cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. If the amount is below 100, it is lower than the national average. If the amount is above 100, it is higher than the national average.
- Population density is 831% higher than Minnesota
- Average age is 2% lower than Minnesota
- 94.03% is Caucasian
- 0.68% is African-American
- 2.54% is Asian
- Cost of living is 7% higher than the state average
- Cost of living is 10% higher than national average
- Cost of housing is 22% higher than national average
Schools
Some of the notable schools in Forest Lake include:
K–6)
- Central Montessori
- Columbus Elementary
- Forest Lake
- Forest View
- Lakes International Language Academy
- Lino Lakes
- Linwood
- North Lakes Academy
- St. Peter’s
- Scandia
- Wyoming
Junior high schools (grades 7–9)
- Century Jr. High School: grades 7–9
- Forest Lake Area Learning Center (ALC): grades 6 – 9
- Southwest Jr. High School: grades 7–9
- North Lakes Academy: grades 5-12
- Lakes international language academy(LILA): grades 6-8
High schools (grades 10–12)
- Forest Lake Area High School: grades 10–12
- Forest Lake Area Learning Center (ALC): grades 10 – 12
- North Lakes Academy grades 5–12
- Lakes International Language Academy: grades 9-12
Places of Worship
Some of the churches in Forest Lake include:
- Centennial Evangelical Free Church
- Crossroads Evangelical Covenant Church
- Faith Lutheran Church
- Forest Hills United Methodist Church
- Grace Alliance Church
- Hosanna Lutheran Church
- Immanuel Baptist Church
- Immanuel Church of Forest Lake
- Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church
- Maranatha Assembly of God
- Messiah Lutheran Church
- Forest Lake Christian Church
Businesses
Notable employers in Forest Lake include:
- Forest Lake School District
- Motion Maker Engineering
- Field Rep Database LLC
- US Army Recruiting
Restaurants & Nightlife
Acqua – with emphasis on quality ingredients, Acqua is one of the popular restaurants in the city. Knowledgeable staff, cozy ambience and amazing food, Acqua does not disappoint. Recommend that you try the prime rib and red potato on the side. Pair your pinot noir with the Osso Bucco. The dessert selections are a sweet tooth’s dream come true.
Keys Café and Bakery – if there is a place that you want to have the perfect breakfast, Keys Café and Bakery is definitely at the top of the list. Quick and friendly, the portions are quite good. The muffins and coffee you can’t get anywhere else.
Old Log Cabin – This is by far the best place to eat in Forest Lake. They offer an array of food selections with soups, walleye and amazing prime rib. You will definitely be coming back for more. The broasted chicken is the best you can find in the city.
Fun Things to Do in Forest Lake
Forest Lake offers an array of activities that you and your family can enjoy. The city celebrates a multi-day 4th of July celebration to drum up some patriotic spirit. Enjoy live music, a grand parade, a fun carnival topping it off with fireworks. Enjoy also the Northern Lights Paddle, Yoga and Music festival every second Saturday of August. Get fresh veggies, baked goodies and produce at the weekly Farmer’s Market.
Forest Lake MN truly is a great place. If you’d like to know more about our garage door repair services in Forest Lake, give us a call. We can’t wait to meet you.