Lake Forest Homes under $1.25 million

Welcome to Lake Forest, California – a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Orange County. With its picturesque landscapes, vibrant community, and a wealth of outdoor activities, Lake Forest offers a perfect blend of suburban charm and modern living. This thriving city is known for its serene lakes, lush parks, and scenic hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

One of the most appealing aspects of Lake Forest is its diverse real estate market, particularly for those seeking homes under $1.25 million. Here, you can find a variety of properties that cater to different lifestyles, from cozy single-family homes to spacious townhouses. Many of these homes boast modern amenities, open floor plans, and beautiful outdoor spaces, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the California sunshine.

Lake Forest is not just about beautiful homes; it also offers an array of recreational opportunities. With over 30 parks, including the stunning Lake Forest Sports Park, residents can enjoy sports facilities, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The city’s proximity to the Irvine Spectrum and South Coast Plaza means shopping, dining, and entertainment are always just a short drive away.

In Lake Forest, you’ll find a welcoming community with excellent schools, making it an ideal place for families to put down roots. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade, Lake Forest offers a wonderful opportunity to own a piece of California paradise without breaking the bank. Explore the possibilities today and discover why Lake Forest is the perfect place to call home!

Newest Lake Forest Homes under $1.25 million

$525,000

1 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ TR26216014 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Welcome to 21156 Gladiolus Way, a beautifully updated 1-bedroom, 1-bath home offering an easy, low-maintenance lifestyle in the heart of Lake Forest. Step inside to soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and an open living and dining area with a cozy fireplace that makes the space feel bright and inviting. Just off the dining area, the private balcony is the perfect spot for morning coffee or unwinding at the end of the day. The updated kitchen features newer cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and finishes, while newer flooring and an updated bathroom give the home a fresh, modern feel throughout. The spacious bedroom offers plenty of room to create a comfortable retreat. A newer A/C, community repiping, and a 1-car attached garage add even more convenience. Enjoy community amenities and a desirable Lake Forest location close to shopping, dining, parks, recreation, and everyday conveniences. Whether you're buying your first home, downsizing, or simply looking for a stylish place with less upkeep, this home offers comfort, convenience, and a lifestyle that's easy to enjoy.

21156 Gladiolos, Lake Forest

$1,100,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ OC26197323 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Welcome to 21251 Forest Meadow—a charming, single-story home featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms of beautifully updated living space, nestled in the scenic hills in highly desirable community. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by its newly exterior paint, lush landscaping, and classic brick planters framing the front walkway. Step inside to an inviting, light-filled living room anchored by a traditional brick fireplace and framed by energy-efficient double-pane windows. Completely updated throughout, this move-in-ready property seamlessly blends modern upgrades with timeless character. The bright, redesigned kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring newly purchased appliances, new pristine white cabinetry, updated granite countertops, and sleek new finishes. The kitchen opens directly to the dining area, where sliding glass doors lead out to a serene backyard completely fenced in and private—creating an effortless layout for everyday living and entertaining. Every corner of the home feels refreshed with new interior paint, crisp lighting, and updated fixtures. The primary suite offers a peaceful retreat, while both bathrooms feature modern design choices that feel clean and stylish. Additional conveniences include an attached two-car garage complete with built-in cabinetry and laundry hookups. Outside, your private backyard sanctuary awaits, featuring lush greenery, mature landscaping, and beautiful, open views of the adjacent park and surrounding hills—the perfect backdrop for morning coffee, weekend barbecues, or quiet evenings under the stars. Located near Vintage Park with top-rated Saddleback Valley Unified schools, convenient 241 Toll Road access, shopping, dining, low taxes, no HOA, and no Mello-Roos, this home is the ultimate turn-key find. Schedule your private showing today!

21251 Forest Meadow, Lake Forest

24921 Muirlands Boulevard Unit 52, Lake Forest

$325,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ NP26215218 MLS ⋅ Active Status

NEW 2026 HOME! - 55+ Community, 2+DEN highly upgraded new manufactured home, is a outstanding opportunity to own a new home at a very reasonable price. Featuring a wonderful open floor plan with lots of natural light. 2 bedrooms PLUS Den/Office, 2 bathrooms, Master bedroom has a walk-in closet and the Master bathroom features a large walk-in shower. The gorgeous kitchen includes a large island, stainless steel high end amenities. Perfect for entertaining, the dining nook and living room are open to the kitchen making a large great room when you enter. The floor coverings are beautiful laminate. The exterior has very low maintenance landscaping. This is a great opportunity to own a new 2026 upgraded home with 1 year manufacture's warranty. BUYER MUST BE APPROVED BY PARK MANAGEMENT - Criteria is 3x the monthly rent in net income per month + 680 credit score using Vantage 3.0. All applicants must be named on escrow title.

24921 Muirlands Boulevard Unit 52, Lake Forest

24921 Muirlands Boulevard Unit 44, Lake Forest

$325,000

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ NP26214972 MLS ⋅ Active Status

24921 Muirlands Boulevard Unit 44, Lake Forest

24001 Muirlands Boulevard Unit 440, Lake Forest

$224,999

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ OC26214271 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Located in the highly desirable Forest Gardens 55+ gated community. This bright and spacious home boasts ample natural light, fresh interior and exterior paint, new vinyl plank flooring and new carpet throughout. Enjoy the great Southern California weather year-round on the large, covered patio. Inside the layout provides multiple opportunities. The front living room has a cozy fireplace. The dining room has built in display cabinets. An updated kitchen that opens to both the dining space and the bonus area making entertaining a breeze. The bonus room is an ideal flex space that can be utilized in countless ways such as an additional family room, office, guest space or work out area, etc. The generously sized primary bedroom offers extensive closet space and a big ensuite bathroom with handrails in the shower and toilet room. The secondary bedroom has a walk in closet and en-suite bathroom. The laundry room is conveniently located off the carport entry, has access to the secondary bathroom and has a storage closet. Parking made easy with the covered carport and a storage shed/ workspace. The community amenities include a pool, spa, tennis court, clubhouse, gym, billiards room, library and so much more! Immaculately maintained grounds and located close to restaurants, shops and freeways. This is one you won't want to miss!

24001 Muirlands Boulevard Unit 440, Lake Forest

20874 Serrano Creek Road Unit 64, Lake Forest

$525,000

2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ OC26211953 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Recently updated and improved single level lower unit, ideally located overlooking a peaceful greenbelt, just steps from the community pool, in the desirable Serrano Creek Villas community. Step inside and soak in the freshly painted interior with NEW recessed lighting, plantation shutters, and updated dual-pane windows and sliding doors setting the stage for a superb living environment. The spacious living room is open to the dining area and has direct access to the fully enclosed front patio providing an ideal indoor-outdoor living space for gatherings with friends and family. The kitchen has been beautifully updated with a full custom glass tile backsplash, newly refreshed Kitchen cabinetry, large, upgraded kitchen sink, updated Stainless-Steel appliances, prized walk-in pantry, and a convenient laundry closet with full size newer washer and dryer. You will adore the sleek NEW luxury vinyl wide plank flooring and mirrored closet doors throughout the two bedrooms. The bathroom has been updated with a NEW dual vanity, updated hardware and faucets, updated lighting, a framed vanity mirror, upgraded tub and shower surround, and a tankless bidet toilet. The fully enclosed covered outdoor patio is a peaceful oasis for relaxing, enjoying a morning cup of coffee with a loved one, al fresco dining and BBQing. Patio also includes a convenient storage closet for extra storage. Additional improvements include Re-piped Plumbing and Google Smart thermostat. Just steps from the community clubhouse, pool, and spa. One Covered carport space #48 included. HOA covers Trash and Water. Serrano Creek Villas is a quiet and friendly community with serene walking paths, an abundance of parking, surrounded by lush, mature landscapes. Ideally located within walking distance of hiking, biking, and running trails, close to dining and shopping, easy Toll Road and 5 Freeway access, and just minutes from local beaches. No Mello Roos!

20874 Serrano Creek Road Unit 64, Lake Forest

$380,000

1 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ PW26212135 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Welcome to your own little retreat in Lake Forest! Nestled in the charming Pheasant Creek community, this upper-level, 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo offers 686 square feet of inviting living space. Enjoy your morning coffee on the private balcony, unwind after a busy day, and make yourself at home. Pheasant Creek’s winding streams, mature trees, and landscaped grounds bring a refreshing touch of nature to everyday living. Community pools and spas make it easy to enjoy some downtime, while nearby shopping, dining, parks, and trails offer plenty of ways to spend your weekends. Convenient access to the 241 Toll Road keeps you connected to everything beyond the neighborhood. Come explore the possibilities and picture your next chapter here!

20702 El Toro, Lake Forest

$780,000

3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ OC26200438 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Welcome to Greenridge in Whispering Hills, a beautifully maintained community in Lake Forest surrounded by mature trees and lush landscaping. This inviting end-unit home offers a wonderful combination of natural light, comfortable living spaces and a flexible floor plan designed for everyday living. Step inside to a warm and welcoming open floor plan featuring vaulted ceilings, natural tones, laminate flooring throughout the first floor and a cozy brick gas fireplace anchoring the living room. Large windows bring in abundant natural light, creating a bright and airy feel throughout the home. The kitchen is filled with natural light from an oversized window and features oak cabinetry, recessed lighting, a gas stove, dishwasher, refrigerator and stainless steel microwave. Additional storage underneath the stairs and a mirrored closet on the first floor provide even more space to keep things organized. Step outside to the private brick patio, an inviting space to relax outdoors, enjoy your morning coffee or unwind with a good book. The flexible three-bedroom layout features a first floor bedroom. The first floor bedroom has an attached first-floor bathroom with an oak vanity, natural-toned paint and a walk-in shower. Primary bedroom is located on the second floor and feature vaulted ceilings, luxury vinyl plank flooring while sharing a Jack-and-Jill bathroom with a dual-sink vanity and a tub/shower combination. The second upstairs bedroom features shutters that open to overlook the living room below, along with a custom closet designed to help keep everything organized. Carpet is limited to the staircase. Additional highlights include central air conditioning and heat, dual-pane windows and plenty of storage throughout the home. The attached two-car garage offers convenient direct access and is also where the washer and dryer are located. The community pool, spa, and tot lot are all conveniently located nearby, making it easy to enjoy the neighborhood amenities just moments from home. Surrounded by mature trees and beautifully maintained landscaping, the home offers a peaceful setting while remaining conveniently located near Foothill Ranch Towne Centre for shopping, dining and groceries. Lake Forest Sports Park is also nearby, offering plenty of opportunities for walking, recreation and outdoor activities.

26312 Loch Glen Unit 76, Lake Forest

24921 Muirlands Boulevard Unit 38, Lake Forest

$174,900

2 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ OC26211308 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Centrally located in the heart of Lake Forest, this 55 plus community allows the second person to be 18 years and older to live here. This Golf course view home is well situated in the park in a quiet back corner. The home was thoughtful designed and well maintained. Beautiful flooring, large windows, nice deck and gardening area as well as a good area to entertain in. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to live with a golf course view in this very unique price point. Park requires a minimum of a 680 plus credit score, 3 times the space rent in provable income per month, and pets must be 20lbs and under to live in the park.

24921 Muirlands Boulevard Unit 38, Lake Forest

$899,000

4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ OC26210731 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Welcome to this beautifully upgraded single-story home in Lake Forest’s desirable Wind Rows community. Offering four bedrooms, a spacious lot, and extensive improvements throughout, this home combines comfortable everyday living with a long list of updates already completed. Major upgrades include a newer roof, HVAC system, solar, full repipe, new windows and doors, and an EV charger. The exterior has also been completely refreshed with new hardscape, low-maintenance turf, and a private backyard designed for easy indoor-outdoor living. A covered gazebo creates the perfect spot for outdoor dining, entertaining, or relaxing year-round. Inside, the home is bright and inviting with an easy-flowing single-level floor plan. The main living and dining spaces are centered around a fireplace, while the kitchen enjoys plenty of natural light and views of the backyard. Four bedrooms provide flexibility for family, guests, or a home office. The fourth bedroom is currently configured as an office retreat connected to the primary suite and can easily be converted back to a traditional bedroom. Set back from the street on a generously sized lot, the property offers a sense of privacy and space that can be hard to find. Located in an established Lake Forest neighborhood near Vintage Park, Lake Forest Sports Park, shopping, dining, and major commuter routes, this home also benefits from no Mello-Roos and a low tax base. With extensive upgrades, flexible living space, and a beautifully finished backyard, this Wind Rows home is ready to enjoy from day one. Images include minor digital enhancements for presentation purposes. These adjustments do not alter the property’s layout, condition, or features.

21155 Larchmont, Lake Forest

$875,000

3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ OC26206939 MLS ⋅ Active Status

Motivated Seller! Buyer concessions may be available toward closing costs or a rate buy-down. Ask about lender incentives for additional savings. Beautifully upgraded and move-in ready, this Serrano Highlands home in Lake Forest offers a thoughtfully enhanced interior with stylish finishes and modern conveniences throughout. A welcoming wainscoted entry sets the tone, leading into bright living spaces accented by neutral designer paint, premium laminate flooring, upgraded wood stairs with stained treads, dual-pane windows, recessed LED lighting, and updated ceiling fans. The remodeled kitchen is both sophisticated and functional, featuring custom wood soft-close cabinetry, granite countertops, a ceramic farmhouse sink, commercial LED faucet, and stainless-steel appliances, including a double-oven range, metal hood, and ultra-quiet Bosch dishwasher. The refreshed bathrooms continue the home’s elevated design, while the spacious primary suite offers a custom walk-in closet system and beautifully appointed ensuite bath with a Carrara marble double vanity, Kohler fixtures, and custom-tiled shower with built-in seating and frameless glass. Additional improvements include a whole-home PEX re-pipe, high-efficiency water heater, and pull-down attic storage for added functionality. Outside, drought-tolerant landscaping creates a polished, low-maintenance setting. With extensive upgrades, quality finishes, and thoughtful improvements throughout, this Lake Forest residence offers a turnkey opportunity in the desirable Serrano Highlands community.

21466 Cypresswood, Lake Forest

29012 Canyon Ridge Unit 120, Lake Forest

$535,000

1 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ OC26208502 MLS ⋅ Active Status

A Portola Hills gem with one of the largest enclosed patios in the area! This beautifully and very recently remodeled, true single-level home offers ZERO STAIRS and exceptional privacy. The interior has been freshly painted and features brand new, on-trend flooring. Enjoy $25,000 in newly installed Andersen sliding glass doors with SmartSun glass, bringing in natural light while adding modern style and efficiency. A new Andersen garage fire door is another thoughtful upgrade. And guess what? The attached garage offers an especially practical bonus: dedicated space for storage plus an almost-new washer and dryer, while still leaving plenty of room for your car. Guest parking is also a breeze, conveniently located near the home. Step outside to the expansive patio -- an exceptional private space for relaxing, entertaining, gardening, or simply enjoying the peaceful greenbelt view. This is a special home that rarely comes on the market.

29012 Canyon Ridge Unit 120, Lake Forest

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Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.