Forest, Ontario Houses for Sale & Real Estate
Are you in search of a dream home in Forest, Ontario? Below is our selection of houses for sale in Forest, Ontario. Explore the MLS listings at your leisure, and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the real estate market in Forest, Ontario.
Real Estate Market in Forest, Ontario
Located just a short drive from Sarnia, Forest, Ontario, is a community with lush greenery just off Lake Huron's shores in Lambton Shores County. According to the 2011 Census, Forest, Ontario has a population of 2,876 within an area of 5.26 square kilometers.
The median listing price of a home in Forest is $684,900 as of September 26, 2023 (stats taken from viewhomes.ca current MLS listing in Forest), similar to Canada’s national average MLS listing price, which is $650,140 as of August 2023. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a new home in Ontario, where property prices have risen steeply in recent years.
Forest, Ontario Overview
Forest is best known for its enchanting surroundings. Picture a time before time, when dense pine forests covered the landscape while misty mornings covered the forest floor with watery dew. The quaint town was built amidst this untamed land when the Grand Trunk Railroad was built nearby, calling the station “Forest” after seeing the pristine wilderness. Hickory Creek, cutting gracefully through the burgeoning town, supplied the necessary water source for the early steam engines, which created its first industries.
The first important building was the post office in 1859, strategically placed at the crossroads of three town boundaries: Warwick, Plimpton, and Bosanquet. Over time, these small towns merged with many nearby villages, making the vibrant community of Lambton Shores. Over time, being near the stunning shores of Lake Huron attracted many tourists, giving the area great liveliness in the summer.
In addition to tourism, a cluster of factories emerged, including canning, basketry, and fruit processing. Most notably, there was the automobile industry, which created many of the jobs in the area. Forest was moving into the modern era, nurturing its development while preserving its natural beauty.
Is Forest, Ontario a great place to live?
Living in Forest, Ontario you will have access to many great lifestyle activities and a strong sense of belonging. There’s the lawn bowling club, public tennis courts, a splash pad for kids, and numerous walking trails for those looking for a slower pace. For the more athletic energy filled people, there’s hockey and ringette, with the local enclosed arena, dance lessons at the community centre, baseball and soccer at the fields, and more.
Come autumn, you can enjoy the annual fall fair, made possible by the local agricultural society. It’s a time when the whole town gathers together to celebrate the year. History buffs will find their little nook at the Forest Museum, housed in the historic Forest Home Bakery Building. There, you’ll find many permanent displays depicting a wide range of Forest’s history, including First Nations artifacts and the military and fashion history of the area, plus the evolution of the town’s businesses, schools, and churches.
For the artistic-minded, the Forest Amphitheatre is one of the great jewels of Forest, found within the Esli Dodge Conservation Area in the southern part of town. The natural amphitheatre has a stage set on an island. With the surrounding hillsides, you’ll get to settle on lawn chairs or picnic blankets while you watch the summer performances. And if you’re a fan of country music, there’s the “Music In The Valley,” festival, a series of concerts set in the beautiful backdrop of Forest itself.
Last but not least, the cinephiles among you can rejoice, as the Kineto Theatre, one of the world’s oldest, has been a beloved part of Forest since 1917. Operated by the Kiwanis Club, it’s more than just another theatre; it’s a piece of cinema history. Complete with an old-timey concession booth and room for 225 guests, it’s the perfect getaway from a night. Forest truly understands how to blend the old with the new, giving all residents the best of both worlds.
Forest Community Highlights
- Scenic Heritage: Unsurprisingly, Forest's name pays homage to its richly forested areas. It’s a heritage that dates back to its railroad days when the Grand Trunk Railroad named the area after seeing the lush greenery.
- Lake Huron: The area's rich vegetation is partly thanks to it's prime location and Lake Huron’s scenic shoreline, which also provides spectacular beaches and water.
- Arts and Recreation: Forest offers plenty of exciting things to do, including an outdoor theater, many sports clubs, and a fascinating local museum to visit.
- Kineto Theatre: Enjoy movies at the Kineto Theatre, one of the oldest cinemas in the world, which opens for screenings every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Forest Area Schools
There are a few schools in Forest proper, with more options found in the Municipality of Lambton Shores.
- Kinnwood Central School (JK-8)
- St. John Fisher Catholic School (JK-8)
- North Lambton Secondary School (9-12)
Municipality of Lambton Shores Schools
- Bosanquet Central School (JK-8)
- Grand Bend Public School (JK-8)
- St. Patrick's High School (9-12)
Forest Amenities
- Olde Haus Cafe
- Java and Scoops
- LCBO
- Antiques on Main
- Strictly Sunrooms
- Forest Foodland
- The Beer Store
- Cana China Restaurant
- Skeeter Barlow's Forest - Restaurant
Are you looking for real estate professionals in Forest?
We will help you navigate today's real estate landscape in Forest. Save time by setting up a property search to send you properties daily that match your dream home criteria. What are you looking for? Maybe a open-concept design with tons of natural light pouring into your living room, 3 bedrooms 4 baths, open concept kitchen with large dining room or a unique layout with 5 bedrooms hosting a main floor master bedroom. Whatever your rare find might be we are here to help you find it with our multiple listing service. We are proud members of the Canadian Real Estate Association. Contact us today to get started!
