Forest Lakes, AZ Real Estate
Find Your Perfect Mountain Retreat in Forest Lakes, Arizona
Work with Dennis Riccio, your local Realtor and West USA agent.
Live High, Breathe Easy - Discover Houses for Sale in Forest Lakes, AZ
Situated high atop the Mogollon Rim, Forest Lakes is a peaceful escape surrounded by towering pines and cool mountain air. Just 38 miles east of Payson, this quiet Rim Country community offers an unmatched mix of privacy, scenery, and outdoor adventure.
- Cool, four-season climate at 7,500 ft elevation
- Surrounded by Apache-Sitgreaves and Tonto National Forests
- Close to Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, and Chevelon Lakes
- Variety of cabins, custom homes, and forested lots
Whether you’re looking for a summer retreat or a full-time mountain home for sale in Forest Lakes, Dennis Riccio can help you find your perfect place in Forest Lakes, AZ.
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Real Estate Market in Forest Lakes, AZ
Forest Lakes offers a quiet mountain escape surrounded by national forest land. You’ll find everything from ready-to-build lots to vintage cabins, and modern homes to buy near Forest Lakes.
- Cabins & Timber Homes – Enjoy classic log and timber-frame designs tucked among the trees, offering rustic charm with modern updates.
- Acre Lots & Site-Built Homes – Many properties sit on one-acre parcels, perfect for expansion or custom builds.
- RV & Park Model Lots – Great for seasonal residents looking for a low-maintenance getaway.
- Custom Retreat Potential – Larger parcels allow space for dream mountain homes with open forest views.
Don’t worry if you’re a first-time home buyer! Dennis Riccio can help you find the right property for sale in Forest Lakes, understand zoning, and guide you through every step of your mountain home search.
Recreation Hub and the Best Neighborhoods in Forest Lakes
Strawberry may be small, but it has a lot of character and diversity. Each area has its own charm, views, and lifestyle for homeowners and land buyers.
Woods Canyon Lake
Go fishing, kayaking, or camp by the pines.
Mogollon Rim Trails
Take in sweeping Rim views on scenic hikes.
General Crook Trail
Great for hiking, biking, and exploring history.
Tonto National Forest
Enjoy endless forest views and wildlife spotting.
Rim Lakes Vista Trail
Perfect for birdwatching and peaceful walks.
Knoll Lake
A quiet spot for camping, picnics, and summer fun.
Rim Country Recreation Hub
Discover more local trails, lakes, and outdoor escapes.
Reach out any time.
Outdoor Recreation and Nearby Lakes
Building or Owning a Cabin in Forest Lakes
Buying a house in Forest Lakes means living with peace, privacy, and independence in Arizona’s high country.
- Rural Comforts – Most houses for sale in Forest Lakes use private wells, septic, and propane for easy off-grid living.
- Seasonal Living – Roads are plowed, but many owners winterize cabins during snowy months.
- County Oversight – Coconino County handles permits and inspections for new builds.
- Quiet Escape – No city noise or lights, just tall pines and mountain calm.
How Can I (Dennis Riccio) Help You?
Buying or selling any land in Forest Lakes isn’t just about cabins; it’s about enjoying Rim Country’s mountain lifestyle. I can help make your real estate investment journey easy and rewarding.
- I’ll schedule private showings and give you a full tour of the area from lake access points to forest trails.
- I help you stay ahead of the market with instant MLS updates for Forest Lakes properties that fit your price range and goals.
- If you want to know about your Forest Lakes property values, I’ll provide you with a free, no-obligation home value report to see where your property stands in today’s market.
- As a local Rim Country top Realtor, I’ll share key details about Forest Lakes, from zoning and access to utilities to the best areas to live year-round or seasonally.
Lifestyle and Community in Forest Lakes
Community Events
From pancake breakfasts to craft markets and local cleanups, Forest Lakes hosts simple, welcoming gatherings.
Volunteer Spirit
Local groups, the fire district, and the community center keep the community strong.
Peaceful Living
Star-filled nights, crisp mornings, and quiet pine-scented air make every day feel like a retreat.
Nearby Amenities
For shopping, dining, and entertainment, residents often visit Payson, which is just a scenic 45-minute drive away.
Why Work With Dennis Riccio
LOCAL-BASED
Born and raised in Arizona, David knows Forest Lakes and the Rim Country region completely, from hidden cabin spots to market patterns and local zoning rules.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
A licensed REALTOR® with West USA Realty, David specializes in helping clients buy and sell cabins, land, and mountain homes throughout Forest Lakes and nearby areas.
Legal Knowledge
With a J.D. in law, David brings an extra layer of protection and confidence to every transaction, so your purchase or sale is smooth and compliant.
Local Network
Over the years, David has built trusted relationships with local lenders, inspectors, builders, and contractors, making your buying or selling process effortless.
Personalized Support
Looking for a cozy weekend cabin, a buildable lot, or to buy a property in Forest Lakes? Dennis Riccio offers personalized guidance from start to finish.
Proven Results
With years of success in Rim Country real estate, David consistently helps home buyers in Forest Lakes find and secure their ideal property with confidence.
AFFILIATION & TRUST PARTNERS
Start Your Forest Lakes Real Estate Investment with Dennis Riccio
As a long-time Realtor in Rim Country and current President of the Central Arizona Association of REALTORS®, I’ve had the privilege of helping many clients discover Forest Lakes.
It’s one of the few places in Arizona where you can fish in the morning, hike by afternoon, and relax by a fire under star-filled skies that seem close enough to touch.
Whether you’re searching for a seasonal escape or a full-time residence, I can help you explore the latest real estate listings in Forest Lakes and hidden opportunities throughout Rim Country.
Schedule a private showing, request a custom market report, or sign up to receive Forest Lakes listing alerts delivered straight to your inbox. CALL NOW!
TESTIMONIALS
POPULAR TOWNS IN AZ TO CALL HOME
- Alpine Heights
- Alpine Ridge
- Alpine Village
- Alva Drive Area
- Bear Flat
- Beaver Valley
- Bentley Subdivision
- Blue Ridge Area
- Bonita Creek
- Bonita Pines Condos
- Boulder Creek
- Brook Chris Crk
- Brookview Terrace 1
- Brookview Terrace 2
- Blue Ridge Est
- Bonita Mobile Court
- Buena Vista Terrace
- Canyon Shadows
- Bison Cove
- Canyon River Ranch
- Berry Hill
FAQ’S
- Forest Lakes features a mix of cozy log cabins, site-built mountain homes, and rustic-style retreats, all surrounded by tall pines and nature.
- Most properties sit on one-acre forested lots, giving homeowners plenty of privacy and space.
- You’ll also find cleared lots ready for new construction and smaller parcels ideal for RVs or park models.
Whether you want a traditional cabin with a wood-burning fireplace or a modern mountain home with all the amenities, there’s something for every lifestyle and budget.
No, Forest Lakes isn’t officially part of Payson. It’s an unincorporated community located in Coconino County, though many people include it when referring to the broader Rim Country area.
Payson is the nearest town with major amenities, such as grocery stores, medical care, and restaurants, and is about a 45-minute drive away. So, you can enjoy the peace of Forest Lakes while still being close enough to conveniences when needed.
Most properties in Forest Lakes do not have homeowners’ associations (HOAs), which is one of the reasons people love the area. It gives you more flexibility and freedom to enjoy your property your way. However, a few neighborhoods have informal road maintenance or community associations that help with shared upkeep during snowy or rainy seasons.
If you’re unsure about a particular property, Dennis can help you check all the details. His local expertise helps you know exactly what to expect before you buy.
Yes, short-term rentals, like vacation cabins or weekend getaways in Forest Lakes, are generally allowed.
Many homeowners in Forest Lakes rent their cabins seasonally to visitors looking to enjoy fishing, hiking, or simply escaping the desert heat. That said, since Forest Lakes is in Coconino County, property owners must comply with local county regulations, such as obtaining the proper permits and following occupancy and safety rules.
This is where Dennis’s expertise really helps. With his deep knowledge of Forest Lakes and county regulations, Dennis can walk you through every step from checking property eligibility and understanding county rules to helping you list your cabin the right way if you plan to rent it out. His guidance makes the process smooth, compliant, and stress-free.
- Forest Lakes doesn’t have city utilities like water or sewer systems. Instead, most luxury homes for sale in the area use private wells for water, septic systems for wastewater, and propane tanks for heating and cooking.
- For the internet, many residents rely on satellite or Starlink service, which works well in similar remote communities.
While these systems are independent, they are reliable and well-suited to the area’s off-grid lifestyle. It’s part of what gives Forest Lakes its peaceful, self-sufficient charm.
If you are buying a property in Forest Lakes, you can enjoy a true four-season climate - cool summers, colorful autumns, snowy winters, and mild springs.
- In summer, daytime highs are usually in the 70s, offering a refreshing escape from the desert heat.
- Winters bring occasional snowfall, with average daytime temperatures in the 40s.
- The elevation keeps the air crisp and clean, and nights are perfect for stargazing.
Many people choose to buy a property in Forest Lakes because it’s one of the few Arizona communities where you can enjoy all four seasons without extreme weather.