2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Appleton, WI vs Lake Forest, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Lake Forest older or younger than people in Appleton?
- The Median Age in Lake Forest is 9.9 years older than in Appleton.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Forest or Appleton?
- Lake Forest housing costs are 303.3% more expensive than Appleton housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Forest or Appleton?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Forest is 12.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Appleton.

Things to do in Appleton?
Appleton, Wisconsin is a vibrant city located in the Northeastern region of the United States. Home to attractions such as History Museum at the Castle and Hearthstone Historic House Museum, visitors can explore outdoor activities and historical sites when visiting Appleton. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and Heid Music Hall. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Appleton has something for everyone!

Things to do in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest, Illinois is a vibrant city located in Lake County. With its many shops and restaurants, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking an enjoyable night out or a fun day of shopping. For outdoor fans, Lake Forest offers beautiful parks and trails, plus beaches along the shore of Lake Michigan. Families looking to move to the area can rest assured that there are multiple schools with outstanding educational programs. Lake Forest has something to offer everyone — whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a great place to live.

 Appleton, WILake Forest, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock19,450329,725,481
 Median Income$68,364  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock46.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$222,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.26  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Appleton    23 Reviews

Just to clarify my earlier review, the people are generally unfriendly, except the overweight women( 90% of women here) are friendly. Tailgatings on 1-41 an 441 is very  More

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Over 7 years ago

Women here are very heavy. People are rude here, will cut you off in public and not say a word. People at the gym walk in and do not even look at you, even though you  More

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Over 8 years ago

Something is happening in Appleton. The place used to be called the shopping capital of Wisco. But, slowly this rather commercial-sounding moniker is being replaced by  More

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Reviews for Lake Forest    4 Reviews

We relocated cross county to Lake Forest about a year ago due to a job change. We looked at nearby communities, within proximity of the work commute (the office is in  More

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Be prepared for a so called upscale town with entitled, overpaid, snooty people from teenagers who sneer at you to adults who look you up and down, who make demands on a  More

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Over 15 years ago

Long cold winters, short cold springs, hot humid summers, nice  More

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