2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Austin, TX vs Lake Forest, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Lake Forest older or younger than people in Austin?
- The Median Age in Lake Forest is 6.2 years older than in Austin.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Forest or Austin?
- Lake Forest housing costs are 62.4% more expensive than Austin housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Forest or Austin?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Forest is 1.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Austin.

Things to do in Austin?
Austin, Texas is a vibrant city known for its eclectic culture, delicious food, and outdoor activities. Home to world renowned music venues like the Moody Theater and the Cactus Café, visitors can explore a wide range of genres such as country, rock and roll, blues, jazz, funk and more. The city also offers a plethora of unique restaurants featuring everything from traditional Tex-Mex dishes to innovative gastronomy creations. Nature lovers will find plenty to do with Austin's network of trails perfect for hiking and biking. With its creative spirit and endless opportunities to explore - Austin is a great place for any traveler looking for an unforgettable adventure!

Things to do in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest, California markets itself as the ultimate Southern California lifestyle with numerous parks, shopping centers, and miles of trails giving visitors plenty of options for an active lifestyle.

 Austin, TXLake Forest, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,516329,725,481
 Median Income$78,965  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$577,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time24.11  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Austin    449 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

Good place to visit.  More

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Austin is too expensive. Let's get that out of the way. Other than that it is a fun city. Ladybird Lake makes the city, imo. The ability to stand up paddle, kayak, walk  More

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The city continues to grow quickly, which a lot of people don't like. I get it, you fall in love with a city, and it's growing so fast that you don't recognize the same  More

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Reviews for Lake Forest    16 Reviews

I've lived in Lake Forest for over a decade, before that elsewhere in OC and also up in LA. Lake Forest isn't perfect but it's really improved over the past decade,  More

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As a retired senior who has lived in Lake Forest (formerly El Toro) since 1977 I think LF is a great place if you can afford it. When we moved here in June '77 homes  More

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I’ve lived here for 2 years. Ok, it’s more like a 4 but there are so many idiots downplaying what it’s like here and giving Lake Forest ones and twos. There are a lot of  More

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