2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Cary, NC vs Lake Forest, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Lake Forest older or younger than people in Cary?
- The Median Age in Lake Forest is 1.0 years older than in Cary.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Forest or Cary?
- Lake Forest housing costs are 63.2% more expensive than Cary housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Forest or Cary?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Forest is 3.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Cary.

Things to do in Cary?
Cary, North Carolina is a vibrant city located in the heart of the Research Triangle. With its close proximity to Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, Cary offers something for everyone. Nature-lovers can explore the beauty of Pine Hollow Park or take part in outdoor recreation at Umstead State Park. For culture and entertainment, visitors can enjoy visits to local museums and galleries, as well as lively music venues and nightlife hotspots. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Cary has something for everyone!

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.

 Cary, NCLake Forest, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,516329,725,481
 Median Income$113,782  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$574,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.73  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Cary    63 Reviews

Cary is up-and-coming “cool.” The downtown is revitalized and growing. The town takes urban planning very seriously. The home prices have definitely spiked in the last  More

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Over 8 years ago

I've lived in NY, CT, MA, and in Miami FL. Now here in Cary NC for the past 10 years. For what I want and need at this phase of my life, I really like it here! All the  More

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Over 8 years ago

As a Real Estate Agent, I consider Cary the most central location in the Triangle, it basically takes you twenty minutes to get to Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough,   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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