2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Charleston, WV vs Lake Forest, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Lake Forest older or younger than people in Charleston?
- The Median Age in Lake Forest is 1.6 years younger than in Charleston.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Forest or Charleston?
- Lake Forest housing costs are 503.3% more expensive than Charleston housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Forest or Charleston?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Forest is 9.8 minutes longer than it is for residents of Charleston.

Things to do in Charleston?
Charleston, West Virginia sits along the Kanawha River in the heart of Appalachia. This vibrant city has wonderful museums highlighting its rich history plus delicious local cuisine that combines Appalachian flavors with modern favorites. Outdoor activities abound with hiking trails in nearby state parks or exploring one of the many lakes for fishing or kayaking. Charleston is also home to lively musical venues showcasing everything from bluegrass music to jazz performers!

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.

 Charleston, WVLake Forest, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,516329,725,481
 Median Income$54,101  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$155,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.16  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Charleston    12 Reviews

Over 12 years ago

Charleston has a lot going on for being a small city. Capitol Street has great restaurants and Taylor Books, and Capitol Market is one of the best year-round farmers  More

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Over 12 years ago

Charleston has a lot going on for being a small city. Capitol Street has great restaurants and Taylor Books, and Capitol Market is one of the best year-round farmers  More

   |    Reply

Over 12 years ago

Charleston has a lot going on for being a small city. Capitol Street has great restaurants and Taylor Books, and Capitol Market is one of the best year-round farmers  More

   |    Reply

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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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