2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Charlottesville, VA vs Lake Forest, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Lake Forest older or younger than people in Charlottesville?
- The Median Age in Lake Forest is 7.6 years older than in Charlottesville.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Forest or Charlottesville?
- Lake Forest housing costs are 118.3% more expensive than Charlottesville housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Forest or Charlottesville?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Forest is 8.2 minutes longer than it is for residents of Charlottesville.

Things to do in Charlottesville?
Charlottesville, Virginia lies between Richmond & Washington D.C., making it an ideal spot for those who want access to urban life without actually living in a big city environment. Home to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate, Charlottesville boasts gorgeous architecture plus numerous wineries & eateries where you can sample some amazing local cuisine. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound here too: take your pick from hikes through beautiful mountain trails or canoeing down Big Run Creek - both will leave you with lasting memories!

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.

 Charlottesville, VALake Forest, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,516329,725,481
 Median Income$63,470  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$429,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.78  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Charlottesville    44 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I have lived in Charlottesville, Albemarle County for 25 years. It USED to be a decent place but in the past 10 years has gone downhill. Rent is TOO high, landlords are  More

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Over 4 years ago

Loved here for 7 years, lots of parks and close proximity to Shenandoah, but that’s where the positives end. High cost of living with extreme income inequality,  More

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Over 4 years ago

Charlottesville resident for 7 years. Plenty of parks, the Rivanna River and trail, and a short drive to Shenandoah National Park means plenty of opportunities for  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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