2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Des Plaines, IL vs Lake Forest, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Lake Forest older or younger than people in Des Plaines?
- The Median Age in Lake Forest is 2.2 years younger than in Des Plaines.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Forest or Des Plaines?
- Lake Forest housing costs are 250.3% more expensive than Des Plaines housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Forest or Des Plaines?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Forest is 2.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Des Plaines.

Things to do in Des Plaines?
Des Plaines, Illinois is a vibrant and thriving city located just outside of Chicago. This bustling town offers a unique mix of small town charm and big city energy with plenty of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. There are also several concert venues, theatres, and museums to explore while in Des Plaines. Visitors can also enjoy a wide array of activities from antiquing to golfing if they're looking for something more active. Whatever you choose to do there's no doubt that Des Plaines will make your stay enjoyable!

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.

 Des Plaines, ILLake Forest, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,516329,725,481
 Median Income$79,453  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$267,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.35  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Des Plaines    4 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

low  More

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Over 16 years ago

The historic center of des plaines is also downtown. Fairly easy commute to Chicago. The metra is right there. Also there is the Des Plaines public library with a great  More

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Over 18 years ago

Changing of the seasons is good. But it's too cold for too  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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