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

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Durham older or younger than people in Lake Forest?
- The Median Age in Durham is 5.5 years younger than in Lake Forest.

Are housing costs cheaper in Durham or Lake Forest?
- Durham housing costs are 58.6% less expensive than Lake Forest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Durham or Lake Forest?
- The average commute for residents of Durham is 3.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Lake Forest.

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.

Things to do in Durham?
Durham, North Carolina is a city with something for everyone. Explore the unique culture of downtown Durham and visit its many museums, art galleries, theatres, and shops. Take a walk through Duke Gardens or listen to live music at the bustling American Tobacco Campus. Visit the restored Bennett Place Historic Site and learn about the historic Civil War Battle of Bennett Place. For those looking for outdoor recreation, explore Eno River State Park or Lake Jordan. From world-class education to local craft breweries - Durham offers something special to all who visit!

 Lake Forest, CADurham, NCUnited States
 Population  Unlock279,106329,725,481
 Median Income$117,374  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$937,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time26  Unlock26.38
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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Lake Forest

Reviews for Durham    43 Reviews

I was raised in this city, left for work in the 2010s, and returned in 2018. This city has changed a lot over the years for the better. Growing up there was not a ton to  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

I've lived in durham for a few years and my experience is coming from someone who has traveled all over the world and has lived in many different states. First things  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

I live here for my entire life and it has never gotten boring, I love the scenery, nightlife and basically everything here. There is always something new to do and  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Durham


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.