2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Lake Forest, CA vs La Mesa, CA

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Highlights
Are people in La Mesa older or younger than people in Lake Forest?
- The Median Age in La Mesa is 4.1 years younger than in Lake Forest.

Are housing costs cheaper in La Mesa or Lake Forest?
- La Mesa housing costs are 21.4% less expensive than Lake Forest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, La Mesa or Lake Forest?
- The average commute for residents of La Mesa is 1.7 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 La Mesa?
La Mesa, California is a sunny city located in San Diego County. This vibrant community has plenty to offer anyone looking for an exciting place to live or visit. La Mesa has some of the best dining and shopping opportunities in the area, as well as access to several outdoor activities. Families will love the family-friendly attractions available throughout the area, such as roaming train rides and zoos. There are also great educational institutions nearby, making it a great place for students of all ages. With its beautiful weather year-round, La Mesa is an excellent destination to call home!

 Lake Forest, CALa Mesa, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock61,040329,725,481
 Median Income$117,374  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock3638.4
 Avg. Home Price$937,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.7%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

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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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Reviews for La Mesa    9 Reviews

The same San Diego prices and high taxes, but not the nice weather. 15 degrees hotter than the coast. Save the money and move to AZ if you like the climate in La Mesa.  More

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I now live in Wyoming but I was a third generation San Diegan, my maternal grandmother having been born on Coronado Island in 1894. If you are a new arrival to the  More

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I Need Correct Information I lived there Over 20 Years  More

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