2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Lake Forest, CA vs National City, CA

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Highlights
Are people in National City older or younger than people in Lake Forest?
- The Median Age in National City is 3.3 years younger than in Lake Forest.

Are housing costs cheaper in National City or Lake Forest?
- National City housing costs are 37.7% less expensive than Lake Forest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, National City or Lake Forest?
- The average commute for residents of National City is 1.4 minutes longer 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 National City?
National City, California is a vibrant city located in San Diego County. This welcoming community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning Kimball Park or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Pepper Park and 24th Street Park. With its excellent school system, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make National City their home.

 Lake Forest, CANational City, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock56,846329,725,481
 Median Income$117,374  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$937,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock10.1%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

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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 National City    1 Reviews

When you can't afford to live anywhere else in the main San Diego metro area...you live in National City or El Cajon. El Cajon has the higher poverty rate, but National  More

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