2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Lake Forest, CA vs Olympia, WA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Olympia older or younger than people in Lake Forest?
- The Median Age in Olympia is 1.7 years younger than in Lake Forest.

Are housing costs cheaper in Olympia or Lake Forest?
- Olympia housing costs are 49.6% less expensive than Lake Forest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Olympia or Lake Forest?
- The average commute for residents of Olympia is 5.5 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 Olympia?
Olympia, Washington is a scenic city located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Home to the majestic Mt. Rainier and Puget Sound, Olympia offers an unrivaled combination of urban amenities and spectacular natural beauty. Visitors can explore its vibrant downtown district with its numerous shops, galleries and restaurants or spend time outdoors enjoying activities like fishing, hiking, kayaking and bird watching. With a thriving arts community, diverse population and welcoming atmosphere, Olympia is a great place to visit or call home!

 Lake Forest, CAOlympia, WAUnited States
 Population  Unlock54,579329,725,481
 Median Income$117,374  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock38.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$937,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%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 Olympia    39 Reviews

We moved here from Kitsap Bremerton/Silverdale WA area and this beats it all the way in all material ways. The only reason not to give it 5 stars is the cost of  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

The city is horrible. The business have been chased out by homeless. The city government makes it for difficult for businesses to thrive. If you like what Seattle is  More

   |    Reply

Having lived all over the world we decided to retire in Olympia and live on the Puget Sound. Yes it rains but the weather can change dramatically in a day with sun and  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Olympia


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.