2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Lake Forest, CA vs Santa Margarita, CA

Are people in Santa Margarita older or younger than people in Lake Forest?
- The Median Age in Santa Margarita is 5.9 years older than in Lake Forest.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Margarita or Lake Forest?
- Santa Margarita housing costs are 6.1% less expensive than Lake Forest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Margarita or Lake Forest?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Margarita is 4.2 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 Santa Margarita?
Living in Santa Margarita, CA is like living in paradise. The small town of just over 1,800 people has an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, making it a great place to raise a family or retire. The mild weather allows for year-round enjoyment of the outdoors with plenty of sunshine as well as snow skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains. Local amenities include shopping centers, restaurants, churches and parks all within walking distance. With its close proximity to the coast and Central Coast wine country combined with its small-town atmosphere and friendly neighbors, Santa Margarita is truly a special place to live.