2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Lake Forest, CA vs Walnut Creek, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Walnut Creek older or younger than people in Lake Forest?
- The Median Age in Walnut Creek is 7.7 years older than in Lake Forest.

Are housing costs cheaper in Walnut Creek or Lake Forest?
- Walnut Creek housing costs are 9.3% more expensive than Lake Forest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Walnut Creek or Lake Forest?
- The average commute for residents of Walnut Creek is 7.6 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 Walnut Creek?
Walnut Creek, California is a vibrant city located in the northern region of the United States. Home to attractions such as Mount Diablo State Park and Ruth Bancroft Garden, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and nature when visiting Walnut Creek. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, shops, restaurants and performance venues such as Lesher Centre for the Arts and Contra Costa Musical Theatre. For entertainment, visitors can explore downtown shopping districts along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Walnut Creek has something for everyone!

 Lake Forest, CAWalnut Creek, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock69,876329,725,481
 Median Income$117,374  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock47.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$937,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.0%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 Walnut Creek    16 Reviews

Apart from the congestion, Walnut Creek is one of the best places in the San Francisco Bay Area to live. It is one of the most compact/walkable cities in the entire area  More

   |    Reply

Over 7 years ago

Almost all of Walnut Creek water comes from Pardee dam through an enclosed pipeline. That water is direct from the high Sierras. Among the best water quality in the  More

   |    Reply

Over 7 years ago

I grew up in Southern California and am no stranger to a more inland California climate. Before moving to WC I lived in San Francisco for 15 years where it is obviously  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Walnut Creek


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.