2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Lake Forest, IL vs Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Carmel-by-the-Sea older or younger than people in Lake Forest?
- The Median Age in Carmel-by-the-Sea is 17.2 years older than in Lake Forest.

Are housing costs cheaper in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Lake Forest?
- Carmel-by-the-Sea housing costs are 113.2% more expensive than Lake Forest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Carmel-by-the-Sea or Lake Forest?
- The average commute for residents of Carmel-by-the-Sea is 8.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Lake Forest.

Things to do in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest, Illinois is a vibrant city located in Lake County. With its many shops and restaurants, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking an enjoyable night out or a fun day of shopping. For outdoor fans, Lake Forest offers beautiful parks and trails, plus beaches along the shore of Lake Michigan. Families looking to move to the area can rest assured that there are multiple schools with outstanding educational programs. Lake Forest has something to offer everyone — whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a great place to live.

Things to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Living in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA is like living in paradise. With its beautiful white sand beaches, stunning ocean views, and colorful gardens, it's easy to see why so many people are drawn to this picturesque city. Its unique shops, restaurants and galleries provide visitors with a unique shopping experience while its numerous parks and trails offer plenty of outdoor activities for all ages. The climate is mild year round, making it the perfect spot for vacationers or those looking for a permanent home. The quaint downtown area of Carmel-by-the-Sea provides a relaxed atmosphere that makes it one of the most desirable places to live on the Central Coast.

 Lake Forest, ILCarmel-by-the-Sea, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock3,296329,725,481
 Median Income$194,267  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock63.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$898,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock10.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time31.2  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Lake Forest    4 Reviews

We relocated cross county to Lake Forest about a year ago due to a job change. We looked at nearby communities, within proximity of the work commute (the office is in  More

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Be prepared for a so called upscale town with entitled, overpaid, snooty people from teenagers who sneer at you to adults who look you up and down, who make demands on a  More

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Over 15 years ago

Long cold winters, short cold springs, hot humid summers, nice  More

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Reviews for Carmel-By-The-Sea    3 Reviews

Over 9 years ago

Climate, cost &  More

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carmel has about 60 vacation homes and a dense cottage-y downtown. basically it is a tourist trap cental business district and a bunch of vacation rental homes. the  More

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Over 17 years ago

Liberals have run me out of town. The political is so overwhelming I am looking to relocate. However, if you are an aging hippie with a great deal of money you will be  More

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