2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Lake Forest, IL vs Carmel, IN

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Highlights
Are people in Carmel older or younger than people in Lake Forest?
- The Median Age in Carmel is 6.1 years younger than in Lake Forest.

Are housing costs cheaper in Carmel or Lake Forest?
- Carmel housing costs are 45.1% less expensive than Lake Forest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Carmel or Lake Forest?
- The average commute for residents of Carmel is 7.0 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?
Carmel, Indiana is a beautiful city located in Hamilton County. Boasting an array of outdoor attractions like the Monon Trail and The Palladium at Carmel City Center, it's no wonder that visitors and locals alike enjoy spending time outdoors. There are also an abundance of cultural sites like The Center for the Performing Arts and the Museum of Miniature Houses. After exploring, visitors can satisfy their hunger with food from local favorites such as Upland Brewing Co or Puccini's Smiling Teeth Pizza & Pasta. With so much to offer, Carmel is an ideal destination for any traveler looking for an unforgettable experience!

 Lake Forest, ILCarmel, INUnited States
 Population  Unlock98,137329,725,481
 Median Income$194,267  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$898,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.0%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    26 Reviews

I moved to Carmel from France and I lived there for 20 years. I moved to Indianapolis recently (I miss Carmel). I liked Carmel because it is clean, safe, pretty, it has  More

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This place has just about every corporate chain hotel imaginable. I come for business, and it is a nice place to do business. Carmel seems to sucking the corporate  More

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Over 10 years ago

Carmel is hands down the best place to live in  More

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