2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Lake Forest, IL vs San Mateo, CA

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Highlights
Are people in San Mateo older or younger than people in Lake Forest?
- The Median Age in San Mateo is 8.7 years younger than in Lake Forest.

Are housing costs cheaper in San Mateo or Lake Forest?
- San Mateo housing costs are 53.4% more expensive than Lake Forest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, San Mateo or Lake Forest?
- The average commute for residents of San Mateo is 3.4 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 San Mateo?
San Mateo, California is a vibrant city located in San Mateo County. From its breathtaking views to its many cultural attractions, San Mateo has something for everyone! Outdoor activities like Coyote Point Recreation Area and Golden Gate National Recreation Area will keep visitors entertained all day long. Plus, those looking for an educational experience can browse places like the San Mateo Main Library or the Museum of San Carlos History. And when they've had their fill of activities, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal from restaurants like The Fish Market or Los Primos Mexican Restaurant. With so much to offer, San Mateo is an ideal destination for a memorable experience!

 Lake Forest, ILSan Mateo, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock105,087329,725,481
 Median Income$194,267  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$898,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.4%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 San Mateo    12 Reviews

I have lived in San Mateo since 2013. It has seen tremendous growth, lots of new restaurants which have become progressively more high-end though there is ample  More

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I'm a native of California. I have lived in the southern part of the state and the northern part of the state for most of my life. I have spent the last 29 years in  More

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Over 15 years ago

San Mateo has a diverse mix of people, a pleasant climate, a very pleasant downtown park with lots going on, and pretty much whatever you need handy. It's not far to  More

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