2025 Compare Cities Overview:
McLean, VA vs Lake Forest, IL

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Lake Forest older or younger than people in McLean?
- The Median Age in Lake Forest is 0.0 years older than in McLean.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Forest or McLean?
- Lake Forest housing costs are 24.3% less expensive than McLean housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Forest or McLean?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Forest is 1.0 minutes longer than it is for residents of McLean.

Things to do in McLean?
McLean, VA is an affluent suburb located northwest of Washington D.C., but within Fairfax County's borders. This town of nearly 52,000 people hosts numerous shopping areas like Tyson Galleria and Tysons Corner Center as well as high quality public education options with several distinguished schools in the area.

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.

 McLean, VALake Forest, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock19,450329,725,481
 Median Income$242,610  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock46.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,186,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.16  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Mclean    7 Reviews

Over 12 years ago

McLean has superb QOL - inside the Beltway, rural feeling, easy commute to DC via nat'l parkway, influential  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

There are definitely four seasons here; but, the winters tend to be short and the summers  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

Very expensive housing here. We could never afford to buy  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Mclean

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Lake Forest


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.