2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Merced, CA vs Oak Forest, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Oak Forest older or younger than people in Merced?
- The Median Age in Oak Forest is 11.5 years older than in Merced.

Are housing costs cheaper in Oak Forest or Merced?
- Oak Forest housing costs are 29.8% less expensive than Merced housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Oak Forest or Merced?
- The average commute for residents of Oak Forest is 7.1 minutes longer than it is for residents of Merced.

Things to do in Merced?
Merced, California is a mid-sized city located in Central Valley known for its proximity to Yosemite National Park or Lake Yosemite making it an ideal spot for outdoor recreation.

Things to do in Oak Forest?
Oak Forest, IL is a hidden gem located within Cook County, just 8 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. Oak Forest offers big-city conveniences with small-town appeal - from tranquil tree-lined streets to lush green spaces - making it an attractive area for families looking for an affordable place to call home close to all the big city has to offer.

 Merced, CAOak Forest, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock27,445329,725,481
 Median Income$52,305  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$373,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.56  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Merced    44 Reviews

Merced is totally slept on - you want a little bit of everything CA has to offer, at a fraction of the price of other CA cities? Merced is the place to go. The town  More

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Over 5 years ago

Good place to live. More affordable than most of california. The city is growing and there is alot of business and growth here. Moved from the Bay area years ago and  More

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Great place to live. Lots of progress and changes coming to the city. Great place to raise a family. UC Merced is expanding and businesses are investing. Downtown is  More

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Reviews for Oak Forest    1 Reviews

Over 13 years ago

We moved here originally from Chicago to find good schools. We have not been disappointed. The housing is less expensive than the surrounding areas but the schools are  More

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