2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ridgecrest, CA vs Van Buren, AR

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Highlights
Are people in Van Buren older or younger than people in Ridgecrest?
- The Median Age in Van Buren is 1.5 years younger than in Ridgecrest.

Are housing costs cheaper in Van Buren or Ridgecrest?
- Van Buren housing costs are 29.4% less expensive than Ridgecrest housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Van Buren or Ridgecrest?
- The average commute for residents of Van Buren is 3.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Ridgecrest.

Things to do in Ridgecrest?
Located in the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert, Ridgecrest is a city in Kern County known for its rich cultural and recreational activities. With a population of over 27,000, this growing city offers attractions such as the desert landscape and nearby mountains, along with local events and recreation opportunities.

Things to do in Van Buren?
Van Buren is a town in Crawford County, Arkansas with a population of about 25,000 people. Located just east of Fort Smith, this historic town was once the second largest in the state and provided trade and transportation services to travelers along the Arkansas River. Van Buren offers numerous attractions such as Park Hill Park, Lake Fort Smith State Park and the Van Buren Historic District. It also boasts top-notch eateries like Emma Jean’s BBQ, shopping options at downtown stores and galleries, entertainment venues like King Opera House Theatre and more. From outdoor activities to historical tours and cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in Van Buren.

 Ridgecrest, CAVan Buren, ARUnited States
 Population  Unlock23,213329,725,481
 Median Income$77,534  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$245,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.43  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Ridgecrest    7 Reviews

For context, I grew up in Ridgecrest and moved away after graduating high school. I have since lived in LA and the Bay Area but I visit RC often. RC is in the high  More

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Ridgecrest and Kern County are red state bastions in a land of blue voting counties. If you want a concealed weapons permit, you'll get it. Want to own any firearm  More

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Over 13 years ago

The hardest thing to get used to in Ridgecrest is the weather. It can get quite windy. And hot. 115 hot. But it's a dry heat! It does cool off in the evening, and it  More

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Reviews for Van Buren    2 Reviews

We moved to Arkansas (and to Van Buren) 4 years ago from the metro Houston, Texas area. We were sick of the traffic and crime that comes with living in a large city.   More

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Over 18 years ago

I don't like Arkansas. It's pretty, but the pay sucks. Taxes are very high, and so are  More

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