2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Ana, CA vs Lake Forest, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Lake Forest older or younger than people in Santa Ana?
- The Median Age in Lake Forest is 7.1 years older than in Santa Ana.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Forest or Santa Ana?
- Lake Forest housing costs are 34.2% more expensive than Santa Ana housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Forest or Santa Ana?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Forest is 0.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Santa Ana.

Things to do in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana, California is an exciting city with plenty of opportunities to explore. Visitors can take a stroll through the historic Artist Village or get up close and personal with exotic wildlife at the Santa Ana Zoo. Foodies can sample more than just tacos at 4th Street Market or dine on fresh seafood at one of the many seafood restaurants in town. Shoppers can search for unique finds in the city's boutiques or find clothing bargains at South Coast Plaza. Art enthusiasts will appreciate visiting the Bowers Museum to view its vast collection of works from around the world. With its central location, diverse culture, and tropical climate, Santa Ana promises to provide any visitor with an unforgettable experience.

Things to do in Lake Forest?
Lake Forest, California markets itself as the ultimate Southern California lifestyle with numerous parks, shopping centers, and miles of trails giving visitors plenty of options for an active lifestyle.

 Santa Ana, CALake Forest, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,516329,725,481
 Median Income$77,283  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$698,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time25.12  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Ana    15 Reviews

Over 7 years ago

The Suit Co is a family owned business dedicated to bringing you the best and most fashionable suits in the industry. Our company philosophy is to combine quality fabric  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

education  More

   |    Reply

I live in Santa Ana in a crappy economy, everyone is out to get everyone. Everyone is screwing everyone to get business. There are no jobs, most of people in the mid  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Ana

Reviews for Lake Forest    16 Reviews

I've lived in Lake Forest for over a decade, before that elsewhere in OC and also up in LA. Lake Forest isn't perfect but it's really improved over the past decade,  More

   |    Reply

As a retired senior who has lived in Lake Forest (formerly El Toro) since 1977 I think LF is a great place if you can afford it. When we moved here in June '77 homes  More

   |    Reply

I’ve lived here for 2 years. Ok, it’s more like a 4 but there are so many idiots downplaying what it’s like here and giving Lake Forest ones and twos. There are a lot of  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.