2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Lake Elsinore, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Lake Elsinore older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Lake Elsinore is 2.8 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Elsinore or Santa Cruz?
- Lake Elsinore housing costs are 58.5% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Elsinore or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Elsinore is 20.7 minutes longer than it is for residents of Santa Cruz.

Things to do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz, California is an incredible city located in the heart of the Monterey Bay area. This beautiful city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning natural beaches or the charming downtown area. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Santa Cruz their home.

Things to do in Lake Elsinore?
Lake Elsinore, California is a vibrant city located in the heart of Riverside County. This welcoming community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the Diamond Stadium or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Lake Elsinore Recreational Area, The Wildomar Off-Highway Vehicle Areas, and Ortega Oak Preserve Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Lake Elsinore their home.

 Santa Cruz, CALake Elsinore, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock68,822329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock31.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.45  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Cruz    44 Reviews

I lived in the Santa Cruz area for 20 years. UCSC alum. Our kids were born there. There are wonderful things about Santa Cruz, but also many serious problems that we  More

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Over 5 years ago

I have been here for four generations! My kids are the fifth. I guess that should tell you how wonderful it is here, at least for us. It's so cool to have world class  More

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I was born over the hill in San Jose area, and as a kid I loved coming over to the boardwalk. Santa Cruz has always been and always will be a town of diversity,  More

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Reviews for Lake Elsinore    10 Reviews

The new comfort index for Lake Elsinore is 78. I lived in Lake Elsinore for 10 years, and there are usually 100+ days that the temperature is over 90, and several weeks  More

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8/23/2013 To someone thinking of moving to Lake Elsinore I really want to write this to you because I was in you position a year and a half ago. I was living in Delmar  More

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Over 15 years ago

How is the area near the Ortegas? I see a lot of families. Is this a good place for kids and  More

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