2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Lake Stevens, WA

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Highlights
Are people in Lake Stevens older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Lake Stevens is 5.5 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Stevens or Santa Cruz?
- Lake Stevens housing costs are 50.3% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Stevens or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Stevens is 9.3 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 Stevens?
Lake Stevens, WA sits just east of Everett providing its residents with easy access to numerous natural attractions from hiking trails to boulder fields scattered throughout the area.

 Santa Cruz, CALake Stevens, WAUnited States
 Population  Unlock35,135329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.5%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 Stevens    7 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

I lived all over the country and the world for 27 yrs and moved into Lake Stevens 12 yrs ago. Absolutely a great place to live! Our 3 girls have done well in the  More

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My family and I lived in Lake Stevens for 7 years (2000 to 2007). It is a nice bedroom community that has good schools (get involved parents), low crime, and an ok lake  More

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10 years ago Lake Stevens was a nice little quiet town. Small town politics created their own megajobs, money, power and infighting. 2007 had a mayoral coups d'etats  More

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