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

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Highlights
Are people in Lake Forest older or younger than people in Santa Maria?
- The Median Age in Lake Forest is 10.9 years older than in Santa Maria.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Forest or Santa Maria?
- Lake Forest housing costs are 65.9% more expensive than Santa Maria housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Forest or Santa Maria?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Forest is 5.2 minutes longer than it is for residents of Santa Maria.

Things to do in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria, California is a vibrant city located in Santa Barbara County. From its stunning coastal landscape to its various cultural attractions, there's something for everyone in Santa Maria! Visitors can explore outdoor activities like Pismo Beach or takein some culture at places like the Allan Hancock College Museum of Natural History. Plus, those looking for an educational experience can browse sites like the Fremont Theater or the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. And when they've had their fill of activities, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal from restaurants like Taqueria Don Beto or Mingos Mexican Restaurant. With so much to offer, Santa Maria makes for 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 Maria, CALake Forest, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,516329,725,481
 Median Income$73,300  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$565,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time20.79  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Maria    12 Reviews

Over 6 years ago

I live in Orcutt which is a town of around 35,000 on the south side of Santa Maria. Santa Maria has, as everyone has noted, the best climate in the world. It never  More

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I have lived in Santa Maria / Orcutt for several years, but it is time to leave. I have no issues with the weather. Our climate is mild and comfortable with no extremes.  More

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The weather is very mild without a huge temperature change with the seasons. The winters are chilly but not cold and the summers are warm but not hot. Of course there  More

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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

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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

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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

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