2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Sonora, CA vs Ridgecrest, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Ridgecrest older or younger than people in Sonora?
- The Median Age in Ridgecrest is 1.7 years younger than in Sonora.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ridgecrest or Sonora?
- Ridgecrest housing costs are 35.3% less expensive than Sonora housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ridgecrest or Sonora?
- The average commute for residents of Ridgecrest is 2.1 minutes longer than it is for residents of Sonora.

Things to do in Sonora?
Living in Sonora, CA is a beautiful experience. The small city has a population of only about 5,000, giving it a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. The downtown area is full of charming shops and restaurants that offer the perfect opportunity for exploring the local culture. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking the nearby mountains and forests or spending time at New Melones Lake. With its mild climate, Sonora provides plenty of warm days and crisp nights throughout the year. In addition to all these great features, there are also lots of exciting activities like concerts, festivals, and art galleries to explore. Sonora is truly an ideal place to call home!

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.

 Sonora, CARidgecrest, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock27,989329,725,481
 Median Income$56,279  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$379,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.33  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Sonora    15 Reviews

I have lived in Sonora for two and a half years and love it. Some of the earlier reviews I read scared me before coming. Here is what we have found. We live in a  More

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Over 4 years ago

I have lived here for 8 years and I absolutely hate it. This town is not built for all the people it has to accommodate. Everyone from the ENTIRE county comes here to do  More

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Lived here for 21 years since my family moved up from the valley (to get away from gang violence and other crime). Traffic doesn't pay attention constantly running  More

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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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