2025 Compare Cities Overview:
West Des Moines, IA vs Lake Forest, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Lake Forest older or younger than people in West Des Moines?
- The Median Age in Lake Forest is 4.0 years older than in West Des Moines.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Forest or West Des Moines?
- Lake Forest housing costs are 232.1% more expensive than West Des Moines housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Forest or West Des Moines?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Forest is 8.8 minutes longer than it is for residents of West Des Moines.

Things to do in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines, Iowa is a vibrant city located in the greater Des Moines area. This lively town offers an array of exciting attractions for visitors to explore such as the beautiful Living History Farms or the thrilling Adventureland Amusement Park. Residents here also enjoy plenty of outdoor activities at Raccoon River or Water Works Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and wide range of recreational activities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make West Des Moines their home.

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.

 West Des Moines, IALake Forest, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,516329,725,481
 Median Income$76,564  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock40.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$282,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.17  Unlock26.38
Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

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Over 16 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

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We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  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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