Gilbert, AZ vs Lake Forest, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Gilbert
72.3
#903 nationally
Lake Forest
65.3
#1638 nationally
Gilbert leads in cost of living index (112 vs 181). Lake Forest leads in walk score (41 vs 28). Lake Forest leads in median household income ($128,358 vs $105,842).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Gilbert, AZ | Lake Forest, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.3 (#903) | 65.3 (#1638) |
| Population | 275,411 | 85,840 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $570,915 | $1,187,225 |
| Median Household Income | $105,842 | $128,358 |
| Average Commute | 27.8 min | 24.6 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 41 |
| Crime Level | Very Low | 4.0 |
| School Rating | 8.6 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 181 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+3.5 | D+2.6 |
C-
72.3 Score
Gilbert, AZ
Fastest-growing town turned family haven
Median Home
$570,915
Population
275,411
Crime
Very Low
Schools
A
Southwest
View Gilbert, AZ →
D
65.3 Score
Lake Forest, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,187,225
Population
85,840
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
41
Pacific
View Lake Forest, CA →
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