Set among the pines of the National Forest, the small city of Crestline serves as a gateway from the city of San Bernardino to the San Bernardino Mountains. “Driving about 17 miles up from the city, it’s the first mountain town you get to,” says Cindy Seddon, Realtor at Keller Williams Empire Estates with seven years of experience. “Tourism is common here in San Moritz Canyon, so many people rent out properties as Airbnbs.” Crestline is known for embracing a Swiss-inspired aesthetic; mountain chalets and hidden yodeler carvings are scattered throughout town. Home to around 9,100 full-time residents, Crestline is particularly popular in the summer for fishing, boating and swimming on the 84-acre Lake Gregory. Its proximity to Lake Arrowhead is another driver for the city's popularity, sometimes serving as a more affordable option for lodging in Lake Arrowhead's busy winter seasons.
Take in the beauty of the forest by boat at Lake Gregory in Crestline.
Alpine homes live in the forests of Crestline.
Lake Gregory hosts many events on the water during the summer.
Crestline's proximity to Lake Arrowhead is another driver for the city's popularity.
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Rustic charm at a fraction of state prices
As of late 2024, Crestline’s median home price is is about $360,000, lower than Big Bear’s approximate $585,000 and significantly lower than California’s approximate $890,000. Homes here tend to stay on the market for about 77 days, longer than the national average of 44 days. Neighborhood avenues and quiet cul-de-sacs curve through the woodsy hillsides. Rustic cabins and A-frames peek through the evergreens. Some homes have neutral siding, while others are painted in bright colors. Prices range from $120,000 for a one-bedroom fixer-upper to $750,000 for a four-bedroom with two garages. “Crestline is one of the most affordable mountain communities,” says Scott Gee, Real Estate Agent at Realty Masters & Associates with over 13 years of experience. "Homes here are thousands less than homes 10 miles away in Lake Arrowhead.”
Crestline homes offer alpine and chalet-inspired comfort and style.
Cozy A-frame home feature Swiss-inspired appeal in Crestline.
Stone and wood accents warm up this cozy rustic cabin in Crestline.
Crestline's custom homes have modern cabin appeal.
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Rim of the World and Hesperia Unified Districts
Serving 2,900 students, Rim of the World Unified School District earns a C from Niche. The district includes three elementary schools, one intermediate school and two high schools. Hesperia Unified School District also serves a small portion of Crestline.
Valley of Enchantment Elementary in Crestline serves San Bernardino Mountain students.
A tall blue entrance welcomes you to Mary P. Henck Intermediate School of Lake Arrowhead.
Rim of the World High School of Lake Arrowhead is home to the Scots.
Ranchero Middle School, in Hesperia, is dedicated to equipping students with essential skills.
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Standout parks on Lake Gregory
Lake Gregory Regional Park is where residents head in the summer for paddleboarding, waterslides and 4th of July fireworks on the water. Boat ramps and tackle shops prepare anglers and kayakers for long days out on the water. At the park, the Community Market hosts food vendors and live music acts every Friday during the summer. Other events by the lake include the biweekly Senior Luncheon at San Moritz Lodge. Smaller pocket parks like Cedar Pines Community Park are closer to residential streets, where families can unwind on the playground. Residential roads often end at backpacking trailheads, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy a walk in the woods.
Enjoy some water activities at Lake Gregory in Crestline.
Residents and tourists will enjoy the serene afternoons on Lake Gregory in Crestline.
There are many booths with great items at the Community Market at Lake Gregory.
Take a stroll along the water at Lake Gregory Fitness Trail in Crestline.
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Shopping and dining along Lake Drive
Crestline’s diverse locally owned businesses, from novelty boutiques, Mexican restaurants and small markets and thrift shops, are set along Lake Drive on the way to Lake Gregory. A few restaurants offer patio dining with views of the lake. More shopping awaits at Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear.
You can find the best bargains on second hand items at Doves Nest Thrift Store.
Find great bargains on designer bags and more at Coach Outlet in Lake Arrowhead.
Higher Grounds Coffee serves some fresh hot brews in Crestline.
Toni's Kitchen Mexican Food is located on Lake Dr with easy access to Lake Gregory.
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Key routes through the mountains
State Highway 138 intersects in Crestline, connecting with State Highway 18 on the southern end of the city. Highway 18, also known as the “Rim of the World Highway,” connects Crestline to San Bernardino, approximately 23 miles away. Rim of the World Scenic Byway winds through the center of Crestline; this main road stretches through the mountains, north toward the High Desert and south to San Bernardino. Free public transport is also available: Route 2 of Mountain Transit takes riders around Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Valley of Enchantment and Twin Peaks, stopping at Mountains Community Hospital, grocery stores and restaurants. For air travel, San Bernardino International Airport is about 18 miles south. Crestline is heavily car dependent. Mountains Community Hospital serves as the area’s primary medical facility, offering 24-hour emergency care. Ontario International Airport, the nearest major airport, is about 45 miles away.
Low crime rate compared to national average
Crestline has a CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. The city has extreme air factor issues due to some pollutants, and its location the San Bernardino National Forest puts it at risk for wildfires in summer and fall. The San Bernardino National Forest participates in forest health initiatives, aiming to enhance wildfire safety and mitigate risk. Lake Arrowhead maintains four fire stations within city limits.
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Michael Ng
Video By
Daniel Quattro
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Crestline, CA sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Crestline, CA over the last 12 months is $375,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Your Peaceful Escape Awaits!Nestled among tall pines and whispering oaks, this enchanting 3-bedroom, 1bathroom cabin offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and cozy comfort. Tucked away on 3 private lots, is the ideal getaway for nature lovers, weekend retreat seekers, or those dreaming of a simpler, quieter lifestyle.Owners spared no expense on remodeling and updating!Inside you
Welcome to your dream mountain retreat! Nestled in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains, this charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of cozy comfort and serene natural beauty. With 1,390 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this property is an ideal escape for those seeking a peaceful getaway or a year-round residence in a picturesque alpine
Welcome to your dream retreat in the heart of Crestline! Nestled among the towering pines, this beautifully updated mountain home blends rustic charm with modern comfort—just minutes from the sparkling waters of Lake Gregory. Inside, you’ll find warm wood-beamed ceilings, abundant natural light, and cozy living spaces designed for relaxation. A charming brick fireplace anchors the living room,
Private and Charming home in the ForestThis diamond in the rough is located in one of the best neighborhoods in Cedarpines Park. You enter through a large, covered deck that looks over the yard. The open concept living room-dining room combo has an attractive rock fireplace focal point with shelves on either side. The kitchen is huge and includes a double oven, center island and stainless
Welcome to your serene mountain sanctuary! Nestled in the picturesque community of Crestline, this inviting retreat perfectly blends rustic charm with modern comfort. Step inside to a bright, open-concept kitchen and dining area, where soaring vaulted ceilings and a cozy stone fireplace create the perfect ambiance for entertaining or relaxing after a day at the lake. Vaulted wall windows and
Only 10 minutes from Lake Gregory, goodwins market and other stores. This home offers one bedroom on the main floor which is level to the street for easy wheelchair access. 2 parking spaces, a balcony, and side yard are also included which is rare to find in most rentals here in the mountain.
Charming Cabin-Style Home Near Lake GregoryThis beautiful hillside home is just minutes from Lake Gregory and offers the perfect mountain retreat. Situated on a spacious lot with potential for an ADU, the property is surrounded by tall, mature pines and younger trees, creating a serene natural setting.From the driveway, a set of beautifully crafted stairs leads to the second-floor
This property is available. Please inquire on this site to schedule a showing. Welcome to this charming multi-level home nestled in the serene woods of Crestline, CA. Located at 129 Zermatt Dr, this inviting property offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. The exterior boasts a unique architectural design with multiple decks and staircases, providing picturesque
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