$470,902Average Value$360Average Price per Sq Ft55Homes For Sale
A popular mountain resort town with year-round charm
The mountainside resort town of Big Bear City is set about 42 miles northeast of San Bernardino and 100 miles east of Los Angeles, known for ski resorts, a 7-mile lake with natural hot springs and plenty of wildlife. While the town is home to around 13,000 people, the population swells with tourists in summer and winter. “A good amount of the residences here are second homes or investment properties,” says Erin Lanza, longtime resident and Realtor with REMAX Big Bear. “Big Bear is different than most other markets in Southern California."
In summer, tourists flock here for hiking, mountain biking, fishing and boating, and in winter, for skiing and other snow sports. Throughout the year, though, Big Bear City's full-time residents belong to a slow-paced community where most residents know each other by name, the police department is known for being attentive and locals don’t need to commute into larger cities for shopping and dining. A few major local employers include the Bear Valley Unified School District and the Big Bear Retreat Center.
Nearby is Big Bear Lake where you can go for a walk, fishing or a hike.
It's only a short hike to Woodland Trail 1E23 for a nice view and for a fishing spot.
Big Bear City provides abundant natural trails for hiking and biking enthusiasts to enjoy.
Big Bear Snow Play is a family friendly resort for snowy slopes for tubing.
1/4
Cabins, chalets and lakeside luxury
As of late 2024, Big Bear’s median home price is roughly $585,000, significantly lower than California’s roughly $890,000. Housing styles here have an alpine aesthetic that complements the mountain surroundings. Log cabins have small front porches and lodge-style homes have large decks, while A-frame chalet-style homes have steeply pitched roofs that allow snow to slide right off. Newer construction generally blends a rustic mountain vibe with 21st-century technology and upgrades. Big Bear City's most expensive homes are set by the lakefront, with floor plans that range from 5,000 to 8,000 square feet and usually have 5 to 8 bedrooms and bathrooms.
A single-family home in Big Bear City featuring a front deck offers the perfect spot to relax.
Experience the charm of a small, cozy cabin home in Big Bear City, providing a warm retreat.
A row of quaint A-frame cabins graces the landscape of Big Bear City.
A stunning black A-frame cabin stands as a captivating and picturesque in Big Bear City.
1/4
Highly ranked education in the mountains
The Bear Valley Unified School District earns an overall A-minus from Niche, serving about 2,200 students across six different schools. The district's high schools offer a dual enrollment program that enables students to earn up to 34 credits at San Bernardino Valley College.
Big Bear Middle School presents an aerial view, showcasing its vibrant environment.
Students are the highest priority at Big Bear High School.
Valley College campus in the neighborhood.
Enter Baldwin Lane Elementary School in Big Bear City through its welcoming entrance.
1/4
Year-round festivities and seasonal celebrations
Big Bear City offers residents access to over 100 miles of hiking trails in the San Bernardino National Forest; one of the most popular is the 7-mile Pineknot Trail, which offers views of Big Bear Lake, about 5 miles to the south. The town's Juniper Point Picnic Area is a favorite local spot for dog walks and lakeside gatherings.
The Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District organizes most of the city’s community events throughout the year. Sheila Dash, Recreation Coordinator, explains, “Our most popular community event is Summer Fest, where we have a bunch of vendors come out and games for kids to play. In the spring we do an easter egg hunt and this past September we did ‘Talk Like A Pirate Day,’ where one of the lakeside marinas had an actual cannon. During Halloween, we do our Big Scare event.” The district also offers summer programs, including Science Camp for kids and Lions League for locals with special needs.
The 7-mile Pineknot Trail is one of the most popular places to hike in Big Bear City.
Big Bear City's Juniper Point Picnic Area has incredible views of the forest and lake.
Take in a scenic hike or walk by the lakeside in Big Bear City.
Reconnect with nature on a nice hike at Alpine Pedal Path Trail 1E50.
1/4
Shopping at The Village and dining at historic haunts
About 5 miles south of Big Bear City, The Village at Big Bear Lake is the area's main shopping district, filled with rustic shops, family-friendly sit-down restaurants and a few places for adults to grab a drink. Captains Anchorage restaurant, found about 2 miles from town along Highway 18, has been a local mainstay since 1947, known for prime rib dinners, lobster tail and a cozy atmosphere, as well as sightings of a friendly ghost named George who reportedly visits the bar.
You'll find a collection of stores like used books, fun socks and souvenirs at Village Faire.
The Village in Big Bear City has many eateries to choose from including El Jacalito Grill.
Captains Anchorage fine dining restaurant has been a mainstay of Big Bear City since 1947.
Tourists and residents alike will spend the day shopping at The Village in Big Bear City.
1/4
Getting around the mountain
Big Bear is set along State Highway 18, also known as the “Rim of the World Highway,” which connects it to San Bernardino, approximately 40 miles away. The city can also be accessed via State Route 38, which offers a scenic drive through the San Gorgonio Mountains. Big Bear is primarily car-dependent, but Mountain Transit provides public bus service within Big Bear and to surrounding mountain communities on select days. The area is served by Bear Valley Community Hospital, which offers 24-hour emergency care and various medical services. Ontario International Airport, the nearest major airport, is located about 70 miles from Big Bear.
Forest surroundings pose wildfire risk
According to FBI statistics from December 2023, the Big Bear Lake Police Department reported violent crime at an annual rate of about 12 incidents per 1,000 residents, on par with the national rate of around 12 and slightly higher than the California rate of about 10. Property-related crime was reported at an annual rate of around 12 incidents per 1,000 residents, lower than the California rate of 20 and the national rate of 17. Because Big Bear is in the San Bernardino Mountains and heavily wooded National Forest, the city has a high risk for wildfires in summer and fall. In September 2024, the nearly 40,000-acre Line Fire spread through the mountains and caused evacuations. The San Bernardino National Forest participates aims to enhance wildfire safety and lower the risks.
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Michael Ng
Video By
Melinda Anselmo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lillian Barrett,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Big Bear City, CA sell after 89 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Big Bear City, CA over the last 12 months is $460,000, down 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Seller is motivated! Welcome to this storybook cabin nestled in the heart of Sugarloaf, where charm and character meet thoughtful updates and cozy comfort. Taken down to the studs and lovingly rebuilt, this two-bedroom, one-bath gem has been transformed into a stylish mountain retreat and its being sold fully furnished, including all dishware and essentials, making it completely turnkey and
The Little Cabin That Could. This Big Bear City cabin is so charming. Situated in a quiet corner on a not busy street, it is still very close to stores and services. The covered porch and back deck are great for enjoying our beautiful mountain summers. Level parking and easy access. Single level means not a bunch of slippery stairs to navigate. You enter into a roomy living room with lots of
This 5 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath Victorian Craftsman home has 1508 square feet on a double lot overlooking both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. The tram to the slopes is within walking distance, and the resort is a quarter mile away. The golf course, bike trails, walking path by a stream and the zoo are all part of the immediate neighborhood. Grocery stores are nearby. There is room to build an
Seller is motivated! Welcome to this storybook cabin nestled in the heart of Sugarloaf, where charm and character meet thoughtful updates and cozy comfort. Taken down to the studs and lovingly rebuilt, this two-bedroom, one-bath gem has been transformed into a stylish mountain retreat and its being sold fully furnished, including all dishware and essentials, making it completely turnkey and
The Little Cabin That Could. This Big Bear City cabin is so charming. Situated in a quiet corner on a not busy street, it is still very close to stores and services. The covered porch and back deck are great for enjoying our beautiful mountain summers. Level parking and easy access. Single level means not a bunch of slippery stairs to navigate. You enter into a roomy living room with lots of
This 5 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath Victorian Craftsman home has 1508 square feet on a double lot overlooking both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. The tram to the slopes is within walking distance, and the resort is a quarter mile away. The golf course, bike trails, walking path by a stream and the zoo are all part of the immediate neighborhood. Grocery stores are nearby. There is room to build an
This property is available. Please inquire on this site to schedule a showing. Nestled in the serene woods of Big Bear, CA, this charming cabin at 813 East Fairway Boulevard offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. The exterior is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a sense of seclusion and tranquility. The inviting front porch leads into a warm and cozy living
This is a beautiful home with nice open floor plan, large rooms with lots of space. Kitchen has breakfast counter and nice family dinning area. Large living room with beautiful fireplace. The garage is a game room with lots of fun activates for the kids. The home has large deck with Spa. Take a nice soak after a long days work and star gaze. The home is surrounded by big shade trees for privacy.
Property Id: 2034384Welcome to your dream home at 344 W Aeroplane Blvd in Big Bear City! This single unit boasts modern amenities including a dishwasher, fireplace, and fenced yard. With vaulted ceilings and secure building access, this furnished gem won't last long. Don't miss out on this $2000/month rental opportunity!
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
