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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Big Bear City, CA sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Big Bear City, CA over the last 12 months is $399,900, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Calico Farm: A Boutique Farm Stay in the San Bernardino MountainsTucked away on three serene acres in the San Bernardino Mountains, Calico Farm offers a tranquil retreat just two and a half hours from Los Angeles and ten minutes from Big Bear Lake. Bordering the National Forest and overlooking the 165-acre Baldwin Lake Ecological Preserve, the property is immersed in natural beauty and peaceful
Located in the desirable Erwin Lake area of Big Bear City, this impeccably maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers the rare convenience of two spacious primary suites—perfect for teens or hosting guests. Set on a flat, usable lot, the property features a 2-car garage, RV parking, and a fully fenced yard ideal for outdoor enjoyment and mountain living. Step inside to discover a stunning,
Spacious Gambrel home in beautiful Big Bear Valley. Alot of upgrade done to this house from Electric panel to EV charger. New flooring throughout, new appliance, kitchen Cabinets, bathtub, custom countertop, and much more. This Beautifull home is minutes away from Lake, Bear Mountain Ski and Bike Resort, village, hiking trails, off road trails, school. Plenty of room for RV, or boat, or cars for
Charming Corner-Lot Cabin in Big Bear City! Welcome to this cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath home situated on desirable corner lot just minutes from the lake, Wyatts, and Big Bear's famous Oktoberfest! This mountain retreat offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal full-time residence, weekend getaway, or vacation rental. Enjoy a bright and open living space with rustic charm,
Awesomely Remodeled Bear City Home. Three bedrooms, two baths and a two car garage on an oversized, fully fenced triple lot. Master suite has amazing views of the mountains. Fresh painted inside and out. Kitchen is wide open to the living room with a breakfast bar, refinished cabinets, newcountertops, and metal sink. Wide open floorplan. Soaring ceilings with wood beams in the livingroom. Vinyl
Whether you're searching for a full-time residence, a vacation getaway, or a rental investment with short- or long-term potential, this home checks all the boxes. Located in the highly desirable area of Bear City, you're just 5 minutes from the ski slopes, shopping, and the lake.This well-appointed home features 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, including two upstairs bedrooms with en-suite baths for
Property Id: 1180074Modern New Home; 1-bedroom spacious, 1- Bath, and large Kitchen. Quiet neighborhood, and fenced-in. Applicant must have rental history, earn 2x rent, and provide proof of Move-in fees required. Snow Ski resort less than 5 miles. Shoping 3 miles, Boat Launch 3-miles.
Come enjoy the mountains of Big Bear! Centrally located and within walking distance to the community market and hiking trail systems, this idyllic cabin is just 14 minutes from the village, 10 minutes from the lake or ski resorts, and 6 minutes from grocery stores. This property is one bedroom fitting three beds, tucked away in a peaceful neighborhood. This Fully furnished cabin is loaded with a
Welcome to this thoughtfully remodeled cabin that is located in the quiet city of Sugarloaf. While this adorable cabin is the perfect getaway for you and your family, its location makes it easy to get around. You are only: 5 min from snow tubing and Big Bear Lake 10 min from Snow Summit and Big Bear Village 15 min from Bear Mountain, Alpine Slide, and Big Bear Zoo
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