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 97 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Big Bear City, CA over the last 12 months is $415,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this Stunning & Extraordinary * New Construction * 3bed / 2 bath Home. Offering True Luxury with an Open Floorplan. This Home Boasts 2 Bedrooms on the Ground Floor, One is a Master Suite with a Spa Like Master Bath. The Kitchen Features Stylish Quartz Countertops, High End Custom Kitchen Cabinets with Soft Closing Cabinet Doors & Drawers as well as Stainless Appliances. Enjoy Gatherings
Chalet-style mountain retreat featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, boasting 1,749 sqft of living space on a level 5,000 sqft lot. Step inside to find soaring vaulted ceilings, a warm and inviting fireplace insert that can heat the entire home, and a well-designed layout with two upstairs master and guest en-suites, each offering their own bathrooms, oversized walk-in closets, and
Beautiful single-story home with spacious open floor plan, lots of natural light, and situated on more than a 15,000 sq.ft corner, cul-de-sac lot. The warm and spacious great room has vaulted ceiling with log accents, floor to ceiling river rock fireplace, granite counters with island breakfast bar and large dining area. Other amenities include air conditioning, separate laundry room with
If you are looking for a home with peace and serenity and loads of special features, this is the home for you! Located on a corner lot with fenced yard, lots of trees great patio with room for entertaining and so much more! Put your boat, RV, toys on this property too! The home is light and bright with newer laminate flooring. Full bathroom centrally located in the home. The deck is a composite
Practically Brand New Construction. Fully modern and immaculate. Bordering the national forest with gorgeous views and wilderness all around. Enter through an amazing front door to a Great Room with soaring ceilings. A stunning floor to ceiling fireplace with a beautiful pellet stove. Top of the line luxury flooring. Built in speakers and can lights. The kitchen is a dream with top of the line
Modern comfort meets mountain charm. Welcome to this beautifully renovated 3 bedroom, 3 bath home offering approximately 1,268 square feet of living space on a 4,500 square foot lot. Nestled in Big Bear City, this property is the ideal retreat for full-time living, weekend getaways or vacation rental potential. Fully renovated interior includes brand new kitchen with updated cabinetry,
Escape to the mountains and enjoy the best of outdoor living with this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath main home plus a detached 1-bedroom, 1-bath guest house perfect for family, guests, or rental income! Set on a spacious 7,500 sq. ft. lot, this property offers plenty of room to breathe and unwind. The main home welcomes you with cozy mountain charm, featuring a comfortable living area, a warm and
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the desirable Whispering Forest neighborhood.Offering 2,848 sq ft of living space on a 10,800 sq ft lot, this property provides comfort, flexibility, and views.The main living area is filled with natural light and connects seamlessly to the kitchen, dining area, and a sunken seating area with a fireplace. Multiple decks provide outdoor
TREE HOUSE SETTING. Wait till you see the immaculate condition and treed setting on this newer 3-bedroom, 3-bath Home built in 2022/23. This two-story design includes open floor plan with vaultedceilings, cozy fireplace, SS appliances including frig, range, dishwasher, microwave oven, quartzcountertops, custom cabinetry, wood laminate floors, jetted tub plus rain shower in master,
THE PRICE IS RIGHT! Wait until you see the value on this custom three-bedroom, three-bathroom custom home with features including two rock fireplaces (one in the primary bedroom), a Chef's step-saver Kitchen with SS appliances, a dining nook, central natural gas heating, travertine tile flooring, a full-size laundry facility, a huge view deck and an outdoor spa with views of Gold Mountain and all
HOME ON 20 ACRES WITH TENTATIVE MAP! A rare opportunity to not only own a nice size home on 20 acres, but also have the ability to sub-divide into FIVE PARCELS (4+ one remainder). The Proposed Parcel Map includes THREE-3 ACRE lots (on Hatchery), ONE-7.49 Acre lot (on State Ln.) and A REMAINDER 2.9 ACRE lot (partially fenced) includes a 5 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom HOME with real-rock fireplace, covered
Nicely Remodeled Gambrel on the Quiet Side of Town. This cute cabin has been gone over with a loving hand. New roof, exterior paint and redone deck. Inside boasts new laminate flooring, redone kitchen and bathroom with fresh paint and a new water heater. New vanity and tile and fixtures in the bathroom. High beamed wood ceilings. Good sized bedrooms. Close to the national forest and trails. Great
REDUCED $10000! SELLER MOTIVATED! ITS ALMOST SKI TIME! So come check out this Woodsy Cabin. In very popular Moonridge Area. Vaulted Wood Ceilings. Cozy Brick Fireplace in Living Room. Cedar Siding. Reverse Floor Plan. Living Room, Dining Area by Kitchen and a Full Bathroom Upstairs. 2 Nice Sized Bedrooms Downstairs plus a storage room with water heater. Large BBQ/ Entertainment/ Relax Area on the
FOUR BEDROOMS WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS! Wait until you see the LAKE and both Ski Slope Views from this woodsy four bedroom, two bath plus a family room, including two fireplaces, an open floor plan with large kitchen island, a large dinning area, woodsy tongue and groove "western" cedar interior, a full laundry room, central forced air heating, two skylights, a central vacuum system and extensive
Rare opportunity in Fox Farm area. Cabin is listed as a 2 bedroom but there is a VERY large room with 1/2 bath above garage with a pool table but could easily be used as a 3rd bedroom or keep as possibly combined game room/bedroom. Cabin is located on a large corner lot that is relatively flat can use to park extra cars the 2 car garage does not hold, boat, RV whatever you need to park. The large
beautiful and newly remodeled 2 bedroom, 2 bath property with cozy fireplace, washer and dryer hook ups, garage. 3 decks to enjoy, including a private deck off the master bedroom. Both bedrooms are upstairs, both have roomy closets. There are two full baths, one with a shower, tub combination. Property has been recently remodeled and has vinyl flooring, new cabinetry, granite counters and both
Rent $1,500Plus $250 for UTILITIESNO PETSNestled in the picturesque mountains around Big Bear Lake, 1 bed/1bath apartment unit offers unparalleled views of the Big Bear Mountain Golf Course and pond. As part of a multi-unit property. Surrounded by Ponderosa pines, this property's prime location makes it the perfect place for anyone looking to enjoy all Big Bear has to offer year
Vacation RV rental space in the 5 star big bear shores RV resort, located at the north shore of big bear lake. Lot has full hookups and rent includes water electricity and cable/internet. Resort amenities include a Pool, jacuzzi, tennis and pickelball, beach access, nearby hiking and jeep trails, and much more. You must have your own, late model RV 26' long to use on this rental site (no
2 BR / 2 BA quiet retreat ideally located near the National Forest and everything Big Bear has to offer. This newly renovated mid-century modern cabin features a private primary suite, an open-concept kitchen, and a cozy, fully functioning fireplace. Enjoy a large, fully fenced backyard with room to run and play, plus a covered patio perfect for outdoor relaxation. The home includes a
Hidden Gem-Beautiful cabin located on the Mitchel side of Erwin Lake. This is what Big Bear is all about. This cozy home is fully furnished and ready to be your next home. Features Granit counters and upscale appliances, open floor plan. The bedrooms are large and nice updated bathroom. Front porch is calling you to have your coffee in the morning or a relaxing beverage in the evening. The
Here’s a clean and attractive description of your RV rental in Baldwin Lake, Big Bear, CA:Cozy 1-Bedroom RV Rental with Porch & Stunning Views – $1,099/monthLocated in Baldwin Lake, Big Bear, CA 92314Enjoy peaceful mountain living in this well-kept 8x40 ft 2017 RV with a spacious 1-bedroom layout and a charming front porch overlooking beautiful natural scenery. The unit
STUDIO APT. FOR RENT in Big Bear CitySmall very nice studio with off-Boulevard access and parking. Kitchen includes sink, refrigerator, microwave, oven, and lots of cabinet space. Beautiful deck has plenty of room for your BBQ!! Bathroom is gorgeous with tile throughout. Shower is equipped with handicap accessible rails. Ramp to deck makes wheelchair accessible. Sliding glass door onto your
**Cozy 3-Bedroom Cabin for Rent in Bear City! ** Escape to this charming 3-bedroom, 1 3⁄4 bath cabin nestled in a peaceful Bear City neighborhood. Perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a tranquil mountain home. ** Key Features: Prime Location: Minutes from the lake, slopes, and the Village. Hiking trails are just steps away! Relax & Unwind: Enjoy a 6-person hot tub,
2 BR, 1 BA located in Big Bear City. Newer flooring and interior paint. Fenced yard. Laundry hook-ups. Unfurnished with refrig & stove inc. All utilities paid by renter unless otherwise specified. Pets negotiable w/ extra dep. Available Now. Rent: $1600.00, Sec Dep: $1900.00, SQFT: 750, Lot SQFT: 2500. Directions: East on Big Bear Blvd, Right on Saw Mill, right on Aeroplane.
Fabulous Custom Home. 3 BR, 2.5 BA with wonderful curb appeal. Located in a high demand area of Moonridge. An absolute must see!! Spacious layout with decorator style interior. Painting and upgrades through out. Huge Bonus game room, and 4th Bedroom is converted from original 4 car garage (not included in square feet). 2 car attached garage & deck.
Nestled in the Whispering Forest area of Big Bear City, this mountain home offers a peaceful and private setting with scenic valley and mountain views. The open, light-filled layout creates a welcoming environment for everyday living, with flexible spaces for dining, relaxing, and work-from-home needs. The main level includes a private primary suite, while additional rooms provide space for
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