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.
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Michael Ng
Video By
Melinda Anselmo
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Big Bear City, CA sell after 90 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Big Bear City, CA over the last 12 months is $419,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This charming log-sided home offers the perfect blend of mountain charm and modern comfort with vaulted T&G ceilings, skylights, wood laminate floors, and a cozy gas log fireplace that lights with the click of a button. The entertainer’s kitchen features a massive granite island and counters, opening to a spacious floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, including a master suite with
Great property at a great price point! Escape to this charming cabin in the woods located in a peaceful neighborhood just 15 minutes from downtown. This two-bedroom, one-bath grambel style cottage, features an open floor plan downstairs connecting the bathroom, laundry, living, and kitchen areas. A wood-burning stove in the living area provides a cozy warm feel during the winter. All bedrooms are
Step into this sweet and cozy cabin in the Big Bear woods. This one-bedroom, one-bathroom retreat sits on a desirable corner lot, offering added privacy and natural light. Perfect as a full-time home or a charming rental property, it’s just minutes from The Village and countless outdoor adventures—hiking, skiing, kayaking, snowboarding, and more. A bonus room provides flexible use as a guest
Eagle Ridge Ranch. Once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase EAGLE RIDGE, the most stunning piece of property in the San Bernardino Mountains. This recently constructed two bedroom and one full bath cabin is currently used as a rental income property. Would also make an excellent caretakers cabin or office/store space. A pristine 440-acre parcel with sweeping mountaintop vistas and secluded
Adorable gambrel cabin in Bear City just on the border of Forest Spring. Great, quiet, well- established neighborhood for walking and getting to know your neighbors! It's a perfect mixture of full timers and rental cabins. It has a roomy addition for a bright and sunny laundry/mudroom or dining room, off the kitchen. Backyard has a flat paver patio and a nice sized storage shed. Gambrels are
Welcome to this beautifully maintained Big Bear City split-level home on a desirable corner lot, offering the perfect blend of mountain charm and modern upgrades. Known as the “Big Blue Home,” this property showcases pride of ownership with a less than 2 year old roof, 2 year old exterior paint, and multiple updates through out to bring it up to current expectations.Inside, the
Lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit with cozy fireplace, washer and dryer hook ups and 1 car detached garage. 3 decks to enjoy, including a private deck off the master bedroom. Both bedrooms are upstairs, one bathroom upstairs and one bathroom downstairs. Unit has been recently remodeled and has vinyl flooring, new cabinetry, granite counters and both bathrooms have custom tile. Unit is available
Original log cabin, 1963, semi-furnished, very warm and quaint in a quiet and convenient neighborhood. Five minute walk to restaurant, market, dog park and Sugarloaf park. Parking for 2 cars. Small dog/s considered. Water included. No closets but ikea wardrobes available for use.
Discover mountain living at its best in this beautifully appointed home located in the peaceful Baldwin Lake area of Big Bear. This spacious property offers 4 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms. The primary bedroom has a large ensuite bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower, there is another bedroom with its own private bathroom, the 3rd and 4th bedrooms are connected by a convenient Jack & Jill
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