Big Bear Lake offers waterfront living in the San Bernardino Mountains
Big Bear Lake offers lakeside living in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. The community gets its name from the once-prolific population of grizzly bears. Over the years, it has become a popular resort destination, with the population surging to over 100,000 on weekends and holidays. Residents often live close to hiking trails, resorts and local businesses, and many properties offer views of the towering mountains and the namesake lake. “It’s a very nonconforming market and area,” says Erin Lanza, a longtime resident and local Realtor at REMAX Big Bear with 10 years of experience. “Big Bear is different than other markets in Southern California. It is also the number one vacation market in California. And the community is growing.”
Waterfront homes in Big Bear Lake feature private docks and mountain views ideal for year-round recreation.
Alpine Pedal Path in the San Bernardino National Forest offers a 3.2-mile non-motorized trail with scenic lake views.
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Eclectic cabins and custom builds around Big Bear Lake
Houses in Big Bear Lake sit along winding lakeside or mountain roads, and the landscape is covered in pine forests and trails. Lanza says most of the housing stock consists of cabins built between the 1920s and 1960s. Common architecture includes eclectic cabins, deck houses, contemporary or modern builds, and newer custom estates developed in the 2000s. Properties are often built with elevated foundations to accommodate the area’s hilly terrain. Many houses are second homes or investment properties, but the area also has some full-time residents. Small, two-bedroom houses can go between $200,000 and $500,000, and larger properties can go over $1 million. Custom-built waterfront or mountain estates with water or mountain views can go between $1.5 million and $8 million. These properties often have private docks, horse stables, acres of land and amenities like outdoor saunas and sports facilities. “Every kind of property sits on different-sized lots, and the size and styles of the homes are different,” says Lanza. Duplexes and multifamily homes are typically from $500,000 to $1 million. Condos start around $280,000 and can reach over $700,000 for waterfront or mountain view units. Mobile homes are usually under $100,000, and manufactured homes can go between $100,000 and $300,000.
Large homes tucked away in the mountain side are common in Big Bear Lake.
Homes closer to town in Big Bear Lake maintain a charming mid-century aesthetic.
Custom built cabins in Big Bear Lake make great get away homes to enjoy the mountain air.
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Outdoor recreation at San Bernardino National Forest and Big Bear Lake
Accessibility to outdoor recreation is one of the major draws here, from community parks to getting out on the lake. The community has many public parks, including a skate and BMX park and a dog park. Ski Beach Park has courts for pickleball, tennis and volleyball, sports fields and a playground. The park also has a fishing pier, and people can also go swimming here in the summer. The community is located within the San Bernardino National Forest, which has over 100 miles of hiking and biking trails. At the community's namesake lake, Big Bear Lake, people can go boating, jet skiing, waterboarding, canoeing or fishing. Those into off-roading can explore the Gold Fever Trail and the Butler Peak Fire Lookout. When winter comes, skiers can go snowboarding or skiing at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain ski resorts, snow tubing at Grizzly Ridge Tube Park or snowshoeing at one of the trails in the national forest.
The amazing North Shore Hiking and Walking Trail takes you around Juniper Point and beyond.
Go for thrills at the Big Bear Speedway.
National Forest trails give residents plenty of opportunities to get active in Big Bear Lake.
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Eateries and shops along Pine Knot Avenue &Village and Big Bear Blvd
Local boutiques line Pine Knot Avenue, including Scenic Gifts and Souvenirs; Earth's Elements, a crystals and spiritual shop; and Del Lago's Boutique, a clothing store. Popular eateries are around Big Bear Boulevard. Teddy Bear Restaurant and Oakside are laid-back places serving classic American food. Tropicali offers authentic Hawaiian fare. It also has an outdoor patio area that overlooks the lake. Grocery options include Vons, Stater Bros. and Lakeview Market.
Teddy Bear Restaurant serves classic American fare in a casual setting.
Fire Rock Burgers and Brew is a fantastic restaurant in Big Bear Lake.
Walk down Village drive and check out all the neat shops Big Bear Lake has to offer.
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Public schools in Bear Valley Unified School District
Prospective primary schools in Bear Valley Unified School District include North Shore Elementary School and Baldwin Lane Elementary, which get a B and a B-plus grade from Niche, respectively. Big Bear Middle rates a B, and Big Bear High School scores an A-minus. The local high school has an award-winning cross-country sports program, and also offers dual enrollment programs through San Bernardino Valley College.
Students are the top priority at North Shore Elementary School in Big Bear Lake.
Big Bear Middle School serves students in Bear Valley Unified and rates a B on Niche.
Big Bear High School offers A-minus rated academics and dual enrollment through San Bernardino Valley College.
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Outdoor events in Big Bear Lake
SkyFest Big Bear is an August hike and stargazing event at Snow Summit, featuring an astrophotography workshop and a star party festival. The New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade has been a tradition for over 50 years. Skiers go night skiing with their torches and help light up the mountain. Spectators can watch the spectacle of light while counting down to the new year.
Distance to San Bernardino
California state routes 18 and 38 run through the area, and San Bernardino and San Bernardino International Airport are about 40 miles away. Public bus services are provided by Mountain Transit. Bear Valley Community Hospital is located right in the city.
San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) is Big Bear Lakes closest international airport.
Local transportation in Big Bear Lake is a fun way to get around.
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Need to know
Big Bear Lake does have some drawbacks. Lanza said traffic escalates when the renting community is in the area, and there can be long waits at restaurants. Wildfires are also possible in this area.
Written By
Christina Xu
Photography Contributed By
Samuel Evans
Video By
Mary Desmond
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ernie Armijo,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Big Bear Lake, CA sell after 91 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Big Bear Lake, CA over the last 12 months is $598,250, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gorgeous and Fully Upgraded Newer Home * YOU OWN THE LAND * New Gourmet Kitchen with White Cabinets, Quartz Counter Tops and Island. New Stainless Appliances. Pantry. New Wood-Like Laminate Flooring. White Quartz Stackstone Entertainment Center & Colorful Fireplace in the Open Family Room. New Fully Remodeled Bathrooms. Oversized Master Suite with Walk in Closet. Relax and Unwind in a new Jet
This 1,272 sqft full log-sided cabin beautifully blends rustic charm with modern conveniences, creating the perfect Big Bear getaway or investment. Thoughtfully updated, it features new flooring, stainless steel appliances, granite kitchen countertops, dual-pane windows, and central A/C for comfort year-round. The warm cabin decor enhances every room, including a spacious loft bedroom with
Charming A-Frame with Iconic Views + Investment Upside! Nestled in Moonridge Estates, this charming 2BD/1BA + loft A-frame is the smallest home in one of Big Bear’s most sought-after neighborhoods, offering massive value-add upside. Enjoy iconic 180 Bear Mountain views, a generous lot with expansion potential, and Big Beautiful Bill tax incentives for developers and investors. With year-round
Surrounded by towering pines and fresh mountain air, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,433 sq ft of comfortable living space on a 5,850 sq ft lot in the heart of Big Bear. Expansive windows and multiple French doors bathe the interior in natural light, while vaulted ceilings add rustic charm. The spacious living area opens to a wraparound deck, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and one
Discover Your Year-Round Mountain Retreat – Perfect for Summer & Winter Adventures. Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life at this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom cabin, nestled in a tranquil neighborhood near the lake and village. Designed for relaxation and adventure, this cozy retreat features a modern, open-concept living space upstairs, complete with a warm brick fireplace, an upgraded
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
This gem is one you don't want to miss! Unit A is an exceptionally large, tastefully furnished, one bed one bath apt for rent in desirable Upper Moonridge, Big Bear Lake. This spacious apartment boasts solid oak hardwood floors, a wood-burning stove, gas heating, vaulted wood ceilings, and multiple windows providing loads of natural light. It sits on a quiet cul-de-sac with no traffic! Peace
Charming Lakeview Retreat in Bayshore Condo. Your Ideal Summer & Winter Escape! Welcome to this beautifully maintained, fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bath Bayshore townhome, perfectly situated just steps from Big Bear Lake and minutes from the Village and Snow Summit Ski Resort. Whether you're seeking a peaceful getaway or an active mountain lifestyle, this home offers the best of both worlds.
Nestled 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 round. Being situated mere minutes on foot from the base
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