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
Arthur Ambarchyan,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Big Bear Lake, CA sell after 102 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Big Bear Lake, CA over the last 12 months is $598,500, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Turn the key and start earning or start relaxing. The perfect blend of mountain charm, modern comfort, and turnkey investment opportunity. Currently operating as a successful short-term rental, this fully furnished cabin is ready for its next chapter, whether that’s your personal vacation escape, primary mountain home, or income-producing property. Step inside and feel instantly at home with warm
Welcome to Big Bear Lake! This charming, turn-key Sierra-style cabin offers 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, all on a single level, making it the perfect mountain escape. Ideally located near the slopes, the lake, and town, this home delivers both convenience and classic cabin charm.Currently operating as a successful short-term rental, this property offers flexibility as a personal getaway or an
Cecilia Ponce De LeonKELLER WILLIAMS LAKE ARROWHEAD
A classic mountain A-frame with a touch of chalet charm, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is positioned just west of Big Bear Village, putting the lake, dining, shopping, and four-season adventure within easy reach. Vaulted ceilings and a dramatic wall of windows bring in natural light and frame tree-filled views, while the stone fireplace adds a cozy focal point for the main living area. The open
Just remodeled and move in ready, this charming cozy home offers the perfect mountain retreat. With brand new flooring throughout, the property combines fresh updates with comforting vibe. Its location is ideal for both full time living and investment, situated literally steps from the lower Bear Mountain parking lot where you can hop on the shuttle and head straight up to the slopes. The
SAY HELLO TO A GOOD BUY! Wait until you see the extensive upgrades to this immaculate 3-bedroom, 2 full bathroom custom beauty with open floor plan, wood grain laminate flooring, new appliances, granite countertops in the kitchen, breakfast bar, french doors off dining area, vaulted ceilings, huge master suite including a sitting area with electric pellet fireplace, custom tile-faced fireplace
ESCAPE TOWNHOME STEPS TO THE SLOPES! Wait until you see the location of this immaculate three-bedroom, three-bath End Unit just steps away from the base area of SNOW SUMMIT SKI RESORT.Recently renovated features include a floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace, high vaulted beam ceilings, anopen floor-plan with a full kitchen, beautiful granite countertops with a large breakfast bar, a fullstacked
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
Welcome to your dream mountain escape! This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in Big Bear Lake has been fully renovated with 1 extra non permitted bathroom, with all the upgrades you could want. Tucked in a prime location just minutes from Big Bear Boulevard, you're perfectly positioned near the lake, top ski resorts, hiking trails, and amazing local restaurants. Whether you're cozying up by
EASY IN & OUT STREET-TO-STREET LOCATION IN MOONRIDGE! Discover this charming single-story home nestled in a beautiful wooded setting. Featuring two bedrooms and one full bathroom, this property boasts a woodsy interior, a spacious laundry/mud room, vaulted open-beam ceilings, a used brick fireplace, and a cedar slab breakfast bar. The extensive decking and the cedar siding have been refurbished,
Wonderful Condo on the Moonridge Corridor! GREAT Location! Upgraded in the last couple years. Over $75000 Invested. Open Living Area, Vaulted Ceilings. Skylights, New Upscale Appliances, Dual Pane Windows, Custom Laminate Wood Look Flooring, New Cenral Heating Unit, Updated Granite Countertops. New Shower Tile, New Plumbing Fixtures and Sinks. New Electrical Wiring and Fixtures. Large Viewing/
Welcome to this enchanting 1930s retreat in the coveted Boulder Bay neighborhood of Big Bear Lake, CA--expertly blending vintage charm with contemporary luxury after a full studs-out remodel in 2022. Situated on a unique street-to-street lot with a convenient two-car garage, this home is ideally positioned just moments from the sparkling lake, vibrant village shops and dining, and world-class ski
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
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
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
Next to the Big Red Bowling Barn on a busy street one block from the lake and in the Village Specific Plan area. Lease with option to purchase available. Single story with ADA parking and access. For many years the home of The Little Green House Florist. Check with City of Big Bear Lake for allowed uses to see if this is the location of your next business venture.
Amazing Foxfarm multi story A-Frame. New In unit Washer and Dryer, New Fridge.freezer.. Two Bedrooms large Loft as third Bedroom. Located in Fox Farm. Close to shopping and easy to get to in the winter. Great Location, great views of summit with floor to ceiling windows and very high ceilings. Wood burning stove and wall heater. Hardwood floors. Please do not disturb current tenant. No Pets, No
Escape to the mountains in this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath Gambrel-style retreat nestled in the heart of Big Bear Lake. Thoughtfully updated and fully furnished, this artistic and inviting home blends cozy cabin charm with modern comfort — making it the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway or a high-quality mid-term furnished rental for stays of one to four months. Inside,
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
2 BR, 1 BA downstairs unit in a great, central location close to Bear Mtn, zoo and shopping. Includes a garage. Has laundry. Unfurnished. All utilities paid by renter except water. Pet negotiable. Available now Rent: $1625.00, Sec Dep: $1925.00, SQFT: 700. Lot SQFT: 5000. Directions: West on Big Bear Blvd, left on Moonridge.
Great Furnished home in Big Bear lake with very large backyard. Just a block to medow park to swim beach. Furninshed and ready move in. Must have excellent credit and references anf rental history. Excellent Credit Score and credit Report as well as proof of renters insurance will be required. This propery has a nice deckthat sits off the front of the house and upgraded windows in many of the
2 Bedroom Triplex, in lower Moonridge, Big Bear Lake. Remodeled with new carpeting and flooring, updated bathroom. New refrigerator, microwave and newish gas stove. Upstairs unit with nice deck and open view. Tenant pays for gas and electric.
Super cute 2 bed 1 bath home for lease. Lower Moonridge fully furnished. Newly upgraded beautifully furnished. laminate floors. Great view from back porch close to everything in Moonridge you can even see the zoo from the property.
GREAT LOCATION ON THIS 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH CABIN. WATER INCLUDED IN RENT. RECENTLY REMODELED. LOCATED CLOSE TO THE VILLAGE AND THE LAKE. GREAT LOCATION. VERY CLEAN AND READY TO MOVE IN. GARAGE AVAILABLE FOR AN ADDITIONAL $100.00 PER MONTH ON A MONTH TO MONTH BASIS. PETS NEGOTIABLE. AVAILABLE NOW. APPOINTMENT NECESSARY. RENT: $1600.00 ($100.00 ADDITIONAL FOR GARAGE) SECURITY DEPOSIT: $1900.00 EAST ON
Prime Full-Service Restaurant for Sale or Lease in Big Bear Lake VillageInitial Purchase price $50,000. Liquor License may be available at additional fee.An exceptional opportunity to lease one of Big Bear Lake’s most established full-service restaurants. Successfully operated for over 20 years, this highly visible property is located directly on Big Bear Blvd., across from the lake and
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