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.
1/2
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.
1/3
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.
1/3
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.
1/3
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.
1/3
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.
1/2
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
Team Michael Hilgenberg w/ Keller Will,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Big Bear Lake, CA sell after 98 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Big Bear Lake, CA over the last 12 months is $598,500, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gorgeous and Fully Upgraded Newer Home * MOVE IN READY * 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 your new Jet
Unbeatable Big Bear location just one block from the lake and Holloway’s Marina. This turnkey mountain cabin blends classic charm with meaningful upgrades. The home features an upgraded electrical system with a new panel, outlets, and GFCIs, plus a newer furnace, NEST thermostat, stainless steel appliances, dual-pane windows, ceramic tile flooring, tankless water heater, updated lighting, ceiling
Ideally located near the Big Bear Zoo, Bear Mountain Golf Course and Ski Resort, and the vibrant new Moonridge corridor with dining options, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath modified a-frame cabin blends convenience with classic mountain appeal. Two bedrooms feature ensuite baths for comfort and privacy, while the living room offers an efficient and cozy layout centered around a wood-burning brick
Welcome to 42895 Monterey Street in Big Bear Lake. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is set in a prime location just a couple miles from Bear Mountain Resort, and the Moonridge Corridor—home to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Designed for mountain living, the property offers ski slope views, vaulted wood ceilings, and a spacious layout that blends comfort with character. Recent upgrades include a rare
PERFECT MOONRIDGE GET-A-WAY. CHECK THIS! 3+3+2+2 = A PERFECT TEN! Wait until you see the"secluded" Cul-de-Sac location of this 3-bedroom, 3 FULL Bathrooms, 2 Fireplaces, and an attachedtwo-car garage, all just a block from NATIONAL FOREST hiking trails and close to Bear Mountain SkiArea. Features include a full-size laundry area, all-new wood laminate style flooring, new
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
Property Id: 2286571Prime Big Bear LocationNestled amidst towering pines and crisp mountain air, this property is truly centrally located in Big Bear Lake — offering easy access to the best of both seasons:Skiing & Snowboarding:Big Bear Lake is home to world-class winter sports, with Snow Summit and Bear Mountain ski resorts just a short drive away. Enjoy powder days and
Looking for a slice of paradise in Big Bear Lake on the Cove? This stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is available for long-term rental in the prestigious Boulder Bay on Cove Drive! Breathe in the beauty with an extra large lot where all bedrooms showcase breathtaking lake views. Easy lake access all year long, Spacious detached garage, Ample parking, only 2 miles away from the Village, filled
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
