Tucked down from the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake offers some of the best lakeside living in Southern California. 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 most weekends and holidays. Big Bear Lake residents often live close to serene hiking trails, resorts and kitschy local businesses. Almost everyone has excellent views of the towering mountains and the pristine lake. “It’s a very non-conforming market and area,” says Erin Lanza, a Realtor with REMAX Big Bear who has 10 years of experience selling homes in Big Bear. She is also a longtime resident. “Big Bear is different than every other market in Southern California. It is also the number one vacation market in California. And the community is growing.”
Multiple styles of cabins
Lanza says most of the housing stock consists of cabins built between 1920 and 1960, varying in style. It’s common to see log-style, Maltby, A-Frames, Sierra-style, and chalet-style cabins. The other predominant styles are custom homes, large mountain and waterfront estates and bungalows. Many homes are second homes or investment properties, but the area also has several full-time residents. Lanza points out that there is a healthy mix of residents like snowbirds, owners, renters and visitors and that Big Bear has a “small town feel” where everyone knows everyone. Residents live along winding mountain roads and on lakeside avenues fringed by fragrant pine forests and intersected by hiking trails. Most residents are on a short bike or car ride from hiking trails, local shopping centers and restaurants. Regarding home prices, dwellings cost $360,000 to $4.1 million. A 1,765-square-foot home will sit on a lot of 7,840 square feet. But Lanza points out that those numbers aren’t always the case. “Every kind of property sits on different-sized lots and the size and styles of the homes are different,” says Lanza. In addition, there aren’t too many HOAs because they tend to prevent owners from renting their homes.
This cabin home on Big Bear Lake is surrounded by large rocks.
Big Bear Lake has many large homes and cabins on Big Bear Lake.
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Lots of opportunities to hike
The San Bernardino National Forest has hiking routes that cross local streets and pocket parks, encouraging residents to exercise. Juniper Point Picnic Area has clearings for dog walks and Big Bear Lake picnics. Over 16 acres of playsets and athletic fields are at Ski Beach Park, another lakeside community park. Magic Mountain has summer water slides and winter bobsled tracks, including the Alpine Slide.
The amazing North Shore Hiking and Walking Trail takes you around Juniper Point and beyond.
National Forest trails give residents plenty of opportunities to get active in Big Bear Lake.
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Quirky eateries
Drive toward the lake on Pine Knot Avenue and locate some great local boutiques and stores for shopping. Big Bear Superstore sells themed clothes and knick-knacks, whereas Del Lago’s sells expensive purses and jewelry. Bear Mountain Jr. Market and Deli and Lakeview Market serve convenience store items and ready-made meals. Von’s sells fresh food and other necessities.
Big Bear Lake is full of quirky restaurants serving unique flavors in rustic settings. A typical rock-and-roll restaurant and bar with musical instruments and artwork, Fire Rock Burgers & Brews serves juicy burgers and superb local beers on tap. Laguna Grill Restaurant delivers authentic Mexican food in a casual setting. The locally owned Himalayan Restaurant on Pine Knot Avenue serves tandoori lamb and vegetarian cuisine.
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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Well regarded schools
Residents are served by primary schools like North Shore Elementary, teaching students from kindergarten to sixth grade. Niche gives the school a B-minus grade. Students move on to intermediate and secondary institutions like Big Bear Middle and High Schools. Big Bear Middle also has a Niche grade of a B-minus. Big Bear High School offers several athletic programs, including a cross-country program that produced the U.S. record holder for the fastest half-marathon. Niche gives the high school an A grade.
Step into Big Bear High School through its inviting entrance.
Big Bear Middle School has great teachers and staff.
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Night ski on NYE
Events in the area include a very popular Octoberfest and the New Year’s Eve Porch Light Skiing, where residents ski at night.
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 eateries. While there are no fleas due to the altitude, subterranean termites are attracted to homes with wood touching the ground. There is also the danger of hazardous forest fires.
Average crime score
Big Bear Lake has a CAP Index crime score of 4 out of 10, which sits at the national average.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alaine Uthus,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Big Bear Lake, CA sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Big Bear Lake, CA over the last 12 months is $567,450, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Heavenly Valley Estates Custom Built Cabin by Bob Dixon: Updated in 2018 with Game Room/ 3/4 Bath Addition, Plumbing Fixtures, Master Bath Remodel, Exciting Lighting Fixtures thru out, 4 Bedrooms/ 4 Baths, 2 Car Attached Garage, Covered Front Entry Deck and Huge Rear Deck with access from Master Bedroom, and Dining Area, this deck overlooks the Huge Treed Acreage outback.(10 Acres +} Fully Fenced
Your opportunity to own an adorable cabin with serene views from every direction. Absolutely unobstructed view of the lake and mountains make this the perfect weekend getaway or year round retreat. Priced to sell, get it before it’s gone.
Ideally situated within walking distance to Bear Mountain Ski Resort, the golf course, Moonridge Zoo, and numerous trail systems, this updated vintage cabin offers comfort, charm, and investment opportunity.The interior features classic knotty pine tongue-and-groove walls and ceilings, a striking native stone wood-burning fireplace, and granite kitchen countertops with a cozy dining nook. The
Located in the highly diesirable upper Sugarlof area, close to the national forest, this Stunning Craftsman-style home offers comfort, character and charm. The gourmet kitchen is outfitted with premium Viking stainless steel appliances, good for those who love to cook and entertain. A duel-sided fireplace adds warmth and ambiance to both the living room and kitchen, crating a cozy mountain vibe.
This is a waterfront property sitting on over 55,000 SQFT of land. Existing home is a two bedroom 1 bath home built in 1950. The home needs some TLC however we believe the value is truly on the upside. Whether you envision a lakeside retreat, a vacation home/ rental or a custom rebuild, this is a great property with endless possibilities. Waterfront parcels of this size and location are hard to
Charming 5-Unit Investment Opportunity in Prime Big Bear LakeWe’re proud to present The Jeffries Apartments, a rare and well-positioned five-unit multifamily investment in the heart of Big Bear Lake, just east of the bustling intersection of Big Bear Blvd and Main Street. Operating at a 5.7% CAP rate, this income-producing property offers both stability and upside in one of Southern
Property Id: 1986761Beautiful townhome nestled in the woods with a dock on the lake. Property has 2 pools, 2 hottubs, and 2 tennis courts. We are located in the City of Big Bear Lake. City has 2 ski resorts, a golf course, hiking and biking trails all over including the Pacific Crest Trail for serious hikers.Temperatures are in the 70's during the summer and we get snow in the winter.
Just 3 blocks from the lake and Meadows Park, this charming 2BR/1BA chalet offers cozy mountain living with a fireplace, front and back decks, and serene pine tree surroundings.Close to restaurants, the minimart, and enjoy nearby ski and bike trails. Parking for 2 vehicles. No HOA approval needed. Live, work, and play in the heart of Big Bear! San Bernardino County. Also for Sale. LISTING ID:
Property Id: 1309248This quaint cabin is located in a prime location . In a quiet area but central to all the shopping and local restaurants. it is 1.6 miles from Snow Summit and 3.5 miles to Bear Mountain. Close to hospitals and parks.
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