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
Janeth Pazmino,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Big Bear Lake, CA sell after 105 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Big Bear Lake, CA over the last 12 months is $595,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 41659 Mockingbird Drive in Big Bear Lake, California! This fully remodeled 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home sits in the heart of Big Bear Lake's highly desirable Eagle Point neighborhood, just minutes from everything the mountain has to offer. Meadow Park, Big Bear Lake, the ski slopes at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, Big Bear Village shops and restaurants, and local grocery stores are
Welcome to the heart of Moonridge! This impeccably kept two bedroom mountain home offers the perfect blend of renovation and cabin charm! A weekend sanctuary, short term rental or full time residence, this property delivers on every front. Warm wood accents align with vaulted ceilings in the living space anchored alongside bay window offering views of tree tops and ski slopes. The kitchen has
Welcome to 40159 Esterly Lane! A versatile mountain retreat in one of Big Bear Lake’s most desirable locations, just minutes from the Village, the lake, dining, and the Alpine Slide, and ski resorts . This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers approximately 1,452 sq ft of living space with a unique and flexible layout that truly sets it apart. Designed with two separate living areas, each with its
Experience true mountain luxury in the exclusive Comstock Community — a private gated slopesideenclave offering the only direct ski-in and ski-out access to Bear Mountain, Southern California’slargest ski resort. This beautifully upgraded Townhome blends modern comfort with alpine charm,featuring quartz countertops in the kitchen, granite and marble counters in the bathrooms,
What a great oporturnity for this centrally located home with 3 large bedrooms and 2 full baths. A fully fenced 13,950 sq ft lot! Home was built by current owner in 1965 and has been lovenly taken care of since then. Yard is fenced in, and is one of the largest lots in the Summit Estates area. Close to Snow Summit, Village drive, Restaurants, Parks and the lake. This home has an easy flow floor
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
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! This charming single-story mountain retreat is ideally situated just blocks from Holloway’s Marina, National Forest hiking and biking trails, popular sledding hills, the village, and the lake. Offering 2 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, combining warm woodsy character with thoughtful upgrades throughout, creating the perfect getaway or full-time mountain living.
How about that Lake VIew? Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering 1,209 sq ft of comfortable living space on a generous 6,450 sq ft lot. This inviting property features a functional layout with bright living areas and well-sized bedrooms, perfect for everyday living or entertaining. Step outside to a relaxing patio where you can take in beautiful lake views an ideal spot for morning coffee or
Welcome to your perfect Big Bear getaway, located between both ski areas- where convenience meetsmountain charm. With easy year-round access, this beautifully renovated two-story log-style homeoffers 1,060 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space, ideal as a full-time residence, vacation retreat,or proven income property. Step inside to an inviting open floor plan featuring warm
CHECK THIS LOCATION! Wait until you see the great location and immaculate interior condition of thisspacious two-bedroom, one-bath two-story custom home with an open living, kitchen & dining areasincluding newer stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, full-sized stacked laundry facilities, anefficient wood-burning fireplace, new wood-like laminate flooring, dual-pane windows,
ESCAPE TOWNHOME STEPS TO THE SLOPES! Wait until you see the condition of this immaculate twobedroom, two-full-bath End Unit just steps away from the base area of SNOW SUMMIT SKI RESORT. Features include a floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace, vaulted-beam ceilings, an open floor plan with a fullkitchen, a separate dining area, plus a breakfast bar and ample decking for all-season BBQs. This Unit
TWO BLOCKS FROM THE BASE OF SNOW SUMMIT! Wait until you see the fabulous location andimmaculate condition of this recently renovated, three-bedroom, two-bath, single-story home with anattached garage in SUMMIT ESTATES. Features include an open kitchen, dining and living room,vaulted ceilings with skylights, T & G wood accents throughout, extensive front and (back-redwood)decking, a cozy used
Wonderful Condo on the Moonridge Corridor! Location is the Best! Upgraded in the last couple years! Over $75000 Invested. Open Living Area, Vaulted Ceillings, New Upscale Appliances, Dual Pane Windows, Custom Laminate Wood Look Flooring, Central Heating Unit, Granite Countertops, Upgraded Shower Tiile,New Plumbing Fixtures and Sinks. New Electrical Wiring and Fixtures. Sky Lights in Living
Great central Moonridge location on cul de sac. Minutes to new zoo, Bear Mountain parking to catch shuttle to resort. There are high ceilings rock wood burning fireplace, a WOW updated shower with custom feature's! The 2 bedrooms are a nice size This is ready to move into and enjoy. Stacked washer and dryer, appliances stay! There is a spa on the deck and the lot is street to street. There are no
Just three blocks from the Lake, this recently renovated home offers the perfect blend of location,space, and comfort. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, the layout is designed for everyday living,weekend getaways, or proven rental income. The updated kitchen includes stainless steel appliances:range, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher, paired with sleek granite countertops
FULLY FURNISHED at Bear Mountain Golf Course. Welcome to the recently remodeled mid-century modern Chalet located on the golf course, walking distance to Bear mountain Ski Resort. This high end two-bedroom + two-bath, A-Frame is nestled right on Bear Mountain Golf Course with majestic views from both upper and lower decks. Turn key with Viking Stove & Viking dishwasher, Bosch Refrigerator and
Amalia Khachikian
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Property Id: 2469024Welcome to your mountain retreat at 43065 Goldmine Woods Ln in Big Bear Lake! This fully furnished, move-in ready single-family home features 2 spacious ensuite bedrooms, offering comfort and privacy, plus an upstairs half bath for added convenience.Enjoy stunning mountain and golf course views from your spacious private balcony, all within walking distance to
Property Id: 1939509Closest Lodging to Snow Summit - Hot Tub + BBQ - Smart HomeSteps from Snow Summit, this 2BR/2BA smart cabin sleeps 7 and features a private hot tub, BBQ, massage chair, and fireplace. Fully equipped kitchen with Keurig, grinder, and dishwasher. Relax with high-speed WiFi, stream shows, or recharge your EV (bring cord). Enjoy easy, keyless entry, Sleep Number
This property features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within a total of 927 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment, while the kitchen is equipped with essential appliances. Each bedroom provides sufficient room for furnishings, with the primary bedroom including an en-suite bathroom for added convenience. The bathrooms are designed for functionality,
This home is relatively new and comes fully furnished with stainless steel appliances, bedding, kitchen supplies, etc. The great room has a large sectional that has a queen size pull out sofa bed. There is a gas burning fireplace, a 60 inch smart tv, and a large wifi blue tooth speaker that can be used to listen to your favorite playlist. The cabin comes with a variety of board games and card
Josh JoneseXp Realty of California, Inc.
$1,700 per month
Cozy, Fully Furnished, Two Bedroom Rental- Minutes Away from the Big Bear Lake Front!
Embrace the serene charm of Big Bear Lake living with our fully furnished two-bedroom apartment nestled just minutes away from the picturesque lakefront. This meticulously renovated unit offers a cozy retreat with modern amenities, including a refrigerator and microwave, ensuring convenience at every turn.Whether you're seeking a short-term escape or a longer-term stay, we offer flexible
Turnkey, thoughtfully remodeled Big Bear cabin with authentic mountain charm on an over 8,000 sq ft R3-zoned lot in an unbeatable location, offered fully furnished. Steps from Boulder Bay and Holloway’s Marina, and minutes from the Village. Features include an upgraded electrical system with a newer panel, a newer tankless water heater, a newer furnace with NEST thermostat, dual-pane windows,
Escape to Cozy Hollow Lodge and enjoy a relaxing mountain retreat in Big Bear Lake, CA. Our cozy, fully furnished cabin suites offer everything you need for a comfortable home-away-from-home stay.
4 BR, 2 BA two story home with an oversized 1 car garage. Recently upgraded home. Stone fireplace and beautiful wood beam ceiling in living room. Two fireplaces, Laundry. Furnishings negotiable. All utilities paid by renter. Pet negotiable. Available Now. Rent: $3000.00, Sec Dep: $3300.00, SQFT: 1920, Lot SQFT: 7776. Directions: West on Big Bear Blvd, Left on Fox Farm, Merge onto Mc Allister,
4 bedroom 2 bath. located close the lake & village. Wood floors, recently upgraded. Furnishings negotiable per inventory. laundry included. utilities paid by renter. pets negotiable. rent: $1800, security deposit: $2150, SqFt: 1040, lot SqFt: 4550. directions: West on Big bear Blvd, Right on Temple, Left on Dream St.
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