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
Vannessa Swinford,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Big Bear Lake, CA sell after 108 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 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.
Experience the best of Big Bear Lake living in this inviting mountain retreat, ideally located just steps from the lake, marinas, and the vibrant Village with its popular restaurants, shops, and year-round entertainment. Designed for both relaxing and entertaining, the open floor plan features a spacious great room highlighted by a stunning floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and beautiful
Welcome to 944 Knickerbocker Rd, a charming mountain retreat nestled in the heart of Big Bear Lake, offering the perfect blend of rustic character and modern updates. Surrounded by towering trees and peaceful forest views, this home offers an incredible setting that feels like your own private treehouse.Inside, soaring vaulted ceilings with stunning exposed wood beams create a warm and
This one is a must see. You own land in the park. Nice, open & bright with great floorplan with beautiful fireplace. End lot with a great location close to the recreational area! This home has vaulted ceilings with large living, dining and kitchen areas. Separate laundry room, garage, workshop, storage shed. all bedrooms are large and the master has a large bathroom with tub! you will love taking
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
Nestled in the heart of Big Bear, your dream of owning TWO cabins on a spacious, and nearly flat lot awaits. These historic cabins feature a rustic stone exterior, reminiscent of simpler times and rugged wilderness living. Upon entering the larger cabin known as Stone Hauz, you’re immediately greeted by natural stone floors and a paneled wooden ceiling, which opens into the main living area with
Classic Big Bear Cabin in Great LOCATION! Large 8515 Square Foot Lot! Great views of Forest, Trees annd Neighboring Cabins Below. Open Living Area includes Niced Sized Living Room with Massive Native Rock Fireplace, Spacious Sized Dining Area next to Large Kitchen with Bar Stools at Counter. Upstairs Bunk Area/ Playroom has 5 Beds and Viewing Balcony with Exit Stairs. Seller says there is
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,
THE SKIES THE LIMIT! UNMATCHED VIEWS WITH TURNKEY CONVENIENCE! Experience mountain livingat its finest in this custom 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom sanctuary nestled on a serene, wooded homesite.Designed to impress, this home offers breathtaking, panoramic vistas of Bear Mountain Ski Area, theLake, and the shimmering night lights of Snow Summit and Snow Valley. Step into the open-conceptmain floor, where
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
CHECK THIS LOCATION! Wait until you see the great location and immaculate interior condition of this spacious two-bedroom, one-bath two-story custom home with an open living, kitchen & dining areas including newer stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, full-sized stacked laundry facilities, an efficient wood-burning fireplace, new wood-like laminate flooring, dual-pane windows, patio
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
Welcome to this fully three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath furnished, remodeled mid-century modern log chalet, a perfect blend of comfort, style, and cozy mountain vibes. Nestled on the pristine Bear Mountain Golf Course, this high-end retreat offers unparalleled views, premium amenities, and a prime location steps from top attractions. The living room features a large wood-burning and gas
Amalia Khachikian
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Property Id: 2074157 $1,800 AVAILABLE EARLY OCTOBER with Current Carpet or $1,850 AVAILABLE MID OCTOBER. AWESOME UPDATED CONDO in PRIME, VERY UNIQUE, VERY SPECIAL LOCATION Only 4 properties down from SNOW SUMMIT! #4 at 775 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 has a BRAND NEW BEAUTIFUL QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS and BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM CABINETS KITCHEN! 2 Bedrooms upstairs. 1 Full Bathroom with
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: 2146536 4 DOORS FROM SNOW SUMMIT SKI RESORT! #4 at 775 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake has a BRAND NEW BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN W QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS & HUGE GLORIOUS WIDE BREAKFAST QUARTZ BARTOP! NEW BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM CABANETS! 2 Bedrooms upstairs. 1 Full Bathroom with Bathtub & Shower Upstairs & 1/2 Bath DOWNSTAIRS. 2 living rooms, Fireplace & full kitchen downstairs. AVAILABILITY &
Property Id: 2482165 Cute 1 bedroom 1 bath home for rent. Pets ok, with fee. Fully furnished. Washer/Dryer Let us know if you would like to tour it! Cute fully furnished 1 bedroom 1 bath home. Pets ok with fee. Utilities are to be paid by tenant. Yard is not fenced in front or back. No garage. No fireplace Let us know if you would like to
Property Id: 1986761 LOOKING FOR LONG TERM TENANT (1 YEAR LEASE) for a "Beautiful 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
Property Id: 1939509 Closest Lodging to Snow Summit - Hot Tub + BBQ - Smart Home Steps 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 bed,
Rent $1,075UTILITIES INCLUDEDFURNISHED UNITNO PETSNestled in the picturesque mountains around Big Bear Lake, studio 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
unfurnished very tiny grembal cabin for a one single or couple(2persons) or small familyclose to village, lake, ski areaslocation location location tenant puts their own tvtenant pays all utilities & snow removal, weeds/garden,cable & wifi & unclog drains, no sublet or air bnb must have employment verification & good credit history background/eviction/criminal check thur rent spree
Studio apartment for rent, 340 sq.ft. one occupant only, centrally located near the lake and village on quiet street. fully furnished with mountain style furniture. NO PETS, NO SMOKING. Good credit (650 and above), rental history, background check and proof of adequate income required. By appointment only.
Charming Gambrel Cabin in the Heart of Moonridge Mountain Estates | Big Bear Lake. This move-in ready mountain retreat checks every box — a smart open layout, spacious eat-in kitchen, and generously sized bedrooms with ample closet space. Gather around the cozy fireplace after a day on the slopes, then out to your completely renovated backyard oasis featuring a BBQ station, hot tub deck, and
2 story with 3 Bedrooms and 2 full baths. Living room has enormous rock fireplace and laminate floors. Large kitchen with breakfast bar. Dining area has a second rock fireplace. Bedrooms are upstairs with full bath. Fenced yard and small pet on approval.
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