Cozy, rustic and home to about 12,000 people, the mountainside city of Lake Arrowhead is 23 miles from San Bernardino, tucked within the San Bernardino National Forest and centered on its 780-acre namesake lake. “The Village shopping center sits on the lakefront," says Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa employee Marina Elazic, "but the lake's otherwise private for lakefront homeowners, and there’s no swimming allowed." The city is one of the only places in Southern California that experiences snow, so in winter, it attracts visitors from across the region who come largely to ski. Lake Arrowhead’s pine-covered slopes, Swiss-inspired architecture and village feel have earned it the nickname, “The Alps of Southern California,” though its original name comes from an arrowhead-shaped rock formation on the side of the San Bernardino Mountains.
In the late 1800s, this area was known as Little Bear Valley, a hub for logging and mining. Today though, Lake Arrowhead’s economy mostly depends on tourism and hospitality; otherwise, local employers include Mountain Community Hospital, Rim of the World Schools and Southern California Edison. Many residents who live here full-time are retirees, and many owners manage their homes as rental properties. Compared to Big Bear, another mountain-and-lake getaway 25 miles east, Lake Arrowhead has a smaller population, fewer tourists and typically, milder winters.
The Village shopping center sits on the lakefront of Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa.
One of the main local employers of Lake Arrowhead is Mountain Community Hospital.
The Village in Lake Arrowhead is the main draw to the city with its lakeside shopping.
Lake Arrowhead is located in the San Bernardino Mountains surrounded by forest.
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Pet-friendly lakefront dining and a historic speakeasy
The Lake Arrowhead Village, an alpine-inspired shopping and dining district, serves as the community’s commercial hub and provides one of the few points of public access to the lake. Anchored by Stater Bros. Markets, the shopping center's home to Belgian Waffle Works, a local favorite brunch spot that has a pet-friendly patio overlooking the lake. "On a Sunday, you'll likely see all of your neighbors at Belgian Waffle Works," notes Larry Hunt, former resident and Broker with Keller Williams Realty who has 5 years' experience in the area. "It's everyone's favorite breakfast spot in town." Shops like Coach Outlet and Pendleton are also in the Village, set among small storefronts for banks, and novelty treat shops. For a night out, most locals here are familiar with the historic Tudor house, a former Prohibition-era speakeasy; today, it’s a restaurant and bar that residents visit for theater performances, jazz nights and even Sunday brunch. The only year-round farmers' market in the San Bernardino Mountains is held each Thursday in Twin Peaks, 4 miles away.
Find great bargains on designer bags and more at Coach Outlet in Lake Arrowhead.
The Village at Lake Arrowhead brings in many tourists to its beauty, shopping and dining.
Twin Peaks Farmers Market is only 4 miles away and is held every Thursday.
A fun stop for Lake Arrowhead locals is Rocket Fizz, a candy store that has so many treats.
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Local parks and seasonal events on the water
Local homes are often within a short walk from hiking paths like the Northshore Trailhead, which leads through pine forests and up to mountaintops for views of the lake. The Lake Arrowhead Country Club hosts community and charity golf tournaments on its private, 18-hole course, and also maintains a tennis facility with six courts. The city's 2-acre Mackay Park is a favorite among kids for its zip line, rock-climbing wall and playsets on Papoose Lake, and SkyPark at Santa's Village is an adventure-based theme park with year-round ice skating and mountain biking.
In the middle of Lake Arrowhead Village, the outdoor Center Stage hosts an annual summer concert series, featuring tribute bands that cover everything from Prince to the Bee Gees. The Arrowhead Queen Tour Boat embarks from the Village, and its hour-long history tour enables non-members of the Arrowhead Lake Association to venture out on the lake.
Lake Arrowhead residents love the playgrounds at Mackay Recreational Park.
Lake Arrowhead’s economy mostly depends on tourism and hospitality.
SkyPark at Santa's Village at Lake Arrowhead has ice skating, axe throwing and more.
Lake Arrowhead Country Club offers tennis and golf with 9 challenging back holes.
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Sprawling lakeside retreats and cabins in the woods
As of late 2024, Lake Arrowhead’s median home price is $575,000, slightly lower than Big Bear’s roughly $585,000 and significantly lower than California’s roughly $890,000. Homes here tend to stay on the market for about 94 days, far longer than the national average of 44 days.
Most of Lake Arrowhead's homes are single-family, and are generally set along winding, narrow streets that hug heavily wooded hillsides; steep uphill pathways and trails take the place of sidewalks, making walks here feel more like hikes. Rustic cabins and ranch-style houses tend to be the city's least expensive homes. Mountain-style homes and chalets are set in pricier, lakefront neighborhoods; for lake access, Arrowhead Lake Association members pay about $1,110 annually.
Most rows of homes throughout the Lake Arrowhead neighborhood are surrounded by large trees.
Large estate homes on the waterfront have docks for Lake Arrowhead.
Lake Arrowhead lakefront homes are a bit pricier.
Lake Arrowhead is a forest covered mountain resort town 23 miles from San Bernardino.
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Public Education near Lake Arrowhead
The Rim of the World Unified School District earns an overall C from Niche, serving about 2,900 students across six different schools and one virtual academy. Four of the district's schools are within the city: Lake Arrowhead Elementary, Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate, Mountain High and Rim of the World Senior High. The latter earns a C-plus and is widely recognized as one of the first schools in the nation to utilize wind and solar energy to power the campus.
The entrance to Lake Arrowhead Elementary School is fun and welcoming.
A tall blue entrance welcomes you to Mary P. Henck Intermediate School of Lake Arrowhead.
Rim of the World High School of Lake Arrowhead is home to the Scots.
Rim of the World High, Lake Arrowhead offers a sprawling campus when viewed from above.
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Connecting to San Bernardino on the 18
Lake Arrowhead is set at the junction of State Highways 18 and 173. State Highway 18, also known as the “Rim of the World Highway,” connects Lake Arrowhead to San Bernardino, approximately 23 miles away. Lake Arrowhead is heavily car dependent, but Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) provides bus service in Lake Arrowhead and throughout the San Bernardino Mountains region. Mountains Community Hospital serves as the area’s primary medical facility, offering 24-hour emergency care. Ontario International Airport, the nearest major airport, is located about 45 miles away.
High wildfire risk but low crime rates
Lake Arrowhead’s location in the San Bernardino Mountains and National Forest puts it at high risk for wildfires in summer and fall. In September 2024, the nearly 40,000-acre Line Fire spread through the mountains, causing evacuations in both Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear; the latter was more heavily impacted. The San Bernardino National Forest participates in forest health initiatives, aiming to enhance wildfire safety and mitigate risk. Lake Arrowhead maintains four fire stations within city limits.
Lake Arrowhead has a CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. The city is served by San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Twin Peaks Station, set 4 miles away, where the staff includes 17 deputies.
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Michael Ng
Video By
Zack Kojoyian
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On average, homes in Lake Arrowhead, CA sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Arrowhead, CA over the last 12 months is $599,950, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
LAKE RIGHTS! Welcome to one of Lake Arrowheads finest Condominium Communities with LAKE RIGHTS! Upgraded 3 bedrooms or 2 bedrooms and an office, 2.5 bathrooms with over 2000 sq ft. In gated community. Dinning room offers seating for large family gatherings, master bedroom upstairs offer a walk out deck for your morning coffee and a massive walk in closet. Just imagine boating, fishing and
Pristine Lake View Cottage Perched Atop Summit Road in Picturesque Lake Arrowhead Woods. This enchanting jewelbox cottage pays homage to the allure of 1950s vintage wood boats with lacquer beadboard and shiplap millwork detailing. “Hobbit Hollow” has been a family retreat that inspiresthe creative spirit for many over the years, a special place to engage with family and friendsor to just break
Tucked away in a serene forested setting, this thoughtfully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath cabin offers a rare blend of vintage character and modern sophistication. Ideally situated with dual access and a desirable floor plan that includes two main level bedrooms, the home provides both convenience and comfort—perfect for full time living or a luxurious weekend escape. A charming horseshoe driveway
Welcome to Edelweiss Chalet — a beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home where mountain comfort meets refined elegance. Thoughtfully upgraded with high-end fixtures and tasteful finishes, this home offers a seamless blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. Surrounded by nature, the indoor and outdoor living spaces are designed to let you fully embrace the serene mountain lifestyle. Ideally
If you've dreamed of being in the mountains, yet right on a golf course, this is your chance. This .58 acre lot has 218 ft of frontage right on the famous Monster 15th fairway, probably the largest parcel left to build your golf course dream home. The seller has made things easy for you, has all of the tedious stuff done...a survey and topo, site plan too. Plus he has the plans for an
Discover the ultimate mountain lifestyle in this beautifully designed 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home, nestled in our charming mountain town. With exclusive lake rights, parking for up to 6 vehicles (including space for a boat or RV), and a partially fenced yard!Step inside to the main floor’s breathtaking prow design, showcasing an open-concept living and kitchen area bathed in natural light.
Now available for lease, this charming Lake Arrowhead home offers beautiful mountain views, spacious indoor living, and exclusive lake rights for year-round enjoyment. The main level features an open-concept layout with a cozy living room, vaulted wood ceilings, large windows that let in plenty of natural light, and a classic rock fireplace. The kitchen and dining area flow out to a large deck
Escape to a stunning Furnished, short Term luxury rental villa nestled in the heart of Lake Arrowhead, just a stone's throw away from the Village, Resort, Beach Club, restaurants, and shops. This fully renovated cabin boasts unparalleled elegance and comfort, featuring custom handcrafted woodwork throughout. 2 NIGHT MINIMUMThis 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom villa/Cabin is the ultimate sanctuary,
Discover your perfect retreat in Lake Arrowhead with this spacious single-family home featuring four bedrooms and three bathrooms set in a beautifully elevated lot surrounded by nature. Enjoy easy access to nearby restaurants and grocery store, while the serene Will Abell Memorial Trail at Arrowhead Ridge park is just a short walk away, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. This home comes with Lake
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