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
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Michael Ng
Video By
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On average, homes in Lake Arrowhead, CA sell after 96 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Arrowhead, CA over the last 12 months is $666,250, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Calling the outdoors type looking for adventure in their mountain exploits! There's nothing like a towering white fir right in your bedroom to wake up with to make communing with nature a whole new experience! You've played as a kid in tree-houses, where the cabin was in the tree, right? Well this one has the tree IN the cabin! A true one-of a kind experience in this Christmas Cabin Treehouse.
!!!Mountain Retreat with Lake Rights in Arrowhead Woods!!!Discover the perfect mountain getaway in the coveted Arrowhead Woods community, complete with exclusive lake rights that provide access to pristine Lake Arrowhead. This thoughtfully updated home offers the ideal blend of rustic charm and modern convenience across three well-designed levels. The main level welcomes you with a warm and
Timeless Mountain Log Cabin Retreat!Experience mountain living at its finest in this beautifully maintained real log home, where authentic craftsmanship meets modern comfort. Thoughtfully built on a raised foundation with durable LP SmartSide siding, this property combines the timeless appeal of log construction with the ease of low-maintenance living—ideal for those who value quality without
Stunning Mountain Cabin Retreat! Escape to your dream home in the heart of the mountains. This beautifully decorated cabin offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal getaway or permanent residence. This spacious home offers 1400 sq ft of cozy living space designed for comfort and relaxation. **Breathtaking Views** Enjoy miles of stunning vistas right from your
Huge price improvement on this cute, much loved 2-bedroom, 1 bath home reminiscent of the 1940's -1950's. Could be a great opportunity for a contractor. Inspections show it needs some foundation work and tree removal. Adorable, vintage cabin you are the apple of my eye! Walk into the kitchen filled with apple decor along with Formica counters, original cupboards and vintage oven and refrigerator.
Welcome to Your Lake Arrowhead RetreatNestled among towering pines with breathtaking views of Lake Arrowhead, this beautifully maintained 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom mountain home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Ideally located on Matterhorn Drive, you'll enjoy a serene setting with easy access to the lake, village shops, and year-round recreation.Step inside to
Discover this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom mountain home offering breathtaking views from every room with access to huge decks! The spacious primary suite features a cozy fireplace, spa-like bathroom with a jetted tub, and an oversized two-person shower. Enjoy hardwood flooring throughout the main areas, plush carpeted bedrooms, and a gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances,
Classic Lake Arrowhead "Prow Front" cabin with "lake rights" to private Lake Arrowhead. Main floor living area is perfect for entertaining with an open floorplan featuring a wall of windows and slider out to wrap around deck overlooking Grass Valley Lake area and ridgeline views. Living room has a rock fireplace for those cool mountain evenings. Nicely updated kitchen with quartz counters,
Have you yearned to be quiet, breathe deep...commune with your surroundings...sit on your southern-style covered porch and watch the snow fall? Or look down at your own private forest while barbecuing your dinner on your rear deck, watching deer, bobcats, even bears meander through the forest? You can feel the hospitality of the house and neighborhood from the minute you drive up. There's ample
Discover comfort and convenience in this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located just minutes from Lake Arrowhead Village. The remodeled kitchen features modern finishes and ample storage, perfect for everyday cooking or entertaining. Relax in the cozy living room beside the inviting fireplace, creating a warm atmosphere year-round. This property offers excellent functionality with
If you are dreaming of a near-level lot in a highly desirable neighborhood in Lake Arrowhead with lake privileges to build your dream home, this is it! This beautiful lot has never been on the market! Walking distance to Tavern Bay Beach Club but also away from the hustle when you want privacy and serenity, located on a maintained road and approximately 1/3 acre, what more could you want.
2 bedroom, 2 bath with vaulted ceiling, conveniently located for commuting and also near Lake Arrowhead Village. Fireplace. Separate laundry room. Two decks. Level parking deck. Water and trash collection are included. Road is paved, maintained and snow plowed.
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,
Beautifully newly updated 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home in Lake Arrowhead, offered fully furnished and move in ready. This charming mountain property features modern updates, comfortable living spaces, and a thoughtfully designed interior that provides both style and functionality. Located in a peaceful neighborhood just minutes from Lake Arrowhead Village, dining, shopping and outdoor recreation.
A unique “lake rights” property located just past Grass Valley Lake Park, on the corner lot of Brentwood and Sonoma, is situated directly across from a forest trailhead. This sage green, modified A-frame combines contemporary design with striking architectural features like dormers and a beautiful portico. The interior boasts a wide front door with beveled glass leading into a spacious living
Property Id: 1510468Affordable 3-Bedroom Mountain Home with A/C, Appliances, and Privacy - Schedule a Showing TodayLooking for an affordable, move-in ready home in the mountains?This fully remodeled 3-bedroom cabin offers rare features like air conditioning, included appliances, and off-street parking—all just minutes from Blue Jay and Lake Arrowhead Village.A smart
Arrowhead Woods Oasis with Full Lake Rights Included! Escape to this sunny mountain retreat in Lake Arrowhead, fully furnished, Surrounded by towering pines, the updated home offers indoor-outdoor living with low-maintenance Trex wraparound decks perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or stargazing. Enjoy cozy, light-filled interiors with 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, a modern kitchen, and a family room
Welcome to your charming retreat in the Lake Arrowhead Palisades! This delightful two-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family home spans 1,200 square feet of updated living space and is perfect for those looking for comfort and convenience in a serene environment. Pet lovers will appreciate that furry friends are welcome here.Key property features include a spacious living area with high
***Vacation where you live!*** This adorable multi-level home is nestled in the fabulous Arrowhead mountain. With stunning views and ample decks to enjoy it you will feel nothing but tranquility. This 2-bedroom 1.5 bath home is equipped with vaulted ceilings in the living area for a very large roomy feel. Ample parking will give you and family members ease in this mountainous area. Kitchen and
Property Id: 2417472You have arrived at your cozy Lake Arrowhead retreat. This 3Bed 2Bath with a private entrance bonus room is perfect for the active family! Enjoy days on the lake or hiking the trails. The views from the floor to ceiling windows draw in lots of light & the beautiful rustic scienic views. 8400 sqft lot for plenty of running around & biking includes street level parking
Chic Chalet in the Villas...Attractive Two Bedroom and Two Bath Chalet in one of the desirable areas in Lake Arrowhead Villas. Recently upgraded! Easy entry that opens into the living with Fireplace. Open Concept Living, Dining and Kitchen. Beautiful Decking and views of Trees. Two Bedrooms upstairs on main Level with Bath and Extra Bonus Room downstairs with Bath. Bonus Room could be another
About this spaceModerned, remodeled, furnished home with lake and sunset view**This is a nonsmoking property**Our family of 3 truly love our home and want to share it with you and your guests. We will give a discount of 10% if you take care of our property from tear, rip and damages.This modern home is nestled in the mountains of Southern California. Designed with
Welcome to the beautiful city of Lake Arrowhead, where tranquility meets luxury. This stunning five-bedroom turnkey home is perfect for families or individuals seeking a peaceful escape from the busy city and the chance to enjoy the scenic woods and four distinct seasons that Lake Arrowhead offers. The property features a private road entry, a driveway with additional parking, and a two-car
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