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
Daniel Quattro
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Lake Arrowhead, CA sell after 95 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Arrowhead, CA over the last 12 months is $665,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Perched high above the lake on coveted Emerald Drive, this chic charcoal-grey retreat offers exceptional lake views from two expansive decks and the rare convenience of a level entry. With lake rights, walkability to charming Cedar Glen, and just minutes from the Village, Marina, and McKay Park, this home truly has it all. -------------------------------------------------Spanning two generous
Prepare to be captivated by this architectural home that commands attention from every angle, perched on an expansive 1/4 acre canvas with the kind of style and vision that makes design enthusiasts take note. The thoughtfully curated living space where every detail tells a story of impeccable taste and artistic vision, all enhanced by those coveted lake rights that transform this property from
Nestled in the desirable Mountain Community of Lake Arrowhead, this custom log home with coveted lake rights offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, the home is designed for both relaxing retreats and year-round living. The spacious primary suite serves as a private sanctuary, complete with a cozy wood-burning fireplace and French doors
Welcome to Your Lake Arrowhead RetreatNestled among towering pines this well 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 find soaring vaulted ceilings, expansive picture windows,
Looking for privacy? Tucked into a peaceful, secluded setting with sweeping forest and ridge-line views, this lake rights home has something for everyone. A private road leads exclusively to this level-entry property, complete with an attached single-car garage and ample easy, level parking. Love to hike? Leave from your front door! Inside, the light-filled main living level features vaulted
Welcome to 26249 Alpine Ln, Twin Peaks, CA 92391 — a unique 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom mountain home that blends rustic charm with modern comfort, perfect for full-time living, a second home, or even a vacation home. Step inside and you’ll immediately notice the warm wood accents, open living spaces, and natural light throughout. The home features a cozy cabin-style design with custom wood finishes, a
Priced to sell! 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
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
Tucked into the trees of Lake Arrowhead, this beautifully reimagined mountain retreat blends modern sophistication with warm, inviting charm—and includes coveted Lake Rights. Thoughtfully updated from top to bottom in 2022, the home offers a seamless balance of style and comfort, making it ideal as a full-time residence, weekend escape, or a continued high-performing short-term rental. Clean
Perched high above the lake on coveted Emerald Drive, this chic charcoal-grey retreat offers exceptional lake views from two expansive decks and the rare convenience of a level entry. With lake rights, walkability to charming Cedar Glen, and just minutes from the Village, Marina, and McKay Park, this home truly has it all. -------------------------------------------------Spanning two generous
** PRICE IMPROVED ** Mountain Living at Its Best in Lake Arrowhead!Beautiful chalet-style condo in the desirable Lake Arrowhead Chalets community featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,404 sq ft of inviting living space. Enjoy updated flooring, a stunning stone fireplace, and a bright open layout perfect for relaxing or entertaining.Step out onto your private balcony and take in the
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
!!!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
Discover this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom mountain home offering lake rights and breathtaking views from expansive Fiberon 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,
Remodeled Mountain Retreat with Lake Rights, Stunning Views & Rare Usable Land Welcome to your beautifully remodeled Lake Arrowhead retreat, where modern elegance meets mountain charm. This stunning home features sophisticated, high-end finishes throughout, creating a warm yet contemporary space perfect for full-time living, a weekend getaway, or a vacation rental investment. Enjoy spacious,
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.
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 MINIMUM This 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom villa/Cabin is the ultimate sanctuary,
SUPER UNIQUE PROPERTY LOCATED IN PRIVATE GATED COMMUNITY OF 160 ACRESS OF BLUE BIRD CANYON.THE HOA MAINTAINS ROAD AND TRASH. THE PROPERTY HAS CHARM FROM THE 1930'S TO THE 1990'2 WHEN PRIMARY SUITE WAS ADDED TO INCLUDE TUB AND SHOWER. SLIDER TO LARGE DECK, CLOSETS AND MORE. THERE ARE ALSO 2 LOFTS. KITCHEN HAS WOOD BURNING TOVE, EAT IN KITCHEN, STONE FIREPLACE IN LIVING ROOM, 2 LARGE DECKS TO ENJOY
3 bed, 2 bath Vintage Charmer in Palisades area of Lake Arrowhead. Offered fully furnished. Property owner is open to short term (3 to 6 month lease) or 12 month lease.
Property Id: 2493602Enjoy mountain living in this cozy inviting 1 bedroom + large loft, 3/4 bath cabin tucked away in a peaceful Twin Peaks neighborhood.This home features a warm and welcoming living room with fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings, along with a spacious loft that offers flexibility for additional sleeping space, office, storage or retreat. Step outside onto
Location! Location! Terrific Four bedroom Three Bath Home with Two Car Garageincluding Lake Rights! Newer Property just one minute to the Lake. Elegant Home with plenty of room for family and entertainment. Property will be offered unfurnished. Enter home downstairs into the family room with game room, Garage, guest Bath and Laundry on the same level. Upstairs main level opens into the Living
Welcome to your new home in beautiful Lake Arrowhead, CA! This charming 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath property with Lake Rights offers a comfortable living space in a serene setting, perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this sought-after neighborhood, with nearby outdoor activities that take advantage of the natural beauty of the area.Home comes furnished, however
Terrific Lake View Two Bedroom Two Bath Home in the Lake Arrowhead Villas. Please Note: Property has Owner's Vacation suite on the Lowest Level with Separate Entrance that is not included in this rental. Ask Agent for more details. Large Level Parking. Just a few steps to the Main Level and Entry. Enter Homeinto the Foyer and Hall to the open Living Room Dining and Kitchen. Main Level also
Enchanting Four Bedroom Two and Half Bath Condo in North Meadow Bay.Property is in a gated Community with Private Beach and sets in the tree topswith Sky Views including a peek of the lake. Enter Home thru multi level front doors into the upper level Living Room with Stunning Fireplace with private deck for Barbecuing and Lake Views. Spacious Open Living Room with Dining and open Kitchen.
This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home sits in a quiet, wooded setting with plenty of privacy and a relaxed atmosphere. The layout is comfortable and easy to live in, with well-sized bedrooms and living spaces that feel just right.The two decks are a highlight. Great for hanging outside, entertaining, or just enjoying the trees around you. Parking is right out front, and the in-unit washer and dryer
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