Gateway to the Rim of the World and the San Bernardino National Forest
Tucked into the San Bernardino National Forest, Running Springs is a resort town with a residential heart. It’s known as the gateway to the sprawling Rim of the World community. Locally called ‘The Rim’, the area stretches 30 miles from Crestline to Big Bear and incorporates several small towns, like Running Springs. Once a logging site that provided lumber for citrus crates, the town offers incredible views from 6,000 feet above sea level. “Running Springs is a quiet, tranquil community with easy access to everything the San Bernardino mountains have to offer. There’s less distractions and noise, so it’s great for people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle. Kids play in the woods, and people like to ski. Snow Valley Mountain Resort is also easy to get to,” says Brian L. Cohen, Realtor and Owner of Arrowhead Premier Properties and Arrowhead Property Rental. Seventeen miles from Big Bear Lake or the city of Highland, Running Springs is for those seeking a secluded hideaway in the mountains with outdoor activities and plenty of fresh air.
A-Frame homes can commonly be found within the trees of Running Springs.
Get all your grocery shopping done at Jensen's.
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Numerous outdoor activities no matter the time of year
Firehouse Playground features open space, a playground, picnic areas and basketball courts. The National Children’s Forest covers 3,400 acres and provides tours and educational programs. It’s home to the popular 4.5-mile Exploration Trail, and the Keller Peak fire lookout provides incredible views of several mountain ranges. Arrowbear Lake and its adjacent park are home to water activities, a playground and a baseball field. Running Springs also has Mountain Top Days, an annual event each August with live music, a chili cook-off and a parade. Located among the hiking and biking trails of the San Bernardino National Forest, town residents are also close to snowtubing, snowboarding and equestrian areas. Snow Valley was the first ski resort in the San Bernardino Mountains when it was built in the 1920s, and it’s still operating today. Nearby, Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake offer water activities, like swimming or canoeing.
Firehouse playground offers Running Springs a place where families can relax and play.
Arrowbear Lake is a relaxing place to fish or go on a hike.
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Cabins and contemporary homes inside the San Bernardino National Forest
Running Springs has a variety of cabins, A-frames, bungalows and contemporary homes. Winding hillside roads lead to houses surrounded by picturesque groves of trees, and many residents walk to the local grocery stores. The area began as a haven from Los Angeles, with vacation homes near lakes and skiing. The community is still considered a resort town and year-round tourist destination where wildlife is spotted daily. “Homebuyers get more bang for their buck here. They can get more house per square foot, and the area has a lower cost of living than nearby cities,” says Faith Mattioli, a Realtor with Keller Williams Lake Arrowhead with almost a decade of experience. “Running Springs is a close-knit community with a lot of events, like clean-up days or an annual Christmas tree lighting. People rely on each other but don’t have to share walls like in a condo.” Houses sell for a median price of $360,000 after 54 days on the market. Cabins, bungalows and investment properties begin around $250,000 and continue to $680,000. More contemporary or custom-built homes range from $750,000 to nearly $2 million.
A green A-Frame home tucked in the trees near Arrowbear Lake in Running Springs.
Many homes in Running Springs are accompanied by the hillside and quiet streets.
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Local groceries, coffee and eateries
The Running Springs Farmers Market and Artisan Faire runs each year from early April to late November, selling items like organic produce, cage-free eggs and homemade jams. Running Springs Fine Foods is part of the town center on Hilltop Drive. The small grocery sells handmade dips, ice cream by the scoop and all the essentials. Golden Oaks Thrift Store is a short walk up the street and has everything from clothing and accessories to household goods and decorations. LuluBelle’s Coffee House and Bakery specializes in fair-trade coffees, handmade pastries and an organic menu. Neo’s Pizza House provides fresh pizzas for the whole group and an arcade for the kids. Just past Arrowbear Lake, Victoria’s Family Restaurant is known for its expansive menu, which combines Mexican, Italian and American comfort foods.
Running Springs has many unique shops to browse.
Come start your day at LuluBelle's Coffee House & Bakery in Running Springs.
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Career training and nearby colleges
Students attend Niche C-plus-rated Charles Hoffman Elementary, C-rated Mary P. Henck Intermediate and C-plus-rated Rim of the World High. The high school offers career technical education courses recognized throughout the state. The program provides certificates of competency, college and work plans and credits for specific college classes. For higher education options, Running Springs is less than 15 miles from the University of Redlands, California State University-San Bernardino and Loma Linda University.
Charles Hoffman Elementary School is just minutes away, offering convenient access for local families.
Mary P. Henck Intermediate School of Lake Arrowhead offers education to local students.
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State highways and bus routes
Running Springs is a car-dependent area near the junction of State Route 18, also called the Rim of the World Parkway, and SR-330. “It’s a great commuter spot because it’s next to two highways. Redlands or Highland is a half-hour away,” says Mattioli. Most commuters have a 38-minute one-way commute time, and around 75% of people drive alone. The No. 4 and 5 bus routes run through the community, taking people to Arrowbear Lake or Lake Arrowhead. People walk or bike down the mountainside roads but must be aware of traffic because there aren’t marked lanes. The community is 10 miles from the Mountains Community Hospital and 48 miles from Ontario International Airport.
Mountain views along Highway 330 which links residents to major nearby cities.
Running Springs is close to nearby mountain towns Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake.
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Houses of worship
The community has seven Protestant and Catholic churches, like St. Anne in the Mountains Catholic Church, the Psalms Ministry Organization and Calvary Chapel Running Springs.
Environmental factors
The area around Arrowbear Lake has a greater chance of flooding than the rest of the community, although all of Running Springs has a high chance of wildfires. To combat damage to people and property during natural disasters, San Bernardino County encourages residents to have emergency supplies ready while reducing flammable debris in the area and installing seismic detectors at water substations.
Written By
K.T. Phillips
Photography Contributed By
Samuel Evans
Video By
Taylor Noll
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 Running Springs, CA sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Running Springs, CA over the last 12 months is $358,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
DUAL ACCESS Home located in the quiet enclave of Smiley Park, where time moves a little bit slower. This home is situated on over an acre of land and has access from Park Drive AND garage access from Panorama. On the ground level, opposite the garage, there is a private bedroom suite with its own entrance, full bathroom and closet, with water supply and plumbed for a future kitchenette and sink
**ENCHANTED FOREST ESTATES BEAUTY!** Discover this sunny and spacious 3,388 sq. ft. mountain estate offering 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, two primary suites, level entry, parking, and an attached oversized 2-car garage. This turnkey home is thoughtfully designed for comfortable full-time living or a relaxing mountain getaway. The main level welcomes you with a beautiful living room featuring a
This charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on a SPACIOUS LOT and offers incredible versatility. The front features an inviting elevated DECK with serene tree views perched directly above a relaxing covered PORCH. Upstairs, the main level boasts soaring ceilings and a large living room with a rock-facade, wood-burning fireplace and high windows with TREE VIEWS. The open-concept design flows
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A Gardener's Delight on a LEVEL lot - this Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home offers the perfect blend of charm, functionality and outdoor living —plus a dream garage for hobbyists, car enthusiasts, or extra storage. Inside you will find vaulted ceilings and skylights to allow for natural light highlighting the warm, rustic interior. The kitchen showcases custom cabinetry with abundant storage,
Set along iconic Highway 18 in Running Springs, this unforgettable 1967 A-frame blends mountain character, income potential, and rare mixed-use flexibility into one standout opportunity. Lovingly restored and full of personality, the property is zoned for both residential and commercial use—opening the door to a wide range of possibilities, from a full-time mountain retreat to a boutique business
Discover architectural excellence on 2.45 sprawling acres, which used to feature 'The Daffodil Tours' in the heart of Smiley Park, where thoughtful design meets natural beauty. This stunning residence showcases vaulted ceilings that create an impressive sense of space and light throughout, while expansive windows frame breathtaking city views that serve as a constantly changing backdrop to daily
Nestled in the peaceful community of Arrowbear Lake, this charming mountain retreat offers the perfect blend of cozy character and modern updates. The main level welcomes you with a warm and inviting family room anchored by a stunning lava rock fireplace complete with a wood burning stove insert — an ideal centerpiece for cool mountain evenings. The adjacent dining area flows naturally into the
THREE Lots, totally 7400 in square feet. Located off a quiet street in Arrowbear, private- wooded setting not far from hiking trails and Keller Peak. Buyer to confirm availability of utilities with Arrowbear Water District, Socal Edison, and Socal Gas. INCLUDES APNS 0328-15-356 and 0328-15-357
Welcome to Smiley Park Country Club, a private mountain community just a 2-hour drive from most Southern California cities. This 1.5-acre property offers breathtaking panoramic and city-light views, abundant wildlife including deer and quail, and the perfect setting for nature lovers seeking a serene escape. Water is already connected, electric is available, and propane service may be an option
Nestled among the towering pines of the highly sought-after Smiley Park Country Club, this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath mountain retreat offers approximately 1,414 sqft of living space on an oversized 17,500 sqft lot. Surrounded by mature trees and abundant wildlife, this property captures the true essence of mountain living while offering comfort, convenience, and community amenities rarely found
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Are you working from home...............? Then this might be for youThis is a furnished cabin, but you are welcome to bring your own furniture and fit in . 12 month lease . All you need is a suitcase of your warm cloths . ( We rent this place once every 5 years). Lets have a white Christmas this year....?1.Gorgeous 2 bedroom all wooden cabin -Furnished - All new . 3.Three min
Available for rent in Arrowbear! This cozy, clean, and bright mountain home offers a comfortable floor plan and the convenience of an attached one-car garage. The main level features a welcoming living room, dining area, kitchen, and a convenient half bath, creating an inviting space for everyday living and entertaining. Upstairs, you'll find two spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom, providing
Escape to the mountains in this inviting three bedroom, three bath, tri-level home. Featuring three generously sized bedrooms and three spacious bathrooms, this home offers comfort and space for everyday living. The bright main living area features large windows with mountain views and a cozy fireplace. Two walk-in closets provide plenty of storage. And after a day outdoors, unwind in your
A Rare and Spectacular Retreat, recently renovated with high quality fixtures, A massive flat to gently sloping backyard with twinkling of city lights view under large pine trees and an abundance of wildlife. A bird watchers paradise. Main level with level entry with two steps to enter and just two steps inside to the kitchen area. Two bedrooms with a full bathroom with a shower and deep soaking
Conveniently located in between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake in beautiful Running Springs! This 2 bedroom 2 bath home has amazing views of the forest. It features an open floor plan upstairs for entertaining guests with high beamed ceilings, tall windows, and lots of natural light. There is a total of 4 separate decks, a separate storage room that can be converted into a 3rd bedroom, a
Cozy 2-Bedroom Mountain Home – Easy Commute LocationWelcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home at 31144 All View Dr. in Running Springs, California. Tucked in a peaceful mountain neighborhood yet conveniently close to Highway 330, this property offers the perfect balance of quiet retreat and easy access for commuters.Inside, you’ll find a warm, inviting living space with plenty of
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Property qualify for a discounted rent when paid min 6 month upfront. Regular month to month is 2,100 per month. Call for details Beautiful home located in beautiful Running Springs, is an understatement, you have to see for yourself. If you are ready to make this house your home, then look no further. Imagine waking up to a crisp morning enjoying a cup of coffee and a book in hand with a great
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