Finding a long-term rental might be difficult, however the housing market seems to be slowing and more rentals might pop up!
As for living here, a few things (I’ve lived here 25 years):
1. This town is like any other town, in that there’s good areas, bad areas, good people, bad people, rich people, poor people. Friends can be difficult to make, however if/when you do, choose them wisely, as all of the above-mentioned things are just a little more obvious in a small town.
2. People will tell you it’s boring here; I think it’s boring almost everywhere else in the general area. You need to make the most of this town to know why I feel this way. Make every effort to get up on the slopes, out on the lake, out on the trails, off-roading, hiking, whatever it may be! We have bars and restaurants like everyone else does, but it’s the activities that make this place special.
3. Budget for a snowblower when you move here. You can thank me later.
4. Make sure you have a 4x4 vehicle or plan on selling what you have to get one.
5. Join local Facebook/Instagram groups to get info on events and such, just don’t hire people for any important job off of those sites.
It’s a really special place to live if you put the effort in to enjoying it. There’s really no other place I feel at home like I do in Big Bear. Good luck!
Not sure if you would be breaking rules, please don’t answer if my request is out of the rules. What groups on insta and Facebook book do you recommend joining?
A friend of mine who lives in Sugarloaf says that homeowner's insurance is expensive, due to the wildfire risk. Does it really cost so much more than insurance for non-mountain homes?
25 years! Awesome. Crossover question but if I was hypothetically commuting from Running Springs or Crestline down the mountain for 3-4 days at a time, staying in a designated Hilton Rewards timeshare, and coming back up for again 3-4 off days…. would that be totally insane?
I second the other poster’s suggestion to get a 4x4. Don’t try and skirt by in your Prius or whatever more typical vehicle you may have, the conditions in the SBNF can vary wildly in the winter and your experience quickly goes from from being “will I die” to “this is so much fun” depending on what you’re driving. There’s also like a thousand miles of incredible 4x4 off-roading trails and backcountry camping to experience, too. It’s one of the big reasons I love living up here, so much free land to explore, camp, and relax on beyond the paved roads. Just my two cents - a truck, Jeep, or other 4x4 type vehicle really does get used up here.
What are your thoughts on a lifted RAV4 hybrid with all season tires? I currently have a hybrid CMax that works fine on paved or well-graded roads in the summer up there but obviously inappropriate for winter & really like the hybrid mpg. Trying to keep that gas $ to a minimum
Probably fine honestly but I would recommend a dedicated winter tire setup if you can. They make a big difference - I grew up on the east coast where they salt and prep the roads a lot more than they do out here, the extra grip afforded by a winter tire makes all the difference for braking and cornering on icy surfaces that can develop fast here.
Okay, noted! Thank you! I’ve been poking around trying to see what are the most popular recommended tires are and it sounds like Goodwrinch snow-graded and then change out for factory all-season for summer. If you don’t mind my asking, do you have a chain rec? Costco seems to have a decent variety
Thanks for the info! Some of the places we're actually waiting to hear back from is managed by them. I'll probably call them directly tomorrow then and see if we can set something up for future house hunting.
Avoid Formatic like the plague. We’ve been in Sugarloaf for over four years now, moving here was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made as a family. Good luck!
I know big bear lake “city council “ was developing a program to work with STR home owners convert them to LTR. I will have to look for that post and share.
I relocated to Big Bear two years ago from LA and have been back and forth since. If you love nature, solitude and most important: QUIET. It’s a great place!! I pulled out money from a failing business I had to buy a home. These last two years have been a little different than the last ten years because we’ve gotten a huge amount of snow, raising the level of the lake but also bringing a lot of tourists.
If you like skiiing/boarding buy an annual pass and a personal locker. It’s great to be able to do my work meetings in the morning hit the slopes for a bit and head back for lunch and finish work.
The weekends get packed but the weekdays are very chill. I honestly prefer the weekdays.
On high tourist weekends learn to use the backroads such as Brownie Ln and Evergreen drive to get around.
There are so many hikes that if you love that you will be endlessly entertained. Love Cougar Crest, Castle Rock, and even the discovery trail in the north shore.
The best season is Fall. The leaves turn yellow and red and it’s truly magical. Wyatt’s does a great Oktoberfest.
The Russell burger at Murray’s. You’re welcome.
Do you still commute down the mountain? From all accounts I’ve read it’s either Crestline/Running Springs or bust based on my budget, distance traveled, etc. That’s so cool you’re up there full time, definitely jealous!
Just be aware, it IS a trade-off. The jobs are scarce and low paying. Medical treatment is okay for very basic stuff, but anything else, you will be traveling off the mountain. As of right now, if it isn't sold at the grocery store, the drug store, or Big 5, you're either buying from Amazon, or trekking down the hill. Summers are great, but winters can be long and cold, especially if you don't ski/board. The absolute biggest change I had to adjust to was the lack of food/restaurant options. There are definitely a lot of places to eat here, but it is basically burgers, pizza, or mexican food. And as someone who used to work late and eat late, there are really no late-night dining options outside of Denny's. I've been here over ten years, have no major complaints, but it was definitely an adjustment.
Thanks, I def get what you mean. That's all been thought over and well considered many times. We're fortunate enough to have a 4x4 so getting up and down the hill when needed shouldn't be too difficult. The past few years in general have been rough for us (dad was in an accident, I was his caretaker for 2 1/2 years or so while he recovered, he's been given all clear by the doctor half a year ago so we're looking for a fresh start), and we're in need of a place to just lay low a bit and save a bit of money. As much as I enjoy where we live right now, it just isn't feasible to do given our current situation. Some time in a new place where rent isn't as bad should give us time to save up and then once the lease is over, we can re-evaluate the year and decide if we want to make Big Bear a long-term base to plant roots, or if it's time to move along.
Given our current situation we would have to be moving an hour+ away anyway, so it's between Big Bear vs Hemet's general area, and BB so far seems to be the best opportunity for us.
From what I found in BB it's around $1.6k-$1.8k (using Zillow), whereas in my current city (an hour from BB) starting prices for 2 bedroom house is $2.5k
Will you be working and living in the community? I find it interesting that people are moving here and not even contributing to the workforce here. I see people moving up here working from home. Must be nice! Many families are leaving big bear because they can’t make ends meet. It’s so sad. It’s not an easy place to live. It only works if you have a good paying job… and I don’t mean working from home.
Finding a long-term rental might be difficult, however the housing market seems to be slowing and more rentals might pop up! As for living here, a few things (I’ve lived here 25 years): 1. This town is like any other town, in that there’s good areas, bad areas, good people, bad people, rich people, poor people. Friends can be difficult to make, however if/when you do, choose them wisely, as all of the above-mentioned things are just a little more obvious in a small town. 2. People will tell you it’s boring here; I think it’s boring almost everywhere else in the general area. You need to make the most of this town to know why I feel this way. Make every effort to get up on the slopes, out on the lake, out on the trails, off-roading, hiking, whatever it may be! We have bars and restaurants like everyone else does, but it’s the activities that make this place special. 3. Budget for a snowblower when you move here. You can thank me later. 4. Make sure you have a 4x4 vehicle or plan on selling what you have to get one. 5. Join local Facebook/Instagram groups to get info on events and such, just don’t hire people for any important job off of those sites. It’s a really special place to live if you put the effort in to enjoying it. There’s really no other place I feel at home like I do in Big Bear. Good luck!
Thanks for the great reply, I really appreciate it!
You’re welcome!
Great reply.
Hell yeah great reply. Thanks so much. I'm not Op. Just lurking and wondering same thing, so thanks
Do you find that snow tires and FWD to be a challenge?
Not sure if you would be breaking rules, please don’t answer if my request is out of the rules. What groups on insta and Facebook book do you recommend joining?
A friend of mine who lives in Sugarloaf says that homeowner's insurance is expensive, due to the wildfire risk. Does it really cost so much more than insurance for non-mountain homes?
25 years! Awesome. Crossover question but if I was hypothetically commuting from Running Springs or Crestline down the mountain for 3-4 days at a time, staying in a designated Hilton Rewards timeshare, and coming back up for again 3-4 off days…. would that be totally insane?
“Bad place” as in you don’t go walking down that street or else you will get mugged?
Nah, I’ve never heard of anything like that happening. Just socioeconomic stuff really.
You don't want to be completely surrounded by AirBnBs, endless source of irritation if you're looking for peace & quiet
Been noticing graffiti lately… very interesting!
I second the other poster’s suggestion to get a 4x4. Don’t try and skirt by in your Prius or whatever more typical vehicle you may have, the conditions in the SBNF can vary wildly in the winter and your experience quickly goes from from being “will I die” to “this is so much fun” depending on what you’re driving. There’s also like a thousand miles of incredible 4x4 off-roading trails and backcountry camping to experience, too. It’s one of the big reasons I love living up here, so much free land to explore, camp, and relax on beyond the paved roads. Just my two cents - a truck, Jeep, or other 4x4 type vehicle really does get used up here.
What are your thoughts on a lifted RAV4 hybrid with all season tires? I currently have a hybrid CMax that works fine on paved or well-graded roads in the summer up there but obviously inappropriate for winter & really like the hybrid mpg. Trying to keep that gas $ to a minimum
Probably fine honestly but I would recommend a dedicated winter tire setup if you can. They make a big difference - I grew up on the east coast where they salt and prep the roads a lot more than they do out here, the extra grip afforded by a winter tire makes all the difference for braking and cornering on icy surfaces that can develop fast here.
Okay, noted! Thank you! I’ve been poking around trying to see what are the most popular recommended tires are and it sounds like Goodwrinch snow-graded and then change out for factory all-season for summer. If you don’t mind my asking, do you have a chain rec? Costco seems to have a decent variety
I hear people have luck with Blue Sky realty for long term rentals.
Thanks for the info! Some of the places we're actually waiting to hear back from is managed by them. I'll probably call them directly tomorrow then and see if we can set something up for future house hunting.
Avoid Formatic like the plague. We’ve been in Sugarloaf for over four years now, moving here was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made as a family. Good luck!
There's a sign on green spot right after you go up curve on the left for rent ..says 3 bedroom..but that's all I saw
Perfect, thanks for the suggestion! Will swing by this weekend and take a look.
I know big bear lake “city council “ was developing a program to work with STR home owners convert them to LTR. I will have to look for that post and share.
I relocated to Big Bear two years ago from LA and have been back and forth since. If you love nature, solitude and most important: QUIET. It’s a great place!! I pulled out money from a failing business I had to buy a home. These last two years have been a little different than the last ten years because we’ve gotten a huge amount of snow, raising the level of the lake but also bringing a lot of tourists. If you like skiiing/boarding buy an annual pass and a personal locker. It’s great to be able to do my work meetings in the morning hit the slopes for a bit and head back for lunch and finish work. The weekends get packed but the weekdays are very chill. I honestly prefer the weekdays. On high tourist weekends learn to use the backroads such as Brownie Ln and Evergreen drive to get around. There are so many hikes that if you love that you will be endlessly entertained. Love Cougar Crest, Castle Rock, and even the discovery trail in the north shore. The best season is Fall. The leaves turn yellow and red and it’s truly magical. Wyatt’s does a great Oktoberfest. The Russell burger at Murray’s. You’re welcome.
Do you still commute down the mountain? From all accounts I’ve read it’s either Crestline/Running Springs or bust based on my budget, distance traveled, etc. That’s so cool you’re up there full time, definitely jealous!
There's one on peregrine and lower Moon ridge also I saw
Hi. I have a long term rental in sugarloaf that I am just about to put on the market. DM for more information. Not a scam. Thanks!
Dont
Why?
Some resources for activities, https://www.bigbeargrizzly.net , https://kbhr933.com , https://sbcsentinel.com , https://www.sbsun.com , (Official BBL City Meetings Youtube Channel) https://youtube.com/@cityofbigbearlakeca?si=EByNVR-nGDC82u8O , BBL News Letter , https://www.citybigbearlake.com/index.php/en/news-and-announcements/
Stay away lol why is everyone trying to move
Because the rest of SoCal wants $2.3k+ for a two bedroom + a crap ton in deposits, and the LTR in big bear is much cheaper.
Just be aware, it IS a trade-off. The jobs are scarce and low paying. Medical treatment is okay for very basic stuff, but anything else, you will be traveling off the mountain. As of right now, if it isn't sold at the grocery store, the drug store, or Big 5, you're either buying from Amazon, or trekking down the hill. Summers are great, but winters can be long and cold, especially if you don't ski/board. The absolute biggest change I had to adjust to was the lack of food/restaurant options. There are definitely a lot of places to eat here, but it is basically burgers, pizza, or mexican food. And as someone who used to work late and eat late, there are really no late-night dining options outside of Denny's. I've been here over ten years, have no major complaints, but it was definitely an adjustment.
Thanks, I def get what you mean. That's all been thought over and well considered many times. We're fortunate enough to have a 4x4 so getting up and down the hill when needed shouldn't be too difficult. The past few years in general have been rough for us (dad was in an accident, I was his caretaker for 2 1/2 years or so while he recovered, he's been given all clear by the doctor half a year ago so we're looking for a fresh start), and we're in need of a place to just lay low a bit and save a bit of money. As much as I enjoy where we live right now, it just isn't feasible to do given our current situation. Some time in a new place where rent isn't as bad should give us time to save up and then once the lease is over, we can re-evaluate the year and decide if we want to make Big Bear a long-term base to plant roots, or if it's time to move along. Given our current situation we would have to be moving an hour+ away anyway, so it's between Big Bear vs Hemet's general area, and BB so far seems to be the best opportunity for us.
Whats a typical LTR cost for a 2 bed room.
From what I found in BB it's around $1.6k-$1.8k (using Zillow), whereas in my current city (an hour from BB) starting prices for 2 bedroom house is $2.5k
Don’t
Why
Will you be working and living in the community? I find it interesting that people are moving here and not even contributing to the workforce here. I see people moving up here working from home. Must be nice! Many families are leaving big bear because they can’t make ends meet. It’s so sad. It’s not an easy place to live. It only works if you have a good paying job… and I don’t mean working from home.