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| Big Bear Valley: A Myriad of Diverse Communities
Visitors to Big Bear Lake or the Big Bear Resorts are often unaware of the interesting little communities that comprise the Big Bear Valley. Each has its own unique characteristics that appeal to today's home buyers.
Big Bear Lake (92315)
The City of Big Bear Lake was incorporated in 1980. Local government strives to maintain the integrity of its mountain community by regulating business and residential usage. Due to the additional layer of government and services, you will find that housing prices and property taxes are generally a bit higher than the surrounding communities. This area extends along the southern shore from the dam to the convention center and includes the portion of Moonridge located west of the golf course and Fox Farm. Lake views and resort proximity make homes in the City of Big Bear Lake desirable as vacation and seasonal rentals.
Big Bear City (92314)
Big Bear City is an unincorporated area of the valley that is subject only to San Bernardino County government. East of Big Bear Lake, lower prices and property taxes appeal to full-time residents. You will find a number of sub-areas within the 92314 zip code:
Baldwin Lake, with its rural flavor, sprawling ranches and seasonal dry lake, appeals to equestrians and those escaping the more population dense areas of Southern California. Natural Gas lines through the area are not complete and many homes are served by propane tanks. Wells and holding tanks provide water to the residents.
Erwin Lake provides pockets of equestrian property interspersed between small rustic shacks and vast upscale estates. It is possibly one of the most diverse areas in the Big Bear Valley.
Lake Williams, 7 miles south-east of the Big Bear Airport, is the valley's most remote community. Built around a seasonal dry lake, it usually enjoys warmer temperatures than those measured near the slopes.
The
portion of Moonridge located east of the golf course offers many of the
advantages of homes within the City of Big Bear Lake, without the
additional layer of government intervention. Close to Bear Mountain Resort, vacation rentals in this area tend to be a sound investment. 4WD is needed to navigate the roads in winter.
Pan Springs was one of the first settlements in the Big Bear Valley. It now offers affordable, family housing with level lots and year-round accessibility.
Whispering Forest is located northeast of the lake and provides amazing views of the valley and resorts. Most homes are built on sloped lots and require a 4WD vehicle for winter access.
Fawnskin (92333)
Fawnskin is a quiet, picturesque settlement northeast of the Big Bear Dam. This community boasts an Old West flavor and incredible views of the lake and resorts. With large lots and gentle slopes, only fifteen minutes from the hustle of Big Bear proper, many consider it mountain living at its best.
Sugarloaf (92386)
Another family-based community, Sugarloaf is home to Baldwin Lane Elementary School, Big Bear High School and Chautauqua Continuation School. Relatively level lots are easily accessible year-round. Most properties enjoy natural gas while some still use propane tanks.
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