It’s not as easy as you may think. Both have gorgeous lakes, the friendly small-town feeling, and are close to the major cities of Southern California. Yet, there are some qualities in Big Bear that stand out over Lake Arrowhead.
Big Bear Mountain Resorts
When vacationers think of the mountains, their thoughts stray to skiing or snowboarding on fresh powder or sipping on a cup of hot chocolate as they watch the snow fall. Big Bear Lake has two mountain resorts that are perfect for both activities; enjoy taking a break from snowboarding by grabbing a hot chocolate right on the mountain!
Bear Mountain is the biggest terrain-based learning area in Southern California. Snow Summit has over 240 acres for skiers and 31 trails that cover all levels of skill. State of the art snowmaking systems keeps their snow groomed and ready for the season! Many events are held at the resorts, including the annual New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade where over 100 skiers and snowboarders ride down the mountains with torches, lighting up the night.
Yet, the resorts are not only winter based. During the summers, many tourists come from all over to ride the trails down on mountain bikes. Any season is an adventurers dream in the city of Big Bear Lake.
Public Lake/Marinas
The lake in Big Bear is for public use. Anyone is allowed to use the lake. In Lake Arrowhead, it’s a different story. It’s a private lake that is closed to the public. For vacation rentals, the public lake draws in more crowds than you may believe, especially during the amazing July 4th fireworks show the town of Big Bear puts on every year in the middle of their lake. July 4th is one of the busiest times of years for vacationers, and the majority are searching to stay near or on the lake.
For those who own lakefront property, you’re in for a real treat! The lake may be public, but the property/land behind it isn’t public. You can enjoy all the benefits of a public lake with the added bonus of a private setting.
The Big Bear Municipal Water District manages the lake and attempts to keep the level of water in the lake constant. Even though the property is public, they own the lake bed. The Big Bear Municipal Water District oversees managing the lake; you only have to worry about enjoying it! Unless you own a lakefront home, then there are fees involved.
For a detailed guide about Big Bear’s beautiful lake from a homeowner’s point of view, read our “The Perfect Guide to Big Bear Lakefront Homes!” blog. There is also a list of every marina in Big Bear accessible to you!
Beyond the free access to the lake, there are also public launch ramps and marinas that are available to everyone. There are currently two public launch ramps, the East and West Boat Ramps. The East launch ramp is opened to the public starting on April 1st. (Depending on lake levels) The West in May, depending on the demand. Twenty-four public access points are not publicly advertised, but that is where an experienced Realtor can come in handy and tell you where they are!
More nightlife
When night falls on the San Bernardino mountains, it brings a stillness and peace, but that doesn’t mean our towns don’t appreciate the nightlife! Big Bear is more geared towards entertaining the night owls of the town than Lake Arrowhead. We have the Av Bar and Nightclub, Club Bombay, Whiskey Dave’s, The Cave, and a couple of other places perfect to enjoy a night out.
During the holiday seasons, most bars and clubs host special events that draw in the crowds. The Cave has hosted several different comedians, bands, and musicians. Dokken, Usher, and Pauly Shore are just a couple of people that have showcased at our mini concert hall. The Village of Big Bear Lake features a movie theater, multiple different shops for every taste, and outdoor fireplaces; creating the perfect backdrop for your night out.
Outdoor attractions
The outdoor activities are numerous. Snowboarding, skiing, and every winter sport is a must when you visit during the snowy season. Yet, what about during spring or summer? Big Bear has got you covered! There is a hiking trail for every level.
The national forest gifts tourists with the chance of embracing the outdoors. If you love to camp in the great outdoors, Big Bear is perfect for you. The campgrounds aren’t far from the city, but the enveloping trees give off the impression of seclusion.
It’s convenient to be close enough for a quick drive in case tourists are looking for a delicious meal in town or want to catch a movie. During the summer, water activities are popular and a blast. Boating, water skiing, kayaking, and many other opportunities await you on the lake!
Vacation Rental Opportunities
One of the major businesses in Big Bear is vacation renting because of the number of tourists that come to this town. According to a survey conducted by AARP and to the U.S. Census, 51% of travelers expect only to travel domestically. The Big Bear Valley is the ideal destination because it is so close to most major cities in Southern California.
Los Angeles is a little less than two hours away while San Bernardino is only an hour from the mountain. The distance attracts more rental opportunities than other areas like Mammoth, for example, that is almost a five-hour drive for those living near or in the Los Angeles area.
For those visiting or living in California, the idea of being able to swim in the ocean and ski down a wintry mountain on the same day is more than appealing. During the holiday seasons, Big Bear is a highly visited tourist spot. Christmas reminds people of snow and makes them flock to our beautiful little town. The best part about having a second home in Big Bear Lake that you rent out is the fact that you are able to get away from your hustle and bustle of the city whenever you would like. You can block out dates to enjoy your home.
The return on investment not only focuses on the cash flow you receive but from the enjoyment you get out of having a home in Big Bear. Renting out a house is a great way to pay off the mortgage, but vacation renting gives you the bonus of being able to use the home for a getaway of your own.
Lake Arrowhead gives you this same advantage, but the difference between having a home in Big Bear or Arrowhead is the type of memories you would make and the number of visitors that frequent the two towns.
Big Bear is busier than Lake Arrowhead when it comes to vacation rental properties because of all the entertainment that Arrowhead doesn’t provide. When you are deciding between the two, keep in mind the type of area you are buying into.
Are you looking for a secluded getaway geared towards private homeowners or for the public, AKA vacation renters? That will be a major deciding factor to help you choose between the towns in buying a home! Luckily, the Rahill Real Estate Group knows both areas and will be able to assist you in your real estate needs when it comes to Big Bear Lake or Lake Arrowhead!
