Big Bear Lake, California  ·  Mountain Real Estate

Living In Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Homes for Sale · Cabins · Lakefront Estates · STR Investments

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15+
Years in Big Bear
500+
Homes Sold
$200M+
In Closed Sales
5★
Verified Reviews
Rachael Smith-Meadors — RE/MAX Big Bear
#1
Big Bear Agent
Meet Your Agent

Rachael
Smith-
Meadors

Broker Associate at RE/MAX Big Bear — Rachael knows these mountains the way most people know their own backyard. Every neighborhood from Moonridge to Fawnskin, every market shift before it shows up in the data, every cabin that's ever crossed the MLS.

She's a mom of three, an Ironman athlete, and a woman of faith who brings the same relentless focus to your transaction that she brings to race day. Direct. Knowledgeable. In your corner from day one.

Broker Associate RE/MAX Big Bear Big Bear Lake, CA Ironman Athlete STR Specialist
Work With Rachael
Big Bear Lake sunset
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Big Bear Home
Is Worth

The Big Bear market doesn't follow SoCal averages. Get an accurate home valuation built from live MLS data — specific to your neighborhood, your property type, and today's demand. Free, instant, no obligation.

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500+
Homes Sold
$200M+
In Closed Sales
15+
Years In Big Bear
The Big Bear Lifestyle

Life Is Better
At 7,000 Feet

Big Bear Lake is more than a market — it's a way of life. Ski resorts, a crystal-clear lake, towering pines, and a community that actually knows its neighbors. Whether you want a weekend escape, a full-time mountain home, or a high-performing short-term rental, this is where to be.

Bear Mountain & Snow Summit
Big Bear Lake
Moonridge Zoo & Trails
Strong STR Market
Year-Round Recreation
2 Hours from LA
Plan Your Move
Big Bear Lake boating at sunset
Big Bear Lake luxury properties
Live MLS Data

Discover Luxury
Big Bear Listings

Browse $1.5M+ properties — lakefront estates, ski-in/ski-out cabins, and rare mountain retreats. Updated daily from MLS.

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On The Market

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Big Bear Homes

Every active listing in Big Bear Lake, Moonridge, Fawnskin, Sugarloaf, and Big Bear City — all in one place.

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What Could Your Property
Earn on Airbnb?

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Get In Touch

Let's Talk
Big Bear

Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious about the market — reach out. No pressure, no scripts. Straight answers from someone who lives and breathes Big Bear real estate.

Phone / Text
909.744.2190
Email
rachaelsmithrealestate@gmail.com
Office Address
626 Pine Knot Ave
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Brokerage
RE/MAX Big Bear

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Big Bear Lake Real Estate — Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers about buying, selling, and investing in Big Bear Lake.

Is Big Bear Lake a good place to buy a vacation or investment home?
Yes. Big Bear Lake is one of Southern California's most popular four-season mountain destinations, drawing steady visitors for skiing, the lake, and summer recreation. That year-round demand supports strong second-home and short-term-rental interest, and it sits roughly two hours from Los Angeles and Orange County. The right property and location matter, so it helps to review current inventory and rental rules before buying.
How much do homes cost in Big Bear Lake?
Prices vary widely by neighborhood, elevation, and lake proximity — from classic cabins on the lower end to custom lakefront and luxury homes at the top. Because the market moves with season and demand, the best step is a current, address-specific market analysis. Contact Rachael for up-to-date pricing in the area you're considering.
Can I use a Big Bear home as a short-term rental (Airbnb)?
Many Big Bear homes are used as short-term rentals, but permit rules and caps differ between the City of Big Bear Lake and San Bernardino County, and they change over time. Always confirm the current STR regulations for a specific address before you buy, and run a revenue projection first — Rachael offers a free Big Bear STR calculator and owns rentals herself.
How do I find out what my Big Bear home is worth?
You can get a free, no-obligation home valuation from Rachael that reflects recent sales, current competition, and what buyers are paying in your specific neighborhood right now — more accurate than an automated national estimate. Request it on the Free Home Value page.
What neighborhoods should I consider in Big Bear?
Popular areas include Big Bear Lake proper, Moonridge (closest to Bear Mountain), Fox Farm, Boulder Bay, Big Bear City, Fawnskin, Sugarloaf, and Erwin Lake — each with a different mix of price, views, and rental potential. This site has a dedicated guide for each community to help you compare.
How far is Big Bear from Los Angeles and Orange County?
Big Bear Lake is roughly a two-hour drive from the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, which is a major reason it's popular for weekend second homes and vacation rentals.
Who is the best REALTOR® in Big Bear Lake?
Rachael Smith-Meadors is a Broker Associate with RE/MAX Big Bear with 15+ years in the valley and 500+ homes sold. As a short-term-rental owner herself, she helps buyers, sellers, and investors with local, street-level data behind every decision. Reach her at 909.744.2190.