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Big Bear City, CA

Frequently asked questions

Big Bear City, CA

Big Bear City is an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, California, United States along the east shore of Big Bear Lake and surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. It is 27 miles (43 km) northeast of the city of San Bernardino, and immediately east of the incorporated city of Big Bear Lake. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Big Bear City as a census-designated place (CDP). Its population was 12,304 at the 2010 census, up from 5,779 at the 2000 census. Big Bear City is mostly residential, with smaller houses and cabins laid out in typical square block fashion. Big Bear is on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Standard Air Lines of Los Angeles began a regular airline service to the community in the summer of 1929. Its post office was founded as Van Duesen in 1927 but changed its name to Big Bear City six months later. The Big Bear City Post Office opened in 1928 and still operates.

Despite the name, Big Bear City is not an incorporated city, and should not be confused with the adjacent incorporated city of Big Bear Lake.

For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Big Bear City as a census-designated place (CDP). According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 32.0 square miles (83 km2), 99.95% of its land, and 0.05% of it water. The nearby ski resorts consist of Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.

Most of the town and the business district are centered on Big Bear Boulevard. Its limits are defined on the west by Division Road and on the east by the left turn at Highway 38, which goes to Redlands, and Highway 18 which goes south to San Bernardino and north to Lucerne Valley. Though its south boundary is loosely defined by the residential boundary, the north side is defined by North Shore Road. The east-west postal divider of Big Bear City is Green Way Drive. It is here that Highway 18 (Big Bear Boulevard) turns north and crosses over to North Shore Drive heading east toward Lucerne Valley, and Highway 38 coming from the east turns north to North Shore and heads west to Big Bear Dam in the city of Big Bear Lake, California.

Sugarloaf is a large residential area that lies to the south of Big Bear City.

Big Bear City emphasizes health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Big Bear City Recreation and Community Services Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include The Fitness Source Big Bear and BodyTek Fitness Training Gym. 345 Fit is a state-of-the-art facility furnished with a full range of exercise equipment to improve your cardiovascular and muscular fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Big Bear City, such as the Maple Hill Trails and Sugarloaf Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Big Bear City, CA are Big Bear Snow Play, Alpine Pedal Path Trail 1E50, and Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain.

Population: 12,493 (2023). ZIP codes:  92314, 92386. Area code: 909. Elevation: 6,772′. Area: 32.03 mi².

FAQs

What is Big Bear, CA is known for?

The valley is home to bald eagles, bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, deer, and more plus about 29 species of protected rare plants, some indigenous to the area. Big Bear is home to one of the nation's few solar observatories and alpine zoos for injured wildlife. Big Bear specializes in outdoor recreation like fishing, water sports, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and winter sports.

Is it good to live in Big Bear, CA?

Living in Big Bear Lake offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Big Bear Lake there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. Many retirees live in Big Bear Lake and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Big Bear Lake are highly rated.

Is Big Bear, CA safe?

The crime rate in Big Bear City is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 19 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Big Bear City is 1 in 54. Based on FBI crime data, Big Bear City is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to California, Big Bear City has a crime rate that is higher than 51% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Big Bear Lake

San Bernardino County

Big Bear City Recreation and Community Services Department

The Fitness Source Big Bear

BodyTek Fitness Training Gym

345 Fit

Maple Hill Trails

Sugarloaf Park

Big Bear Snow Play

Alpine Pedal Path Trail 1E50

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

About Big Bear

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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