SperlingViews - Big_Bear_Lake, California

Big Bear Lake, a beautiful setting in a remote mountain community in Southern California. A draw to tourists from the Los Angeles area for skiing, boating, and mountain biking. People love to retire here for the small town atmosphere and relatively low housing costs compared to our Southern California neighbors. My problem with all of this? I am part of a growing young family. I have been here for over a year and just recently was able to find a decent job. By decent, I mean half of the money I used to make, with absolutely no benefits. My husband cannot work up here because he refuses to get a job at 7-11. Besides working temporary, seasonal jobs, the only way people even attempt to make it up here is by doing odd jobs or handy work. If you want to get a legitimate business license, it is triple the cost of other California cities. In a nutshell, I believe that this town is great for tourists and retirees. For families trying to make a decent living so we can save for retirement, we might have to that elsewhere...[read more...]

In the San Bernardino mountains of Southern California, this little town has almost everything you would want to see and do. In the spring and summer the lake is filled with trout, fishing is easy from the shore or boat. There are hiking trails and beautiful scenery everywhere you look. At night you can see the stars. In the winter, the snow covered areas are a heavenly sight and with two ski resorts there is plenty of lifts available for skiers and snowboarders to play at their leisure. In the "Village" you will find many shops with unique and exciting goods that are reasonable priced for a resort area. Exceptional restaurants and accommodations abound in this little bit of natural wonder.[read more...]

What are home property taxes like in Big Bear? Are they as bad as, for example in Orange County? [read more...]

I live in Green Valley Lake, CA. You don't have my town on your list. It's a great place to live in the San Bernardino Mountains. Great small town living.[read more...]