2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Houghton Lake, MI vs Big Bear Lake, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Big Bear Lake older or younger than people in Houghton Lake?
- The Median Age in Big Bear Lake is 7.1 years younger than in Houghton Lake.

Are housing costs cheaper in Big Bear Lake or Houghton Lake?
- Big Bear Lake housing costs are 256.6% more expensive than Houghton Lake housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Big Bear Lake or Houghton Lake?
- The average commute for residents of Big Bear Lake is 8.5 minutes longer than it is for residents of Houghton Lake.

Things to do in Houghton Lake?
Living in Houghton Lake, MI is a pleasant experience. The area offers natural beauty, with its many lakes and nearby forests providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants in the area, allowing for a variety of activities. The community has a strong sense of pride, with many residents actively participating in local events and organizations. Despite its small population size, there is still plenty to do and see throughout the year. From summertime swimming, fishing and boating on the lake to winter sports such as skiing and snowmobiling, Houghton Lake provides a great place to live no matter what time of year it is.

Things to do in Big Bear Lake?
Living in Big Bear Lake, CA is like a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts. From the breathtaking scenery of the San Bernardino National Forest to the crystal clear waters of the lake itself, it's easy to understand why so many people choose to call this place home. The area is filled with activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking and swimming that are perfect for all ages. During the summer months, visitors can take advantage of warmer climates to enjoy festivals and events like Music in the Mountains and Oktoberfest. With its unique blend of mountain town charm and year-round outdoor activities, Big Bear Lake is definitely a place worth visiting!

 Houghton Lake, MIBig Bear Lake, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock5,068329,725,481
 Median Income$43,142  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock45.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$164,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.47  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Houghton Lake    3 Reviews

This is a rural resort area. You must be able to embrace the rural lifestyle. There's no real shopping opportunities other than Walmart, Kmart, Peebles, Dunhams, Tractor  More

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Over 17 years ago

The quality of life here for most depends on how you look at it. If your looking for a medium to high paying job there realy are none, and there's hardly any jobs that  More

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The climate here is...well..cold... seems like most of the time and one does get cabin fever when March rolls around, if not sooner. Can't wait for summer! If you love  More

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Reviews for Big Bear Lake    5 Reviews

Over 13 years ago

We moved to Big Bear Lake a couple of years ago from Los Angeles because of my husband's job. It is a somewhat pretty city, the lake is mirky and surrounded by trash,  More

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Over 15 years ago

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  More

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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  More

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