2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Rosa, CA vs Big Bear Lake, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Big Bear Lake older or younger than people in Santa Rosa?
- The Median Age in Big Bear Lake is 5.3 years older than in Santa Rosa.

Are housing costs cheaper in Big Bear Lake or Santa Rosa?
- Big Bear Lake housing costs are 12.0% less expensive than Santa Rosa housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Big Bear Lake or Santa Rosa?
- The average commute for residents of Big Bear Lake is 8.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Santa Rosa.

Things to do in Santa Rosa?
Santa Rosa, California is situated in the heart of Sonoma County and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and charming downtown area. The city has a vibrant arts community with galleries, studios, and theaters, as well as many wineries throughout the region that offer tours. Outdoor activities abound in the area, such as biking trails, golf courses, and hiking paths to explore. The city also houses a number of restaurants that serve up delicious local dishes. With its stunning scenery and array of activities to enjoy, Santa Rosa is an ideal destination for anyone looking to get away from it all!

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!

 Santa Rosa, CABig Bear Lake, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock5,068329,725,481
 Median Income$84,823  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock45.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$666,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.59  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Rosa    43 Reviews

I was born and raised here. Santa Rosa used to be a great city great location great weather but now it is overcrowded and crime is off the charts and housing is crazy  More

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I've lived her over 20 years and it's a pretty nice place. The main vibe is you feel safe doing this day or night. Most of the neighborhoods are well taken care of, they  More

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Terrible city that's hurting for money. After going on a long hiatus from enforcing traffic laws, they've recently turned their highways into an ATM machine/cash cow by  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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