2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Sonora, CA vs Big Bear Lake, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Big Bear Lake older or younger than people in Sonora?
- The Median Age in Big Bear Lake is 7.0 years older than in Sonora.

Are housing costs cheaper in Big Bear Lake or Sonora?
- Big Bear Lake housing costs are 54.6% more expensive than Sonora housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Big Bear Lake or Sonora?
- The average commute for residents of Big Bear Lake is 9.6 minutes longer than it is for residents of Sonora.

Things to do in Sonora?
Living in Sonora, CA is a beautiful experience. The small city has a population of only about 5,000, giving it a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. The downtown area is full of charming shops and restaurants that offer the perfect opportunity for exploring the local culture. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking the nearby mountains and forests or spending time at New Melones Lake. With its mild climate, Sonora provides plenty of warm days and crisp nights throughout the year. In addition to all these great features, there are also lots of exciting activities like concerts, festivals, and art galleries to explore. Sonora is truly an ideal place to call home!

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!

 Sonora, CABig Bear Lake, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock5,068329,725,481
 Median Income$56,279  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock45.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$379,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.8%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.33  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Sonora    15 Reviews

I have lived in Sonora for two and a half years and love it. Some of the earlier reviews I read scared me before coming. Here is what we have found. We live in a  More

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Over 4 years ago

I have lived here for 8 years and I absolutely hate it. This town is not built for all the people it has to accommodate. Everyone from the ENTIRE county comes here to do  More

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Lived here for 21 years since my family moved up from the valley (to get away from gang violence and other crime). Traffic doesn't pay attention constantly running  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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