Category: Uncategorized

  • Big Bear Lake Fox Farm Cabin Tour: What 9K Gets You

    Big Bear Lake Fox Farm Cabin Tour: What $919K Gets You

    What does a $919K log cabin look like in Big Bear Lake’s Fox Farm neighborhood?

    160 Crystal Lake Road in Fox Farm is a 2001-built log cabin with 1,824 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 9-person vacation rental occupancy through Destination Big Bear. The property includes a bonus lower-level game room and bar area not counted toward STR occupancy, a two-car garage, covered outdoor deck, and a fully fenced backyard. Listed at $919,900, this home is currently an active short-term rental with strong cabin character and minimal deferred maintenance.

    By Rachael Smith | May 17, 2026


    If you’ve been watching Big Bear Lake inventory and waiting for a cabin that actually feels like Big Bear — character, charm, log exterior, the whole thing — this one is worth a close look.

    160 Crystal Lake Road sits in the Fox Farm neighborhood, tucked close to the lake and accessible to the back roads that connect to Moon Ridge and Bear Lake Drive. It’s the kind of home that photographs well, rents well, and holds its value because it has something a lot of newer builds don’t: real mountain soul.

    I walked through every room in this 25-minute tour so you don’t have to guess. Here’s what matters.

    The Numbers That Drive the Investment Decision

    Before the aesthetics, here’s the math.

    1,824 square feet. Big Bear Lake uses the 200-square-foot-per-person formula to calculate rental occupancy. Divide 1,824 by 200 and you get 9 — that’s your nightly guest count, which is what determines your rate ceiling and your booking pool. Watch Rachael break this down at 2:51.

    3 bedrooms: a king-size master, a queen-over-queen bunk room that sleeps 4, and a third king. That’s how a 3-bedroom home legally sleeps 9 in Big Bear.

    The home is currently managed by Destination Big Bear, one of the better-known management companies in the area. They run a tight program — owners get notified of maintenance issues quickly, and if you don’t address them, they remove you. That accountability is actually a feature, not a friction point. It’s why the properties they manage tend to stay in better shape than self-managed rentals. See Rachael’s notes on Destination Big Bear at 4:16.

    If you’re evaluating this as an investment, understanding Big Bear’s current vacation rental permit landscape is a must-read before you make any offer.

    What the Interior Actually Delivers

    The living room opens up with wood paneling on the walls and ceiling, a stone fireplace with a half-log mantle, and large dual-pane windows looking out into the trees. The carpet is in excellent shape — it looks recently replaced. Furniture is negotiable, which matters when you’re buying a turnkey rental.

    The kitchen has granite tile countertops, a cast iron dual sink, a dishwasher, and good storage both above and below. There’s a lazy Susan in one of the corners and built-in buffet seating next to the dining table. The table seats 9 — same as the occupancy — which isn’t always the case. Watch Rachael check the seating at 8:02.

    One of the artistic touches that makes this cabin stand out: there’s a real tree trunk growing up through the interior, with three carved bears climbing it. It’s the kind of quirky detail guests mention in reviews. See it at 7:07.

    The master bathroom has a wide travertine-tiled shower with a built-in seat, updated fixtures, and soft-close cabinetry. Built in 2001 and still fully relevant in 2026. That’s a good sign for what the rest of the home’s bones look like. Tour the master bath at 15:35.


    Want more Big Bear real estate tours and investment breakdowns like this? Rachael covers new listings, market updates, and buying strategies every week on her YouTube channel. Subscribe here so you’re the first to see what hits the market.


    The Bonus Level — and Why It Matters for Buyers

    Here’s what makes this property unusual: there’s an entire lower level that doesn’t count toward rental occupancy.

    It’s accessed by a squared-off spiral staircase off the main entry. Down there you’ll find a game room with a bar, live-edge countertop, mini fridge, and three TVs, plus a separate room currently used as a playroom, a bonus theater room with recessed TV and barn wood accent wall, and a bathroom (currently used for storage).

    Destination Big Bear restricts guest access to parts of this level, which is standard — the areas that aren’t permitted for guest use are sectioned off. But the portions guests can access add significant entertainment value to the listing without adding occupancy headcount. Walk the lower level with Rachael at 18:46.

    For an owner who eventually wants to use the property personally, this space is also an office, art studio, or hobby room that stays separate from the guest experience entirely.

    Rachael counted 8 TVs in this house. That’s either a flex or a maintenance checklist, depending on how you look at it — but guests notice, and it shows up in reviews.

    The exterior of the home is in strong condition. The log siding is well-stained (Big Bear log homes typically need restaining every 3–5 years — this one is current). The stack stone base is in good shape. There’s extra parking alongside the home for boats, trailers, or RVs, which is a genuine differentiator in a mountain market where guests increasingly tow toys. See the parking and exterior details at 1:11.

    The backyard is fully fenced with a 6-foot privacy fence — legal regulation height — a stone patio with seashell accents, a fire pit, and an AC unit. The covered deck off the kitchen gives you an outdoor dining area that’s actually usable year-round. Check out the backyard at 23:35.

    For buyers comparing options in this price range, it’s also worth looking at this Moonridge cabin tour to see how Fox Farm stacks up against another popular Big Bear neighborhood at a similar price point.

    If you’re buying a mountain cabin in Big Bear Lake for the first time, the decision between neighborhoods matters more than most buyers realize — Fox Farm’s proximity to the lake and its established rental history make it one of the more reliable areas in the market right now.

    The current Big Bear real estate market update will give you context on where prices are trending — especially helpful if you’re trying to decide whether $919,900 is positioned well for this area and product type.

    This is a property that checks the boxes most STR buyers are looking for: strong rental history, active management, solid bones, great cabin character, and a bonus level that adds entertainment value without inflating the occupancy count. The question is whether the price point fits your return goals — and that’s a conversation worth having before someone else has it first.

    If you want to see the full walkthrough or have questions about this property or others like it in the Big Bear market, subscribe to Rachael’s YouTube channel — she tours new listings every week and breaks down exactly what makes them worth the look (or the pass).


    About Rachael Smith
    Rachael Smith is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX Big Bear, specializing in mountain homes, short-term rental investments, and luxury properties in Big Bear Lake and surrounding areas. With over a decade of experience and hundreds of homes sold, she helps buyers, sellers, and investors make smart, strategic real estate decisions. Through her strong online presence and data-driven approach, Rachael connects clients with opportunities both on and off the market.

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  • Big Bear Lake Cabin Tour: Fox Farm Property With STR Potential

    Big Bear Lake Cabin Tour: Fox Farm Property With STR Potential

    What should you look for in a Big Bear Lake cabin property tour?

    The properties that work in Big Bear Lake — for personal use, short-term rental income, or both — share three traits: genuine mountain character, move-in condition, and smart location relative to the lake and trails. This Fox Farm cabin delivers all three. Updated finishes, a floor plan that flows, natural light, and walkable proximity to Big Bear’s core attractions make it a realistic option for buyers across three different purchase profiles: the weekend escape buyer, the STR investor, and the full-time mountain resident.

    By Rachael Smith | May 16, 2026

    When a Big Bear Lake listing says “cozy cabin vibes meet smart updates,” that phrase either delivers or it doesn’t.

    In this case, it delivers.

    I recently walked through a property in the Fox Farm area — tucked into the mountains, just minutes from the lake — and it was the kind of home that makes the decision easier, not harder. Smart updates, a layout that actually flows, natural light doing its job, and outdoor space that earns its square footage.

    This is the type of Big Bear property that works for three very different buyers — and understanding which one you are will shape how you look at it.

    The Fox Farm Neighborhood

    Fox Farm sits in the Big Bear Lake community, the kind of area where mountain character is baked into the streets, not just the marketing copy. Properties here tend to be residential-scale cabins and mountain homes, situated close enough to the action — lake access, trails, restaurants, ski resorts — that you never feel isolated, but set back enough that the whole point of being in the mountains still lands.

    That proximity to the lake is meaningful. Big Bear Lake continues to attract buyers who want the Southern California mountain experience without a brutal drive from the LA basin. Fox Farm properties sit in a sweet spot for that audience — an established neighborhood feel, walkable access to nature, no major road noise, and strong rental demand that holds year-round across snow season, summer lake season, and the shoulder months in between.

    If you’ve been waiting for the right Big Bear cabin in a proven location, this neighborhood belongs on your list.

    What the Tour Reveals

    There’s a gap between how a property photographs and how it actually feels to walk through. This one closes that gap.

    The interior reads as mountain immediately — warm, inviting, the kind of space where you can picture both a quiet solo morning and a full house of weekend guests. Natural light carries the space. When a cabin has good light, the whole thing feels bigger and more open than the square footage suggests.

    The layout actually works. This might sound like a low bar, but it’s not. Plenty of mountain cabins were built in an era when “functional” wasn’t the priority — awkward traffic flow, cramped kitchens, bedrooms stacked where you’d want a living room. This one has the right bones and the updates to match.

    Smart updates throughout mean you’re not walking into a project. The work has been done. What you’re buying is a property that’s ready to be lived in, rented out, or both — on your timeline, not a contractor’s.

    The outdoor space is the kind that actually gets used. Room to breathe, morning coffee territory, evening-hang-ready. In a short-term rental context, outdoor space is a differentiator that directly affects your nightly rate. Guests book Big Bear for the mountain experience — they want somewhere to sit outside with a coffee and look at trees. This property delivers that.

    The Three Buyers This Property Works For

    Buyer 1: The Weekend Escape

    If you’re looking for a personal retreat — a second home you can drive to in a few hours — this checks the boxes. Low maintenance thanks to the updates, a layout that works equally well for solo trips and small groups, and proximity to everything that makes Big Bear worth coming back to (skiing in winter, lake and trails in summer, local dining year-round).

    For this buyer, the question is simple: will you actually use it? Properties in this condition and this location hold value because the demand pool is wide. Even if your personal use changes, your exit options are strong.

    Buyer 2: The STR Investor

    Big Bear Lake remains one of Southern California’s most active short-term rental markets. The combination of mountain character, year-round activities, and drivable distance from a major metro creates consistent booking demand across all twelve months.

    A cabin that looks the part — warm, updated, inviting — commands better nightly rates and stronger guest reviews. Guests pay for the experience, and this property’s aesthetic aligns with what performs well on Airbnb and VRBO.

    If you’re evaluating this as an STR investment, the most important pre-offer research is permit status. Big Bear Lake has specific short-term rental permit regulations, and understanding those before writing an offer is non-negotiable. I covered this in depth in my post on whether you can still get a vacation rental permit in Big Bear Lake in 2026 — read it before you tour any property you’re targeting for rental income.

    Buyer 3: The Full-Time Mountain Resident

    More buyers are making Big Bear their primary residence than most people realize. Remote work changed the calculation on mountain living — if your commute is a home office, a cabin at 6,700 feet starts looking like a real option rather than a fantasy.

    For this buyer, proximity to shops, trails, and community amenities matters more than pure rental metrics. Fox Farm handles this well. You’re close enough to Big Bear Village and the lake to live here full-time without feeling cut off from the things that make daily life work.


    Want to see more Big Bear properties like this one — and understand what actually makes a mountain cabin worth buying? Rachael breaks down active listings, market trends, and what buyers miss every week on her YouTube channel. Subscribe here so you never miss a new property tour or market update.


    What to Know Before You Make an Offer

    There are a few things worth looking at on any Big Bear mountain property — and this one is no exception.

    Mountain-specific inspection items. Roof condition, snow load compliance, foundation stability on sloped lots, and HVAC systems all get more scrutiny in a mountain climate than in a flatland suburban market. These aren’t automatic deal-breakers, but they affect your real cost of ownership and should factor into your offer pricing.

    Utility history. Updated cabins reduce this concern — better insulation, newer appliances — but mountain homes carry different energy costs than comparable square footage elsewhere. Ask for seller-provided utility history if you’re building a realistic annual cost model.

    Real rental income data, not projections. If STR income is part of your investment thesis, get actual numbers — comparable properties, real occupancy rates, and average nightly rates from the current Big Bear market. I work through these numbers with clients regularly. The gap between optimistic projections and realistic rental income can be significant, and you want to know that before you close.

    The clients I work with who do this due diligence upfront make better decisions — and they’re rarely surprised after closing.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Fox Farm a good neighborhood in Big Bear Lake?

    Yes. Fox Farm is an established residential area in Big Bear Lake with strong proximity to the lake, trails, and local amenities. It’s well-regarded for both personal use and STR investment because it combines genuine mountain character with convenient access to Big Bear’s core attractions.

    Can I rent a Big Bear Lake cabin on Airbnb or VRBO?

    Big Bear Lake has specific STR permit requirements that have evolved in recent years. Whether a property is permit-eligible depends on its zoning, location, and current permit availability in that area. Always confirm permit status before making an offer on any property you’re targeting for rental income.

    What should I look for when touring a Big Bear Lake cabin?

    Focus on condition, character, and location. Specifically: roof and HVAC condition, snow load compliance, foundation stability, natural light, floor plan functionality, and outdoor space. For STR-targeted purchases, verify permit status and check comparable rental properties in the same neighborhood before you write an offer.

    This Fox Farm property is the type of listing that draws attention fast, and for good reason. If you’re actively looking in Big Bear Lake right now, it belongs on your short list.

    Watch the full property tour on Rachael’s YouTube channel, and subscribe here to stay updated on new tours, market reports, and Big Bear real estate insights every week.


    About Rachael Smith
    Rachael Smith is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX Big Bear, specializing in mountain homes, short-term rental investments, and luxury properties in Big Bear Lake and surrounding areas. With over a decade of experience and hundreds of homes sold, she helps buyers, sellers, and investors make smart, strategic real estate decisions. Through her strong online presence and data-driven approach, Rachael connects clients with opportunities both on and off the market.

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  • JUST REDUCED – 43132 MOONRIDGE RD, BIG BEAR LAKE, CA 92315 – 9,900

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  • Can You Still Get a Vacation Rental Permit in Big Bear Lake in 2026?

    Can You Still Get a Vacation Rental Permit in Big Bear Lake in 2026?

    Can You Still Get a Vacation Rental Permit in Big Bear Lake in 2026?

    Mountain cabin at Big Bear Lake in winter
    Big Bear Lake vacation rentals remain a strong investment — if you can navigate the permit process. Photo: Rye Jessen / Unsplash

    Can you still get a vacation rental permit in Big Bear Lake in 2026?

    Yes — but the rules are tighter than they were before January 2024. The City of Big Bear Lake caps vacation rental licenses at 1,500 city-wide under Ordinance 2023-518, limits each owner to two permits maximum, and requires a Bear Valley Fire District inspection before a new license is issued. Applications are processed through GovPilot. Properties in San Bernardino County’s unincorporated area (zip code 92314) follow a separate Short-Term Residential Rental Permit process with different fees and no published license cap. Both jurisdictions require annual renewal and collection of the 15.25% combined TOT and BBLTBID tax.

    I get this question constantly from buyers who are looking at Big Bear Lake as an investment — and from out-of-area investors who’ve heard rumors that permits are locked down, the market is closed, and no new STRs are being allowed.

    That’s not quite right. But the process is more involved than it was before Ordinance 2023-518 took effect, and there are real limits in place that every investor needs to understand before they close escrow.

    Here’s what the permit landscape actually looks like in 2026.

    First: which jurisdiction are you in?

    Big Bear Lake has two distinct permitting systems depending on which zip code your property is in — and this distinction matters more than most buyers realize.

    92315 — City of Big Bear Lake: Properties within the city limits fall under the City’s Vacation Rental Program, governed by Ord. 2023-518. This is the more regulated system, with a city-wide license cap and the 2-per-owner limit.

    92314 — San Bernardino County (unincorporated): Properties outside city limits — including parts of Big Bear City, Sugarloaf, and Fawnskin — are subject to the county’s Short-Term Residential Rental Permit (STRRP) program instead. Different application, different fees, different rules.

    When you’re evaluating a property, the zip code tells you which system you’re dealing with. A Moonridge or Boulder Bay cabin is almost certainly in the city. A Sugarloaf or Big Bear City property is likely county. Confirm with the listing before assuming either way.

    The City permit process under Ord. 2023-518.

    Ordinance 2023-518 went into effect on January 18, 2024. It was the most significant change to Big Bear’s vacation rental framework in years — and it created the regulatory structure that anyone applying for a new city permit is navigating today.

    The 1,500-license cap

    The city limits the total number of active vacation rental licenses within city limits to 1,500. Once that number is reached, no new licenses are issued until existing licenses lapse or are not renewed. As of early 2026, the city hasn’t officially announced that the cap has been hit — but the number of active licenses has grown steadily. If you’re planning to apply for a new permit, contact the Vacation Rental Program office directly to confirm current availability before you close.

    Phone: (909) 866-5831 x116

    The 2-per-owner limit — and the LLC workaround that doesn’t work

    Each individual owner may hold a maximum of two vacation rental licenses within the city. The ordinance specifically closes the entity workaround: you can’t place properties in separate LLCs, trusts, or corporate entities to get around this limit. The city looks at beneficial ownership, not just the name on the deed.

    If you already own two permitted vacation rentals within city limits and want a third, you have a problem the ordinance doesn’t solve — other than buying in the county instead.

    Bear Valley Fire District inspection

    New license applications require a fire safety inspection by the Bear Valley Fire Protection District. This covers standard fire safety equipment — smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers — as well as exterior compliance requirements like defensible space under California PRC Section 4291. Properties in high fire hazard severity zones (most of Big Bear qualifies) need to meet brush clearance standards before an inspection passes.

    Budget time for this. If your property has deferred exterior maintenance or hasn’t had fire clearance work done recently, you may need to complete that before the inspection before the license application moves forward.

    Application, fees, and timeline

    Applications are submitted through GovPilot, the city’s online permitting portal. You’ll need proof of ownership, documentation of all beneficial owners if the property is held in an entity, and proof of current liability insurance covering vacation rental use.

    The fee runs $550–$675 depending on the property and application type. Processing typically takes around four weeks from the time the application is complete — meaning all required inspections passed and all documents submitted. Annual renewal is required; the city sends a reminder 45 days before expiration.

    You can access the application and owner/agent certification exam at the city’s GovPilot portal: bigbearlake.gov.

    The County STRRP — the 92314 alternative.

    If your property is in San Bernardino County’s unincorporated area (zip code 92314), you’re dealing with the county’s Short-Term Residential Rental Permit program, not the city’s.

    As of mid-2026, the county has not published a license cap equivalent to the city’s 1,500-unit limit. The permit fee is $667, and the inspection is exterior rather than the full fire inspection required by the city. The county program has its own set of operational requirements, and enforcement is handled separately from the city’s compliance team.

    Properties in Sugarloaf, Big Bear City, and parts of Fawnskin often fall under county jurisdiction. If you’re specifically looking for a property where the permit competition might be lower or the process somewhat less restrictive, the county area is worth exploring — though verify current county requirements directly before relying on any specific detail here, as county rules can update independently of the city’s program.

    The 15.25% tax obligation — before you run the numbers.

    Whatever jurisdiction you’re in, every Big Bear Lake vacation rental operator owes Transient Occupancy Tax. Within city limits, that’s currently 14% TOT plus 1.25% BBLTBID (Big Bear Lake Tourism Business Improvement District), for a combined rate of 15.25% of gross rental revenue.

    This is collected from guests and remitted to the city monthly. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit TOT on your behalf for stays booked through their platforms in most cases — but if you take any direct bookings, that obligation falls on you personally. Failure to remit is a compliance violation that can result in fines and jeopardize your license renewal.

    When you’re modeling the investment math on a Big Bear property, build 15.25% into your revenue baseline. It’s not optional, it’s not negotiable, and it’s higher than the rate in many comparable mountain markets.

    What to verify before you close escrow on an STR.

    If you’re buying a property that already has an active vacation rental license, there are a few things to verify in due diligence that your agent should be helping you track down.

    The vacation rental license under Ord. 2023-518 is non-transferable. When a property sells, the license does not convey to the new owner. The buyer has to apply for a new license — which means they’re subject to the 1,500-cap check, the fire inspection, and the full application process. This is a material fact that can affect whether the investment pencils out, and it should be disclosed and verified before you make an offer, not after.

    Also verify the property’s fire compliance status. If the inspection will be required on your new application, knowing whether the property already meets defensible space standards saves you from unexpected costs post-close.

    Already have a good handle on the permit situation and working through what the full investment looks like? Check out What to Look for When Buying a Vacation Rental in Big Bear Lake for the full buyer’s lens on STR acquisitions.

    Mountain cabin in snow - Big Bear Lake short-term rental property
    Understanding the permit process before you buy protects your investment thesis from day one. Photo: Marek Piwnicki / Unsplash

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Has the 1,500-permit cap been reached in Big Bear Lake?

    As of early 2026, the city has not publicly announced that the cap has been reached, but the number of active licenses has grown steadily since Ord. 2023-518 took effect in January 2024. The only way to confirm current availability is to contact the City’s Vacation Rental Program office directly at (909) 866-5831 x116 before you close escrow on a property where permit availability is part of your investment thesis.

    Does the 2-per-owner limit apply to LLCs and trusts in Big Bear Lake?

    Yes. Ordinance 2023-518 specifically addresses beneficial ownership – not just the name on the deed. You can’t place multiple properties in separate LLCs or trusts to work around the two-license limit. The city evaluates who actually owns and controls the entity, and the 2-permit cap applies per individual beneficial owner regardless of how the property is titled.

    Does a Big Bear Lake vacation rental license transfer when you sell the property?

    No. Under Ord. 2023-518, vacation rental licenses in the City of Big Bear Lake are non-transferable. When the property sells, the license does not convey to the buyer. The new owner must apply for a fresh license, go through the fire inspection, and be subject to the current cap count. This is a critical due diligence point – if the cap is full when you close, the investment may not be feasible as a short-term rental.

    What is the TOT rate in Big Bear Lake and who collects it?

    The combined rate is 15.25% – 14% Transient Occupancy Tax plus 1.25% Big Bear Lake Tourism Business Improvement District (BBLTBID) assessment. It applies to all gross rental revenue from stays of 30 days or less. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO typically collect and remit TOT for bookings made through their systems. For direct bookings, the operator is responsible for collecting from the guest and remitting to the city monthly.

    What’s the difference between the City of Big Bear Lake STR permit and the San Bernardino County STRRP?

    City permits (for zip code 92315) fall under Ord. 2023-518, with a 1,500-license cap, a 2-per-owner limit, a Bear Valley Fire District inspection, and a $550-$675 fee. County permits (for zip code 92314 – Big Bear City, Sugarloaf, parts of Fawnskin) fall under San Bernardino County’s Short-Term Residential Rental Permit program – no published cap as of mid-2026, $667 fee, exterior inspection. Both jurisdictions require annual renewal and compliance with their respective operational rules.

    The permit is step one. Know it before you buy.

    Vacation rental investing in Big Bear Lake still works – the market produces strong rental income, demand is consistent year-round, and properties in the right neighborhoods hold their value. But the permit is no longer a formality. It’s a gated process with a cap, a fire inspection, and non-transferability built in.

    If you’re evaluating a property as an STR investment, I walk every buyer through the permit status, the fire compliance picture, and the realistic revenue math before we write an offer. You want to know that information before you’re in escrow, not after.

    Call or text me anytime at 909.744.2190, or reach me through buyinbigbearlake.com. Happy to walk through any specific property with you.

    About Rachael Smith-Meadors

    Rachael Smith-Meadors is a Broker Associate with RE/MAX Big Bear, serving buyers, sellers, and STR investors across Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountain communities. With 10+ years in the business and a YouTube channel followed by 160,000+ people researching the market, she helps clients understand what’s actually happening in Big Bear before they buy, sell, or list. Connect with her at buyinbigbearlake.com.

    This post is for informational purposes only. Vacation rental ordinance requirements, permit caps, fees, and availability change. Verify current requirements directly with the City of Big Bear Lake Vacation Rental Program at (909) 866-5831 x116 or San Bernardino County before making investment decisions. Rachael Smith-Meadors is a licensed California Real Estate Broker Associate and does not provide legal or permitting advice.

  • Price Drop Alert: 39470 North Shore Drive in Big Bear Lake Is Worth a Serious Look

    Price Drop Alert: 39470 North Shore Drive in Big Bear Lake Is Worth a Serious Look

    Price Drop Alert: 39470 North Shore Drive in Big Bear Lake Is Worth a Serious Look

    Why Does a Price Drop on North Shore Drive Matter for Big Bear Lake Buyers?

    A price reduction at 39470 North Shore Drive puts a lakeside-adjacent Big Bear Lake property within reach of buyers who were previously priced out. Located near the water, marinas, and some of the area’s best views, a price improvement in this corridor creates a real window — especially for buyers eyeing short-term rental income or a second home with strong appreciation potential. In a market where well-positioned inventory moves fast, this kind of drop is worth acting on now.

    By Rachael Smith | May 15, 2026

    Price drops in Big Bear Lake don’t happen in a vacuum. When a seller reduces the price on a North Shore Drive property, it signals something worth paying attention to — and if you’re a buyer who’s been waiting for the right moment to get into this market, that moment may have just arrived.

    I shared a quick look at 39470 North Shore Drive on my YouTube channel this week. It’s a short clip, but it tells you what you need to know about the location and the opportunity. Take a look:

    What North Shore Drive Actually Means in Big Bear

    Not all Big Bear Lake addresses carry the same weight. North Shore Drive is one of those corridors that consistently draws buyers for good reason.

    The north side of the lake runs along State Highway 38, giving you direct access to the water, public boat launches, marina facilities, and some of the clearest sight lines across the lake to the San Bernardino Mountains. Properties on this stretch tend to feel more connected to the outdoor lifestyle that makes Big Bear worth owning in — whether you’re kayaking in summer, snowshoeing in winter, or just sitting on the deck watching the light change over the water.

    For short-term rental investors, North Shore is a known producer. Guests who search for Big Bear cabins often filter specifically for lake proximity and water views. A property that delivers on both — even if it’s not directly on the shore — can command strong nightly rates and maintain high occupancy across multiple seasons. That’s the demand story behind why a price drop here creates immediate interest from investors who know the market.

    For second-home buyers, the appeal is simpler: you’re buying a place you’ll actually want to use. Proximity to the lake and marinas means spontaneous afternoons on the water and easy access to everything Big Bear offers year-round.

    How to Read a Price Drop in Big Bear Lake’s Current Market

    Sellers don’t reduce their price without reason. But the reason matters — and in Big Bear, it’s rarely about the property itself. It’s more often about timing, initial overpricing, or a seller who needs to move faster than the market was moving for them.

    When a well-located home on a corridor like North Shore Drive takes a price reduction, the calculation for buyers shifts. Here’s what I watch for when evaluating whether a price drop represents real value:

    • Days on market before the reduction. A home that sat 60+ days before dropping has likely already filtered out the casual lookers. The buyers who come in now are serious, and the seller knows it.
    • Price per square foot relative to recent comps. Does the new price land below what similar homes on this corridor have closed for in the past 90 days? If yes, you’re looking at genuine value.
    • Condition and updates. Price drops on already-updated homes tend to move quickly after the reduction. Buyers recognize when original pricing was just too aggressive for what’s otherwise a ready-to-go property.
    • STR licensing status. In Big Bear Lake, vacation rental permits matter. A property that’s already permitted — or is eligible to be — is worth significantly more to an investor than one that would require going through the city’s approval process.

    If you’ve been watching the Big Bear market and waiting for a signal, a North Shore price reduction is one worth taking seriously. Similar value-add opportunities on this corridor don’t stay available long. I recently covered another just-reduced listing in Big Bear City that shows how fast these windows close once word gets out.


    Want more Big Bear real estate insights like this? Every week I break down new listings, price changes, and market shifts so you know exactly where the opportunities are before they disappear. Subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss an update.


    What Buyers Should Do Before Writing an Offer

    A price drop can create urgency — and urgency can lead to skipping steps that matter. Here’s what I walk every buyer through before we put pen to paper on a mountain property like this.

    Get the disclosure package first. Big Bear Lake properties come with disclosures specific to mountain living — snow load ratings, fire clearance requirements, HOA rules if applicable, and septic or well status. Before you fall in love with the price, know what you’re taking on. I wrote a full breakdown of what Big Bear buyers need to know about mountain disclosures — it’s worth reading before you tour.

    Understand the STR picture before you underwrite. If short-term rental income is part of your plan, verify the city’s current permitting status for the specific parcel. Big Bear Lake has been active in managing STR density in certain neighborhoods, and what worked for a neighbor’s property may not apply to the one you’re buying.

    Come in with financing ready. Price-drop properties in desirable locations attract cash buyers and pre-approved buyers moving fast. If you need to get pre-approval squared away, do it now — not after you’ve toured. I can connect you with lenders who know mountain property financing if you need a starting point.

    Don’t assume the seller has flexibility just because they dropped the price. A price reduction often means the seller is motivated — but it doesn’t always mean they’ll entertain a low offer. In some cases, the reduced price is already the seller’s final number. Your offer strategy matters as much as the price itself.

    If you want to know what I’d do with this specific property — whether I’d go in at asking, below, or walk away entirely — that’s a conversation worth having before you tour. The details on 39470 North Shore Drive tell a story that the listing price alone doesn’t capture.

    Price drops in Big Bear Lake don’t last. If this property is on your radar, reach out directly. You can call or text me at 909.744.2190, or email rachaelsmithrealestate@gmail.com to schedule a private showing or get the full disclosure package before it hits the open market.

    Every week on my YouTube channel, I walk through new listings, price changes, and market shifts across the Big Bear Lake area — the kind of ground-level perspective you can’t get from a Zillow listing. Subscribe here so you’re always the first to know when an opportunity like this surfaces.


    About Rachael Smith
    Rachael Smith is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX Big Bear, specializing in mountain homes, short-term rental investments, and luxury properties in Big Bear Lake and surrounding areas. With over a decade of experience and hundreds of homes sold, she helps buyers, sellers, and investors make smart, strategic real estate decisions. Through her strong online presence and data-driven approach, Rachael connects clients with opportunities both on and off the market.

  • JUST REDUCED – 260 TURLOCK DR, BIG BEAR CITY, CA 92314 – 9,900

    JUST REDUCED – 260 TURLOCK DR, BIG BEAR CITY, CA 92314 – $539,900

    New Lower Price Available⁠



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