Moving to Big Bear Lake: Dreams vs Reality (Cost, Lifestyle & Real Experience)
What It’s Really Like Living in Big Bear After Leaving the City
Two years ago in February, Superbowl Weekend to be exact, I abandoned city life for the allure of the mountains – moving to Big Bear from LA to reconnect with nature and simplicity..
Why I Decided to Move to Big Bear from Los Angeles
I’m originally from small town Iowa and after spending a few years in large cities I was ready for a change of pace and I was craving the seasons. Don’t get me wrong, sunny days and sandy beaches are great, but heavy traffic and seemingly endless summers were getting to me. My boyfriend and I came up to a Big Bear Lake cabin rental a couple times as a respite from the chaos and fell in love with the place. We imagined long hikes in the woods every weekend, taking our two chihuahuas down to the lake and becoming a local at one of the coffee shops. The small town, friendly atmosphere was exactly what we were craving with the advantage of being only a couple hours from Los Angeles for those times we needed a city fix.
I was working from home at the time for a juice cleanse company based out of San Fransisco and my boyfriend was transitioning in his career. Not wanting to delay our departure from the big city with the cost of living going up, we packed up our downtown studio loft apartment rental, two dogs, two cats, said goodbye to all our favorite restaurants, conveniences, weather and headed for the hills.
Big Bear Cabin Life: Expectations vs Reality
Our new home was a cute little two bedroom house with a large side yard in Sugarloaf. We went from beautiful hardwood floors, modern appliances and lofted ceilings to blue carpet, dated tile counters and floral wallpaper – lots of floral wallpaper. It was awesome. But, the romance of the move did not last long.
Wildlife in Big Bear Neighborhoods: Lessons in Mountain Living
One of the biggest lessons we learned early on was that wildlife in Big Bear is very real.
Our cats, who were used to city life, loved exploring the outdoors. But the mountains come with risks. After a short time, we lost both of them—likely to coyotes. It was heartbreaking and a tough introduction to the realities of living in a natural environment.
From that point on, we took extra precautions with our dogs and reinforced our yard. Living in Big Bear means learning to coexist with wildlife—and respecting that you’re in their territory.
Cost of Living in Big Bear, California: Not Always What You Expect
Another lesson that is soon learned when living in Big Bear is the cost of heating your house in winter. Despite the lack of snowfall that year, the weather was still cold and the the house we were renting only had one wall heater, in the living room, that did not reach the bedrooms. It was cold at night and electric blankets and space heaters became essential. The cost of our gas and power bill skyrocketed. We also had very few winter clothes since we had been living in LA. So much for a reduced cost of living! Luckily things settled down once the weather got warmer.
Living in Sugarloaf Big Bear: Hiking and Quiet Moments in Nature
Sugarloaf is only steps from national forest and hiking is easy. Just head up the hill and viola, nature. Just like we wanted. But I was getting a case of cabin fever. I needed more social interaction and was ready to find my place among the locals to make the town feel more like my home.
Finding Community in Big Bear Through Local Theater
I sought out the local theater company, something I had grown up with and missed the collaboration of creativity. I was welcomed with open arms, immediately put to work in the upcoming spring production of Wizard of Oz. My life felt as if it was truly filled with magic and I couldn’t believe my good fortune. Plus, I hadn’t even needed my own ruby slippers!
Working Remotely from Big Bear: Career Challenges in a Resort Town
However, the magic did not last long. I lost my job in June, mid production and my boyfriend was being called back to Los Angeles more and more for work. Enter panic mode. Back in Iowa and Seattle I was a nurse in home health and organ and tissue recovery. Once I moved to California I landed a job at a breast health clinic, eventually finding my way back to organ and tissue recovery before transitioning into marketing for juice cleanses. My set of skills was not exactly in high demand in this small resort town.
Real Stories About Big Bear Living: Building a New Life
But good fortune was still on my side, at least for the most part. I was hired on at Destination Big Bear. I was now part of the town. I had a house and job in the mountains. I recognized people at the grocery store. Big Bear had become my new home.
Where fortune did not last was with my relationship. At least that is what I thought. My boyfriend went back to LA to further his career and go back to the city life he loves. Me? I met a new guy, in Oz.
I look back on the last two years and can’t believe how much my life has changed. Just a little weekend trip to a cabin rental in Big Bear Lake started the snowball rolling.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Big Bear Lake
Will Big Bear Lake be my home forever? Only time will tell. The dream of hiking and spending time at the lake fades with each passing month.
Things to Know Before Moving to Big Bear: Reality Beyond the Dream
Things to Know Before Moving to Big Bear
Before making the move, keep these in mind:
- Prepare for cold winters and heating costs
- Research job opportunities or secure remote work
- Understand wildlife safety
- Be ready for a quieter, slower lifestyle
- Plan for fewer amenities than urban areas
Final Thoughts: Dreams vs Reality of Living in Big Bear
Looking back, moving to Big Bear Lake changed my life in ways I never expected. What started as a weekend getaway turned into a completely new chapter.
The dream of mountain living doesn’t replace everyday responsibilities—but it does offer something special: space to breathe, reconnect with nature, and build a different kind of life.
Big Bear isn’t perfect, but for the right person, it can be exactly what they’re looking for.
