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From the blog

The Big Bear real estate blog.

Straight answers about Big Bear living from Holly Gardner, Your Big Bear Realtor. She writes the things she wishes every buyer knew before they started looking: second homes, vacation rentals, neighborhoods, and what it really costs to live here.

A warm Big Bear mountain-town street in late fall: wooden cabins with golden light glowing from the windows, a dusting of snow on the pine branches and rooftops, string lights glowing softly, golden aspen leaves among the pines, and the pine-covered mountains rising behind
Moving to Big Bear November 3, 2026

Getting Settled in Big Bear: How Newcomers Become Neighbors

The Village, the hike clubs, the service clubs, and the volunteering that turns newcomers into neighbors. A Big Bear native’s warm guide to feeling at home in the valley.

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A wide view of Big Bear Lake on a crisp early-November morning: golden aspens and bare branches among snow-dusted pines, a frost-skimmed wooden dock, calm blue water, and lightly snowcapped San Bernardino peaks
Big Bear Events November 6, 2026

What's Happening in Big Bear This Weekend: November 6–8

REVEL Big Bear marathon, Oktoberfest's final weekends, cyclocross at The Ranch, a harvest festival, tango, Veterans Day, and the grand finale. Holly's Big Bear guide.

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Freshly groomed ski runs at a Southern California resort above Big Bear Lake on a late-fall morning, snow-dusted pines and a distant chairlift under a clear blue sky, with the lake far below in the valley
Outdoor recreation November 2, 2026

Winter Recreation in Big Bear: Ski Season and Snow Days

Big Bear Mountain Resort’s groomed runs, Southern California’s longest tube rides at Big Bear Snow Play, and the quiet snowshoe trails. A native’s guide to winter in Big Bear.

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A classic Big Bear mountain cabin glowing with warm light from its windows on a golden winter evening, a plume of smoke rising from the chimney, snow covering the driveway, and snow-dusted pines framing the scene
Moving to Big Bear October 27, 2026

Moving to Big Bear: What to Know Before You Make the Move

The roads, the seasons, how mountain homes run, and the pace of life up here. A Big Bear native’s warm, honest guide for anyone ready to call the mountains home.

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A wide view of Big Bear Lake in peak fall color: golden aspens and pines reflected in calm water, a wooden dock in the foreground, and cabin rooftops on the far shore
Big Bear Events October 30, 2026

What's Happening in Big Bear This Weekend: October 30–November 1

Oktoberfest’s final full weekend, Halloween in the Village, Boo at the Zoo, the Starlight Ranch pumpkin patch, and a week of night sky. Holly’s Big Bear guide.

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A real photo of a cabin deck overlooking a lake, with a round fire pit in front of wooden chairs, a black metal railing, and forested mountains across the water on a bright day
Investment October 26, 2026

Big Bear Tax Changes for 2026: What Second-Home Buyers and Investors Should Know

Bonus depreciation is back, the mortgage interest limit moved to $1M, and the QBI deduction is gone. What the 2026 tax changes mean for Big Bear cabin buyers and investors.

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A sunny summer day on Big Bear Lake: a wooden dock with colorful kayaks and a paddleboard on calm blue-green water, pine forests rising into the mountains under a clear blue sky
Mountain living October 26, 2026

Living in Big Bear Year-Round: A Season-by-Season Guide

Snowy winters, spring wildflowers, summer on the lake, and golden fall. A Big Bear native’s guide to what it is really like to live here all twelve months.

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A real aerial photo of Big Bear Lake with the town below and the surrounding mountains
Neighborhoods October 21, 2026

Which Big Bear Community Is Right for You?

From the Village bustle of Big Bear Lake to quiet Fawnskin and far-east Baldwin Lake, a Big Bear native’s guide to the character of all eight communities around the valley.

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A real photo of a modern lakefront A-frame in Big Bear at twilight, with a snowy deck, a glowing hot tub, and an outdoor dining set overlooking a calm lake toward snow-capped mountains
Lakefront October 21, 2026

Beyond the Cabin: What Every Lakefront Buyer Should Evaluate First

Most buyers evaluate the house; the water is where value and enjoyment are really decided. What Holly looks at beyond the front door on every lakefront parcel in Big Bear.

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A real photo of a lakeview cabin deck in Big Bear, with wooden chairs around a rustic tree-stump fire pit, a black metal railing, and honey-brown wood tones overlooking a scenic lake with mountains in the distance on a bright day
Second homes October 20, 2026

Is a Second Home in Big Bear a Good Idea?

With millions of visitors a year and a year-round community that lives here, Big Bear is one of the most popular second-home markets in the West. Here is an honest look at whether it makes sense for you.

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A real photo of a cozy A-frame cabin nestled in a snowy Big Bear forest at night, with warm interior light glowing through its windows
Investment October 20, 2026

Can You Make Money on a Big Bear Airbnb?

The short answer: yes for many owners, with realistic expectations and the right property. Here are the numbers, the rules, and the costs most people never see.

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A real photo of a Big Bear mountain neighborhood: a winding residential street lined with tall pines, with wood-and-stone homes set among spring greenery under a partly cloudy sky
Neighborhoods October 20, 2026

Best Places to Live in Big Bear

From ski-country Summit to quiet north-shore Fawnskin, each Big Bear community has a different personality. A native’s guide to choosing yours.

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A real photo of a rustic Big Bear cabin living room with a stone fireplace, wood-paneled walls, leather furniture, and a sliding glass door framing a deck view of pines and the lake
Mountain living October 20, 2026

Mountain Utilities 101: What Every Big Bear Homeowner Should Know

Propane or gas? City water or a well? And who clears your driveway in winter? A plain-language guide to how mountain homes actually run.

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