What Are The Pros And Cons Of Living In Big Bear, CA?
Big Bear, California, is a well-accredited area to live for outdoor lovers. The population is a little over 12,300. Big Bear gets its name from the prominent Grizzly (extinct in 1906) and Black Bears that also populate the area.
There are a substantial amount of positives for living in Big Bear, CA, such as the scenery and outdoor life. Big Bear has plenty of parks, lakes, mountains, and a fabulous Mexican restaurant. We will discuss eight of the top reasons for living in Big Bear with very few cons but worth mentioning.
Big Bear is in Southern California, and along with other places, it too has lots of history. The peacefulness is a getaway from big cities in California like San Diego and Los Angeles. It is a place you can find yourself and become one with nature.
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Information Still Spoken About Big Bear, California Today
Many people who are not familiar with the area get confused with Big Bear City and Big Bear Lake. These are two different places but part of the same attraction. The San Bernardino National Forest surrounds Big Bear City and is a residential area filled with cabins and small homes.
The city was filled with the Serrano Indians which lived there in pre-colonial times. European settlers began to settle in Big Bear around 1776, but it was not until 1845 further expeditions became popular. But it was not popular with the Serrano Indians.
Big Bear steadily grew over the centuries and became what it is today. The Serrano Indians still populate the area along with different diversities from all over the world. The history covers expeditions, Native American culture, which are now in museums to view.
The Positive Side of Living in Big Bear, CA
We can cover eight things that massively take out the few negatives of the lifestyle in Big Bear. There really is no comparison when you see all there is to do in outdoor life. Not many people stay indoors with what is on this list.
1. There is No Shortage of Parks
Big Bear is a small city, but parks cover most of the area. The city has five separate parks that are big enough to support the growing population. All of them have wide-open spaces, and they are well kept with sufficient playground equipment.
Other parks are for specific purposes like the two skate parks, a dog park, Swim Beach, and a BMX park. It is safe to say there is a park for everyone in the city. They are also perfectly safe for kids and families.
2. There are Lots of Hiking and Walking Trails
People who love adventures will find the walking and hiking trails remarkable. Many people say they can spend the entire day doing what they love to do. Walking makes for great exercise, and along the North Shore, there is an excellent walking path at the lake.
The path is called Alpine Pedal Path, and people there love it because it is paved most of the way. There is also a bridge people can walk across to make it feel more adventurous.
3. Big Bear Has a Discovery Center
The Discovery Center is a place where the locals and tourists can learn all about plants and wildlife. They offer excellent ideas on where the best places are to hiking and enjoying what Big Bear offers. There are also significant events and guided tours that people can look into and enjoy.
4. Enjoy Some Time on Big Bear Lake
This place is where the scenery comes alive with the lake and the mountains in the background. When you see the blue skies overhead, it draws you into another dimension of peacefulness. It is also where the Alpine Pedal Path whips around the lake to enjoy a beautiful walk.
Big Bear Lake is quiet during the wintertime, but it comes alive during the spring and summertime. As far as the eye can see, some boats pass along the water. The favored pastimes consist of boating, fishing, water skiing, and wakeboarding.
If you want to sit on the shoreline and relax, many people are doing that too. You can also go fishing from a boat or right off the shore. There are fishing tournaments that are the talk among everyone there.
5. Wintertime Holds the Snow Summit
Across the lake, there is the Snow Summit, where one out of the two mountains has a resort. It is open for skiing and snowboarding. If you feel like a daredevil, you can let loose with a downhill mountain biking trail.
6. What Bear Mountain Has to Offer
Bear Mountain is another famous place in Big Bear where the mountain is open for snowboarders. People also enjoy the ski slopes as they live for the thrill. They have the best instructors for snowboarding, and it also has the best park available.
If you go behind Bear Mountain, there is the Big Bear Zoo with all the favorite zoo animals. It is a rehabilitation area where the injured animals are cared for until they can live independently in the wilderness. Unfortunately, some of the animals have no hope to return to the wild and are cared for very well.
Another added feature to Bear Mountain is for those who love golf. The Bear Mountain Golf Course is available for those who love to stay on the big green. Tourists and locals alike enjoy the game of golf.
7. The Village is for Shopping
Then some love to come back to reality now and then. The Village is where shopping stores, restaurants, and bars are part of the city’s life. When the action sports and rest have rejuvenated you, you can enjoy the local city people and live it up.
Among the stores, you can find everything you need and more. Those who love different cultures can try The Himalayan restaurant, where they serve Nepalese and Indian cuisine. To end the evening off with a bang, they have Whiskey Dave’s Bar and a local wine bar, LaDolce Vita.
8. Azteca Grill is Last But Not Least
There is a restaurant that is not like the rest. It is another local attraction for those who enjoy a quiet family Mexican meal. People go to Azteca Grill, where they find it affordable, friendly, and not so much nightlife.
There is one downside to places like these. When more people find out how quiet it is, the more they come to see for themselves. When this happens, the quiet times may not last forever.
The Not So Great Side of Big Bear, California
Most of the cons come from reviews of guests who did not enjoy their stay in Big Bear. Those who live there enjoy 99 percent of what is made available to them. Everyday life has to change, which leaves us with the negatives.
1. Look Out for Bears
One of the reasons life has to change is old habits must die quickly. You cannot leave food lying around. Black bears are everywhere and can come out at any time.
Wildlife can be the best thing to witness, but not up close and personal. When a bear knows there is food around, it will do anything to get it, even attack. If a bear becomes used to being around humans, it is the most dangerous thing to happen.
There is always a sign that says, “Do not feed the animals.” Not everyone listens. It can mean life or death in these types of situations.
2. If You Have a Fear of Wildlife, Don’t Go to Big Bear
Animals can sense fear. There is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to being afraid. Most wildlife creatures will run if they are startled, but not all of them will.
There are workers and rangers at the hot spots for assistance, but they may not get to you in time. It is common to cross wildlife that can be costly to repair your vehicle if they jump out of nowhere. Everyone has to be on high alert at all times and cautious.
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3. Do Not Ask for Refunds
Among the residents and visitors, all have said the same thing. There are no refunds for any circumstances. Many people have lost their money if they are dissatisfied or if something goes wrong.
The reviews from some of the most trusted websites are by the hundreds and close to a thousand. Most complaints came from the skiers and snowboarders who did not get to get on board.
4. Some Days Big Bear is Overcrowded
Since Big Bear is a famous place, some people who live in the area cannot fully enjoy a good time. Tourists and visitors are overcrowding during the peak seasons. People who do not like crowds will not enjoy themselves.
Tensions may have flared with all of the Covid Pandemic and are upset with the crowds. Some people say it has gotten worse, and no one knows when things will get back to normal over there.
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