Cozy, rustic and home to about 12,000 people, the mountainside city of Lake Arrowhead is 23 miles from San Bernardino, tucked within the San Bernardino National Forest and centered on its 780-acre namesake lake. “The Village shopping center sits on the lakefront," says Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa employee Marina Elazic, "but the lake's otherwise private for lakefront homeowners, and there’s no swimming allowed." The city is one of the only places in Southern California that experiences snow, so in winter, it attracts visitors from across the region who come largely to ski. Lake Arrowhead’s pine-covered slopes, Swiss-inspired architecture and village feel have earned it the nickname, “The Alps of Southern California,” though its original name comes from an arrowhead-shaped rock formation on the side of the San Bernardino Mountains.
In the late 1800s, this area was known as Little Bear Valley, a hub for logging and mining. Today though, Lake Arrowhead’s economy mostly depends on tourism and hospitality; otherwise, local employers include Mountain Community Hospital, Rim of the World Schools and Southern California Edison. Many residents who live here full-time are retirees, and many owners manage their homes as rental properties. Compared to Big Bear, another mountain-and-lake getaway 25 miles east, Lake Arrowhead has a smaller population, fewer tourists and typically, milder winters.
The Village shopping center sits on the lakefront of Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa.
One of the main local employers of Lake Arrowhead is Mountain Community Hospital.
The Village in Lake Arrowhead is the main draw to the city with its lakeside shopping.
Lake Arrowhead is located in the San Bernardino Mountains surrounded by forest.
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Pet-friendly lakefront dining and a historic speakeasy
The Lake Arrowhead Village, an alpine-inspired shopping and dining district, serves as the community’s commercial hub and provides one of the few points of public access to the lake. Anchored by Stater Bros. Markets, the shopping center's home to Belgian Waffle Works, a local favorite brunch spot that has a pet-friendly patio overlooking the lake. "On a Sunday, you'll likely see all of your neighbors at Belgian Waffle Works," notes Larry Hunt, former resident and Broker with Keller Williams Realty who has 5 years' experience in the area. "It's everyone's favorite breakfast spot in town." Shops like Coach Outlet and Pendleton are also in the Village, set among small storefronts for banks, and novelty treat shops. For a night out, most locals here are familiar with the historic Tudor house, a former Prohibition-era speakeasy; today, it’s a restaurant and bar that residents visit for theater performances, jazz nights and even Sunday brunch. The only year-round farmers' market in the San Bernardino Mountains is held each Thursday in Twin Peaks, 4 miles away.
Find great bargains on designer bags and more at Coach Outlet in Lake Arrowhead.
The Village at Lake Arrowhead brings in many tourists to its beauty, shopping and dining.
Twin Peaks Farmers Market is only 4 miles away and is held every Thursday.
A fun stop for Lake Arrowhead locals is Rocket Fizz, a candy store that has so many treats.
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Local parks and seasonal events on the water
Local homes are often within a short walk from hiking paths like the Northshore Trailhead, which leads through pine forests and up to mountaintops for views of the lake. The Lake Arrowhead Country Club hosts community and charity golf tournaments on its private, 18-hole course, and also maintains a tennis facility with six courts. The city's 2-acre Mackay Park is a favorite among kids for its zip line, rock-climbing wall and playsets on Papoose Lake, and SkyPark at Santa's Village is an adventure-based theme park with year-round ice skating and mountain biking.
In the middle of Lake Arrowhead Village, the outdoor Center Stage hosts an annual summer concert series, featuring tribute bands that cover everything from Prince to the Bee Gees. The Arrowhead Queen Tour Boat embarks from the Village, and its hour-long history tour enables non-members of the Arrowhead Lake Association to venture out on the lake.
Lake Arrowhead residents love the playgrounds at Mackay Recreational Park.
Lake Arrowhead’s economy mostly depends on tourism and hospitality.
SkyPark at Santa's Village at Lake Arrowhead has ice skating, axe throwing and more.
Lake Arrowhead Country Club offers tennis and golf with 9 challenging back holes.
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Sprawling lakeside retreats and cabins in the woods
As of late 2024, Lake Arrowhead’s median home price is $575,000, slightly lower than Big Bear’s roughly $585,000 and significantly lower than California’s roughly $890,000. Homes here tend to stay on the market for about 94 days, far longer than the national average of 44 days.
Most of Lake Arrowhead's homes are single-family, and are generally set along winding, narrow streets that hug heavily wooded hillsides; steep uphill pathways and trails take the place of sidewalks, making walks here feel more like hikes. Rustic cabins and ranch-style houses tend to be the city's least expensive homes. Mountain-style homes and chalets are set in pricier, lakefront neighborhoods; for lake access, Arrowhead Lake Association members pay about $1,110 annually.
Most rows of homes throughout the Lake Arrowhead neighborhood are surrounded by large trees.
Large estate homes on the waterfront have docks for Lake Arrowhead.
Lake Arrowhead lakefront homes are a bit pricier.
Lake Arrowhead is a forest covered mountain resort town 23 miles from San Bernardino.
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Public Education near Lake Arrowhead
The Rim of the World Unified School District earns an overall C from Niche, serving about 2,900 students across six different schools and one virtual academy. Four of the district's schools are within the city: Lake Arrowhead Elementary, Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate, Mountain High and Rim of the World Senior High. The latter earns a C-plus and is widely recognized as one of the first schools in the nation to utilize wind and solar energy to power the campus.
The entrance to Lake Arrowhead Elementary School is fun and welcoming.
A tall blue entrance welcomes you to Mary P. Henck Intermediate School of Lake Arrowhead.
Rim of the World High School of Lake Arrowhead is home to the Scots.
Rim of the World High, Lake Arrowhead offers a sprawling campus when viewed from above.
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Connecting to San Bernardino on the 18
Lake Arrowhead is set at the junction of State Highways 18 and 173. State Highway 18, also known as the “Rim of the World Highway,” connects Lake Arrowhead to San Bernardino, approximately 23 miles away. Lake Arrowhead is heavily car dependent, but Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) provides bus service in Lake Arrowhead and throughout the San Bernardino Mountains region. Mountains Community Hospital serves as the area’s primary medical facility, offering 24-hour emergency care. Ontario International Airport, the nearest major airport, is located about 45 miles away.
High wildfire risk but low crime rates
Lake Arrowhead’s location in the San Bernardino Mountains and National Forest puts it at high risk for wildfires in summer and fall. In September 2024, the nearly 40,000-acre Line Fire spread through the mountains, causing evacuations in both Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear; the latter was more heavily impacted. The San Bernardino National Forest participates in forest health initiatives, aiming to enhance wildfire safety and mitigate risk. Lake Arrowhead maintains four fire stations within city limits.
Lake Arrowhead has a CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. The city is served by San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Twin Peaks Station, set 4 miles away, where the staff includes 17 deputies.
Written By
Braxton Chea
Photography Contributed By
Michael Ng
Video By
Zack Kojoyian
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On average, homes in Lake Arrowhead, CA sell after 92 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Arrowhead, CA over the last 12 months is $575,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
3-MINUTE WALK TO THE LAKE- Immaculate 3-bedroom, 1 3⁄4 baths mountain cabin is walking distance to the Lake (with Lake Rights/access trail point #11) in the coveted “Alphabet Streets” just beyond the end of a Cul de sac off John Muir Rd. Enjoy an expansive front deck framing the full length of the home located about one mile from the Arrowhead Village entrance. The cabin’s open floor plan
Lake Views from two decks in a Classic Mountain Cabin A-Frame with Lake Rights. Open the front door to where an open floor plan awaits. An expansive two-story Cathedral ceiling roofline opens out to a large deck the full length of the home. Design includes a corner Lava rock fireplace, extra wide sliders, large bank of windows that anchor the living and dining room, extra wide tongue & groove
Welcome to Evergreen! Tucked high among the trees with panoramic mountain views, this dreamy cabin feels like a true escape from the city. Thoughtfully designed with contemporary comfort and vintage touches, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and stay awhile. Enjoy easy, level entry into the main floor, where you’ll find the living room, dining room, and kitchen, each space cozy
Big, sprawling “modern farmhouse” in adorable community of Cedar Glen has it all. On the coveted street of Lake View close to the famous “Malt Shop,” and The Glen shopping center arrive to a formidable property, on all level ground, that soars three levels under the canopy of a large oak. Step into a foyer and beyond into a two-story living room with cathedral ceilings and corner,
Contractors / Investors Special! This is a fixer and is being sold in As-Is condition. Seller has installed new septic and did a lot of work on foundation. Now someone else needs to keep project moving to realize all the potential this property offers the new owners. Located behind the gates of desirable Blue Jay Canyon, close to restaurants and shopping in both Blue Jay and the Lake
Buyer Interest Rate Buydown Option for this TurnKey Lake Arrowhead retreat in highly sought after, Lake Arrowhead Villa's! Quarterly HOA due's includes your water, trash pick up and snowplowing. This home doubles as a family getaway and a Cash-Flowing short term rental and can be sold fully furnished! Entering the home you are immediately greeted with an amazing, and seemingly endless, mountain
Escape to a stunning Furnished, short Term luxury rental villa nestled in the heart of Lake Arrowhead, just a stone's throw away from the Village, Resort, Beach Club, restaurants, and shops. This fully renovated cabin boasts unparalleled elegance and comfort, featuring custom handcrafted woodwork throughout. 2 NIGHT MINIMUMThis 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom villa/Cabin is the ultimate sanctuary,
Property Id: 2032242Charming top-level of a home with private entrance available for rent. This furnished cozy space features a living room with a wood-burning stove, window AC, and a full bathroom with a stackable washer and dryer. The kitchen includes a refrigerator and hot plate (no stove/oven).- 1 designated parking spot- All utilities included (except TV and
Available for rent in the sleepy town of Twin Peaks. Minutes from Crestline and Lake Arrowhead! Located on a quiet cul-de-sac. Parking for up to 3 cars. Main floor hosts living, kitchen, dining and bath. Upstairs has three bedrooms and another bath. Large deck for relaxing or entertaining. Tenant pays all utilities, non smoking, pets considered.
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