Big Bear Lake Central
What is termed the “Central” area of Big Bear Lake lies between the City of Big Bear Lake City Hall, and the western entrance to “The Village,” on the south shore of the lake.
The area is a mix of single-family residential homes, and several condominium properties, two of which are lakefront. Commercial properties in the Central area include boat marinas, small shops and businesses, and several popular established lodges.
Access to Big Bear’s recreational features abound in this area. Marinas offer public boat launching, boat rentals, fishing charters, tour boat rides, and para-sailing. Within the Central area is an access to popular USFS road 2N10, which originates in the “Millcreek” area and leads to small, picturesque Bluff Lake before meandering east along the ridge, through the National Forest and above Snow Summit, ending in the Moonridge area. 2N10 is popular for hiking, mountain biking, off-road exploration and cross-country skiing. Within the boundary of the Big Bear Central area is also the popular family recreation area featuring the Alpine Slide in summer, and Snow Play hill in the winter.
Within Big Bear Lake Central are some of the earliest neighborhoods subdivided and developed in the Valley, and vintage homes/cabins are mixed with newer properties. Some of the neighborhoods within the area include the Millcreek area south of Big Bear Blvd, and the “Edgemoor” area north of the Boulevard. Gilner Point, so named for the peninsula of the same name on which it is situated, offers a mix of cabins and exclusive lakefront homes. Lakeview Drive runs through a portion of the central area, offering access to popular established neighborhoods, including the “Talmadge” area, named for one of Big Bear’s earliest families.
The Central area is home to picturesque “Mallard Bay Lagoon,” and Lagunita Point. In the upper Millcreek area, vintage cabins on land leased from the USFS dot the landscape on the road to Cedar Lake, now a private camp but the site where many movies have been filmed over the years. In contrast, a mile to the east is the newer, exclusive Ironwood Estates development of large custom homes.
The close proximity to the lake, marinas, and Big Bear Lake Village make the Central area a popular choice for full-time or vacation living. With homes in virtually every size, style and price range, there is truly “something for everyone” in this picturesque locale.
