Is Big Bear City, CA (Big Bear City South) a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Big Bear City, California - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
2 Registered Offenders Nearby
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 14, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a trauma victim incident was dispatched near Kern Avenue between Barton Lane and Silver Pine Road. Medic ambulance 282A and medic engine 283 responded. | Silver Pine Rd, Big Bear, CA 92314 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews conduct an inside fire investigation near Club View Drive between Fern Avenue and Falls Avenue in Big Bear Lake, California. | Club View Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 | Fire |
| Jul 2, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a trauma victim is reported at Camp Nauvoo near Jenks Lake Road between no cross street and Camp Totowa Road. Units dispatched include Medic Engine 9 and Patrol 98. | Jenks Lake Rd W, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 2, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency personnel were dispatched for a possible inside investigation near Primrose Drive between Rockspray Drive and Primrose Court in Big Bear Lake. | Primrose Dr & Rockspray Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92314 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 2, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a possible medical emergency was reported near Colusa Drive between Canyon Crest Drive and Wolf Road. Medic ambulance 281 and medic truck 281 were assigned. | Colusa Dr, Big Bear, CA 92314 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 30, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call for difficulty breathing is reported near Cedar Lane between Barton Lane and Clark Lane. Medic Ambulance 283 and Medic Engine 282 responded. | Cedar Ln, Big Bear, CA 92386 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 28, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible pedestrian hazard near Yosemite Drive, where a man with a limp and no shirt is reportedly trying to hitchhike and jumping in front of passing vehicles while walking toward Zion. A unit is responding from Old Waterman Canyon Road. | Yosemite Dr, Big Bear, CA 92314 | Traffic |
| Jun 23, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency was reported near Lassen Drive between Siskiyou Drive and Lassen Court in Big Bear Lake. Medic Engine 283 and Medic Ambulance 281 were dispatched. Details are unclear due to poor audio quality. | Lassen Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 21, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic reports smoke and a possible fully involved structure fire near Shasta Road by the lake, with a Forest Service fire response requested and resources assigned to the area. | Shasta Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 | Fire & Arson |
| Jun 21, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews responded to a reported structure fire near Shasta Road between Siskiyou Drive and Siskiyou Lane. On arrival, it appeared to be a mulch pile burning toward the rear of the property. Multiple engines, trucks, ambulances, and a battalion chief were assigned, with one engine moved to cover Station 96. Additional calls also mentioned a possible seizure patient on North Ramona Drive and an unknown type fire along a freeway, but details of those incidents are limited in the radio traffic. | Shasta Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 | Fire & Arson |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Overview of Big Bear City South
Big Bear City South is a rural neighborhood in Big Bear City, California, known for its mix of medium to small single-family homes and townhomes. The area has a high vacancy rate, largely due to seasonal occupancy common in vacation areas.
The neighborhood offers a peaceful environment with many residences built between 1970 and 1999, alongside some older homes from 1940 to 1969.
Residents enjoy a low rate of childhood poverty and a strong presence of college-educated seniors, making it notable for retiree-friendly living in California.
Quick Facts
| Walk to Work Rate | 13.5% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
The housing market here is characterized by a predominance of detached single-family homes and a very high vacancy rate, reflecting seasonal use and vacation properties.
| Detached Single-Family Homes | 99.7% |
|---|---|
| Housing Age (Built 1970-1999) | Majority |
| Owner vs Renter Mix | Mixed ownership and rental |
What buyers will notice right away
Families and Lifestyle
Big Bear City South offers a lifestyle appealing to retirees and those seeking a quiet, rural environment with a strong community of college-educated seniors.
| Child Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
|---|---|
| Retiree-Friendly Ranking | Top 6.1% in California |
Demographics
| College Educated Seniors | High proportion |
|---|---|
| Income Level | Above average |
| Top Languages | ["English (73.8%)","Spanish","Italian"] |
| Top Ancestries | ["Mexican (27.1%)","German (12.2%)","Irish (11.5%)","English (11.2%)","South American (6.3%)","Armenian (3.3%)","Czechoslovakian (0.7%)"] |
Commute Patterns
Most residents have short commutes, with a significant portion walking to work, reflecting the neighborhood's rural and pedestrian-friendly nature.
Big Bear City South offers some of the shortest commutes in the country, with many residents walking to work, which can enhance quality of life and reduce transportation costs.
| Drive Alone Rate | 62.0% |
|---|---|
| Carpool Rate | 14.8% |
| Walk to Work Rate | 13.5% |
| Main Commute Time | Under 15 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the vacancy rate so high in Big Bear City South?
The high vacancy rate is largely due to seasonal occupancy common in vacation areas, where many homes are used as second homes or vacation rentals.
Is Big Bear City South suitable for retirees?
Yes, it ranks among the top 6.1% of retiree-friendly neighborhoods in California, offering peace, safety, and diverse housing options.