Is Big Bear City, CA (Woodlands) 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 Woodlands
Woodlands is a remote neighborhood in Big Bear City, California, with a mix of small to medium single-family homes and mobile homes, mostly owner occupied.
The neighborhood has a high vacancy rate, partly due to seasonal occupancy common in vacation areas.
It is recognized as a peaceful and retiree-friendly community with a diverse cultural heritage.
Quick Facts
| Retiree-Friendly Ranking | Top 13.2% in California |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Woodlands housing consists mainly of owner-occupied small to medium single-family homes and mobile homes, with a high vacancy rate reflecting seasonal use.
| Owner Occupied Rate | Majority owner occupied |
|---|---|
| Housing Age (Built 1970-1999 and 2000+) | Established and newer homes |
What buyers will notice right away
Families and Lifestyle
Woodlands offers a peaceful lifestyle with a strong retiree presence and a moderate income level, though with a higher child poverty rate than some nearby neighborhoods.
| Child Poverty Rate | 13.8% |
|---|---|
| Retiree-Friendly Ranking | Top 13.2% in California |
Demographics
| Income Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Top Languages | ["English (90.4%)","Polish","Spanish","German/Yiddish"] |
| Top Ancestries | ["German (22.3%)","Mexican (17.5%)","Irish (10.2%)","Polish (5.8%)","English (5.7%)","Croatian (2.3%)","Welsh (3.5%)"] |
Commute Patterns
Most residents have moderate commutes, with a high rate of driving alone and some carpooling, reflecting the neighborhood's remote location.
Woodlands residents primarily drive alone to work, with many enjoying relatively short commutes despite the neighborhood's remote setting.
| Drive Alone Rate | 84.0% |
|---|---|
| Carpool Rate | 5.6% |
| Main Commute Time | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Long Commute Rate | 13.2% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the vacancy rate high in Woodlands?
The high vacancy rate is mainly due to seasonal occupancy common in vacation areas, with many homes used as second homes or vacation rentals.
Is Woodlands suitable for retirees?
Yes, it ranks among the top 13.2% of retiree-friendly neighborhoods in California, offering peace, safety, and diverse housing options.