If you have decided that now is the time to invest in your first vacation home or it is time for a change of scenery during the year, then you should definitely consider some of the beautiful Los Angeles Area mountain communities that California has to offer to be the sight of your second home. Below you will find a brief review of a few of these sought after mountain communities with a list of pros and cons for each to help make your moving decision a bit easier.
Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is located in an unincorporated community in the San Bernardino Mountains of San Bernardino County, California, 50 to 80 miles east of Los Angeles and Orange County. It is also surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest and the Lake Arrowhead Reservoir.
Some definite advantages of choosing this mountain community are the small-town feel you will find with just around 10,000 residents. The year-round climate is mild, there is plenty of recreational activities, especially outdoors, and it is a very diverse economy.
With these positives, you will also find that the sudden growth in the area is leading to some traffic and eventual overcrowding. However, home appreciation in the area has increased, and the unemployment rate has remained relatively low when compared to other areas. Recent job growth has been positive.
Big Bear
Big Bear is a small town in San Bernardino County, California. This community is located in the San Bernardino Mountains and along the shore of Big Bear Lake. It is a popular year-round resort destination, so the number of people that frequent this area, including residents, is upwards of 100,000 each year.
It is the perfect mountain community for you if you are looking for fresh mountain air, snowfall, and close access to a national forest. It is a beautiful town that proudly displays all four seasons and is a great place to raise a family. However, the closer you get to the resorts, the higher home values you will find. Keep this in mind as you embark on your search for the perfect home.
Frazier Park
Frazier Park is an unincorporated community located in Kern County, California. It is just one of the mountain communities of Tejon Pass. It is considered a mid-sized South-Central California city. The cost of living is moderate, there is low rainfall, and it experiences mild winters.
However, the air quality may not be as good as you expect, there is a slightly higher unemployment rate, and the summer heat may prove to be uncomfortable for some. Fortunately, as time goes on, the economy is expected to pick up.
Idyllwild
Idyllwild is located about two hours from Los Angeles and is made up of mostly vacation homes. It is also one of the few places in California that gets to experience all four seasons. It is a great alternative location to choose for more moderately priced homes when compared to the pricier properties in Palm Springs. You will also find incredible charm and views.
However, some of the businesses in the area operate according to “mountain time” which means they will open when they open. There is also a heightened risk of forest fires in the area, and the closest hospital is around 30 miles away.
No matter which Los Angeles mountain communities you go for, you will find something to love in California. Just make sure to do your homework and expand your horizons.
