Buying a Vacation Home in California

Living in Southern California is a dream for most of us. We have the sand, surf, and sun! But when it comes to the holiday season, we often lack those cool, crisp autumn mornings, and snow filled holiday seasons. That’s where buying a vacation home in California comes into play! California is an amazing state with a variety of climates all in one. Two areas are particularly great if you are looking for a winter wonderland escape this holiday season; Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear. Located roughly two hours northeast of Orange County, Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear are amazing locations for buying vacation homes.

 

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Median asking price: $399,000

Percentage change from 2012: 13.2%

“Lake Arrowhead, originally called Little Bear Lake, is located in the mountainous region of the San Bernardino National Forest, which is also referred to as ‘The Alps of Southern California.’ According to Lake Arrowhead’s website, the area features countless outdorr recreational activities such as hiking, backpacking, bicycling, water and snow skiing, fishing and much more.” Lake Arrowhead also boasts 310 days of sunshine a year! *

 

 

 

 

Big Bear Lake, CA

Median asking price: $335,000

Percentage change from 2012: 14.9%

“Another popular vacation destination in the San Bernardino area is Big Bear Lake, CA, a year-round resort town of roughly 5,000 people, which can swell to more than 100,000 visitors on holiday weekends. According to Big Bear Real Estate, the area offers clear skies and moderate temperatures 330 days a year. Home prices are slightly lower in Big Bear Lake than in Lake Arrowhead with a median asking price of $335,000, an increase of 14.9% from the same time in 2012. The Prices of homes for sale in Big Bear Lake range anywhere from under $200,000 to over $1million.” *

 

If you are considering buying a vacation home in Big Bear Lake or Lake Arrowhead, be sure to follow a few guide lines:

• Spend time there first
• Know all your costs
• Who is going to watch/maintain the property while you are away?
• Will you want a rental income option?
• Keep in mind that not every day is a vacation, especially in the beginning

 

 

 

*Quoted information provided by MarketWatch (www.marketwatch.com/story/10-best-places-to-buy-a-vacation-home-2013-05-27 ) Cesi Pagano claim’s no ownership to the quoted information.