New Job in Barstow... Can I live in Big Bear???? (San Bernardino: ski resort, tax)

[MoandCat]

So, I have my third interview coming up for a job in Barstow... From what I have read on these posts and what I can see from many pictures... I dont really want to live in Barstow, Victorville, Apple Valley, or Hesperia... Does anyone live in Big Bear? Has anyone traveled from Big Bear to Barstow or vise versa?

All info in appreciated... Even if there are nice places to live in any of the above places I mentioned... Let me know, I do appreciate it very much.

[esmith143]

It's at least an hour one way under best circumstances.

And you do realize that Big Bear is a ski resort, right? Meaning that it SNOWS up there, at least three months a year? And all that entails - 4x4, snow tires, chains, having to go 25 mph (i.e. your one hour commute has the potential to become 1.5 to 2 hours one way).

Also, being a resort town, Big Bear is not exactly cheap, and living at 7000 sf altitude has its drawbacks.

That said, it's an intriguing option, I'd recommend to try that commute in person a few times. Live as far northeast as you can. Off the northeast coast of Baldwin Lake is the best option.

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by esmith143

And you do realize that Big Bear is a ski resort, right?

There are many people who live there year round. Of all your options, it's certainly the nicest. It's absolutely beautiful there.

[LQQKOUT]

Big Bear is very beautiful, as for commuting to Barstow that would be a "BEAR" in itself. The high desert has "Pockets" of great places to live. My advise live close to work.

[nmnita]

Big Bear is a great area, but commuting to Barstow, no way!!!

Nita

[BayAreaHillbilly]

If you have 4 WD and the right tires, go for it. What you give up in terms of an at times rough commute you can make up for with mid week ski / boarding sessions. And in summer? Sweeeeeeet!

[LQQKOUT]

Coming down Big Bear the back way through Lucerne Valley going to Barstow will be heck! Those hair pen turns and narrow two lane road is killer. I would totally not recommend that. Unless your a pro in the black ice and snow during the winter. The Spring and Summer driver is beautiful...however now'a days you can't pull over the side of the road and look at the view without a Wilderness Pass. Another program your state of California added to rake in the $$ to tax payers.

Adventure pass is what they call it now....

San Bernardino Mountains Forest Service

[trontrader]

Hello all,

Would like any advice or opinions on living in big bear and commuting down the hill. I work 3 days (12 hour shifts), but am interested in seasonal problems with road conditions.

Thank you very kindly.

Mike.

[esmith143]

Originally Posted by trontrader

Hello all,

Would like any advice or opinions on living in big bear and commuting down the hill. I work 3 days (12 hour shifts), but am interested in seasonal problems with road conditions.

Thank you very kindly.

Mike.

Down the hill in which direction?

The commute north towards Lucerne Valley is the only manageable option. During the winter (particularly, going uphill on Friday evenings and downhill on Sunday evenings), both southbound routes are packed with tourists. High traffic volume is compounded by occasional poor weather conditions. Chains may be required from time to time. On one occasion it took me something like 3 hours to get from Big Bear to San Bernardino.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

RE: Chains required - typically only true for 2WD, with non mud and snow rated tires. With M + S tires and 4WD, chains would almost never be required on any road under Cal Trans jurisdiction. Before the road would be so bad as to require chains with 4WD and M + S tires, they'd would close the road outright.