Life in Big Bear

The Joy of Retiring to the Mountains

When someone decides to retire in the mountains, the question always lingers: was it worth it? The shift is big. You leave behind conveniences, trade familiar routines for something different, and step into a place that doesn’t always make life easier.

That’s why I wanted to talk with Steve. He’s made that move, and he’s had time to sit with it. His answer doesn’t come in a quick “yes” or “no.” It comes through the way he talks about where he is now.

He remembers family trips from years ago, the camping, traveling, and being outdoors with his mother and the rest of his family. Those memories still sit close to the surface, and they shape how he sees life in Big Bear today. In many ways, retirement here feels less like starting over and more like returning to something he’s always known.

But Steve doesn’t stop at the mountain scenery. What he notices most is the community. He describes it as wonderful, and you can hear the weight of that word when he says it. Neighbors pay attention. People step in when needed. There’s a closeness here that’s hard to find anywhere else.

So, was it worth it? For Steve, the answer is clear, not only because the mountains are picture-perfect, but because they feel like home. Retirement hasn’t closed him off; it’s opened a door to belonging.

That’s his story. Now I’d like to hear yours. If you’ve chosen the mountains, or if you’ve found something meaningful about living here, share it with us. Your experience might be the next one we feature.