Nestled at an altitude of 5,100' in a magnificent forest of pines and cedars is Lake Arrowhead, a 784 acre alpine lake some describe as the "Jewel of Southern California". Located just 90 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead is within a two-hour drive of a population of 15 million people.

THE AREA

The Lake Arrowhead Communities are located on 9,215 privately owned acres totally enclosed within the 812,000 acre San Bernardino National Forest. Lake Arrowhead, a man made lake, was created in the early 1900's. For almost one hundred years, Arrowhead has been the premier mountain resort in Southern California. Access from the San Bernardino Valley is via State Highway 18, a nationally designated scenic byway known as "Rim of the World Highway". Most of the thirty minute drive is over a four lane limited access highway with the last seven miles being a two lane road providing magnificent views ranging on clear days to the Pacific Ocean.

LAKE ARROWHEAD VILLAGE

Lake Arrowhead Village is the center of resort activities with a wide variety of lodging, dining and shopping opportunities for visitors. Other communities service not only the tourist, but also the permanent and vacation home resident. The area also has over 50 group camps as well as being the base for camping and recreation in the National Forest.

LAKE ARROWHEAD RESORT & SPA

Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa is far more than just a picturesque place. It inspires loyal guests to create treasured memories, to celebrate each moment and to rekindle their spirit. It is a state of mind where the ambiance and amenities are merely the gateway to a more majestic experience. Their world-class team of hospitality specialists deliver service and experiences that result in treasured memories for guests.

LAKE ARROWHEAD COUNTRY CLUB

In September of 1978, the members of the Lake Arrowhead Country Club purchased the course, clubhouse and tennis facilities from the then owners, California Golf, and turned it into the private, member-owned, equity Country Club that it remains to this day. Less than two hours from Los Angeles, San Diego or Palm Springs; Lake Arrowhead Country Club is a mile high oasis of pleasure for avid golfers, enthusiastic tennis players and busy families looking for a relaxing escape from the heat and humdrum of life "down-below".

LAKE ARROWHEAD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce is an active group of business organizations and professional individuals dedicated to enhancing our local community and commerce. Join the Chamber in this collective effort to better serve our residents and visitors. Together, we can accomplish what no one can do individually. The Mission of the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber Of Commerce is to promote a positive vital economy and take a leadership role in influencing public policy for the benefit of its members. Located in the heart of Lake Arrowhead Village, the Chamber of Commerce offices and Visitor Information Center offers visitors and residents alike a variety of information. The Chamber can also provide you with tickets to mountain area attractions and events, as well as "Lake Arrowhead" gift items. 

POPULATION

Almost all the private land surrounding Lake Arrowhead has been subdivided into residential lots. About 10,000 lots are in Arrowhead Woods where property ownership carries with it the right to use Lake Arrowhead. 10,000 lots have been improved with residences ranging from modest cabins to some of the most expensive homes in the world. 4,000 of these homes are occupied full time by the permanent population of about 10,000. The 6,000 second homes are used on weekends, holidays and in the summer. In a summer holiday weekend, the population swells to forty thousand. The permanent population is growing rapidly from 6,300 in 1980 to the 10,000 estimated in 1992, a 4% annual growth rate. Ultimate build-out population is projected to be about 33,000. Assuming the 4% growth rate continues, the permanent population will he approximately 14,000 in the year 2000, 20,500 in the year 2010 and 30,000 in the year 2020.

The demographics of the Lake Arrowhead population are not well documented. There are a number of retired residents but probably not more than 20% of the population. School attendance continues to grow and it is estimated that 50% of the permanent households have children in grades K-12. Income and education levels are higher than those of surrounding communities.

CLIMATE

Lake Arrowhead has a unique climate for Southern California; it has four distinct seasons. In the summer, it is about 20 degrees cooler than the valley floor with summer highs generally in the 80's. In the winter, nighttime temperatures regularly dip below freezing but are usually above freezing by 9 a.m. with an average winter high in the 50's. Average rainfall is 50 inches a year, which is 3 to 4 times typical rainfall in the Southern California area. Average snowfall is 80 inches a year starting in late November and usually ending in March.

The area receives 310 annual days of sunshine being above the marine layer that covers the Los Angeles Basin during much of the year. Air quality is generally good due to the elevation being above the valley's inversion layer.

ECONOMY

Tourism is the primary economic generator for the area contributing 78 million dollars a year and providing 600 full time and 700 part time jobs for local residents. The area is host to 2.4 million visitors a year, primarily part-time vacation homeowners and their guests. There are 400 guestrooms in hotels, motels and Bed and Breakfasts for overnight visitors as well as 500 cabins, which are rented out on a short-term basis. Ski packages, Weddings and Eco-Tourism are major sources of visitor growth. The area is also popular for business conferences. Accommodation occupancy during most of the year is very high, 90% on holidays and weekends and only 45% on weekdays. Summer is the most popular tourist season with winter usage growing.

There are virtually no research and development, manufacturing, wholesaling or distribution employers in the Arrowhead area. These types of businesses are located in the Valley below, a 30 to 60 minute drive for mountain residents. Estimates are that about 50% of the employed people who live at Arrowhead and the surrounding communities commute down the mountain on a daily basis.

Major employers in the area can he divided into two categories:

Local Services Major Employers:

Rim of the World Schools (500) 

Mountains Community Hospital (155) 

Stater Brother's Markets (95) 

Jensen's Markets (90) 

Lake Arrowhead Fire District (70) 

Southern California Edison (35) 

Southern California Gas (24) 

Visitor Services Major Employers:

Lake Arrowhead Resort (160) 

U.C.L.A. Conference Center (65) 

Forest Service (30) 

Real Estate activities in the area are quite significant with membership in the Rim of the World Board of Realtors being about 350. Home construction in the area is about 200 units a year. This, along with a significant repair and remodel business generates employment for about 400.

A partial listing of retail establishments in the Arrowhead area includes 35 restaurants, a growing collection of factory outlet stores, numerous antique and gift stores and a lumberyard. There are two supermarkets, four convenience stores, five gas stations, two drug stores, and three full service hanks. Thirty minutes away at the base of the mountains are two regional malls, most auto dealerships and all major warehouse, and home improvement stores.

RECREATION

Water activities on Lake Arrowhead include lake fishing, water skiing, sailing and two beach clubs for swimming and sunbathing. Since Lake Arrowhead is private, visitors who are not guests of property owners have limited use of the Lake. There is also a private Yacht Club on the lake. Opportunities in the nearby National Forest include hiking, stream fishing, off road and equestrian trails and camping. Alpine and cross country skiing is 20 minutes away.

In Town, there is an ice skating rink; a private country club with an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a swimming pool; a sports bar and a four-screen movie theatre.

The Rim of the World Parks and Recreation District sponsors a craft and self-improvement class program as well as adult and youth sports leagues and programs. The district also provides childcare facilities.

Organized youth sports available in the area include Little League, Pop Warner Football and AYSO Soccer. For seniors there is an active Senior Center in the Twin Peaks area.

ARTS & SCIENCES

Arrowhead has numerous cultural events and organizations. The Arrowhead Arts Association has a number of jazz and classical concert presentations during the year as well as an art auction. The Rim of the World Art Council maintains an art exhibit in Lake Arrowhead Village gear round featuring work by numerous local artists. There are also several active local theater groups.

Several times a year the Lake Arrowhead Rotary Club brings in artists from all over Southern California to showcase their work in a lakeside Art and Wine Festival. In addition almost every weekend there is a craft fair, a hike race, a 15K run, a boat show, an ice show, community dances, or some other event held for the enjoyment of both residents and visitors. Fourth of July Fireworks on the lake are a Southern California tradition.

Arrowhead is also the home of the Mountain Skies Astronomical Society, a 1,500 member organization. This group is presently designing a 1.8 million-dollar, 6,500-sq. ft. facility, which will house a premier astronomical instrument and a science education center on a three-acre site along Rim of the World Highway.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Mountains Community Hospital is an acute care medical facility located in Arrowhead which also provides a 24 hour emergency room, long term nursing care as well as home health services. 20 physicians representing a broad range of specialties serve the community along with dentists, chiropractors, physical therapists and psychologists.

Paramedic units operated by the fire department cover the entire community, which together with the hospital and air ambulance, transport to the specialized facilities of Loma Linda and St. Bernardine's just several minutes away. This provides the area with outstanding medical services.

TRANSPORTATION

Principal road access to the Arrowhead area and among the Arrowhead communities is on the network of State Highways 18, 138, 173 and 189. Caltrans maintains two road maintenance facilities in the area. San Bernardino County maintains the balance of the public road network and has a maintenance facility in the area.

A fixed route bus system operates around Lake Arrowhead and connects to the other mountain communities of Crestline and Lake Gregory, Running Springs and Big Bear. Public transportation down the hill to San Bernardino is in the planning stages.

Ontario International Airport, 45 minutes from Lake Arrowhead, is serviced by most major domestic carriers as well as being serviced by Southwest Airlines and Aero Mexico. Currently plans are underway to convert a San Bernardino Air Force facility to an International Airport. This is just 70 minutes from the Arrowhead area.

GOVERNMENT SERVICES

Lake Arrowhead is an unincorporated area governed by the County of San Bernardino. A County building in Twin Peaks houses building and safety. The County also provides a library in Blue Jay. The California Highway Patrol has a facility in Running Springs. Fire protection and Paramedic service are provided by the Lake Arrowhead and Crest Forest Fire Districts with four full time and four volunteer stations located in the Arrowhead area. In addition, the Forest Service and California Division of Forestry provide fire protection facilities, equipment and personnel in the area.

Lake Arrowhead Communities Service District provides water and sewer to Arrowhead Woods. Water service to surrounding communities outside of Arrowhead Woods is provided by private water companies. The Rim of the World School District covers not only the Lake Arrowhead area but also the Crestline and Running Springs area. The single high school and junior high school as well as two of the district's five elementary schools are located in the Arrowhead area. Several Universities are located within commuter distance from the Arrowhead area in San Bernardino and in the Desert to the North.

The U.S. Postal Service maintains seven post offices in the Arrowhead area. All mail is delivered to post office boxes only.

LOCAL SERVICES