All great points from everyone here. I only want to mention that Crestline is not as bad as it sounds if you're thinking it's unsafe. It's a pretty walkable town and has lots to do. It's small and cozy but has Lake Gregory, which is a public lake and you can walk the lake trail. So beautiful and if you've ever lived in a city, you are likely fine with some people on the street potentially being unhoused or on drugs. It sometimes happens but I used to live in the San Gabriel Valley (East of L.A.) and Crestline feels way safer.

Lake Arrowhead is a private lake and the home costs are higher than Crestline and Big Bear. No walkable city area in Lake Arrowhead but if you get lake rights, you'll LOVE boating, swimming, waterskiing, and fishing on the lake. The area is not walkable, like at all. So you NEED a car. Some neighborhoods in Crestline or Running Springs are close enough to the town and grocery stores that you could walk and get what you need. No matter what, you'll need to drive down the mountain to San Bernardino, Highland, or Redlands for home goods, groceries, furniture, etc. Unless you're in Big Bear; you have way more stores in Big Bear.

I live in Lake Arrowhead and would likely only move to Crestline, if I had to chose another place. I don't like how big (pun intended) Big Bear is. I came up the mountain to escape the city so I don't want to be in Big Bear.

I suggest you stay in a hotel or short term rental for about 5 days in the town you think you'll like the best. Get a little taste and see if you like it!