In between 2 diff cities, but can’t make up our minds. Any Big Bear Lake owner of a cabin that would like to share experience, we would greatly appreciate it. Same as Palm Springs.
@John D. is definitely an expert on the Desert, and I defer to his experience. However, be very aware of the restrictions in place in Palm Springs (and some of the surrounding cities). For example, I believe Palm Springs has limited the number of times one may rent an STR to 36 or 39 per year. That can severely strap your revenue potential. Palm Desert, on the other hand has voted to deny new business licenses (required) for STRs and will sunset all existing ones by end of 2019. Exceptions exist for properties not in R1 or R2 zones and if you live on the property.
In other words, it's complicated.
Big Bear is popular year round. @Tyler Hungerford may be a good resource for you. I have heard STR owners both sing its praises but also complain about crime, difficulty finding any sort of quality vendor (cleaning, snow removal, etc) or contractor, and the risk associated with leisure properties during a market correction.