What It's Like Living Full-Time vs Part-Time in Pine Mountain Club

One of the first conversations I have with buyers looking at Pine Mountain Club is whether they're planning to live here full-time or use the property as a weekend getaway. Both are great options — PMC has a solid mix of year-round residents and part-timers — but the lifestyle, costs, and responsibilities are genuinely different, and it's worth understanding that before you buy.

The Weekend Warrior Life

A lot of PMC owners fall into this category — they live in the valley or LA during the week and come up on weekends, holidays, and vacations. It's a fantastic setup if you want mountain time without fully committing. You get the escape, the fresh air, the slower pace. But there are things to manage. Your cabin sits empty during the week, which means you need to think about winterization, security, and basic upkeep. During winter, pipes can freeze if the heat isn't set correctly, and snow can pile up on your roof and driveway. I recommend keeping your thermostat at 55 degrees minimum year-round and having a trusted neighbor or property manager who can check on things after storms.

Full-Time Mountain Living

Living in PMC year-round is a different experience entirely — and I say that as someone who does it. You're here for the quiet Tuesday mornings, the mid-week hikes with nobody on the trail, the sense of community that builds when you see the same faces at the post office and the pro shop. Full-time residents tend to get more involved in the POA, volunteer committees, and community events. The tradeoff is that you deal with everything winter throws at you — every storm, every power outage, every icy morning. You also need to plan around the fact that major shopping, medical services, and some school options require a drive down to Frazier Park or the valley.

Cost Differences

• POA dues are the same regardless of how often you're here
• Propane costs are significantly higher for full-time residents
• Part-timers may need a property management service ($100-300/month)
• Insurance rates don't change based on occupancy, but some carriers prefer owner-occupied homes
• Utility bills are naturally lower for weekend-only use

Community Involvement

Full-time residents drive the community. They're the ones on the POA board, running the golf league, organizing the holiday party. Part-timers enjoy the benefits but sometimes feel like they're on the outside of the social circle. If community connection matters to you, spending more time up here — even just extending your weekends — makes a real difference. For a deeper look at the differences, check out my guide on weekend vs. full-time living in Pine Mountain Club.

Which Option Fits You?

There's no wrong answer here. I've helped buyers in both camps find exactly the right property for their situation. What matters is going in with realistic expectations and setting up the property to match your usage. If you're still figuring it out, give me a call (DRE# 02011892) — I'll help you think through it based on your goals, budget, and lifestyle.