…the Lake burst upon us—a noble sheet of blue water lifted six thousand three hundred feet above the level of the sea and walled in by a rim of snow-clad mountain peaks that towered aloft full three thousand feet higher still!
-Mark Twain
Lake Tahoe might have convenient access to every single one of your favorite outdoor activities. I’m serious. Do you like skiing? The Winter Olympics were held here for good reason, as some of the best slopes in the U.S. are all situated around the lake. A relaxing day at the beach? Lake Tahoe’s 70+ miles of shoreline offer a number of beach options from lively social hotspots to more secluded shores. Kayaking and paddle boarding? The lake’s calm waters and beautiful views are ideal for all activities like these. Hiking and camping? Located right in the heart of the Sierras, Tahoe has trails perfect for a leisurely stroll with the dog and more adventurous ones for those so inclined. Unlike a lot of the other places that come to mind when you think of California and Nevada, Tahoe experiences all four seasons, in a way that allows for residents to enjoy the full spectrum of its natural beauty
Here is a review from a local that affirms the area for its beauty:
It’s one of the most beautiful places in the US. If you love the outdoors this is a great place to live. All sorts of snow sports. Snowmobile, cross country skiing and ski resorts are abundant. River rafting, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, and boating are the alternatives for spring and summer activities.
Weather. The Spring, Summer and Fall are perfect, mild weather.
The downside of being around so much great nature is that nature makes up the bulk of what’s around you, and the area can be a bit boring if the outdoors aren’t really your thing. The “city” of South Lake Tahoe is a decently sized town, but everything, including the homes, are pretty spread out around the lake in general, making it hard to form a sense of community. Also, a large bulk of those homes are second or third homes owned by predominantly Bay Area folks who only drive up for a few weeks a year, and then Airbnb them out to other tourists. Reno’s just an hour drive away from most parts of the lake, which can mitigate some of that isolation and lack of action. Sacramento’s two hours and San Francisco is about a four hour drive depending on traffic as well if you’re looking to get to a big city for the weekend. Regardless, you’ll probably want to move to Tahoe with a car with good mileage and a friend or two in the area.
Note from a part-timer about living here:
I must say these things because so much of what Tahoe living is about is winter sports. I suppose my views of Tahoe life would be different if I enjoyed what 99.99% of the other locals like to do in the winter…SKI. I feel like to them me mentioning this is almost sacrilege! But what can I say….I’m originally from Scottsdale, Arizona and my family only came to Tahoe every year from spring to early fall. That all changed when I met my husband in 2010 and I spent my very first full year in any one place in my whole life. Tahoe has always been a part of my life, but up until 2010, I had only ever seen it without snow.
The bulk of living situations in the Lake Tahoe area are somewhat random clumps of single family homes with great views. Buying here can be expensive, in large part due to the demand created by those aforementioned Bay Area owners. Even South Lake Tahoe is mainly expensive single family homes. There are some “cheaper” two bedroom living situations in the Y Area and Gardener Mountain neighborhoods, but still, that rent is probably going to be 2 grand a month+. Closer to Reno is where a lot of people who are looking for more affordable options typically go.
If you're curious about the area activities check out the calendar of events: https://visitlaketahoe.com/events/
The Lake Tahoe area completely changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. A lot of those predominantly Bay Area owners drove East to Tahoe to wait out the pandemic and work remotely in paradise. Some of those owners, smartly, decided to stay after their work moved permanently to remote, and they’ve been reaping the benefits of living in Tahoe ever since. That’s a blueprint for why a lot of people are looking to move to the area right now, and if you’re working remotely and love the outdoors, the Tahoe area should be near the top of your list.
Lake Tahoe is primarily a family area. Many who live here all-year round and many who have second homes. Incline Village is one of the most beautiful upscale neighborhoods. Right along the shores of Crystal Bay on the north side of Lake Tahoe it has mostly fabulous single-family homes that give you amazing views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. Lake Tahoe prices are not for the faint of heart and Incline Village is one of the most expensive areas to consider. Stateline is a good alternative to Incline Village if you prefer more social opportunities. It’s a hot spot for casinos and nightlife so you get both the lakeside ski town experience and a more active set of options at night should you have the urge.
