Where is the best place to live in Lake Tahoe?
Lake Tahoe regularly features in polls of the most beautiful and desirable places in the world to live – and we couldn’t agree more. But, what is the nicest part of Lake Tahoe? Let’s find out…
Whatever your idea of the ideal place to live is, Lake Tahoe has it all. Like an active life? Lake Tahoe has some of the best skiing, hiking, biking, golfing, and watersports in the country. Prefer a more tranquil environment? Hike one of the countless trails right outside your back door, or head out to open water in your kayak. Want something more lively? Community events such as art exhibitions, dance classes, live music, and farmer’s markets happen frequently all around Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe has some incredible bars, nightclubs, and casinos. Lake Tahoe really does have it all!
Wherever you choose to put down roots in Lake Tahoe, you won’t go wrong. With its friendly communities, an abundance of things to see and do, and truly incredible scenery, here are some of the best places to live in Lake Tahoe.
Kings Beach
Kings Beach sits just west of Incline Village and has easy access to Truckee, the casinos and the lake. With easy access to shopping areas and public recreation areas, Kings Beach is filled with volleyball courts, restaurants, sandy beaches, barbecue spots, free concerts, and art shows. This is a great place to swim, kayak, and paddleboard. Densely populated but very walkable, Kings Beach is the perfect place to live if you like a mixture of an active and relaxed lifestyle.
Truckee
Only a 25-minute drive to North Lake Tahoe, Truckee is a historic city that embraces its rich Old West past. Strolling down the main street steeped in Gold Rush history is all part of the charm of living in Truckee. Truckee is a very close-knit community and is home to charming boutiques, upscale restaurants, and a thriving outdoor lifestyle year-round. The skiing and snowboarding scene is a hyper-focus of the area, with 7 ski resorts within a 20-mile radius.
Tahoe City
Tahoe City lies on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe and is famous for its biking, walking, hiking, swimming, watersports and, of course, the lake itself. With loads of restaurants, a gorgeous public beach and a fantastic nine-hole golf course to enjoy, you’ll never be bored living in Tahoe City. There are several shopping centers in Tahoe City, including one right on the lake. Black bears and spawning salmon are common sights in the area. State Route 809 provides a direct connection to world-renowned ski resorts at Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows Flanking Tahoe City to the north and south are Dollar Point and Chamberlands, two of the most desirable HOAs in North Lake Tahoe.
If you love the idea of being close to the great outdoors and reveling in nature then Tahoe City is one of the best places to live in Lake Tahoe.
Incline Village
The playground of the rich and famous, Incline Village is one of the most exclusive towns in Lake Tahoe and is home to large mansions, hotels, and restaurants. To the east, Sand Harbor State Park is extremely popular with the locals, who love to sunbathe and use the boat launch.
There’s a reason why many of those mansions are owned by celebrities and it’s perhaps the most popular reason for people moving to Incline Village; the spectacular scenery and first-class town amenities including two golf courses, a community-owned ski resort and three resident-only beaches. It may be one of the most expensive places to live near Lake Tahoe but you definitely get what you pay for here.
South Lake Tahoe
The south shore of Lake Tahoe is the most densely populated area of the lake, and that’s reflected in the sheer amount of amenities and activities in the area. Casinos, beaches, shopping, nightlife, restaurants, skiing resorts, watersports – South Shore really does have something for everyone.
World-famous ski resorts Heavenly and Kirkwood are the main draws, but there are also dozens of beaches and iconic wonders like Emerald Bay State Park to enjoy. If you like to live life to the fullest, South Shore Lake Tahoe is the place to be.
Tahoe Vista
Located on the north shore of the lake, Tahoe Vista is far enough away from the major tourist spots to be a bit more isolated, but still have the lake on your doorstep. If you love the idea of the outdoors and life near the water then Tahoe Vista has everything you could ever need. With fantastic places to eat, summer and winter sports resorts just a short drive away, and fishing, kayaking, swimming and boating until the sun goes down, Tahoe Vista offers an idyllic lifestyle.
Olympic Valley
Do you enjoy nothing more than snowboarding and skiing on fresh powder? If so, then Olympic Valley might be your idea of paradise. Host to the 1960 Winter Olympics, Palisades Tahoe and nearby Alpine Meadows Ski Resorts offers spectacular mountain and lake views, but it’s also home to some excellent bars, restaurants, live music, and nightlife. Summers are just as action-packed, with swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating, biking and hiking. If you want an adrenaline-packed life then Olympic Valley is one of the best places to live near Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe Luxury Lifestyle Experts
If you are considering moving to the area then give us a call. We’re far more than just realtors – we’re a family-run business whose passion for the area runs deep because we all live here too. If you have any questions connected to everyday life in Lake Tahoe, such as what the schools are like, the best place to live in Lake Tahoe based on your needs, or where the best skiing can be found, then we’ll be happy to help. We look forward to welcoming you to the Lake Tahoe community.
