First-Time Buyers: 15 Lake Tahoe Communities Worth Exploring

You have a lot to consider when buying property in the Lake Tahoe area. Do you want to live in California or Nevada? Do you want to live on the water’s edge or away from lake activity?

Before you decide, spend a few minutes learning about these popular Lake Tahoe communities. Of course, a list can’t give you all the information you need. It can prepare you for when you talk to your real estate agent about your preferences, though.

1. Truckee, California

Truckee sits a little north of Lake Tahoe, which gives its real estate slightly lower prices than properties right on the lake. It’s a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and trees, providing beautiful scenery for residents to enjoy.

2. Incline Village, Nevada

Incline Village is one of the larger towns on Lake Tahoe’s north shore. It also has some of the most expensive real estate in the U.S. Everyone wants to enjoy the pleasing waters of Lake Tahoe and the town’s surrounding mountains. It certainly helps that Incline Village's location on the Nevada side of the lake means residents pay lower taxes!

3. Markleeville, California

Are you looking for a remote town full of waterways and friendly people? Markleeville shares several streams with Lake Tahoe. It isn’t right on the lake, though, so you avoid the seasonal surge of tourists.

4. Carson City, Nevada

Carson City is a convenient place for people who want easy access to Lake Tahoe but don’t want to sacrifice the amenities of living in a larger town. It has a population of more than 50,000. It also sits at the intersection of two major highways, so residents can travel throughout the region with ease.

5. Kings Beach, California

Kings Beach has about 4,000 residents living on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Many feel that this is one of the top Lake Tahoe communities because the nearby Crystal Bay scenic overlook provides sweeping views of downtown as well as the natural beauty that most Lake Tahoe towns enjoy.

6. South Lake Tahoe, California

South Lake Tahoe has the largest population in El Dorado County. The relatively large size makes South Lake Tahoe an excellent location for families with school-age children.

7. Round Hill Village, Nevada

Round Hill Village is a small town with fewer than 800 residents. Its location on the lake’s east shore puts it in proximity to other beautiful locations, including Zephyr Cove, Stateline, and Kingsbury.

8. Tahoe City, California

Tahoe City makes a good place for homebuyers who enjoy extremes. It has hot summers and cold winters. Then again, you could use property in Tahoe City as a getaway. Head there during summer to cool off in the lake. Visit during winter for winter sports.

9. Tahoe Keys, California

You won’t find many places on Lake Tahoe better than Tahoe Keys. It does, however, cost a fair amount of money to live in the gated community. If you can afford it, there’s a good chance you'll get a home with a private boat dock that lets you explore the lake’s lagoons on a whim.

10. Dollar Point, California

Dollar Point proves you don’t need a lot of money to live near Lake Tahoe. Most households in the town earn a little less than $50,000 per year. The northwest edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range can get a bit rough during winter, though.

11. Glenbrook, Nevada

It doesn’t get much better than Glenbrook. The town has a local climate that’s very similar to the Mediterranean. It’s dry and a bit warm during summer, but it cools off during fall, winter, and spring. It’s also immediately west of Carson City, making it easy to pick up supplies and visit town for entertainment.

12. Stateline, Nevada

As the name suggests, Stateline sits right next to the border of Nevada and California. Situated on the Nevada side, residents benefit from lower tax burdens while having the option to visit California within minutes.

The downside is that developers have built a lot of hotels in Stateline. Expect the population to swell during summer, when vacationers come to town to enjoy the lake and surrounding beauty.

13. Tahoma, California

Tahoma attracted a lot of attention as the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Since then, most of the buildings for the event have been demolished. Still, it has the powdery snow and mountains that made it a resort and athletic destination for decades.

14. Zephyr Cove, Nevada

Zephyr Cove is a tiny community with fewer than 600 permanent residents. It does have some campgrounds that attract tourists during summer. Compared to many Lake Tahoe communities, though, it remains pretty peaceful even during tourist season.

15. Skyland, Nevada

Skyland covers all of 4.4 square miles, including land and water. Its location on the northeast shore puts it in contact with other small towns. The area also doesn’t attract many tourists, so it’s one of the more enjoyable Lake Tahoe communities throughout every season.