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Tahoe : California

What it's Like to Retire in Tahoe

Vacationers and people in retirement love the vast area of Tahoe because of its scenery and recreational opportunities. This community offers much, from world class skiing to boating. Other areas nearby, such as Squaw Valley and Mammoth Lakes, offer lower key and less developed versiona of Lake Tahoe that could also be considered as retirement destinations.

Lake Tahoe has suffered from much use and development. These activities have been linked to ‘clouding’ of the Lake’s amazingly blue waters. Currently, there is considerable conflict between the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and local homeowners and developers. Housing tends to be extremely expensive, especially near the lake and ski slopes. The Tahoe area includes many different smaller communities located near the lake. Forest fires can be a serious problem as seen in the summer of 2007. Lake Tahoe is located in Placer County in northern California. The lake’s surface is 6,229 feet above sea level. Photo of hotel on the lake courtesy of Wikipedia and Sean O'Flaherty.

For more information go to Retire in California.

Where to Retire in Tahoe and Home Prices

There are a number of towns on or near the lake, all of them relatively small. They include Sunnyside-Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, Kings Beach, Dollar Point, and South Lake.
Home prices have been negatively affected by the housing crisis. Home prices have fallen from 2008, when the median price on City-Data was well over $500,000. There are so many types of houses that prices are in a wide range. Zillow's Home Value Index for Tahoe home in mid 2014 was $321,400, but City-Data puts it much higher.

What is special about Tahoe

4 season interest, World class scenery, Great skiing, boating, and outdoor activities

What is not special about Tahoe

It is isolated, particularly when hit by winter blizzards. Not much infrastructure in terms of communities for active adults or people in retirement. Forest fires

Who will like retirement in Tahoe

People who live here tend to love the outdoors and get away from it all. For more information about how to retire in California or towns like Napa or Eureka

Local economy is driven by

Tourism and real estate. For California Craigslist

Climate and Physical Environment

The area is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of northern California and offers some of the most majestic scenery in the world. View Google Map for Lake Tahoe

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Lake Tahoe does not have much to offer for culture that we are aware of. Can some locals add more information?

Crime

Crime in the Tahoe area is just under the national average.

Medical facilities

Local facilities are limited - the resorts might offer the best care alternatives. Otherwise it might be a long drive in difficult conditions.

Transportation

The drive to San Francisco is about 2 hours in good weather

Valuable Links

Lake Tahoe on Wikipedia

What people are saying about Tahoe
Love Tahoe
Tahoe is a beautiful place to retire, although not inexpensive.
Posted by admin on May 15, 2017
Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a mecca for vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts. While the westside, north lake, and eastside (in Nevada) are quiet and laid back, South Lake Tahoe is definitely the \"big town\" on the lake. No longer the \"Honky Tonk\" of years past, older establishments are being replaced with upscale high rise hotels and condos, especially in the Heavenly Village area (to the chagrin of some, lamenting the loss of \"Old Tahoe\"). South Lake has the shopping, services, and amenities. There is a hospital, but most travel to Reno for elective procedures. Next to South Lake is Stateline NV, home to high rise hotels, casinos, and top name entertainment. Savvy retirees retire to the nearby Carson Valley NV, south of Reno, then cross the mountain passes to Lake Tahoe to take advantage of the recreational and entertainment opportunities there.
Posted by Moderator Flo on May 15, 2017
Lake Tahoe in Placer County?
Also of note Lake Tahoe is NOT entirely in Placer County, the Central and southern area is in El Dorado County. Response to readytoplay although somewhat dated, I just found this site as I\'m planning MY retirement. Tahoe has roughly 4 distinct and they all seem to differ in live style. North Shore more touristy and quieter than South Shore but VERY congested with traffic during the tourist season and holidays. East shore \"Nevada side\" a quiet area but very expensive. West Shore more \"Old Tahoe\" feel to it. Then there is South Shore which has many outdoor activities and the Casinos right at Stateline. The casinos and Big Money seem to drive what goes on in South Shore, sometimes referred to as the \"Coney Island of the High Sierras\". There is ALOT of history here which is quit interesting, but most folks don\'t even think about Tahoe\'s history, only the Scenery, Lake, Skiing and the Casinos which seem to draw patrons with less \"class\" then they did 40 years ago. People come up to South Shore to leave their brains and manners at home to see whatever they can get away with.
Posted by Tahoe303 on June 25, 2015

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Tahoe Active Communities

Facts about TAHOE

State: CA
Environment: Mountain,Lake,Boating Community,Outdoor Oriented,Biking Community,Resort Community,
City Population: 10,000-25,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Avg July Temperature: 60-80
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $300,001-$500,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 81-90 (low)
Cost of Living Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Culture Index: 81-90 (low)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: boomer1

Can you add to or correct these Facts? Or do you have a photo of this community we could use? If so, please click on Edit these facts

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