Where should I live near Lake Tahoe??? (South Lake Tahoe, Truckee: rent, condos)

[NatreeRose]

I am currently in Montana working in Yellowstone National Park. I have met a few people here that are all staying as long as I am, then we are planning on moving to California in October. I am the only of the 3 who does not ski/snowboard, but they are so dead set on moving to Lake Tahoe. Possibly working at a resort out there (so they can snowboard for free, the bums ). We are all between the ages of 19-24 and have 2 cars. We are wondering where the best place to live near the lake is, or near the resorts, what place is best for 3 young hippie types... we love to hike and bike as well... and please, no tourist ridden areas!!!! I'm about sick of seeing people in cowboy hats and chaps, and I have had horrific experiences with the typical tourist types! I want to get to know the locals and just blend in, and not be BORED to death like I have been all summer here in middle of nowhere Montana!!!!! I have heard about Truckee and Bear Valley. Could you please help us?

[KiD_DangerouS]

Originally Posted by NatreeRose

I am currently in Montana working in Yellowstone National Park. I have met a few people here that are all staying as long as I am, then we are planning on moving to California in October. I am the only of the 3 who does not ski/snowboard, but they are so dead set on moving to Lake Tahoe. Possibly working at a resort out there (so they can snowboard for free, the bums ). We are all between the ages of 19-24 and have 2 cars. We are wondering where the best place to live near the lake is, or near the resorts, what place is best for 3 young hippie types... we love to hike and bike as well... and please, no tourist ridden areas!!!! I'm about sick of seeing people in cowboy hats and chaps, and I have had horrific experiences with the typical tourist types! I want to get to know the locals and just blend in, and not be BORED to death like I have been all summer here in middle of nowhere Montana!!!!! I have heard about Truckee and Bear Valley. Could you please help us?

Tahoe is Great! Good choice by you/your friends, and IMO much cooler than Yellowstone. I moved to Lake Tahoe when I was 17 and lived there for 3 years and LOVED it. By FAAAAAAR the best place to live in Tahoe is South Lake Tahoe. Its the most populated part of the lake (30,000 year round residents, up to 75,000 residents in the summer/winter seasons), by far the best younger crowds, access to ski/snowboard resorts(Heavenly is the largest resort in tahoe, and has a gondola lift form the middle of town, literally), better job opportunities, social scene, housing, public transportation, etc. Every other place around the lake is really cool to visit, but trust me, if you like going out, and meetin people you'd be bored to death living for an extended amount of time in the other towns. SOUTH LAKE ROCKS!

As far as tourists, understand that there is no Tahoe life without tourists. The towns, resorts, and jobs don't exist without them and their revenue. BUT,also understand that the tourist base in Lake Tahoe is very different from the redneck/RV crowd in Yellowstone. Tahoe tourists are a wide array, but generally higher end. Not to mention, RVs dont handle too well in snow

Seriously, pass on Truckee(not even near the lake) and Bear Valley is fun for a half day trip. I was born and raised in Hawaii, but I've never had more fun than when I lived in South Lake Tahoe! Wherever you are, have fun on your grand adventure this winter!

[Xplorer]

Yep, South Lake is the place to be! I have been here for 5 years now and don't plan on leaving any time soon! The closest resorts are Heavenly(literally in town) and Sierra at Tahoe, about a 20 minute drive. If your friends are looking for employment at the resort, I suggest they pay close attention to the resorts websites and watch for their hiring fair, or whatever they call it. We get A LOT of foreigners in town that pretty much take up every position available if you are too late. Like the previous person said, Tahoe would not be Tahoe if there were no tourists. It's just something you have to get used to. The night life here rocks, a big part of it is the casinos, they have clubs and bars inside of them that are VERY popular. There are also quite of few good bars in town as well. Yes, avoid Truckee and Bear Valley, if you really want the Tahoe experience, it's in South Lake.

[Shope]

I would go S. Lake Tahoe and live on the Nevada side if you can.

[Xplorer]

Originally Posted by Shope

I would go S. Lake Tahoe and live on the Nevada side if you can.

The Nevada side is OK. You are further away from everything and there really isn't much on that side.

[coyoteskye]

Originally Posted by Xplorer

Yep, South Lake is the place to be! I have been here for 5 years now and don't plan on leaving any time soon! The closest resorts are Heavenly(literally in town) and Sierra at Tahoe, about a 20 minute drive. If your friends are looking for employment at the resort, I suggest they pay close attention to the resorts websites and watch for their hiring fair, or whatever they call it. We get A LOT of foreigners in town that pretty much take up every position available if you are too late. Like the previous person said, Tahoe would not be Tahoe if there were no tourists. It's just something you have to get used to. The night life here rocks, a big part of it is the casinos, they have clubs and bars inside of them that are VERY popular. There are also quite of few good bars in town as well. Yes, avoid Truckee and Bear Valley, if you really want the Tahoe experience, it's in South Lake.

If i were a hippie .... oh wait, i am ... i'd prefer Truckee.
It's more "real".
S. Lake Tahoe is depressing to me.
The casino / bar scene doesn't exactly suit those who are ... ummmm ... not into casinos and big ugly buildings especially when they're in the midst of nature.

[treedonkey]

Reasons I moved to Front Range Colorado instead of Tahoe:
1) Cost of Living
2) Threads like this

I suppose if you ARE an early-20-something-hipster-ski/board-bum, as opposed to someone who would be annoyed by them, then South Lake Tahoe might be the place for you. Personally, I find Tahoe City to be much tamer and nicer, but then you'll be surrounded by hoity-toity 60-something urbanites who come up to there to stay in their third home periodically.

[coyoteskye]

Originally Posted by treedonkey

Reasons I moved to Front Range Colorado instead of Tahoe:
1) Cost of Living
2) Threads like this

I suppose if you ARE an early-20-something-hipster-ski/board-bum, as opposed to someone who would be annoyed by them, then South Lake Tahoe might be the place for you. Personally, I find Tahoe City to be much tamer and nicer, but then you'll be surrounded by hoity-toity 60-something urbanites who come up to there to stay in their third home periodically.

"threads like this" meaning what? ...
... a few different perceptions about the tahoe area?
what's the problem?
oh, hmmmmm, are you one of those CA haters?
and yeah, the cost of living is an issue ... but it might be worth it for someone who just may love san francisco and the pacific ocean (a short drive from truckee) ... not to mention the spirit and nature of california, which despite the uber influence of the dominant culture, still exists.

[Shope]

Originally Posted by Xplorer

The Nevada side is OK. You are further away from everything and there really isn't much on that side.

I know it's not as "happening" but there are less laws/ taxes on the Nevada side.

[nmnita]

There are lots of condos on either side that are not too expensive and are still close to the action. Just remember you will have to have jobs before any reputable place will rent to you and even in resort areas jobs are not easy to find right now.

Nita