retiring in Sierra Nevadas? (Carson, Truckee: living in, restaurants, prices)

[rosanielle]

Doesn't seem like a lot of people are interested in the Sierra Nevadas but we love the beauty of Lake Tahoe, Yosemite NP, and the villages, passes, and scenery in between. We're curious about what the rest of Hwy 395 offers. Hwy 49 is quaint and picturesque.

We're looking for a small to medium size town that offers some intellectual and cultural stimulation for people who have grown to love big-city sophistication but not the pollution, crime, or traffic. Being retirees, we'd prefer to live conveniently close to good medical facilities, restaurants, bike paths, and decent fishing. Any recommendations?

[SandyCo]

Have you looked at Susanville? If you want to be in the Sierras, there's also Quincy, Chester, and several other towns/cities. If you end up retiring there, you'll be living my dream. I don't know much about these places except that the exteme northern part of California has the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen - forests that seem to go on forever! Maybe someone else can give you better details. Good luck!

[Guingirl]

You might look in Grae Eagle as well. There are a ton of retirees up there and I hear it is absolutely beautiful!!

[greatbasinguide]

The Sierra is beautiful (please do not say Sierras, grammatically incorrect) However, unless you are avid skiers, you might stay below the snow line. After 30 years in the heart of the mountains, we are bailing for snowless country. Having half your year locked up in white, with the boats in storage, the horses glaring at you, falling down on the steps,, we are done, tis 15 outside right now.

Want our place? 5 acres surrounded by National Forest, comes complete with snow plow and loader, both of which you will use frequently

[AJY]

Have you considered the Auburn area or Colfax?
These towns are on your way to Truckee but are not too far out.
I think Placer county is the best as far as counties go.
Grass Valley is cute but a drive out from major medical facilities.

I see you are from Denver, we are looking to move to Colorado possibly in Douglas County can you give me any advise?

[corduroyboy]

Originally Posted by greatbasinguide

The Sierra is beautiful (please do not say Sierras, grammatically incorrect) However, unless you are avid skiers, you might stay below the snow line. After 30 years in the heart of the mountains, we are bailing for snowless country. Having half your year locked up in white, with the boats in storage, the horses glaring at you, falling down on the steps,, we are done, tis 15 outside right now.

Want our place? 5 acres surrounded by National Forest, comes complete with snow plow and loader, both of which you will use frequently

I'll take it!! Leave the keys in the plow! I miss living in the snow.

[greatbasinguide]

Sold,, I think we can settle for $900,000.

If the foothills are your area of interest, keep in mind they are the fastest growing counties in CA,, Nevada, Placer, El Dorado, Amador etc.

[rosanielle]

I'll check out all the locations on the internet. Greatbasinguide, I'd love to take up your offer but that's the trouble with Lake Tahoe....it's very expensive! How about the EASTERN side of the Sierra? Bridgeport maybe?

AJY, Douglas county in CO is growing fast, like all the counties around Denver. It's a great place to live, that's why. Beautiful country, too. Make sure you have a good water well on your property if you don't have city water. Water is the #1 issue in this state because our precip is only 15" annually & we depend on dammed reservoirs which collect snow melt. Land, housing, and gasoline are all expensive here. But there are lots of good jobs so if you can snag one, living here just got a lot less stressful. We have 4 seasons but they're all jumbled up. Makes gardening a challenge. Sedalia and Larkspur are quaint choices for the foothills. Pine and Buffalo Creek are very nice locations in the mountains. Castle Rock is growing very fast and losing its charm but still very nice. A lot of people live there and work in Denver. Elizabeth in nearby Elbert county is also very popular for those wanting to live outside the city and have acreage and such. Good Luck!

[greatbasinguide]

The east side of the Sierra is spectacular, the major problem for a newcomer is a job. The towns are small the possibilities are limited. Bridgeport is a tiny town, one main street and some residential streets. Bishop has more to offer, but again is a small town. Carson City/Gardnerville are growing and have more opportunity for work.

[SeizeTheJourney]

[quote=rosanielle;245699]I'll check out all the locations on the internet. Greatbasinguide, I'd love to take up your offer but that's the trouble with Lake Tahoe....it's very expensive! QUOTE]

Big difference in location/prices in Truckee ("near Lake Tahoe") and Lake Tahoe itself. They are NOT the same place.