Is 2025 the year you finally move to Lake Tahoe? Here’s what you need to know before making it your new home.
If you’re dreaming about alpine views, endless recreation, and four-season mountain living, you’re not alone. Every year, people from across the country start planning a move to Lake Tahoe. And while this incredible destination offers a one-of-a-kind lifestyle, it comes with unique considerations. This guide is designed to help you move with clarity, confidence, and a real understanding of what living here is actually like.
I’m Ryan Smith, team lead of the Ascension Real Estate Team with COMPASS in South Lake Tahoe. Here’s your no-fluff, everything-you-need-to-know guide to moving to Lake Tahoe in 2025.
Why Tahoe? It’s a Lifestyle Choice
From hiking and mountain biking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Lake Tahoe delivers on year-round adventure. It’s a place where natural beauty, community, and active living blend seamlessly.
But before you pack your bags, you need to think beyond the Instagram moments. Moving to a mountain town means preparing for real variables: seasonal shifts, job availability, housing challenges, and even snow removal. Let’s dive in.
Understanding Seasonality in Tahoe
Lake Tahoe has distinct high and low seasons, and understanding them will shape your entire experience here.
High Seasons:
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Summer: Think hiking, boating, beach lounging, and festivals. Expect crowds and busy weekends.
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Winter: Ski season! With 15 resorts in the region (including Heavenly, Sierra, and Kirkwood near South Lake), it’s bustling from December through April.
Shoulder Seasons:
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Fall: Often called “local summer.” Expect 70°+ days on the beach in October, fewer crowds, and beautiful weather.
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Spring: A bit trickier. Trails stay snowy into May depending on the snowpack. It’s quiet, and locals are itching to get outside.
Tahoe also draws a large seasonal workforce. That means your social circles may shift depending on the time of year. Locals who live here full-time often develop strong bonds within the year-round community.
Pro tip: Have space for both summer and winter gear—storage is key.
Making a Living in Lake Tahoe
Before you move, have a plan for how you’ll make money. Tahoe doesn’t have major corporations or year-round hiring sprees.
Here’s how people make it work:
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Seasonal jobs (ski resorts, bars, restaurants)
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Remote work (common for Bay Area transplants)
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Local service businesses
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Real estate, hospitality, or tourism roles
If you plan to buy a home here, aim for an income that supports a purchase price around $650,000—the local median for South Lake.
Typical housing costs:
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Renting: 1-bed apartments go for $1,500–$1,800/month. A 3-bed house? Around $3,000/month.
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Buying: Entry-level homes start at $550,000. $650K gets you a 2- or 3-bed with modest upgrades. Cross the $1M mark and you unlock lake access, boat docks, or ski-in luxury near Heavenly.
Tahoe Is Extremely Dog-Friendly
If you have a pup, they’ll love Tahoe as much as you do. Most trails allow off-leash time, and many cafes, breweries, and shops are dog-welcoming.
Waffles (my dog) especially loves the snow. Watching him barrel through powder like a snow dolphin is a highlight of every winter. If you’re bringing your furry friend, know that you’re moving to dog paradise.
Surviving (and Thriving in) Tahoe Winters
This isn’t a mild winter town. We get serious snow—and you need to be ready.
Essentials:
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All-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle
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All-terrain tires (not just chains)
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A snow blower or reliable plow service (3” snowfall usually triggers service)
The reward? Snowboarding after a storm, hot coffee by the fire, and crisp mountain mornings. If you embrace it, winter can be magical.
Summers Are Sublime
Summer is why many people fall in love with Tahoe. Clear skies, 80° temps, and that sparkling blue lake.
What to expect:
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Dozens of alpine lakes and hiking trails
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Paddleboarding, beach days, boating
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Busy holiday weekends (expect some traffic)
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Lake temps reach 70°F by mid-summer—perfect for a swimWant a quieter summer? Locals head to Fallen Leaf Lake or find lesser-known trails and beaches. It’s all about knowing where to go and when.
Budgeting for Fire Insurance
This is a big one most buyers overlook. Fire insurance in Tahoe is tough to secure due to wildfire risk. Many homeowners end up on the California FAIR Plan, a last-resort insurance program.
Also, homes must comply with defensible space regulations:
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Remove pine needles
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Trim trees back from roofs
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Maintain 100 ft of clearance from brush
Always check insurance eligibility before making an offer. It’s a crucial part of your homebuying strategy here.
Picking the Right Location in Tahoe
Your ideal neighborhood depends on how you want to live:
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Near the beach: Want to paddleboard at sunrise? Choose a home 2–10 minutes from access points.
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Close to hiking trails: Perfect for dog lovers and post-dinner walks.
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Near the slopes: Ski-in/ski-out options exist near Heavenly and Kirkwood.
The entire South Lake area is navigable, but traffic can add 5–10 minutes in summer. Total drive time from one end to the other? About 20–30 minutes, even during peak season.
Closing Thoughts: Try Before You Buy
The best way to decide if Tahoe is right for you? Come visit.
Let’s drive around the lake together. I’ll show you neighborhoods, share local tips, and help you understand how each season feels. If you want to tour homes, grab dinner, or just get a real feel for Tahoe life, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to Explore Life in Lake Tahoe?
I’m Ryan Smith with the Ascension Real Estate Group at COMPASS in South Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re ready to move or just exploring the idea, I’d love to help.
Visit AscensionTahoe.com, or follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more insider tips on life in Tahoe.
Your mountain dream is closer than you think.
Ryan Smith
COMPASS
CA 2095506 | NV 0188892
