Incline Village and Crystal Bay, NV

Along the northern shores of Lake Tahoe sits Incline Village and Crystal Bay, a haven for outdoor lovers in every season. The surrounding Sierra Nevada thrives in wintertime, drawing locals and visitors alike to Diamond Peak’s lake view manicured runs and glade skiing. The same peaks provide challenging hikes or mountain biking trails in the summer months. Boaters here love soaking up the sun on the lake and taking up sailing, jet-skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.

 

Established in 1884, Incline Village has deep roots in the Old West: the village was named for the Sierra Nevada Wood and Lumber Company’s incline railway before George Whittell purchased the land from the lumber companies in 1938.  In the mid-1950s, Whittell sold 9,000 acres of land to investors who turned a 500 percent profit by selling it to the Crystal Bay Development Company.

 

From there, the rest is history. Incline Village and Crystal Bay remain some of the most sought-after real estate opportunities in Nevada for not only the beauty but also the tax advantages.

 

With the close-knit community and possibility for endless outdoor adventures, it’s impossible to be bored in Incline Village. Tahoe itself is the place to unwind for many who take up permanent residence in the mountains or just come for seasonal getaways.

 

• Exclusive access to IVGID (Incline Village General Improvement District) benefits and amenities
• Peaceful mountain living with vibrant seasons
• An upscale and family-friendly community 

Residents of Incline Village and Crystal Bay take full advantage of mountain living — they are active outdoor lovers who take a relaxed approach to life. Many are successful and well-cultured folks who have come from the likes of Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and Southern California for the cooler temperatures and alpine air.

 

It’s a close-knit and insular community with more than 12 distinct neighborhoods to choose from, such as Lakeview, Mill Creek, and Ponderosa — all of which are serviced by the Incline Village General Improvement District, which offers homeowner benefits and amenities.

 

There is no shortage of great places to eat in Incline Village thanks to the high-volume crowds in the summer and winter. Lone Eagle at the Hyatt remains Tahoe’s go-to for fine dining with panoramic views of the lake, while Austin’s Restaurant is a more laidback joint with fantastic burgers. Bite Tapas is a lively hotspot with great shared plates and cocktails right in the middle of town.

 

For a romantic night out or special occasion, Big Water Grille is the local favorite thanks to its unique mountaintop placement and views of the town and lake. For a beer out with friends, try Alibi Aleworks and Brewery, which also has great live music.

 

There are several cute and kitschy shops in Incline, where you can find unique goods and locally made items. Keep an eye out for seasonal festivals and fairs.

 

A summertime favorite in Crystal Bay is Sand Harbor, a natural area with numerous hiking trails, giant boulders, and access to the lake for kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding and swimming. After a day spent at Sand Harbor, locals love to relax around the fire pit or take in a concert at the Sand Harbor outdoor theater. In the summer, the theater is home to the Shakespeare Festival, a statewide favorite.

 

To stay active, many residents walk, run or bike along Lakeshore Boulevard, a beautiful lakeside sidewalk that ultimately leads to the East Shore Trailhead. There is no shortage of hiking trails in Incline Village — some local favorites include Monkey Rock, Flume Trail, Mount Rose, and Rifle Peak. Many residents also run or bike to the local or private beaches like Burnt Cedar, Incline Beach, or Ski Beach.

 

Golf is a popular activity here, and many residents frequent Incline Village Championship Golf Course, a well-manicured public 18-hole course with an avid membership community, or Incline Village Mountain Golf Course, which is set among the pines.

 

In the winter, you can’t beat hitting the slopes at Diamond Peak and Mount Rose, where people from all over the surrounding states flock for the renowned runs. Incline Village is truly a vibrant place during all four seasons and offers an abundance of things to do for any outdoor lover.

 

Incline Village operates in the Washoe County School District with access to Incline Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. Other schools in the district include Innovations High School, Truckee Meadows Community College High School, and the Academy of Arts, Careers, and Technology.

 

Another option for families is the Lake Tahoe School, a private educational establishment with pre-kindergarten, elementary and high schools. The school offers small class sizes and a focus on academic excellence. 

Sierra Nevada University is a private university located in Incline Village. Here students can learn resort management, get a master’s in teaching or complete an MFA and is an excellent place to participate in college-level skiing and snowboarding.