Truckee, CA

There is no other town in California like Truckee. With its rich history and a world-class roster of activities, this town offers a truly unique real estate opportunity.

 

Truckee hit the map during the late 1800s and was named for the Paiute guide who assisted thousands of emigrants across the Humboldt Sink. The town became instrumental during the California gold rush, serving as a freight stop on the long road to the mines.

 

Nowadays, Truckee is known as one of the World’s 25 Best Ski Towns by National Geographic and is filled with residents who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and bask in the quiet solitude that only the Sierra Mountain Forest can provide. It’s a family-friendly town with great schools and a close-knit community. With their proximity to Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake, locals here love spending their summers on the water and soaking up the alpine air surrounded by the most gorgeous blue water in the state.

 

• A world-class destination with a booming economy that still remains a charming small town
• Historic roots and a strong sense of hometown pride
• Family-friendly with great schools, activities, and parent community

Residents in Truckee are outdoor lovers first and foremost. How could you not be when you’re surrounded by so many activities like skiing, biking, boating, kayaking, and hiking? People here are friendly and take a relaxed approach to life. Many are transplants from Silicon Valley, the Bay Area, or Southern California who seek a more active lifestyle.

 

Truckee residents take great pride in their town, and once you’re ingrained in the community, you’ll never want to leave. There is so much happening around town and so many things to become involved in that you’ll feel how close-knit the residents are from the moment you arrive.

 

Truckee boasts a wide variety of restaurants to satisfy even the staunchest of food critics. When you’re in town, all roads lead to Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats, a local legend for a hearty all-American dinner and for post-dinner drinks or live music on weekends (Paul McCartney has performed there). The homemade pasta and Bay Area-worthy wine list make Pianeta a great spot for date night. And for a formal dining spot, Cottonwood is an award-winning restaurant housed in one of the country’s oldest ski lodges perched overlooking downtown Truckee. If you go around sunset you’ll be able to watch the sunset over the mountains — truly gorgeous!

 

For a more easygoing experience, go with Bar of America, Old Town Tap, Truckee Tavern (great whiskey cocktails), or 1882 Bar & Grill (the back patio sits right on the Truckee River). The huevos rancheros at Donner Lake Kitchen are another local favorite!

 

And don’t forget the beer for apres-ski! Alibi Ale Works, Fifty Fifty Brewing, and Tahoe Mountain Brewing Co. all have an amazing selection of craft beers and lively atmospheres. For coffee, locals love Pacific Crest Coffee Co. for their nitro cold brew — the shop is co-owned by snowboarder Ralph Backstrom and U.S. Ski Team member Travis Ganong. Stick around and you might bump into one or both!

 

Finding things to do in Truckee and the surrounding Lake Tahoe area is never difficult. From world-class skiing at Palisades or Northstar to boating, kayaking, and swimming to live events and festivals, there is truly something for everyone.

 

First up: the winter. Palisades Tahoe (previously Squaw Valley) is one of the best ski resorts in the state and operates under the Ikon pass. This place is truly top-notch and serves up some of the best mountain views around. Northstar California Ski Resort also has classes, a ski school, and runs of all types.

 

Next: the summer. From boating at Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake to hiking and biking on the hundreds of trails in the area, you’ll fall in love with summer in the Sierras. Sand Harbor is a popular beach in the area (just 15 miles north) and is also home to the Sand Harbor Outdoor Theater and the Shakespeare Festival.

 

Music in the Park is a fantastic family-friendly event in the pines featuring wonderful local and visiting artists. In the summers, Truckee Thursdays are the perfect way to spend an evening. The Truckee Rodeo is hands-down the most unique offering in the area and an absolute blast for kids and families. The Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District also has a myriad of team sports, including outdoor ice hockey at the park in the winter.

 

Truckee operates in the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District. On average, there are only 19 students per classroom (the state average is 24) and the district has a great rating on GreatSchools.org. There is also the Lake Tahoe School, a private school offering education from Pre-K to 8th grade.