The South Tahoe Realty Blog

Here’s a little information on South Lake Tahoe demographics from the Tahoe Daily Tribune.  I’m not sure how they figured that Sacramento is closer to South Lake Tahoe than Reno.  According to Google, Reno is a 60.2 mile and 1 hour and 17 minute drive.  As the crow flies, it is 41.6 miles from South Lake Tahoe.  Sacramento is a 102 mile and 1 hour and 53 minute drive.  And it’s 85.6 miles from South Lake as the crow flies.

Also, South Lake Tahoe’s population growth has leveled off over the last decade.  The 2000 U.S. Census calculated our population to be 23,609.  City-data.com now shows our population to be 23,374.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see a continued decline in population as home prices continue to increase, which they eventually will. 

South Lake Tahoe by the Numbers
Tahoe Daily Tribune, October 3, 2008

South Lake Tahoe’s population has been growing since silver miners and pioneers developed the Bonanza road, which later became U.S. Highway 50. In the last 25 years, South Lake Tahoe’s population has more than doubled.

Fifty-two percent of the city’s population is male. Caucasians make up 63 percent of the population, Hispanics 26.7 percent, Asians 5 percent and African-Americans one percent.

The nearest city to South Lake Tahoe with a population of more than 50,000 is Carson City, Nevada, located 22.5 miles from South Lake Tahoe. Carson City has a number of shopping centers and building supply stores.

The nearest city with a population of more than 200,000 is Sacramento, California, although most locals would argue that Reno, Nevada, takes a shorter time to drive to.

South Lake Tahoe also has a community college with a full-time enrollment of 1,300.

I thought some of you might find this information interesting. The Tahoe Daily Tribune released information on South Tahoe area schools. Everything looks good to me except that Zephyr Cove’s middle school, Kingsbury Middle School, closed on June 9, 2008. Sixth graders will now go to Zephyr Cove Elementary. Seventh and eighth graders will go to Whittell High School, which is also in Zephyr Cove.

Parents Have Choice of South Shore Schools
Tahoe Daily Tribune, June 13, 2008

The Lake Tahoe Unified School District consists of four elementary schools, a middle school, a high school and a continuation school.

There are approximately 5,000 students in South Lake Tahoe and 200 teachers making the student to teacher ratio about 16 to 1. There are slightly more male students (53 percent) than female students. Fifty-five percent of students are white, 36 percent are hispanic, 6 percent are asian, 1 percent are black and 1 percent are native american.

District and school registration information can be found at www.ltusd.org or can be obtained by calling (530) 541-2850.

On the Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe, the Douglas County School District has an elementary school, middle school and high school all located near Zephyr Cove. For more information on Nevada schools visit dcsd.k12.nv.us or call (775) 782-5134.

There are also three private schools in South Lake Tahoe: St. Theresa, Tahoe Montessori House and The Walden School.

The following article about South Lake Tahoe weather was published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune earlier this month. It provides valuable information on the kind of weather to expect when visiting South Lake Tahoe. Basically, come expecting anything!

For homeowners starting projects, be aware that it will likely snow sometime in October. Last September, we saw some snow coupled with 19 degree temperatures!

Weathering the Storms on Tahoe’s South Shore
Tahoe Daily Tribune, June 6, 2008

Snow has been recorded during every month of the year in South Lake Tahoe, but cold temperatures and precipitation during the summer are not the norm.

Generally summers on the south shore are mild with temperatures averaging 80 degrees. Due to the city’s elevation, the temperature is lower than the national average throughout the year. Precipitation is usually less than an inch during June, July and August.

The sun shines an average of 274 days a year making conditions perfect for outdoor recreation in both the summer and the winter.

At Lake level an average of 125 inches of snow falls per year. Heavenly Mountain snowfall averages 300 to 500 inches per year at alpine skiing elevations. Despite having to shovel their driveways, South Lake Tahoe residents enjoy the winter just as much as the summer.

Here’s an article about South Lake Tahoe’s high cost of living from the Tahoe Daily Tribune. As a Tahoe local, I can attest that life ain’t cheap in South Lake Tahoe. However, there are ways to combat the area’s high cost of living. If you’re coming from Sacramento or the Bay Area, stop for gas at the 76 right after Placerville. It’ll be on the left. You’ll pay about fifteen cents less per gallon. I do my best to fill up in Carson City where prices are about fifty cents cheaper per gallon. I also shop in Carson or Reno whenever I can. I’m guessing I save 30%-40% on groceries and household items at places like Winco, Wal-mart, and Costco. A 30%-40% savings means I pay 43%-67% more whenever I shop in South Lake. Aye caramba!

Taking these money saving measures, as well as shopping online, makes Tahoe’s high cost of living easier to bear. The lake, mountains, and fresh air make things a little easier too!

Cost of Living is Still Rising in South Lake
Tahoe Daily Tribune, June 6, 2008

The cost of living is rising around the country and South Lake Tahoe is no exception. Living in the mountains makes many goods and services more expensive. Gasoline is typically 20-30 cents more per gallon than it is in California’s Central Valley.

Rent in South Lake Tahoe can range from $600 per month for a one bedroom, one bath apartment to $3,000 per month for a four bedroom house with views. Energy and propane bills can be expensive in the winter and snow removal costs are the homeowner or renter’s responsibility.

Many people say Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty makes up for the higher cost of living. After all, one look at the sun setting over the lake is priceless.