A Postcard From Truckee, California
As we strolled through town, our first thought was, we'd love a vacation home here. The sense of community is strong, and knowing that skiing was only minutes away only added to our conviction that we'd like to stay. Now for some fun!

  

About Truckee, California
With seven first class ski resorts all within driving distance, why do people choose Truckee for their vacation home? One reason might be the care with which Truckee has kept history alive. For well over a century and a half, Truckee has held its own unique place in the expansion of the West, and seems determined to holds its place in the future as well. Since the mid-1800's, people risking everything to find a new life in a new territory crossed through Truckee on its way. Today people choosing a vacation home lifestyle near outstanding recreation find Truckee right in their crossroads.

Standing at the Northwest entrance to the fabulous ski area of Lake Tahoe, Truckee plays a pivotal role in the area. Arriving from the San Francisco and Sacramento areas, stopping in Truckee is like changing gears before heading into the wilds of the mountains. You feel the mountain air, see the historical past, and prepare yourself for unbeatable skiing and snowboarding. Walking down the main street of Truckee, you straddle both the past and the present, as authentic old-fashioned hardware stores and ice-cream shops are interspersed with up-to-date boutiques.  Community pride is part of Truckee's appeal as welcomes newcomers.

Local History

On the route of the first successful Emigrant wagon train to cross the Sierras, Truckee has been designated a national historical district, with many original buildings still standing. Though a later trail was created from Utah to California through South Tahoe, Truckee was still the entry point for visitors coming from the San Francisco direction.  In 1864, Truckee became one of the stage coach stops on the Donner Lake Wagon Road.  

An Average Lifestyle in Truckee, California

First and foremost Truckee represents community. Consistent with its historical significance, many people have lived here for several generations. Given the cool winters, the folks are rugged and strong. As far as second home owners, the majority of people are truly ski enthusiasts. Younger folks coming here love the snowboarding. This is prime winter sports country, and both residents and second home owners make the most of it. The second keen interest is outdoor mountain hiking in the summer season.

Housing

Like other ski resort locations, Truckee offers great investment value, as the property is very rentable during both summer and winter seasons. Both condos and single family homes are still available, at good value compared to Colorado ski locations. While 44% of the homes are listed as seasonal homes, it has an amazingly low vacancy rate of 4%.

Costs: Median costs: $323,366; Average rent $1,150 for a 3-bedroom.

Things to Do in Truckee

Skiing and snowboarding at one of eight nearby resorts, including Northstar-at-Tahoe, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Sugar Bowl, Boreal and Homewood.

River Rafting on the Truckee River

Fishing and Boating in Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake

Dog Sledding

Golf

White Water Rafting

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Explore Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake

Hiking and Rock Climbing at Donner Summit

Waterskiing

Cultural Activities in Truckee

Children's Museum of Sierra Nevada

Emigrant Trail Museum

Truckee-Donner Historical Society and Old Jail

Donner Memorial State Park

Concerts and Music in all the nearby resorts 

Near-By Excursions

Carson City

Reno

Incline Village

South Lake Tahoe

Tahoe City

Grass Valley

Location
Nevada County, in north eastern California, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just 12 miles northeast of Lake Tahoe.

Elevation: 5,980

Size: 34 sq miles

Distance to other major cities

Lake Tahoe: 12 miles

Reno, Nevada: 40 miles

Sacramento, CA: 100 miles
Stockton, CA: 152 miles
San Francisco, CA: 200 miles
Fresno, CA: 279 miles

Getting To Truckee, California

By Car (Chains required often in the winter)

Amtrak

Greyhound Bus

Weather

Average Summer Temperature: 40-79 degrees F
Average Winter Temperature: 17-42 degrees F
Average Total Snowfall: 206 inches

Demographics and Economics

Population:

Truckee (including Donner Lake and Norden) 15,871

and Tahoe Basin: 65,000

Growth rate: 52% from 1990-2000, an average of 4% a year.

Median Age, 2000: 35.3

Median Household Income: $59,000

Principle Industries
Tourism, services, retail