California / County

Moving to South Lake Tahoe, CA

Thinking of making a move to South Lake Tahoe, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Lake Tahoe, CA

Considering a move to South Lake Tahoe, CA? This welcoming community of 21,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $620,000 and average rents near $1,950. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (65% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore South Lake Tahoe's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - South Lake Tahoe, CA

South Lake Tahoe has a population of 21,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 68% White, 1% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 16% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
21,000
Density
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age
39.1
Gender Ratio
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
15.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
68.0%
Black
1.4%
Asian
6.2%
Others
24.4%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in South Lake Tahoe, CA?

The cost of living in South Lake Tahoe is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 156.4. Median home values are around $620,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,950. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$620,000
Gross Rent
$1,950
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$860
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
156.4
Grocery
114.8
Housing
186.0
Utilities
124.7
Transportation
129.5
Health Care
108.9
Miscellaneous
118.2

Crime

Is South Lake Tahoe, CA a safe place to live?

South Lake Tahoe is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 310 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
310
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,420
Crime Index
2,730
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 323
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 41

Weather

What is the weather like in South Lake Tahoe, CA year-round?

South Lake Tahoe experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 78°F and cold winters dipping to 20°F. The area receives about 22 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 65% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
20°F
Max
42°F

Summer

Min
47°F
Max
78°F

Spring

Min
34°F
Max
61°F

Fall

Min
30°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
21.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
65%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $82,500 and a low poverty rate of 10.8%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 30% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$51,000
Household Income
$82,500
Family Income
$91,000
Per Capita Income
$39,500
Income Male
$48,000
Income Female
$40,500
Poverty Rate
10.8%
Non English Speakers
26.0%
Rent
$1,950
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
Public Transport Usage
3.8%
Commute Time
18.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.0%
Bachelors or More
30.4%

Education

How are the schools in South Lake Tahoe, CA?

South Lake Tahoe offers quality education options, with public schools like South Tahoe Middle School and Bijou Community School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Lake Tahoe Community College and University of Nevada, Reno. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
South Tahoe Middle School
Street
1580 Hwy 50
Phone
530-541-1571
Students
760
Student Teacher Ratio
18.1
Name
Bijou Community School
Street
3501 Spruce Ave
Phone
530-543-2337
Students
480
Student Teacher Ratio
19.0

Private Schools

Name
St. Theresa Catholic School
Street
1041 Lyons Ave
Phone
530-544-2223
Students
190

Colleges

Name
Lake Tahoe Community College
City
South Lake Tahoe
State
CA
Distance
2 miles
Students
2,500
Name
University of Nevada, Reno
City
Reno
State
NV
Distance
62 miles
Students
21,000

Healthcare

South Lake Tahoe residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Tahoe Forest Hospital and Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 91.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Tahoe Forest Hospital
Address
10121 Pine Ave, Truckee, CA 96161
Phone
(530) 587-6011
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center
Address
1470 Medical Pkwy, Carson City, NV 89703
Phone
(775) 445-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
91.0%
Health Care Index
72.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in South Lake Tahoe, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $620,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 53%. The market has seen a 3.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.4%. South Lake Tahoe offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$620,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,950
Owner Occupied Rate
52.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.2%
New Construction Rate
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of South Lake Tahoe handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to South Lake Tahoe, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to South Lake Tahoe, review the core fields on this page: population 21,000, median home value $620,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,950, commute time 18.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 65%.

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