Vacation homes used to be more of a luxury than a necessity, but this perception changed in the aftermath of a global pandemic.
In California, second-home sales posted double-digit growth in 2021 based on a survey by the California Association of Realtors. The increase suggested that vacation homes have remained in demand, as more people have realized the benefits of not being cooped up in a small house.
Lake Tahoe ranked among the most popular communities for a vacation home, according to the survey. If you’d rather avoid seasonal crowds, there are other places to buy vacation houses.
Tahoe Mountain Realty, one of the leading luxury property brokers in California, listed some of the best alternative communities for a luxury vacation home.
A mountain lifestyle awaits future residents of Gray’s Crossing, while still being near restaurants and shopping districts.
Gray’s Crossing
A mountain lifestyle awaits future residents of Gray’s Crossing, while still being near restaurants and shopping districts. You only need to drive for 15 miles to reach downtown Truckee.
The community surrounds the Peter Jacobsen-Jim Hardy championship golf course, but the breadth of homes is its key selling point.
Luxury vacation houses in Gray’s Crossing may cost at least $2.5 million. Property listings may also disappear within weeks.
In Gray’s Crossing, a buyer paid almost $3.3 million for a 3,591-square-foot property at 11662 Henness Road. (Tahoe Mountain Realty)
For example, a buyer paid almost $3.3 million for a 3,591-square-foot property at 11662 Henness Road. Forbes Global Properties featured the luxury home in late January 2022 before it was likely sold in the following month.
Similar properties at Henness Road include a four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house worth nearly $2.5 million. The luxury vacation home spans 3,102 square feet with a three-car garage, as well as being near Truckee-Tahoe amenities.
Properties in Lahontan are coveted because the community offers a convenient location, top outdoor views and immense privacy. (Tahoe Mountain Realty)
Lahontan
It’s quite difficult to find luxury property listings in Lahontan simply because of the community’s popularity, particularly among those seeking a convenient location, top outdoor views and immense privacy.
Nestled between North Lake Tahoe and Truckee, the possibilities for outdoor activities are almost endless.
Lahontan’s residents live near 24 beaches in Tahoe, according to Tahoe Mountain Realty. If you aren’t fond of the beach, there are several biking trails and ski resorts from a short distance.
Recent sales in Lahontan include this 3,916-square-foot rustic-modern home, which traded in March for $3.06 million. (Tahoe Mountain Realty)
Truckee offers more choices for outdoor recreation from hiking, horseback-riding to rock-climbing sites. Property prices for vacation homes in Lahontan may cost more than $3 million.
For example, this rustic-modern home that sold in March for more than $3 million depicts the true essence of the Lahontan lifestyle. The four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom house sits in a cul-de-sac area overlooking meadows toward the Martis Valley.
Luxury property prices in Martis Camp cost higher than other communities in the Tahoe-Truckee area. (Tahoe Mountain Realty)
Martis Camp
Luxury property prices in Martis Camp cost higher than other communities in the Tahoe-Truckee area.
As one of the most exclusive neighborhoods, prices can run more than $5 million on a luxury vacation house. At the high end of the market, prices can top out at more than $10 million. For example, this custom seven-bedroom, 8.5-bathroom estate sold in March for $10 million.
This custom Martis Camp estate, located at 10830 Holmgrove Court, sold in March for $10 million. (Tahoe Mountain Realty)
The 6,303-square-foot property is perfect for an extended family with an upstairs bunk room and a separate guest cabin.
Aside from move-in-ready homes, you can also choose to build your dream vacation home after buying a homesite. Martis Camp spans more than 2,000 acres of forestry, and many desire to buy estate homesites for custom-built vacation homes.
One key reason: Forbes’ recognition of the exclusive community in 2013. Martis Camp’s multitude of outdoor activities and scenic landscapes has made it one of the best four-season, private communities in the U.S.
Old Greenwood remains one of Tahoe-Truckee’s most popular communities. This five-bedroom custom home sold last year for more than $3.4 million. (Tahoe Mountain Realty)
Old Greenwood
Here’s another four-season community where vacation homes cost less than Martis Camp. Luxury property prices in Old Greenwood may range from $1.2 million to $3.5 million.
Most of the ideal winter activities happen in the nearby North Shore ski resorts. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is also within a short distance.
Choose the right vacation home by consulting a broker with extensive experience in the Tahoe-Truckee region. (Tahoe Mountain Realty)
More importantly, homesite buyers in Old Greenwood can find rare gems such as a 0.55-acre lot at 13058 Lookout Loop. The property costs $745,000 and boasts a clear view of the Lookout Mountain at the Northstar’s ski area.
Choose the right vacation home by consulting a broker with extensive experience in the Tahoe-Truckee region. Click here to find out more about Tahoe Mountain Realty and its team of more than 25 professionals.
