🏡 Schaffer’s Mill vs Grays Crossing — Which Truckee Community Fits You?
Lake Tahoe Cole Mizak October 15, 2025
Lake Tahoe Cole Mizak October 15, 2025
By Cole Mizak, Top Truckee Real Estate Agent with Compass
If you’re searching Truckee homes for sale, chances are you've come across two of the area’s most desirable communities: Schaffer’s Mill and Grays Crossing. As a full-time Truckee real estate agent who has helped dozens of clients find their perfect mountain home, I’m often asked:
“What’s the difference between Schaffer’s Mill and Grays Crossing?”
While both offer premium mountain living, they cater to different lifestyles, priorities, and budgets. Let’s break it down so you can decide which community is the right fit for you.
Schaffer’s Mill is a gated golf course community tucked into the Martis Valley. It blends upscale amenities with a laid-back, private mountain feel. If you're looking for resort-style living, this is it.
Type of Buyers: Second homeowners, vacation investors, families seeking a high-end mountain retreat
Price Range: Homes typically range from $2M–$6M+
Vibe: Private, luxurious, social
HOA/Club Access: Club membership gives access to dining, spa, fitness center, pool, and private shuttle to Northstar in winter
Architecture: Contemporary mountain lodge style with custom builds and townhomes
Grays Crossing is a newer community just outside downtown Truckee. It offers a peaceful neighborhood feel with a strong sense of full-time and part-time residency.
Type of Buyers: Locals, Bay Area transplants, and second homeowners who want proximity to town
Price Range: Homes typically range from $2M–$5M
Vibe: Quiet, family-friendly, community-oriented
HOA/Club Access: Membership at Tahoe Mountain Club optional; includes golf, pool, fitness
Architecture: Modern mountain homes with clean lines and large windows
If golf is a big part of your mountain lifestyle, both Schaffer’s Mill and Grays Crossing offer top-tier playing experiences — but they’re very different in vibe and access.
Type: Private, members and guests only
Design: Johnny Miller & John Harbottle III
Experience: Mountain resort-style course with dramatic elevation changes, forested fairways, and sweeping Martis Valley views
Difficulty: Challenging but fair, designed for shot-making
Standout Feature: No public access — creates an exclusive, uncrowded experience
The course is part of the Schaffer’s Mill Club, and tee times are available to members, their guests, and vacationers staying in club-managed properties.
Type: Public (daily fee) with membership options
Design: Peter Jacobsen & Jim Hardy
Experience: Eco-friendly championship course that blends high desert and forest landscapes, walking-friendly layout
Difficulty: Strategic layout with a variety of shot options; approachable for most golfers
Standout Feature: Homeowners can play without a full private club commitment
Grays Crossing’s course is operated by Tahoe Mountain Club and includes access to practice facilities and PJ’s Bar & Grill — a favorite post-round hangout.
| Feature | Schaffer’s Mill | Grays Crossing |
|---|---|---|
| Golf | Private course with club | Public course with membership |
| Proximity to Town | ~10 minutes to downtown | ~5 minutes to downtown |
| Ski Access | Northstar shuttle + valet | Drive to Northstar (~15 min) |
| Dining Onsite | Yes (The Sawyer restaurant) | Yes (PJ’s Bar & Grill) |
| Community Events | Yes, club-hosted | Yes, seasonal & family-focused |
| Investment Appeal | Strong short-term rental draw | Popular with long-term buyers |
Choose Schaffer’s Mill if you:
Want top-tier amenities and resort-style living
Value privacy, security, and exclusivity
Prefer a luxury vacation home with rental potential
Choose Grays Crossing if you:
Want a quiet, year-round neighborhood close to Truckee
Prefer more space for your dollar
Like a mix of locals and part-time residents in a community feel
Both neighborhoods are incredible — it really depends on what you’re looking for in a Truckee home.
I’m Cole Mizak, a full-time Truckee realtor with Compass. Whether you're just starting your search or ready to make an offer, I’ll help you navigate every step of the process with local insight, market expertise, and zero pressure.
Let’s find the right Truckee home for you.
📱 Call/Text: (775) 225-2549
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 MTNLuxuryLiving.com
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Cole’s mission is to elevate the real estate experience for his clients. He is a long-time Lake Tahoe local and luxury home expert who has developed innovative strategies to provide his clients with an unmatched, bespoke level of service, attention, and support.