Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Things to Know Before Moving to Truckee

Lake Tahoe Cole Mizak October 12, 2022


California’s reputation for sunny skies, mild weather, surfing, and relaxing at the beach does not account for its large size. Residents of the state can undoubtedly enjoy balmy weather and beaches, but there is much more to see and do. California is also home to mountains, forests, colder weather, and winter sports. One town is the best place for all those things and more.
 
Truckee, Calif., is a luxury town nestled in the mountains and among the forests. It currently has a population of about 16,000 and is growing at an estimated annual rate of 0.33% (about 50 people per year). Due to its luxury housing, high-class atmosphere, welcoming community, and great outdoor activities, the town has become a popular place to live. Here are some things to know before packing up and moving to Truckee.

The community atmosphere



Known for the beautiful mountains, picturesque lakes, and resorts, the Old West-style town of Truckee combines a leisurely pace with tons of fun activities. Truckee is a small town at heart with a quiet, relaxed feel and a tight-knit community. It has a peaceful atmosphere and provides an energetic mood with the opportunity for many outdoor activities and winter sports.

A variety of luxurious housing


Truckee provides luxurious living with unique architecture, custom homes, and a beautiful location. There are single-family homes and condos for sale in Truckee. Truckee homes for sale collect millions of dollars for up to 24,000 square feet.
 
The best part about the market is the assortment of home styles. A-frames, classic Victorians, mountain moderns, and log cabins are all for sale in Truckee, and the variety does not end there. From open floor plans to huge windows, whatever you want in your dream home can be found in Truckee.

Easy access to outdoor activities



Truckee is a fantastic place to enjoy the great outdoors. Only 14 miles from Lake Tahoe and close to Donner Lake, the town provides kayaking, fishing, and camping opportunities. Many Truckee houses for sale have a lake view. Other fun outdoor activities include jogging, swimming, biking, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and enjoying the forest and wildlife.
 
Of course, the snow-covered winter opens the door for winter sports, such as snowboarding, snowmobiling, sledding, and skiing. Truckee is home to four ski resorts, one of which is Northstar Ski Resort. Hidden within the trees and valleys of Mount Pluto, the resort offers lessons, recreational skiing and snowboarding, and a summer bike park.

Fine dining



Home to a variety of stellar restaurants, Truckee brings fun to dining out. One example is the Bar of America, a popular local hangout with a casual atmosphere since 1974. Offering a bar and grill, the restaurant serenades its guests with live music; it hosts occasional special events, provides friendly service, and serves delicious food.
 
Another example of quality fare and unique character is Pianeta. A warm, welcoming Italian restaurant with an expansive wine list and cocktails, Pianeta provides nightly specials, homemade pasta, and excellent service.
 
Trokay is a local luxury restaurant offering contemporary American cuisine and options for vegans and vegetarians. Since 2011, the restaurant has been at the forefront of culinary artistry, hospitality, and atmosphere. Make a reservation for a beautiful four-course meal accompanied by a fine wine list. Trokay also offers cooking classes for everyone ages eight and up.

Things to do


Considering the beautiful scenery and the many things to do outside, it is little wonder Truckee lies close to several parks, including the Donner Memorial State Park. The park is home to the Pioneer monument, which remembers the California emigrants traveling west in the mid-1800s. Hiking, boating, camping, water skiing in the summer, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in winter are also available.
 
The Truckee Bike Park offers multiple biking trails for all age groups and skill levels. Some tracks include dizzying jumps, while others can be traveled at any speed with both wheels firmly on the ground. The park has an airbag for bikers to practice their jumps in a safer
environment, as well as lessons and coaching.


Several museums in the city tell the story of Truckee’s pioneer and Native American history. An example is the Museum of Truckee History, which showcases several displays of the significant historical stories of Truckee.
 
Bustling downtown Truckee always has something to do, from wine tastings to art galleries to local shopping. The charming area showcases Truckee’s history, displaying architecture with styles and colors that bring to mind a whole different era.
 
Created in 1961, Ponderosa Golf Course provides events and junior golf programs and features chipping and practice greens, a pro shop, driving nets, gorgeous scenery, and a snack bar.

The amenities



Served by the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, Truckee has several stellar schools for its students, both public and private. The public schools are known for their high rank in mathematics and reading.
 
The Reno-Tahoe International Airport, the nearest airport to Truckee, is approximately 25 miles away.
 
A great compliment to the strenuous and active lifestyle of many Truckee residents, Martis Valley Massage is a luxury spa specializing in therapeutic and deep-tissue massages. Known for its custom massage tailored to the individual’s needs, the spa also offers couples massages, custom facials, and memberships.

A local realtor


A local resident and real estate expert, Cole Mizak offers an unmatched level of professionalism, support, and service to all clients searching for luxury homes. Not only is he a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a Certified Residential Specialist, but he is also in the top 1.5% of residential real estate agents nationwide, recognized by Real Trends in 2021. He specializes in $1,000,000-plus property, giving him “Million Dollar Guild” status.
 
For those looking for land for sale in Truckee, CA, Cole Mizak is a great local resource. If Truckee seems right for you, contact him today about your home in Truckee.

*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock



Recent Blog Posts

Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.

Truckee homes for sale and mountain neighborhoods in 2026 real estate market forecast

Lake Tahoe

Will 2026 Be a Buyers or Sellers Market in Truckee?

December 22, 2025

A Local Perspective from Cole Mizak, Top Truckee Real Estate Agent with Compass

Incline Village homes for sale along Lake Tahoe with mountain views in Nevada

Lake Tahoe

Incline Village Real Estate Market Forecast for 2026: Buyers Market or Sellers Market?

December 22, 2025

A Local Incline Village Realtor’s Forecast for 2026 Home Prices, Inventory, and Buyer Demand

Snowy holiday scene in Incline Village, Lake Tahoe near local homes and winter events

Lake Tahoe

The Best Christmas and Holiday Events Around Incline Village

December 21, 2025

A local’s guide to festive events, winter traditions, and why the holidays are a special time to explore Incline Village homes for sale

Snowy downtown Truckee during Christmas with holiday lights and winter events near Truckee homes for sale

Lake Tahoe

Best Christmas & Holiday Events Around Truckee

December 21, 2025

Your insider guide to festive events, winter traditions, and why the holidays are a great time to explore Truckee homes for sale

Truckee California homes in a mountain neighborhood during winter, showcasing the lifestyle and real cost of living in Truckee

Lake Tahoe

The Real Cost of Living in Truckee

December 20, 2025

What buyers need to know before purchasing Truckee homes for sale

Luxury Lake Tahoe view home overlooking the lake in Incline Village Nevada

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe View Homes: How to Maximize the View in Marketing & Sale

December 20, 2025

Expert strategies from a top Incline Village real estate agent on showcasing views that sell

A luxury home overlooking Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Nevada

Lake Tahoe

Why High-Net-Worth Buyers Choose Tahoe: Tax, Lifestyle & Legacy

December 10, 2025

How Nevada’s tax structure and Tahoe’s unmatched quality of life keep Incline Village homes for sale in high demand

Nighttime view of downtown Truckee with restaurants, lights, and people enjoying the local dining scene.

Lake Tahoe

Truckee’s Nightlife, Dining & Culture — How Home Buyers React

December 10, 2025

Insights from Cole Mizak, Compass Truckee Realtor

A modern house with a glass garage door and flat roof, bathed in the warm light of a sunset.

Lake Tahoe

Financing a Home in Truckee: What Lenders Want in 2025 & 2026

December 8, 2025

A clear guide to mortgage expectations in today’s Truckee market from local Compass Realtor, Cole Mizak.

Work With Cole

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.