Overall, this area offers the tranquil lifestyle many are seeking when desiring a home in Lake Tahoe.  Whether wildflowers (an abundance of lupine) or wild life (animal or athletic) is your preference, Mother Nature’s glory is presented on a daily basis.  If resort skiing is your passion, you will enjoy the somewhat central location to three major ski resorts.  These resorts are Kirkwood, Heavenly Mountain and Sierra At Tahoe.  The draw of pristine sandy beaches and the deep blue water of Lake Tahoe are all within a fifteen minute drive.  Or, grab your golf clubs and head over to one of the two nearby popular golf courses, Tahoe Paradise Golf and Lake Tahoe Golf Course.   Not too far away (less than two miles) are Tahoe Paradise Park and Lake Baron provide opportunities for young anglers, slalom water skiers or those that simply enjoy relaxing near water.  There is even an annual fishing derby at the beginning of the summer.  Best of all, there is no need to go all the way to town for last minute necessities.  Right at the beginning of Tahoe Paradise is a well-stocked grocery store, gas stations, tasty local restaurants and a few shops.

There are approximately 700 homes within the Tahoe Paradise neighborhood ranging from older chalets and A-Frames to beautiful newer construction with mountain-lodge ambiance.  It is not uncommon in this neighborhood to find homes bordering National Forest and State Conservancy land with views of mountains, meadows and wooded forests.  This is truly Paradise in Tahoe.

There are approximately 1,100 homes in the area with the majority having an average of three bedrooms, two baths and 1,200 square feet of living space.  There are also a number of multi-family units such as duplexes and triplexes as well as small apartment buildings.  There are also newer town homes and those featuring larger, more contemporary styles.  Homes along the perimeter of the neighborhood often back the breath-taking meadow and National Forest land bursting with nature, often featuring views of the surrounding mountain ranges.  The central area of the Sierra Tract consists primarily of homes on 5,000 square foot lots within a “typical block-style” neighborhood.  The Sierra Tract is ideal for those seeking entry level affordability.  Because of the area’s affordability, many first time home buyers and local residents moved into the Sierra Tract during the “boom” years.  As a result, the Sierra Tract enjoyed a resurgence of popularity and saw “face lifts” throughout the area.

City amenities such as shopping, dining and transportation are all within walking distance as well as the award winning Sierra House elementary school.   When looking for a neighborhood that is “easy” to live in and affordable, Sierra Tract is a neighborhood you will really want to explore.

Outdoor recreation and relaxation are literally within steps throughout the Pioneer Trail neighborhood.  Athletic adventures can include cross country skiing, hiking or biking throughout the many aesthetic trails meandering and surrounding the area.  Take a look at an aerial view and you will see just how magical this area is in regards to surrounding nature.  It is an easy stroll to the shores of the Truckee River where folks often walk their dogs or simply enjoy “zoning out” in nature.  Within two to three miles are the Tahoe Paradise and Lake Tahoe Golf Courses which provide golf in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter.  Heavenly Mountain skiing is within approximately six miles while most of South Lake Tahoe’s popular beach destinations are within ten to fifteen minutes.  Those that enjoy an adrenaline rush will find themselves heading over to the endless miles of mountain bike trails known as Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and the Power Line Loop Trail.  Enjoying life is the main theme to living in the Pioneer Trail neighborhood.  It’s affordable, convenient, provides a family atmosphere and overall, provides a tranquil environment in which to escape.

The North Upper Truckee area is separated into 2 sections known as N. Upper Truckee 1 (the Southern side which starts at Highway 50 and ends at Zuni St.) and N. Upper Truckee 2 (begins Zuni St. and ends at Tahoe Mountain Rd.). This neighborhood is ideal for those looking for larger lots and privacy. Many of the homes in this area come with great mountain views and some back National Forest land. A few homes at the top of Tahoe Mountain Road offer beautiful lake views as well. The homes in North Upper Truckee range from older and smaller cabins to larger new construction properties. The prices can vary from the $300,000 range up to the $1,000,000 and above range.

On June 24th, 2007 parts of the North Upper Truckee area were destroyed by the Angora Fire which burned over 2700 acres and 250 homes. Most of the destruction and loss of homes occurred in the North Upper Truckee 2 area and some homes in the North Upper Truckee 1 area were destroyed as well. Since the fire, many of the homes have been rebuilt resulting in quite a few streets that are filled with brand new custom homes.

Nearby recreation includes the Desolation Wilderness which provides some of the most stunning landscape and mountain trails to be found within 100 miles. Whether you like to hike, bike, cross-country ski or snow mobile, adventures are waiting right outside your door. Another popular spot for young angler is the Sawmill Pond. This pond is stocked with fish for kids only and in the winter provides an occasional opportunity to strap on the ice skates.

Like most Tahoe neighborhoods, Meyers has its share of older classic cabins and A-Frames built when a plan was in place for an area ski resort back in the 1960’s, ranch style homes, larger contemporary styles and small estates.  There are approximately 475 homes within the area with an average lot size of 6,000 square feet.  Many of the homes feature gorgeous views of the surrounding mountain ranges and rare Western Juniper trees.  Some of the homes even back the golf course, National Forest and the Truckee River.

Among the nearby numerous recreation activities are the “backdoor” Lake Tahoe Golf Course, “across the street” Tahoe Paradise Golf Course and the magical Tahoe Paradise Park.  The park is home to Lake Baron where youngsters can try out their fishing skills and water skiers can try out their slalom skills.  There are tennis courts, a picnic area, play grounds, ball fields and meandering through the perimeter is the Upper Truckee River.   Cross country skiers and snowmobilers have a great time in the winter  while bikers and strollers have the benefit of the newly established bike lines leading to town.   Downhill skiers take advantage of Sierra At Tahoe and the Kirkwood ski resorts.

Another strong draw to the Meyers neighborhood is the “in demand” Environmental Science Magnet School which is currently setting top achievement scores.  Don’t worry about rushing into town for those last minute necessities.  Right across the street is a well-stocked local grocery store, gas stations and a handful of popular restaurants.

MARKET UPDATE: According to statistics offered by the South Tahoe Association of Realtors MLS, the Meyers neighborhood saw an upswing in the number of closed escrows, the median and average home prices as well as the time on the market. When studying sales for the first trimester of 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009, it was reported that seven homes sold as compared to only four in 2009. The median and average home prices sold were $260,000 and $275,586 respectively which was up from $225,000 and $233,375 in 2009. Another improvement was in regards to the time on the market. In 2010, the cumulative time on the market (which includes the actual escrow period) was 125 days. This was approximately a month quicker than the 171 days reported in 2009.

As you travel along Lake Tahoe Blvd from the ‘Y’ toward Al Tahoe, Highland Woods is hidden along the left side of Lake Tahoe Blvd.  Turn left onto Lodi or Sussex and you will soon enter a neighborhood of manicure lawns and charming homes within walking distance to a gorgeous meadow leading to the waters of Lake Tahoe.  This is Highland Woods.  The level topography throughout the neighborhood offers an ideal opportunity for strolling, biking and winter driving.  And while you are at it, you might just notice something missing.  There are no power lines overhead!  Residents of Highland Woods are within a few short minutes to South Lake Tahoe amenities such as Heavenly skiing, sandy Lake Tahoe beaches, dining, shopping, public transportation and grocery stores.  Nearby bike trails wander around the area and area a popular source of local transportation during the warmer months. At the same time, one can wander out to the nearby meadow to quietly observe nature’s gifts.  Coyotes can be seen prancing in the meadow, Canadian Geese settle in for the evening and the nature preserve provides superior bird watching opportunities.   Bordering three sides of Highland Woods are the Upper Truckee River, the Truckee Marsh and Trout Creek

There are approximately 210 homes in this neighborhood with the average being a three bedroom, two bath homes with approximately 1,500 square feet of living space.  The neighborhood is a blend of full and part time residents with a few vacation rentals throughout.  Most of the homes are on 5,000 square foot lots although those along the perimeter may feature meadow and some lake views.  Within Highland Woods, there is a planned unit development consisting of small chalets sharing a common green space and parking areas.  The homes are fee simple yet there is a small HOA that takes care of snow removal and garbage.  Closer to the Lake Tahoe Blvd section of Highland Woods, one can find some multi-family units including duplexes and small apartments.

As of January 1, 2010 through August 29, 2010, there have been a total of five closed sales.  Four of these sales were single family residences and one was a PUD, (very popular chalet style homes with shared common ground.)  These sales are detailed below:

Although it is typical for Lake Tahoe neighborhoods to present a variety of homes, nowhere is that diversity more pronounced than in the Heavenly Valley neighborhood.  This neighborhood is made up of approximately 500 homes ranging from some of South Lake Tahoe’s most magnificent lake view homes, small historical cabins, condos, townhouses, timeshares and contemporary “mountain lodge” style homes.  The average home for the area has four bedrooms, two and a half baths and 1,700 square feet of living space.  Starting at Pioneer Trail and traversing up the side of the mountain, many of these homes are blessed with surrounding pine trees, adjacent US Forest and State Conservancy land, small creeks and mountain views.  If one is seeking a vacation rental investment, check with local property management companies and they will agree that the Heavenly Valley neighborhood is one of the best bets for netting the highest annual income.  Just mention the neighborhood benefits and a hot tub and the bookings will start to add up.

Although just hanging on one’s deck while listening to the birds and breeze may be all that is on one’s calendar once arriving in Heavenly Valley, nearby “fun” opportunities are waiting.  Aside from the Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort, one can head down to the lake shore to utilize the Ski Run Marina, the shops at Heavenly Village, dining, the El Dorado Beach Recreation Area/boat ramp and the casino corridor.  If you are looking for more, don’t forget the endless miles of forested trails ideal for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing.  The list doesn’t stop here.  Within a few short miles is Reagan Beach offering beach volleyball, picnics and fireworks in the summer along with cross-country skiing in the winter.  Golfers will recognize the pristine setting of the nearby Edgewood Golf Course and it will be a matter of time before they find themselves scheduling a t time.  All at once it becomes crystal clear – it is truly Heavenly.

As of August 21, the 2010 sales within the Heavenly Valley neighborhood are:

Address                    Sold Price    % of List         SF       $/SF    Bed/Ba/Ga    DOM  Yr Blt

4063 Saddle          $  470,000         85.6          1358    $346        3/2/0         492       1970

3775 Overlook           350,000        93.0          1620       216        3/3/C         405       1964

4135 Saddle                925,000         93.0         1874       494        2/2/0         308       1965

3320 Pioneer              250,000       102.1         1288      194         3/2/2         216       1965

1321 Wildwood      1,060,000         94.2         3432      309         4/3/2         206       1970

1199 Timber                325,000         93.1         1684       193         2/2/0        174        1980

3800 Needle Peak     432,000        93.9          1789      241         3/2/2         136        1998

3730 Regina               525,000      100.0         3150      167         5/5/2         123        1981

3705 Regina                467,500        85.2         1991       235        3/2/2         104        1981    *

3685 David                  500,000      100.2        2188      229        3/3/2           55         2000

1395 Timber Lake      235,000        99.7         1221       192         3/2/0           81        1966    *

1369 Knoll                   457,000        95.4         2468       185        3/3/2           23        1992    *

3606 Needle Peak        454,300     100.0       1831       248        4/2.5/1        63        1955

3691 David                     334,900     100.0       1264       265        3/1.75/1       27       1961    *

Condos

1439 Ski Run              $ 245,000        91.1       1067       230        2/1.5/0        1113      1976

1510 Wildwood             280,000       82.6       1120       250        2/1.5/0        498      1973

1439 Ski Run                  218,000        91.2     1060        206        2/1.5/0        444       1976

1439 Ski Run                  248,000        95.4     1067        232        2/1.75/        141       1976     *

3861 Saddle                    275,000        85.9       935        294        3/2/0           245       1973     *

1200 Wildwood             135,000        90.1       936        144         2/1.5/0        161       1972     *

1439 Ski Run                   200,000      98.0     1067        187        2/1.75/0       64       1976     *

* Bank-Owned or Short Sale

As compared to the same time period in 2009 (Jan. 1 – Aug. 21)  the median home price and number of sales are up.  The dollar per square foot is down.

Single Family/Condos      # of Units Sold        Median Home Price           Average $/SF     Median Days on Market

2010                                                      14/7             $455,650/$245,000            $251/$220           129/245

2009                                                       8/2             $430,000/$220,000            $219/$246           127/316