There are a plethora of reasons why people choose to buy a home in Truckee. And why wouldn’t they? Truckee is one of the most unique mountain towns in the country, boasting everything that an outdoor lover could wish for. From skiing and camping, to fine dining and shopping, I dare you to get bored in Truckee. Here are 5 reasons why you should call Truckee your home away from home:
- Nature!!! Escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and bask in the quiet solitude that only 1000’s of acres of Sierra mountain forest can provide. The best part is that you don’t have to hike in very far to have absolute silence and piece of mind. There are hundreds of miles of trails in the area so no matter what your skill level is, rest assured, there are trails here just for you. And don’t forget about the water! When Lake Tahoe is jam packed, simply head to Boca, Stampede, Prosser, or Donner Lake to experience some mountain lake nirvana.
- Proximity to major attractions. Truckee is only 15 minutes to Lake Tahoe, 45 on a busy day. Rural lakes such as Independence, Smith, and Weber are only a short drive away for some dispersed camping. If you want to have a more urban experience, Reno is only a 30 minutes drive away. In terms of just getting here, Reno International Airport offers direct flights from many major U.S. cities and has been adding more direct flights as they become available. Also, for Bay Area, LA, and San Diego residents, there are several charter airlines that offer direct service to the Truckee Airport, such as Surfair, Mountain Lion Aviation, and Linear Air.
- Sports, sports, sports. Northstar provides everything one needs for the premier skiing, snowboarding experience. In the summer the lifts convert to hold mountain bikes, ensuring that visitors are well occupied year round. Outside of Northstar there are plenty of other recreational activities such as hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, golf, and cross country skiing. The Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District also has a myriad of team sports, my favorite being outdoor ice hockey at the park in the winter.
- Dining and drinking. Truckee boasts a wide spectrum of restaurants that will satisfy the staunchest of food critics. For a formal dining experience check out the Cottonwood Restaurant and be sure to grab a table with a view of downtown Truckee. Moody’s Bistro, Trokay, and Pianeta are also high caliber restaurants that are sure to impress. For a more easy going experience go with Bar of America, Truckee Tavern (great whiskey cocktails), and 1882 Bar & Grill (the back patio sits right on the Truckee River). And don’t forget the beer! Alibi Ale Works, Fifty Fifty Brewing, and Tahoe Mountain Brewing Co. all have an amazing selection of craft beers.
- Festivals and events. No matter what time of year, Truckee always has something going on to draw in the crowds. From Truckee Thursdays, which occurs every (you guessed it) Thursday in Downtown Truckee in the summer, to Beerfest & Bluegrass at Northstar, there are plenty of lively events for singles, couples, and families to enjoy.
The bottom line is that there’s something for everyone in Truckee. You don’t have to be a world-class skier or an extreme mountain biker to enjoy this mountain town. For some, simply sitting back and having a drink while watching the sun set over the mountains is perfect enough. If you’re fortunate enough to be outside on a clear night then you’ll find that the old saying is true, the stars do shine brighter in Truckee, California. If you’re ever in town and need suggestions on where to go or what to do just give me a shout!