Tahoe City real estate: a lake town with a river and a ski hill nearby

Tahoe City real estate sits where the Truckee River leaves Lake Tahoe, on the northwest shore. The town center is walkable, with the lake on one side and shops and restaurants along the main street, and Commons Beach right in town.

It's also a crossroads. The West Shore runs south toward Homewood and Tahoma, the North Shore runs east toward Tahoe Vista, and the road along the river leads to Palisades Tahoe and Truckee.

Homes here range from cabins and condos close to town to larger homes in the wooded neighborhoods above it, such as Dollar Hill, the Highlands and Tahoe Park. I'll get specific about streets once I know how you'll use the home.

Much of the area is served by the Tahoe City Public Utility District. It provides water and sewer and runs the parks, Commons Beach, a boat launch and about 22 miles of bike trails. Water comes from several separate systems, and not every home is on the district's water, so I check which system serves a property.

• The lake. Commons Beach in town, the Tahoe City Marina and a public boat launch.
• The river. The Truckee River flows out of the lake here and runs toward Truckee, with a paved trail alongside it.
• Bike trails. Paved trails run along the river, the West Shore and the North Shore.
• Skiing. Palisades Tahoe, which includes Alpine Meadows, is a short drive up the river.

Nearby, see Homewood, Tahoe Vista and Truckee.