CA
Tahoma real estate: the quiet West Shore, two counties in one town
The quiet end of the West Shore, next to Sugar Pine Point State Park.
Photo: Sdkb, CC BY-SA 4.0
Tahoma real estate is the quiet end of the West Shore
Tahoma real estate sits on Lake Tahoe's West Shore, a few minutes south of Homewood on Highway 89. It's a small, quiet community among the pines, next to Sugar Pine Point State Park, with the lake on one side and the forest on the other.
One thing makes Tahoma different from its neighbors: the line between Placer County and El Dorado County runs through it. Which county a home is in decides which county's rules apply.
How I work in Tahoma
I'm licensed in California and Nevada, and my brokerage has an office in Tahoe City. Read how I help you buy and how I sell a home. In Tahoma, the first thing I check is which county the parcel is in.
The homes
Homes here are mostly cabins and mountain homes on wooded lots, with some lakefront properties and some in HOA communities near the water, such as Chambers Landing and Rubicon Bay. Many are second homes. I'll get specific about streets once I know how you'll use the home.
What to check before you buy or sell in Tahoma
- Which county the parcel is in, Placer or El Dorado.
- Vacation rental rules for that county. They differ between the two and they change, so I confirm them for the address. See who sets the vacation rental rules in each town.
- TRPA and BMP status, and the permit history. TRPA is the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and its rules can affect what you repair, expand or add.
- Insurance. Confirm that it's available and what it costs.
- Defensible space on the lot. Several Tahoma neighborhoods, in both counties, are on the list of Lake Tahoe Firewise communities.
- Winter access, and who plows the road.
- HOA rules, dues and any beach or pier rights, where there's an HOA.
If you're selling, I recommend a home inspection and a pest inspection before listing, so there are no surprises. There's more on selling a second home from out of town and selling a lakefront home.
The state park, the trail and the lake
- Sugar Pine Point State Park. Almost two miles of lake frontage, trails and the historic Hellman-Ehrman Mansion.
- Meeks Bay. A sandy beach a few minutes south.
- The West Shore trail. A paved path runs north along the shore to Tahoe City.
- Skiing. Homewood Mountain Resort is next door, and Palisades Tahoe is a drive north.
Next door, see Homewood.
Ask me about Tahoma real estate
If you're looking at Tahoma real estate, or thinking about selling here, tell me what you're looking for, or call or text me at 530-208-7081.
You can also read more about me, or go back to Tahoe Homes by Angela.
This page is general information. It isn't legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm them for the specific property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tahoma in Placer County or El Dorado County?
Both. The county line runs through Tahoma, so which county's rules apply depends on the parcel. I check that first for any home.
What is near Tahoma?
Sugar Pine Point State Park and the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion are next door, Meeks Bay is a few minutes south, and Homewood Mountain Resort is next door to the north.
Who sets the vacation rental rules in Tahoma?
Placer County or El Dorado County, depending on which side of the county line the home sits. Both change their rules, so I confirm them for the address.
The method
How we do it in Tahoma
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