The pandemic redefined how and where we work. For tech leaders and entrepreneurs, it also redefined where they want to live. That shift has made Lake Tahoe a top destination for second homes.
Why are tech executives leaving urban centers to plant roots in the mountains? This post will explore why many buy a second home in Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe Real Estate Market Watch
Recent data shows the median sale price of a home in South Lake Tahoe is up by 26.5% compared to last year. However, Lake Tahoe real estate trends are always changing. Contact Michelle Keck for help buying and selling homes in the Lake Tahoe region.
8 Reasons Tech Leaders and Entrepreneurs Are Buying a Second Home in Lake Tahoe
1. Remote Work Flexibility and the Rise of “Zoom Towns”
Tech companies embraced remote and hybrid work models. That flexibility allowed founders and executives to work from locations they enjoy. With its scenic environment and reliable digital infrastructure, Lake Tahoe has become a prime “Zoom town.” Professionals gather at coffee shops or coworking spaces and take meetings using AirPods, just steps from ski lifts and hiking trails.
2. Quality of Life and Outdoor Recreation
Lake Tahoe offers access to year-round outdoor activities. Residents enjoy skiing at Palisades Tahoe, hiking along the Tahoe Rim Trail, and boating in the summer. This lifestyle appeals to high-performing professionals looking to balance work with wellness.
3. Tax Benefits on the Nevada Side
It’s no secret that Nevada offers much friendlier tax benefits compared to California. Those buying a second home in Lake Tahoe may explore the Nevada side for this reason. Homeowners enjoy low property taxes and avoid income, social security, and estate taxes. Entrepreneurs also benefit from a business-friendly climate that supports long-term financial planning. For many high-earning professionals, these advantages make the Nevada side a smart and strategic choice.
4. Strong Real Estate Investment Potential
Limited land and increasing demand have pushed property values higher. Lakefront estates, mountain-view lots, and ski-in/ski-out properties are in demand. Major buyers, such as Mark Zuckerberg, invest in multi-structure compounds, showing confidence in Tahoe’s future. With limited inventory and growing interest, real estate holds strong appreciation potential.
5. Improved Digital Infrastructure and Coworking Access
High-speed internet is essential for remote professionals. Local governments and private providers have expanded broadband access across Lake Tahoe and Reno-Tahoe. Several coworking hubs now operate year-round, offering reliable service and community support. Grants and infrastructure investments continue to improve last-mile connectivity in rural neighborhoods.
6. Privacy, Space, and Natural Surroundings
Many second-home buyers want privacy, space, and direct access to nature. Large parcels on the Nevada and California sides offer wooded buffers from neighboring properties. These properties offer discretion that’s hard to find in major metros. That matters for entrepreneurs managing public companies or high-visibility ventures.
7. Health, Safety, and Pandemic-Inspired Moves
During the pandemic, Lake Tahoe became a refuge from dense cities. Buyers wanted space, fresh air, and reduced exposure risk. That shift accelerated second-home purchases. Families traded urban condos for cabins and mountain estates, valuing mental health and safety. These preferences haven’t reversed.
8. A Growing, Entrepreneur-Friendly Community
Tech talent moving to Tahoe hasn’t just bought homes—they’ve launched businesses. South Lake Tahoe issued over 250 new business licenses in a six-month span. Remote work has brought year-round economic activity beyond seasonal tourism. Local initiatives and new services reflect a more diverse and dynamic community.
Thinking About a Second Home in Lake Tahoe?
Contact Michelle Keck, a trusted expert in Lake Tahoe real estate. She offers local knowledge, market insight, and exceptional client service. You can also check out our featured listings to start your search.
