Gardner Mountain

For those looking for a more serene getaway in South Lake Tahoe, though one that’s still within a short driving or biking distance of many of its main attractions, Gardner Mountain fits the bill. Located on a densely-wooded mountainside of old growth sugar pines, homes for sale in this area offer plenty of tranquility, shade, and privacy; and in many cases plenty of space—some houses boast over an acre of land. Its more remote and family-friendly setting makes it a popular neighborhood for vacation homes, but it also has a significant draw for interested permanent residents as well, as it’s the home of South Lake Tahoe High School, and is in close proximity to several award-winning elementary schools.

In its immediate vicinity, Gardner Mountain is adjacent to beginner and more challenging hiking and mountain biking trails, and picturesque locales such as Eagle Falls‘ cascading waterfalls, Fallen Leaf Campground‘s towering cedars and pines, and Emerald Bay‘s panoramic lake views. If the lake’s crisp blue waters beckon to you, you’re not far from Camp Richardson, Valhalla, and Pope, Kiva, and Baldwin Beaches.

However, there’s much more to this neighborhood than its natural splendor. Gardner Mountain is less than a mile from Tahoe’s Y Area, the intersection of Highways 89 and 50 and a thriving hub for shopping, pubs and dining. The area is also host to a number of popular events throughout the year,: Renaissance in the spring, the Gatsby Tea Event in summer, and Oktoberfest and the Kokanee Salmon Festival in the fall.

At the time of this writing homes in this market range from condos in the $250-$300k range to larger houses with spacious yards priced upwards of $500k. Home styles vary between contemporary new constructions replete with modern amenities, and rustic cabins.